The other day I read that Harry, the Duke of Sussex, got a job! A real job, apparently. He has been appointed the ‘Chief Impact Officer’ at a start-up in the Silicon Valley, BetterUp. The company is one of the more recent unicorns (new companies worth over $1bio) and provides professional coaching, mental health advice and “immersive learning”. I know what professional coaching involves, I can imagine what mental health advice involves, and I can think of a number of descriptions for immersive learning, but I had to look around to really understand what a Chief Impact Officer (or Chimpo as it is apparently shortened into) does. And I must admit I was surprised that Chimpos are moving up on the executive ladder and approaching CIOs (Chief Information Officers), CMOs (Chief Marketing or Medical Officers), and so on!
So I looked up Wikipedia, but could not find anything specific on Chimpo. I then resorted to the Guardian and general web search where there were ample information and description, such as this Guardian statement (in the same article mentioning Harry’s job), that “Chief impact officers are a rare but increasingly popular positions at startups and Silicon Valley firms….. The position carries responsibility for measuring sustainability, mental health and a company’s impact on wider society.”
I guess a Chimpo replaces the CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) and a CCSRO (Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer). What a virtuous evolution: Reduce executive levels and improve (and measure) the impact on employees and the society. On top of that the companies feel good and are proud of their contribution to humanity! I wonder if Uber or Amazon have a Chimpo who could help them shrug off their image, especially the latter’s recent urine-in-a-bottle quagmire.
But let’s get back to Harry, the family man who is doing the right thing and getting a job, now that the happy couple is expecting their second child. And what will his job involve? As described in the Guardian article, “Harry will help with driving awareness of the need to improve mental health provision, work on product strategy, and advise on charitable collaborations”. Wow!!! Isn’t that quite a load? As BetterUp’s CEO (Harry’s boss) said: “It’s a meaningful and meaty role.” He further said: ”He is (Harry) synonymous with this approach of mental fitness and really investing in yourself.”
So this is Harry’s first formal position at a private company. Since he and his wife, Meaghan, distanced themselves from the British crown, and the man who could be king (albeit very very very unlikely) has to make ends meet, he had to get a job. We all know through our shows on the big and small screen, it’s expensive to live the life of celebrity royals, not even counting the security and children’s education. I just hope this lovely couple can make it and Meaghan is not obliged to go back to Suits.
Paris, March 31, 2021
Zeejay