Richard Branson
Virgin
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Past articles by Richard:
Why, why, why
It has been interesting reading the reactions to my recent blog about finding competition with yourself – thanks to everyone who commented, shared and read. I thought I’d follow up with another thought inspired by Simon Sinek. I admire Simon because he makes me think, question my own purpose and practices, and – crucially – makes me laugh. We’ve gone on Strive Challenge adventures together, met… → Read More
Why chasing the competition isn’t everything
People love stories, and there are few more beloved tales than the underdog overcoming the big guy. David vs Goliath stories have endured for millennia because we like to see strong, healthy competition, and we want to support the longshot. Virgin has thrived on this competitive streak throughout our brand’s history. When we started Virgin Records, we wanted to beat the bigger labels to signing… → Read More
Let’s teach kids skills for life
I was never good at maths – the maths they teach in school anyway. Some people excel at trigonometry, calculus, or algebra and I wholeheartedly applaud those who do, and put their knowledge to good use in ways that make our lives easier. But we shouldn’t be excluding the vast majority of kids from learning practical life skills they need to succeed. As the 2023 Strive Challenge approaches, I’ve… → Read More
Valiant Lady’s Mermaiden Voyage
All aboard! What a pleasure to join Virgin Voyages for Valiant Lady’s Mermaiden Voyage from Miami to Roatan, Honduras. As I arrived at our stunning Terminal V, it was clear this was going to be a special one. Not only were hundreds of our sailors already in fancy dress for Halloween, there appeared to be dozens of merfolk amongst us (more on that later…) When you step on board a Virgin Voyages… → Read More
Celebrating the launch of Virgin Fibra
Thrilled to be with the team in Italy to celebrate the launch of our newest member of the Virgin family: Virgin Fibra. Virgin Fibra was created to give more Italians great connectivity in a really simple way, with access to fast and reliable pure fibre to the home. Fast connections allow us to come together wherever we may be to work and play in so many different ways. At Virgin, we’ve been… → Read More
World Day Against the Death Penalty: What’s the matter with Singapore?
World Day Against the Death Penalty: What’s the matter with Singapore? → Read More
Finding the right mentor
If you only do what you know, you’ll run out of things to do pretty quickly. I’ve always believed that even if you don’t know how to do something, you should grab the opportunity with both hands and say yes – and work out how to do it later. When you’re starting out as an entrepreneur it’s so valuable to find someone who has more experience than you and can help guide you on your business… → Read More
My routine onboard Virgin Voyages
Every time I step onboard our new Virgin Voyages ships I’m just blown away – it’s a cruise experience like no other. Which, of course, is entirely the point. We wanted to create something unlike anything ever seen before in the cruising world. I’m about to embark on another voyage with the team to celebrate my birthday, and I thought I would share my favourite way to spend a day on-board. I love… → Read More
The spirit of the Sex Pistols
The first time I saw The Sex Pistols was in a tiny little cabin in London. I knew right away that they were special – they were electrifying onstage. I hadn't been as excited about a band in a long time. The first song I heard was Anarchy in the U.K. It was extraordinary - disruptive, powerful, and like nothing I had ever heard before. I immediately wanted to sign them to Virgin Records. You may… → Read More
Over 50 years of fighting for LGBTQ+ equality
Pride month is a time to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. However, LGBTQ+ equality should be fought for every day of the year. No-one should ever be discriminated against for who they are and who they love – and everyone needs to defend this. Thankfully, more and more businesses are supporting LGBTQ+ rights. As mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, colleagues and friends - it is simply… → Read More
Astronaut wings
Enjoyed a flying visit to the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. → Read More
My thoughts on Ukraine and Russia
Business leaders all over the world have been watching the build-up of Russian troops and equipment at the Ukrainian border with great concern. → Read More
Using food to transform health
After recently hearing Dr William Li discuss his brilliant book, Eat to Beat Disease, at a Virgin Unite gathering, I’m feeling inspired by the power that lies in our food choices. → Read More
Fun Times in New York’s Square
When Virgin comes to Times Square, you can guarantee the unexpected. → Read More
The joy of adventure
For my next Literati book club pick I have chosen a book that reminded me that our greatest joys are realised through adventure. I’ve carried this belief throughout my life, from record-breaking ballooning trips to today’s vision of Virgin Galactic – to open up space for the benefit of everyone on Earth. Wind, Sand and Stars is a gripping and lyrical autobiography of aviation pioneer Antoine de… → Read More
Challenging others to think differently
In my Literati book club last month, we read a book that is very special to me called The Art of Pollination. It was written by Martin Flanagan and tells the incredible story of a life-long friend of mine and a powerful force of nature – Jane Tewson. I was so pleased to be joined by both Martin and Jane, all the way from Australia, to discuss the stories behind this story in an Ask The Author… → Read More
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is Unstoppable
We called the celebrations our Unstoppable Weekend, and it is certainly living up to its name. → Read More
Let’s think blue on World Ocean Day
June 8th is World Ocean Day - a good opportunity to reflect on all that the ocean does for us and what we need to do for it. → Read More
Kate Winslet and must-see TV
My wife Joan and I have always loved tucking into a great boxset together, and this year there has been more time than usual to settle down on the sofa. Our current favourite is the wonderful new Kate Winslet show Mare of Easttown. I might be biased, as Kate is a dear friend and part of the family since marrying my nephew Ned. They met here on Necker Island in 2011 when we survived a hurricane… → Read More
Drug policy activist Peter Krykant’s mission to save lives
Campaigner Peter Krykant operates a mobile overdose prevention van, which he parks in Glasgow city centre. → Read More