Very early on, we were called Platnm (seriously it was going to be explained – by me! – as Platinum without “u or i” 🤔😥). Personally I wasn’t sold on the name, but it meant something to Richard. He always advocated that the name Platnm reflected the value of each and every individual. That one’s knowledge and skill were an asset. An untapped asset. His vision was for people to be able to tap into the asset and level up and transform themselves. The precious metal that is platinum was to reflect some of the worth of an individual.
I was reminded of this when listening to the latest Tim Ferriss podcast today when he was talking with Steve Jurvetson and they mentioned that all good startups / founders have a real vision. Rather than lose sight of that vision, I thought a quick write up about that original mission and goal would be useful. As definitely both Richard and I really want to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Both of us individually have wondered how we can help the disaffected — particularly the very visible homeless in the Sydney CBD who we walk past on a regular basis. Giving money is one thing, but how can we enable them to help themselves? Or at least have something a bit more sustainable. Surely it’s solvable. Although Sydney housing costs do seem quite daunting! I’d love to understand how they each got to where they are to try and help those who can be helped. But I don’t feel like I can. Each of them have a story and I’m sure an interesting one. They all have value and worth. We hope/feel/believe that they can capitalize their time and earn some money. Maybe (if they choose it!) get off the street.
We’ve deliberated a number of times about the tagline and have played with “Transform your time” as you can transform time into either new knowledge, a new connection (with a real person!) or into money (even if it’s for a charity – more about that another time). But “transform” (as much as Richard was a Transformers fan), could mean transform into something not so good. Capitalize (yes the z is deliberate as we try to emphasize the use of Z through HazTime) seemed to fit a lot better. Even though I didn’t like the money grubbing feel of the word. But it really is. Using the time you have and maximizing it.
Can everyone capitalize their time in some way. Absolutely. The time wasted when everyone has exactly the same amount of time every day is astonishing. I’m always looking for ways of improving time utilization and have learned that life is short. What matters is quality of life and people. Family. Friends. Oh and furry friends too! (They are people too.)
So that’s our mission. Making sure everyone is improving their lives. Whether or not it’s helping oneself to learn … or to earn. And to tap into that asset that each person has spent building. Everyone has worth. Your knowledge, Your skills and Your personality. Capitalize it. Go on. You deserve it.