Richard Branson: Losing My Virginity

I finished this last night. Great bloody bio.

Growing up in Britain, Branson's mug was familiar to many. He always seemed to be in the news trying some daredevil stunt and he always seemed to be...rich. So, years later I was interested to find out how one man managed to juggle being an adventurer and being a billionaire entrepreneur. How'd it all happen?

Virgin Group is so freakin diversified, it's crazy. Virgin does everything from air-travel, rail, spaceships, cola, banks, clothes, to music. It's all over the map. I think Virgin literally has hundreds of businesses under the brand umbrella.

I'm not gonna tell you about Branson's story. It's a 600 page book. It's a wild ass ride. See for yourself. All I can say is that I went in knowing very little but somehow having respect for the dude. As rich as he is, he always seemed like an underdog. I read the book and now have a much deeper appreciation for the man, how he made his riches, and how he chooses to spend his time and profits. The world needs more Richard Bransons. Seriously. He's a self-made billionaire who leaves and breathes philanthropy.

The book dives into his childhood and you can clearly see that the way his parents raised him profoundly affected his trajectory in life. He was constantly challenged as a child and that really sculpted his fearless personality. He didn't come from riches whatsoever. But his parents gifted him with self-perseverance, self-esteem and no fear of failure; the ingredients for success. I think he did pretty well for himself. The dude has a private space-tourism company!

Branson was a hustler. It's great to see how everything started (with a student-oriented magazine) and to see how one business begat another and another and another...He just hustled and took advantage of opportunities when they arose. Fearless and innovative, no matter the odds. And things always work out in his favor. Branson doesn't bend.

Finally, after he's bought private islands, started tons of wildly-successful international companies, risked his life doing crazy record-breaking adventures, and made literally billions of dollars, he decides to focus almost all his time and energy on philanthropy. The dude sets up schools, hospitals, you name it. He's investing in people, saving animals, saving human lives, and making a difference on a global scale. The man is inspirational.

Read the book. It's some exciting shit.

His daughter is a doctor. And evidently pretty damn hot!!!