Digital Platforms Scale Better

Carolyn Childers shares insights about Chief's evolution from physical to virtual spaces during the pandemic, highlighting how the shift to digital actually enhanced their community-based business model.

Key Points:

• Digital Transformation Benefits:

  • Higher member engagement across all services after going virtual
  • Faster expansion into new cities without physical build-out costs
  • More accessible for busy executives who can now engage from anywhere

• Community Platform Evolution:

  • Started with Slack for early community engagement
  • Moved to proprietary platform in 2020
  • Platform success driven by:
    • Regular monthly touchpoints (core meetings)
    • Built-in utilities that pull members in
    • Vetted network for professional needs

• Physical vs Virtual Trade-offs:

  • Original model required clubhouses and in-person meetings
  • Pandemic forced shift to virtual became a "silver lining"
  • Virtual model more powerful and engaging for members because:
    • Removes travel burden
    • Provides "in your pocket" accessibility
    • Maintains high engagement without physical presence

• Platform Engagement Strategy:

  • Built around utility rather than social scrolling
  • Focused on practical needs:
    • Hiring connections
    • Professional services referrals
    • Peer support
  • Regular touchpoints ensure consistent member participation

• Key Learning:

  • Virtual platform can maintain community strength while:
    • Reducing operational complexity
    • Increasing accessibility
    • Enabling faster scaling
    • Improving member engagement