Peter Platzer was a rock star on Wall Street when, in the prime of his career, he decided he wanted to do something different. Totally different. So he quit the world of high finance and enrolled in the International Space University to pursue his dream of leveraging a greater understanding of space to improve life on Earth.
In 2012, he founded Spire Global, a provider of space-based data, and now serves as its CEO. Platzer’s career to date describes someone who certainly seems to thrive on change, but he will be the first to tell you he sees change as a “muscle” that must be regularly flexed in order to stay strong.
Platzer’s change-strengthening exercise of choice is squash, which a mentor suggested he take up after Platzer founded Spire. Platzer took up the sport and discovered that not only did it take his mind off work, it did something far more profound.
When you play squash, said Platzer in the podcast, “The ball is flying around fast, and people are moving around without bumping into each other, and you are totally focused in the moment. It’s an almost mystical experience, one that can generate a massive regenerative effect.”
A recharged brain, contends Platzer, is a brain that will be “more open to new stimuli” and thus more creative. In the podcast, Platzer discusses some of the ways his Spire team stays in shape during the daily process of running the business, including these practical lessons:
“I always say we are one company and we have one set of values,” explained Platzer. “We express them through a common language we use when we recruit, evaluate and promote. Our culture is based on a growth mindset that says when you change you grow, when you grow you change.”
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
Sign up to receive Don Yaeger’s weekly leadership contributions, and be the first to listen to new Corporate Competitor Podcast episodes.