Prince Harry, the royal who became Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, holds a title that sounds strikingly like a high-paid intern role.
His job description involves advocating for mental fitness and guiding the company's social mission—though, if that sounds vague, you're not alone. In fact, it’s even more ambiguous than it first appears. Here’s the kicker: this position supposedly earns him over $1 million a year for discussing “flow” and promoting an app that functions like a life coach Tinder for millennials.
Harry joined BetterUp in 2021, right after his much-publicized "Meghan and Harry" moment, when he claimed that the app helped him discover a fantastic mental health coach. However, while Harry is busy extolling the app’s benefits, making high-profile appearances alongside ex-NBA players to discuss the concept of “finding your flow,” the company itself seems to be grappling with an entirely different kind of flow—one that’s more akin to a corporate disaster.
Former and current employees have been vocal on Glassdoor, painting a picture that is far from the calm, Zen-like startup the company might like to project. Instead, reviews describe it as a "toxic train wreck" and "psychologically unsafe." One employee even likened it to a "literal circus," while another shared that "everyone is uncomfortable and living in fear." As for the leadership? Employees have called them an "elitist club" with no moral compass and a staggering lack of self-awareness. Staff reviews suggest that the upper management spends their time playing executive musical chairs, handing out VP titles like participation trophies, and derailing projects with their impulsive decisions.
The app’s target audience isn’t thrilled either. One company executive even swore off BetterUp altogether due to concerns about confidentiality and privacy during coaching calls. Another employee described the sales team as “predatory.” It's like a Netflix workplace drama, but the stakes are higher because it's all real. And the reviews only get more candid. One employee advised others to "keep your head down, do your work, and don’t get on anyone’s bad side," because HR is just a puppet for leadership. Another review described the culture as cult-like, with toxicity and high burnout being the norm. Honestly, it sounds like the only kind of flow happening here is the one that sends careers swirling down the drain.
Yet, amidst all this chaos, Prince Harry appears to be thriving—at least, that's what we’re told. The Duke of Sussex has been jetting around the globe, making appearances for BetterUp, discussing everything from mental fitness to finding your flow. He’s even dropped by the company’s fancy offices in California and Texas, which come equipped with yoga studios, office dogs, and plush armchairs designed for unwinding. It begs the question: how much "unwinding" does one really need when you’re pocketing a cool $1 million for essentially offering vague, inspirational talks?
Meanwhile, the employees who actually keep the company afloat seem to be struggling. BetterUp’s mission, as explained by its co-founder and CEO Alexi Robichaux, is to improve human well-being—a noble cause, no doubt. However, according to employee reviews, it appears the company's real focus is on boosting executive paychecks and selling overpriced coaching memberships. For context, corporate access to BetterUp’s app costs a staggering £2,600 per person annually—quite the hefty price tag for what some employees describe as underwhelming pay, immense pressure to sell, and frequent layoffs.
Despite all the turmoil, Harry remains the "golden boy" in the eyes of BetterUp's leadership. Robichaux has praised Harry’s "incredible attitude" and described him as a model of inspiration. But a model for what exactly? How to cash in while the rest of the company burns down around you?
BetterUp appears to be a company where employees are left to flounder while Prince Harry enjoys a seven-figure salary for offering nothing more than "inspirational vibes." If BetterUp is genuinely serious about promoting mental fitness, perhaps they should start by addressing their own toxic workplace culture. As for Prince Harry, it might be time to reconsider his role as "Impact Officer," because at this rate, the only impact he seems to be having is lining BetterUp’s bank account.
