Rebranding: Interview with Clea Conner, CEO, Open to Debate
8/1/2025We interviewed our brilliant client, Clea Conner, CEO, about the results of the renaming and rebranding of Open To Debate by Odgis + Co.
Intelligence Squared US faced a critical challenge. Sharing a name with a UK company led to confusion, lost web traffic, and a mission that was getting buried in the noise. Through extensive stakeholder interviews and brand workshops, we uncovered their true purpose: creating a platform where opposing views meet with respect and curiosity.
In this video, Clea Conner, CEO of Open to Debate, speaks candidly about working with the Odgis + Co team on the value of the branding process and the growth it has manifested. Open to Debate, more than just a rebrand, this transformation helped evolve their entire business strategy. The rebrand came to life across every touchpoint, from a completely redesigned website to environmental graphics that transform debate spaces into platforms for meaningful dialogue. As a result of the rebranding, they were able to better understand and evolve their business strategy, recognizing the need to transform. As a result, they have an exponentially larger and younger audience.
The Odgis team brought so much expertise and insight to the process. We wanted a partner in this process since a lot was on the line for us. – Clea Conner, CEO
Open to Debate's mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to America’s public square. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues.
Through weekly debates distributed on public radio, in podcasts, and digital videos, Open to Debate systematically brings opposing viewpoints together for a respectful and open-minded exchange of ideas.
Debates are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, New York Public Radio, Spotify, and Real Clear Politics.
See the full interview here.
Intelligence Squared US faced a critical challenge. Sharing a name with a UK company led to confusion, lost web traffic, and a mission that was getting buried in the noise. Through extensive stakeholder interviews and brand workshops, we uncovered their true purpose: creating a platform where opposing views meet with respect and curiosity.
In this video, Clea Conner, CEO of Open to Debate, speaks candidly about working with the Odgis + Co team on the value of the branding process and the growth it has manifested. Open to Debate, more than just a rebrand, this transformation helped evolve their entire business strategy. The rebrand came to life across every touchpoint, from a completely redesigned website to environmental graphics that transform debate spaces into platforms for meaningful dialogue. As a result of the rebranding, they were able to better understand and evolve their business strategy, recognizing the need to transform. As a result, they have an exponentially larger and younger audience.
The Odgis team brought so much expertise and insight to the process. We wanted a partner in this process since a lot was on the line for us. – Clea Conner, CEO
Open to Debate's mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to America’s public square. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues.
Through weekly debates distributed on public radio, in podcasts, and digital videos, Open to Debate systematically brings opposing viewpoints together for a respectful and open-minded exchange of ideas.
Debates are available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, New York Public Radio, Spotify, and Real Clear Politics.
See the full interview here.
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