Prince Harry has taken a new job as manager of a Silicon Valley startup.
The recently outspoken royal became chief impact officer of BetterUp Inc., an online coaching and mental health company.
The company, valued at $ 1.73 billion, declined to disclose the prince’s compensation package – but had already included him online on Tuesday as part of its “ leadership team, ” calling him a “ humanitarian, military veteran. ” , mental health advocate and environmentalist. “
Harry first confirmed his new job in an email exchange with the Wall Street Journal.
“I plan to make an impact in people’s lives,” Harry, 36, told the paper about the job.
“Proactive coaching offers endless opportunities for personal development, increased awareness and a comprehensive better life.”
The prince has previously revealed plans to work with mental health issues, and his wife, Meghan Markle, confessed to Oprah Winfrey this month that she had felt suicidal while trapped in the royal family.
Harry said he personally used the BetterUp app and one of the 2,000 coaches for a few months.
“I was matched with my coach who, frankly, is really great and has always given me good advice and a fresh perspective, which is so valuable,” he told the WSJ.
“This is about recognizing that it’s not so much what’s wrong with us, but more about what’s happened to us over the course of life,” said Harry.
“Often because of social barriers, financial difficulties or stigmas, too many people cannot focus on their mental health until they are forced to. I want us to distance ourselves from the idea that you have to feel broken before calling for help, ”he said.
Alexi Robichaux, BetterUp’s CEO, declined to reveal details about Harry’s employment contract or how he was being compensated, the WSJ said.
But “it’s a meaningful and meaty role,” Robichaux told the paper of the prince who joined the company’s leadership team as an “officer of the company.”
“He’s synonymous with this approach to mental fitness and really investing in yourself,” said Robichaux. “It was not a difficult internal sale.”
Harry is expected to have input on initiatives, including decisions about product strategies and charitable contributions, and to publicly advocate for topics related to mental health.
Harry is eventually expected to spend time at the company’s San Francisco headquarters, attend meetings and be a special guest at corporate events, Robichaux said.
Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left their lives as senior royals last year, they have used their newfound freedom to strike a $ 100 million deal with Netflix and launch a podcast, Archewell Audio, with Spotify.
Although he doesn’t have a technical background, Harry probably won’t have a problem getting guidance, his new boss said.
“He will of course have the entire organization sprint to help him,” said Mr. Robichaux.