Welcome to the Arena from ICR – Conversations with Today's Innovators & Business Leaders Chuck Davis, Chairman & CEO, Prodege – Data Done Differently: Building a consumer insights platform that thrives through change
Summary:
When it comes to running a business, data insights are invaluable, but that data has to come with meaningful action. You need to be willing to evolve alongside your customers and constantly refine your approach to meet their needs. Today’s guest has mastered this balance, building a platform that drives engagement, growth, and innovation at scale.
Today, we're sitting down with Chuck Davis, Chairman and CEO of Prodege. Chuck's business journey began by creating a sports newsletter in middle school that caught the attention of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. He went on to earn degrees from Brown University and then Harvard Business School. Afterward, he embarked on a career that would shape the digital landscape. Chuck started in publishing, working for Time, Inc. and TV Guide before becoming the Walt Disney Company's first President of E-Commerce in 1996, where he launched pivotal online platforms like Disneystore.com and ESPNstore.com.
Chuck's career progressed as he led Shopzilla, formerly known as Bizrate.com, through its acquisition in 2005 and transformed Fandango into a leading entertainment website. For the last 10 years, he has built Prodege into a cutting-edge marketing and consumer insights platform.
In this episode, Chuck explores how adaptability and customer focus have shaped Prodege’s success, from harnessing gamification to leveraging AI for innovation. He also shares his approach to leading through change and building a company culture that drives lasting impact.
Highlights:
- Chuck remembers the early days of the internet and the digitalization of brands (3:18)
- Prodege's background, and what makes their platform unique (6:54)
- Prodege's approach to data privacy (11:07)
- Chuck's strategy for navigating business cycles and economic fluctuation (12:17)
- Chuck describes Prodege's current platform features and how the site has evolved (14:56)
- How Prodege adapts alongside changing data regulations (16:30)
- How Prodege maintains quality in their consumer insights (19:36)
- Chuck discusses how Prodege is incorporating AI into their platform internally and externally (21:07)
- Current innovations and plans for the future of the platform (23:30)
- Growth and acquisition opportunities (25:43)
- How Prodege maintains company culture amid acquisitions and expansion (27:33)
Links:
Chuck Davis on LinkedIn
Feedback:
If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.