Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won't Teach You at Business School

LIVING THE BRANSON LIFE

People often ask me what drives me-what motivates me to continually pursue new challenges. They also like to know how I got to where I am today and how I like to spend my time away from work. Here is a glimpse into my life and some possible tips for yours.

What has been described as an almost childlike curiosity for learning about new things, trying new ventures and meeting new people. I have been very fortunate to have led an interesting life. Part of that has been because of my willingness-and all the great people at Virgin’s willingness-to keep trying new and sometimes borderline-crazy ventures.

I pursue only those things about which I can be passionate, whether that will make money or not. I find that if you are really fervent and committed, you can only do better-and have a better chance of making the venture pay the bills. Money has enabled me to start up and support a number of philanthropic causes through Virgin Unite. I hope we can play a part in leaving the world in better shape than we found it.

One of the best things about my life is getting to meet many incredible people on my travels and through the company. We now employ 50,000 people worldwide and, as often as I can, I pop into the offices to meet and talk with the staff. Not only do they all give 150 per cent and really believe in what they are doing-which helps keep me going-but they’re also great fun and love a party, which keeps me young. Well, young at heart, anyway!

Outside of my friends, family and staff, here are a few of the people I admire: I have already mentioned the influence of the late Sir Freddie Laker, the founder of Laker Airways, the first ‘no frills’ carrier who was a wise and gracious mentor to me when I entered the world of aviation; Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid activist who spent twenty-seven years in prison before he became president of South Africa; Desmond Tutu, the first black South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, who chaired his country’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee; Peter Gabriel, the successful English musician and songwriter (once the lead vocalist and flautist for the rock band Genesis), who now is an inspired producer and promoter of world music and humanitarian causes; the late Mo Mowlam, who was the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the historic Good Friday Peace Agreement was signed in 1998; and the aviation genius Burt Rutan, an American aerospace engineer who designed Voyager, the first plane to fly around the world without stopping or refuelling, and the sub-orbital space plane SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded spacecraft to enter the realm of space twice within a two-week period.

Every one of them has exhibited incredible courage, talent and a zest for getting things done no matter how long the odds, a trait that I really admire.

I have had great support from my family and friends. Two very different characters spring to mind. First is the late Steve Fossett, a dear friend and fellow adventurer. We first met when we were competing for ballooning records. In the end we combined our efforts, and Steve flew non-stop around the world in the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer, on a single tank of fuel. He also climbed the Matterhorn and Mount Kilimanjaro, he swam the English Channel, was placed forty-seventh in the Iditarod dog sled race and participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans car race. Steve kept on pushing and challenging himself, taking on the seemingly impossible and often achieving it. Before he tragically died in a still unexplained plane crash, Steve had probably checked off 90 per cent of the adventures on his ‘bucket list’. Truly a real life superhero!

Nelson Mandela’s highly documented life and story has inspired me tremendously. He went through many hardships with unfailing dignity and strength and has devoted his life to making his country and our world a better place. Recently, we worked together with Peter Gabriel to set up the Elders, a group of former world leaders who are using their wisdom and experience to resolve world conflicts. It is fascinating-in fact downright extraordinary-to listen to this group of eminent global leaders and to see what they are trying to do to mitigate the causes of human suffering. Next time you’re online, check it out at www.theelders.org.

I don’t think I have many days that could be described as ‘typical’! A day at home on Necker Island is probably about as close as it gets. It really is the perfect place for work, play and life. I always wake early-I love that quiet time in the morning. Let’s face it: I have the most beautiful office in the world-a hammock overlooking the British Virgin Islands! A fantastic place for reflection, it sets me up for the day and the surprises that are bound to happen. I come up with more ideas in that hammock than I ever would sitting in a glassed-in cage… Sorry, I meant to say ‘an office’. Plus Necker is well positioned to deal with all the time zones in which Virgin operates. At least, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!

I like to start my day with a swim then after breakfast I hit the phone. I still far prefer talking to people to having email relationships. I don’t have set start and finish times. At the end of the day, I like to play tennis to unwind, then grab a drink as the sun goes down.

I know some of you are thinking that ‘typical’ day sounds pretty relaxing but, since I travel the majority of the time, there’s nothing better than heading home to spend time with my family and friends. I love to surf or go kite surfing with my son, Sam, and my nephews, play a game of tennis with friends or sail around the islands. These are all good ways to unwind. I love to be 100 per cent fit and healthy and love to find ways to achieve that. There is really nothing more important. You must find time for yourself and your body.

Pretty boring really; I enjoy the occasional bar of chocolate-or one of my wife Joan’s amazing fried egg sandwiches! OK-and I do enjoy a party.