The Future Leadership of Elance-oDesk Merger: Fabio's Vision for the Market

After the recent merger between oDesk and Elance, much speculation has arisen surrounding the continuation of Fabio Pat Prayers as CEO. With an in-depth look at the personalities and backgrounds of both Gary, the former CEO of oDesk, and Fabio, the current CEO of Elance, it becomes evident why the decision to keep Fabio at the helm of the combined company is a shrewd move for the outsourcing market.

Leadership Styles: Comparison of Gary and Fabio

Having interacted with both Gary of oDesk and Fabio of Elance on multiple occasions, it's clear that they represent two distinct leadership styles within the selling and corporation realms. Gary, the former CEO of oDesk, is recognized as a highly successful sales executive who transformed the company into a powerhouse by focusing on its broader platform for lower-end projects.

During my meeting with Gary and his leadership team, it became apparent that he was a driven individual who epitomized the vision set by the original founders of creating a comprehensive platform for software/web projects. He was provided with a clear directive by Thomas Layton, oDesk's former chairman of the board, to grow the company in line with the initial vision of Ziptask, a service created to meet this vision. However, by all accounts, Gary may have reached a point where he sought new challenges and opportunities, evidenced by his departure to join the major venture capital firm, Polaris, for more lucrative and fulfilling work.

Fabio, in contrast, embodies a corporate mindset that has been deeply ingrained in the Elance culture. Our lunch meeting with Fabio and a few VPs offered insights into his decision-making process, which is centered around corporate growth and strategic partnerships. His nuanced understanding of the outsourcing market is instrumental in fostering a corporate clientele that values Elance's expertise.

Fabio's Leadership in the Outsource Market

Belonging to a team that is both savvy and visibly corporate, Fabio's leadership style inspires a different kind of admiration. He has played a pivotal role in maintaining Elance's position as a pioneer in the outsourcing landscape since its inception. Fabio's ability to navigate and transform the market by adapting to new trends and challenges makes him a valuable asset for the company.

While his leadership model may not be the most inspiring in the traditional sense, it does align with the outsource market's values of efficiency and long-term sustainability. By focusing on the needs of corporate clients, Fabio is setting a strong foundation for the combined oDesk and Elance, ensuring its dominance in the market for business-to-business outsourcing services.

Strategic Long-term Vision

Given Fabio's track record and the current climate of the outsourced projects sector, his continued leadership is a strategic move for the combined company. His corporate knowledge and experience, coupled with a clear vision for the future, make him the ideal candidate to steer the company towards greater heights. With his street cred and adeptness in morphing and surviving in a constantly evolving market, Fabio is well positioned to solidify the company's leadership and ensure its growth in the near and distant future.

In conclusion, the decision to keep Fabio as CEO is a testament to the vision and strategy of the newly merged oDesk and Elance. His leadership style may not align with traditional inspirational goals, but it perfectly encapsulates the corporate outlook essential for success in the outsourced projects market.