The most insane billionaire on Earth:
• Nearly died 75 times
• Built an airline just because his flight got cancelled
• Sued British Airways — then gave all the money to his employees
...and kitesurfs with naked models.
It's the most incredible story. Here's how he did it:
Richard Branson wasn't your typical high school dropout.
He built the Virgin empire of 400+ companies, including Virgin Records, Airlines, Mobile, and Galactic.
And in 2001, he released his autobiography, which instantly became a business classic...
Here's why:
Business books of his era preached following the rules and playing it safe.
But Branson did the opposite—championing smart risks and putting people first.
His wisdom shaped how today's entrepreneurs approach business...
And here are 10 lessons from the genius himself:
Lesson 1) Turn failures into opportunities.
Branson talks about his failures—Virgin Cola, Virgin Brides, near-bankruptcies—as openly as his successes.
This honesty was rare for business leaders in 2001 and predicted today's "learn from failure" mindset.
Lesson 2) If you're not enjoying it, you're doing it wrong.
Branson's simplest lesson might be his most important:
Success follows when you're having fun.
In today's world of burnout and hustle culture, his belief that work should bring joy feels more welcome than ever.
Lesson 3) Being adaptable isn't just helpful—it's essential.
"In my life, I've come to expect the unexpected," Branson wrote.
His companies were built to change quickly when needed—a quality now vital in our fast-changing world.
Lesson 4) Respect your employees at all costs
"Train people well enough so they can leave; treat them well enough so they don't want to."
Branson let his workers solve problems themselves without asking managers first, accelerating innovation.
And his next lesson is iconic...
Lesson 5) Take smart risks (not reckless ones).
When starting Virgin Atlantic in 1984, everyone said competing with British Airways was impossible.
Branson rented just ONE airplane with a return option if things went wrong.
A calculated risk.
Lesson 6) Have a purpose beyond making money.
Before companies discussed social impact, Branson built businesses that aimed to do good.
He believed making a difference in people's lives was essential...
And mission-driven companies still look up to him today.
Lesson 7) Use attention-grabbing challenges as marketing.
Branson promoted himself through hot-air balloon trips and record attempts, but these weren't just adventures—they were clever marketing.
And today, whoever can stand out the most wins.
Lesson 8) Customer experience beats everything else.
Branson transformed industries by fixing what customers hated.
Virgin Atlantic offered limo pickup, seat-back screens (a first ever), and in-flight massages.
This focus on customer delight is now essential for startups.
Lesson 9) Expand using trust, not just expertise.
The Virgin brand entered different industries by leveraging the trust they had already built...
From music to airlines to mobile phones, customers followed because they trusted the Virgin name and values.
And lastly:
Lesson 10) You are your company's best advertisement.
By embodying Virgin's values—adventurous, rebellious, customer-focused—Branson created awareness no one could copy.
This strategy is now standard for all successful entrepreneurs...
Because they all understand this:
When Branson launched Virgin Atlantic, his personal reputation was just as important as the planes.
He understood that people trust individuals more than faceless companies.
This insight gave Virgin a huge advantage.
But look at some of the biggest companies today...
They all leverage their personal brand.
Elon. The Kardashians. Mr Beast.
They create an audience immune to competition who are invested in the story behind the business, not just products or services.
And founders who understand this gain an unfair advantage...
Because personal branding makes everything 10x easier:
• You attract top talent on autopilot.
• Pre-sold customers are ready to buy from you.
• Investors can see your unique qualities, not just a business plan.
Ready to start?
Founders: We’ll build your personal/company brand on 𝕏 (and beyond) without you lifting a finger.
To date, we've already helped 140+ founders get 3+ Billion combined views.
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Thanks for reading! A bit about me:
2 years ago, I cofounded @ThoughtleadrX — a premium personal branding agency for world-class founders, executives, and investors to dominate socials.
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