As CEO of Virgin Pulse, David Osborne is responsible for streamlining, optimizing and scaling the company as it solidifies its position as the largest workplace well-being business in the world. Osborne joined Virgin Pulse in 2016, following the company’s acquisitions of GCC and ShapeUp, leading the successful integration of the three organizations. The company in November relocated its headquarters from Massachusetts to Providence.
Is Rhode Island a good place to grow jobs? Why? As a CEO who is new to the state, I have been impressed with the investments Rhode Island is making in growing jobs and the economy. The state has a supportive government, access to a talent pipeline through the universities, a low cost of living and the physical space for companies to build and expand offices. Over the past 10 months, we worked closely with Gov. [Gina M.] Raimondo and her staff to secure tax benefits that are exclusively tied to job growth.
If government could do one thing to help businesses grow jobs, what would it be and why? The state should continue to invest in education and programs to prepare people for in-demand careers. We are eligible for [state] tax advantages if we create jobs – I applaud that. The state should promote itself, and that probably comes down to public relations. The more companies the state can entice to come here, the greater a PR push it can get.
JOBS
2016: 70
2017: 125
What’s the most important attribute a business leader needs to grow his business and add jobs? The best way to grow a company and create jobs is to focus on the people already working for you. Building a culture that helps employees grow, perform at their best and develop their expertise is an important way to make an organization successful. Businesses succeed and grow when business leaders create a consistent culture where people are engaged, empowered and accountable, and where employers are invested in their employees’ success.
In which industry do you see the greatest potential for job growth in Rhode Island and why? I believe that the technology industry holds great potential for job growth in Rhode Island. My company decided to make our global headquarters here because of the local talent pool. The state is home to so many world-class universities, and that gives us access to some of the brightest young talent in the country.
What positive attributes of Providence and Rhode Island contributed to the decision by Virgin Pulse to move its headquarters to Providence? The abundance of local universities and graduates is incredibly appealing for a company [such as] Virgin Pulse, which is looking to hire young talent through the Exceptional-Potential-Early in Career program. The city also has a fun vibe, with an arts scene, world-renowned restaurants, easy access to the beach and a comparatively low cost of living.
What negative characteristics of Providence and Rhode Island did Virgin Pulse overlook or overcome in making that decision? The only negative I’d say we had to overcome was the lack of direct flights in and out of [Warwick’s] T.F. Green Airport. As a global organization, having access to direct flights is important to our business. … We are hoping to see more direct flights domestically and perhaps even internationally.
What lessons does ShapeUp offer to future entrepreneurs who may want to create companies and grow the workforce in Rhode Island? When we were looking to relocate our global headquarters and expand the company, Rajiv Kumar, our chief medical officer, encouraged me to consider Rhode Island. Over a decade ago, Rajiv started a successful company, ShapeUp, in Rhode Island, which we acquired in 2016.
Rajiv’s positive and successful experience launching ShapeUp RI provided a strong impetus for Virgin Pulse to move here.
What should Rhode Island’s schools and universities be doing to promote job growth in the state? Schools in the state have a K-12 STEM [science, technology, engineering, math] program. They also should be teaching softer skills of dealing with people in jobs [such as] inside sales, support staff and client success. People need to be able to think on their feet, be charismatic and outgoing.
Congressional Republicans used the concept of trickle-down economics to promote the recently approved tax-reform bill. Does the trickle-down idea really work in the realm of creating jobs? In the last three to four years we have had a great trajectory in growth and profits. That allowed me to invest in R&D [research and development] and to hire more engineers. If companies use [tax] savings to invest in their businesses, it absolutely creates jobs.
Another way to think about it is to use tax incentives to invest in [existing employees] rather than to hire more people. Investing in existing people – helping to grow careers in a collaborative environment – can make a company more productive.
