A mental health firm that employs the Duke of Sussex has been branded a “toxic train wreck” by a former staff member.
The Duke, who was appointed chief impact officer at BetterUp in March 2021, has been a vocal campaigner for the Silicon Valley life coaching startup since taking on the role.
However, his first foray into the business world after leaving the UK may have backfired after employees of the some $5 billion (£3.99 billion) company described the workplace as a “toxic train wreck” and “psychologically unsafe”.
Past and present staff members took to Glassdoor, the recruiting website aimed at increasing workplace transparency, to reveal a work environment where employees say they are “uncomfortable and living in fear”.
One worker branded BetterUp’s “elitist club of leaders” as having “no moral compass,” saying they “lack self awareness.”
Firm takes ‘whole person approach’
BetterUp previously declined to say whether the Duke was being paid but confirmed that he had joined the company’s leadership team as an “officer of the corporation”, which suggests it is a salaried position.
The life coaching and mental health firm, which was founded in 2013, focuses on “inner work” and self-reflection, helping employees to flourish by taking a “whole person approach” to development.
The Duke said that his goal as the company’s first chief impact officer is to “lift up critical dialogues around mental health” and that he hopes to “help people develop their inner strength”.
He has made regular appearances on stage and over livestreams for the company in the past few years, including with Pau Gasol, the former NBA player, in October to discuss “finding the sweet spot for purpose, performance and productivity.”
Alexi Robichaux, the business’s co-founder, offered the Duke a job after they met through a mutual friend – Taylor Hill/Getty Images
When the Duke accepted the role, he revealed that he had used a BetterUp coach after his departure from the UK and the Royal family with the Duchess of Sussex.
He described his experience with the coach as “invaluable” and said it led to all the staff at the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation being offered the service.
“I was matched with a truly awesome coach who has given me sound advice and a fresh perspective,” he said at the time.
However, the company received a low rating of 2.9 out of five stars on Glassdoor, with the score being based on more than 600 reviews.
‘Literal circus’
Only 35 per cent of people said they would recommend working at the US-based firm to a friend.
One former employee called BetterUp a “literal circus” in October and claimed that the executive leadership is “detached from everyone else” and “constantly shifts strategy”.
In September, another said: “If you’re not in the inner circle, good luck to you”.
Alexi Robichaux, the chief executive and co-founder, offered the Duke a role after being introduced to him through a mutual friend in 2020. He has repeatedly praised the Duke, saying that he was “energised” by the Royal’s “model of inspiration and impact through action”.
The Duke previously said that BetterUp is “equipping people to thrive” and added that he and Mr Robichaux shared a passion for helping others realise their full potential.
BetterUp was contacted for comment.
