Prince Harry Is Now a Chief Impact Officer—Innovation & Technology CEOs Have Advice for Him

We’re guessing most of you saw the news last week that Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has a brand new position: chief impact officer for San Francisco–based leadership-coaching firm BetterUp. 

“First of all, I am really excited to be joining the BetterUp team and community! Thanks for having me,” Harry said in a company-released statement. “I firmly believe that focusing on and prioritising our mental fitness unlocks potential and opportunity that we never knew we had inside of us. As the Royal Marine Commandos say, ‘It’s a state of mind.’ We all have it in us.”

Working in the innovation and technology sector is likewise a state of mind—one that can benefit greatly from the experience and wisdom of predecessors and peers. 

In order to be of service and welcoming to a relative newcomer to both Southern California and the private sector, CSQ reached out to our greater community of CSQ Next Gen 10 honorees in Innovation & Technology. We asked them to answer the following question:

What’s one piece of advice you have for Prince Harry as he starts his new role?”

Below are the first five replies we received from founders and CEOs.

Yair Riemer, CEO, Intoo USA

NextGen: Innovation & Technology (2017)

“Get out into the field. Get with the people, like RFK did re: poverty in the U.S. in the 1960s. Innovation and impact are significantly bolstered by connecting with those on the front lines—for example nurses or doctors and how they have dealt with mental health and stress during the pandemic.”

Parker Morse, CEO and Founder, H Code

NextGen: Innovation & Technology (2020)

“Prince Harry must keep in mind that although things are improving across the U.S., many Americans, especially those of color, have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to address their struggles specifically and not overgeneralize their experiences to make sure they feel validated and seen by organizations trying to help them. Approaching the situation from a place of empathy will be key to making an impact.”

Nanxi Liu, CEO and Co-founder, Enplug Inc.

NextGen: Innovation & Technology (2014)

“Build relationships with fellow chief impact officers at other organizations whom you can brainstorm ideas with and find support from.”

Daniel Broukhim, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, FabFitFun

NextGen: Innovation & Technology (2019)

“Lead with an open mind. There often isn’t one path to success and leaning on and listening to ideas and input from members of the team, at all levels of the organization, can often spark creativity and innovation while breeding a culture of openness and transparency.”

Charlie Javice, CEO and Founder, Frank

NextGen: Innovation & Technology (2020)

“Taking on this new corporate role is a great step—it’s never too late to reinvent oneself. ‘Re-skilling’ is something regular folk are doing all the time, especially coming out of this pandemic. It’s never a bad thing to try something new in one’s career, so make your new mark.

Featured image credit: Ralph_PH, Creative Commons