On Borrowed Time: Living Life with Only 1 Billion Seconds Left

As I woke up this morning to my 49th birthday, I couldn't escape a peculiar phrase that had recently found its way into my thoughts - "Time Billionaire". The term, credited to investor Graham Duncan, referred to those with at least a billion seconds left to live. So statistically, today, with me turning 49 - I am leaving the Club of Time Billionaires.

However, it was the philosophy behind it that fascinated me. I began to wonder - could it be that the wealthiest among us were those with an abundance of time, not money?

Imagine with me for a moment: What if you were presented with a briefcase containing 10 million dollars but guaranteed that you wouldn't live to see the next dawn? I suspect you'd refuse the offer. For me, the thought of trading time for money was absurd. This mental exercise illuminated the precious value of each ticking second - the true measure of wealth. This, my friends, is the essence of being a Time Billionaire.

Alpian, Switzerland's first digital private bank, where I hold the position of CMO and had the unique opportunity to build the brand and the values we stand , embraces exactly this philosophy. We understand wealth as more than an accumulation of currency - a blend of purpose, freedom, and belonging. Our mission is to help clients realize their time wealth, encouraging them to invest in what truly matters - utilizing the creation of prosperity to create what we call 'Wealth beyond Money".

Navigating the intricacies of a startup bank has been a unique blend of tradition and innovation. We're creating a space where the thoughtfulness of a bank meets the nimbleness of a startup, with problem-solving at the core, bridging the distance between the old and the new. The journey has allowed me to craft my philosophy with the title (I just came with now) "The Time Billionaire's Code," a set of 10 life rules for generating true wealth in your life!:

1. Cherish Time: Recognize each moment as a unique, unreplicable opportunity, a treasure you must cherish.
2. Embrace Purpose: Let your purpose be your compass, inspiring your decisions, driving your actions, and bringing clarity and resilience to your life.
3. Seek Freedom: Understand that true wealth is about the freedom to choose, to follow your dreams, and live authentically. As a Time Billionaire, reject the confines of societal norms and expectations.
4. Cultivate Belonging: Foster relationships and create communities where you feel valued, heard, and connected.
5. Redefine Wealth: Move beyond traditional definitions, understanding wealth as a balance of purpose, freedom, and belonging, rich in experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
6. Embody Trust: In an uncertain world, strive to be reliable, transparent, and honest, building a foundation of trust with everyone you interact with.
7. Encourage Disruption: Champion innovation, not fearing to challenge the status quo and bring about positive change. Inspiration, not desperation.
8. Champion Sustainability: Prioritize choices that not just benefit you, but also the environment, the community, and future generations.
9. Prioritize Problem-Solving: Measure your value by the problems you solve, seeking to bridge the gap between traditional ways and modern needs.
10. Celebrate Collective Success: Understand success as a shared victory, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all involved. As a Time Billionaire, always remember that your journey is a collective effort, enriched by the experiences and efforts of all those around you.

How does this relate to Alpian? Well, my mentor Duke Stump inspired and taught me the concept of a "bonfire brand", a brand with a soul. So at Alpian, like a bonfire, we aim to be a beacon where like-minded individuals can gather, share stories, grow, and embrace the concept of Wealth beyond Money.

The journey hasn't been without challenges, setbacks and frustrations, but each hurdle has only strengthened our resolve and sharpened our vision. Alpian is not just a product of innovative minds but also impeccable timing. We're ready to disrupt the Swiss banking system, which has remained static for 150 years, and introduce a more relevant, personalized banking experience.

Money, when not treated with respect, can evaporate before our eyes. But the true wealth - purpose, freedom, and belonging - once embraced, stays with us and enriches us. Being a part of Alpian, doing something I love, that's the wealth I cherish.

As a I leave the Club of Time Billionaires, I encourage you to see time as your ultimate asset. Invest wisely in pursuits that enrich your life and the lives of those around you. Waking up each day is a precious gift, a reaffirmation of the priceless value of time.

Let's strive to use our time wealth with purpose, to create a sense of freedom and belonging, and to build a legacy that transcends monetary riches.

Happy billionairey to me.