Prince Harry joins $1bn Silicon Valley startup as senior executive
theguardian.comChief Impact Officer - WTF is that ???.
We got a token useless guy here - he get's paid not because of his worth but he knows Oprah and has her number and the VC's will get to meet a real prince.
At that level connections is everything. His title us basically a chief smooth talker that knows important people.
A PR guy. Prince Harry is now a PR guy.
So he is not a useless guy then? Your comment itself is contradictory.
I think the distinction is his worth vs the worth of his happenstance connections.
It’s not like he built that Rolodex from his own accomplishments, hard worker, and providing value to others, he just got it by the luck of being born in the right family.
If the company could use his warm intros without throwing him a position, I wonder if they would.
I don't feel that's a meaningfull distinction to make. You could ask the same question about anyone "if the company could get x from this person without throwing the person a position, would it?" of course the answer is no. If a company can get what they want from a person without hiring of course they would do it.
I think we’re getting in the weeds here and more philosophical than necessary.
The frustration in this thread is because actual royalty with a trust fund is receiving an executive position most feel he isn’t deserving of on his merits.
We could have a discussion on every word in that statement, but that misses the point because the vast majority of people agree that Prince Harry isn’t receiving this desirable position deservingly. Obviously this is a consensual transaction where both sides are happy, but plenty of exchanges fit that criteria that still strike most as immoral.
I am just glad he has got a job and can regain some dignity. He could have done something much more suited to his skill-set and experience like flying a helicopter for a tour company; but its a start.
The British press would absolutely implode overnight - the headlines would be tasty though.
Chief Prince Harry Officer sounded too clunky
There’s significant value in connections and executive roles are usually glorified political positions.
> The Duke of Sussex said he hoped to be able to “create impact in people’s lives” by working with BetterUp to provide “proactive coaching” for personal development, increased awareness and “an all-round better life”.
Who better to pick than him, someone who got where he is thanks to personal development.
The article says he's worked with MH groups in the UK. As a celebrity ambassador for mental health and development, it's not exactly a bad call. He has spoken publicly about issues he faced losing his mother at an early age.
"Celebrity ambassador for mental health" speaks volumes about the our collective societal mental health...
The article says he's worked with MH groups in the UK. As a celebrity ambassador for mental health and development, it's not exactly a bad call. He has spoken publicly about issues he faced losing his mother at an early age.
Ultimately, there's more billions in VC money chasing startups than there is available for treating say, diarrhea or dengue. Harry's just getting his piece of the pie, whether he 'deserves' it or not is immaterial.
Surely we all have the potential to improve or have problems regardless of where we start in life. I don't think being a prince is a good qualification but I don't think it precludes anything either.
Presumably someone in his family history did!
An alternative perspective is that whatever you think of his own path, he has access to many different people and spaces and can observe the kinds of things that worked for those people, in a way that few people can do.
I.e: he may not have unique insight resulting from his own development, but he may nevertheless be able to bring a valuable perspective that results from his privilege.
Prince Harry the life coach
I think he's lived in his bubble so long he's naively honest.
Take a look at this exchange from the Oprah interview:
Harry: Yes, but it’s . . . there is this invisible . . . what’s termed or referred to as the ‘invisible contract’ behind closed doors between the institution and the tabloids, the UK tabloids.
Oprah: How so?
Harry: Well, it is . . . to simplify it, it’s a case of if you . . . if you as a family member are willing to wine, dine and give full access to these reporters, then you will get better press.
Oprah: What do you care about better press if you’re royal?
Harry: I think everyone needs to have some compassion for . . . for them in that situation, right? There is a level of control by fear that has existed for generations. I mean, generations.
Oh gee, I just wish the monarchy would just manipulate the media and suppress bad press of me like they do all the time!
https://mleverything.substack.com/p/why-is-the-english-monar...
The guy is a living cautionary tale if that's what you mean.
They’ve got to afford that huge house, staff, and personal security somehow.
It’ll be interesting to see how it pans out. For his employer, Harry’s network and especially his ability to open doors is probably unrivalled by virtually anyone else in the world...
I'm not too familiar with the power of children of Monarchs.
I can understand why rich and successful people want to meet other rich and successful people. Why do rich and successful non-Brits care about meeting Harry?
after the interview where the multi-millionaire 36 year old complained about Daddy cutting his allowance I don't think there are any Brits left that care about meeting Harry
you kinda answered your own question. "rich and successful people want to meet other rich and successful people". Harry's network is likely to be near 100% rich and powerful people and others want a gateway.
good point. my initial reaction to all this was like "but why?" but this is the reason. he brings his social network.
If he can bring more mental health resources to the UK and the world then good for him.
This is like Kissinger with Theranos, right? It's just a big name.
I misread the name as BetterPub. And had no knowledge of any one that could be a better coach for BetterPubs. I think UK pub culture is big win for Sillicon Valley.
Because if there's anyone that understands the classic everyman's UK pub culture, it's Prince Harry.
Well, he was in the royal army.
It's the British Army, not the Royal Army, unlike the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, although its members do swear allegiance to the monarch. The Army's existence requires parliamentary consent, unlike the Navy and Air Force.
Was this a post-Restoration compromise? Funny how that parliament didn't try to also get consent over the navy.
Something like that IIRC. Unlike the Army, the Royal Navy wasn't a threat to either the King or Parliament in the civil war.
I saw a lot life coach cults in recent years on Facebook/Twitter. They promise about improving mental health, career progression, dating life, ect. I believe they are mostly multi level marketing scams.
This is even beyond bs. What is he gonna do? Coach people how to born rich, how to cut ribbon? I hope there will be Kardashian life coach teaching me how to twerk. (Serious note: I know having him is good for business)
Anyone know how they got Prince Harry? Did he or Megan previously know the CEO?
More organized poverty porn tours with expanded scope