Member Interview with David Pugh-Jones

We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with David Pugh-Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, Corpora.ai

What’s your golden rule?

Don't suffer fools...but do stay curious.

Who has been your biggest influence?

My late Uncle 'Tom Jones'. No, not the Welsh warbler!
He taught me the value of listening! A man of very few words but many recognisable grunts with little formal education but endless wisdom, he showed me how not to give up. Perseverance and ironically good conversation can open any door.

What is your most hated business expression?

“Let’s circle back.” or "speak soon" It’s the business equivalent of ghosting.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

I've had loads of half-baked ideas that never quite made it any further than me talking about them to friends in the Pub! But I still have a dream to launch a sustainable-focused apparel brand that comes galloping out of the shadows, aptly named 'Darkhorse'. The good news is I have the brand and trademark. There's still time...

Which leader do you admire most and why?

Bill Gates - Being a Microsoft decade-long veteran and alumni, I had the pleasure to meet and speak alongside him a few times. He fundamentally changed the way we as humans communicate. He once said "Success today requires the agility and drive to constantly rethink, reinvigorate, react, and reinvent." Not to mention his inspirational work on the eradication of malaria. He has advanced innovative approaches to how we can rid the world of this preventable, treatable disease.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

Meaningful differentiation in an age of too much useless noise. We're inundated with 'meh'
AI makes it easier than ever to produce content, but harder than ever to be heard. I’m focused on helping the 'research engine' Corpora.ai stand miles apart by being useful, not just loud. That means prioritising intelligence over impression, and substance over doom scrolling 'here today gone tomorrow' sizzle.

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

It’s full of people who clearly care about this industry. It brings together people who want to do better, who don’t just want to market at people, but for them. After all we are consumers ourselves too. It’s a space where honesty, curiosity, and high standards collide, and I love having the opportunity to meet new people and listen to others that inspire me.

Why does marketing matter to you?

I've spent over half of my life loving brands. I'm not intending to stop now. I love to see new products fragment, insert themselves into a stagnant product space, and change the status quo. Playing and being a part of this industry is fascinating, compelling, intriguing, a little bonkers, and a lot of fun!

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

Many moons go, I was the South East of England's Doubles Pool Champion. Oh and my Mum was once a Nun.