When Holly was born, we were living on a houseboat in London. Virgin Records was expanding and I worked from home with a desk crammed between the bilge pump and stairs. It’s hard to raise a family and build a business, but it’s incredibly rewarding https://virg.in/i22 …see more

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I have learned more about what it means to be human from those who volunteer to wear a uniform than from anyone else I’ve ever met. I’ve hugged more people in uniform than I’ve ever hugged in suits. I’ve cried with more people in uniform than anyone in business. To those who spend every single day thinking about and serving others, on this day, we think about you. I offer you deep love and gratitude for your service to each other and to us. …see more

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When Will Smith challenged me to get active, I pretended to do some pull-ups. But this time I did it for real – here’s the proof https://virg.in/iqv

♥ 27733 · Commentaires 1274

I started Virgin Atlantic because I was on my way to see my lovely girlfriend (now wonderful wife) in the BVI when I was bumped off a plane & thought there had to be a better way of doing things. I’ve shared my thoughts on my blog of how to turn frustrations into opportunities: https://virg.in/5JT …see more

♥ 25403 · Commentaires 539

100k cycle and swim: completed! I’ve been looking forward to the 100km cycle because I knew it would be the most challenging stage of the Strive Challenge for me. That’s what the Strive Challenge is all about: having a growth mindset (and raising money for Big Change !) It can be really easy to stay in your comfort zone but that’s not where the magic happens. When you reach your limits and you push past them, there really is no other feeling like it. …see more

♥ 19236 · Commentaires 825

I sometimes forget names. In a TV interview years ago Gay Byrne asked me: ‘What have you got written on your hand?’ I sheepishly turned it over to reveal I had 'Gay Byrne' penned on my skin. He was crestfallen! Despite my mishap, Gay is truly unforgettable …see more

♥ 17898 · Commentaires 354

Downloaded Robinhood this morning, transferred $10k from my #BankofAmerica account. Also on @reddit and #wallstreetsbets so I now ride with the herd. I consider myself as an experienced investor so I'm taking it all for a spin. If you are going to pontificate, criticize & editorialize you should do the same. I'll keep you posted!

♥ 17516 · Commentaires 1007

One of the most amazing things about being dyslexic is the imagination it gives you. I started dreaming from a young age and then began trying to turn those dreams into reality https://virg.in/58P

♥ 17510 · Commentaires 593

Back in Boston lock-down. COVID-19 second wave? Better to stay home but don't work all day, you will go crazy. Take a break and do something else! #lockdownstories

♥ 16175 · Commentaires 1383

A few years ago I traced my roots and was thrilled to discover that I’m actually part Indian. I loved finding out how some of my ancestors on my father’s side moved to India in search of fortune and started their own successful businesses. Wonderful to be joined by hundreds of today’s entrepreneurs to discuss why we should embrace failure: https://virg.in/iHg …see more

♥ 16120 · Commentaires 511

Ever since I was a young boy I have made lists of goals and resolutions. It’s how I make sense of the ideas in my head, the suggestions I receive, and the progress we are making. https://virg.in/5ZS

♥ 14392 · Commentaires 440

The last stage of the Strive Challenge was a triathlon, which pushed me a little harder as I had to swim 1k, then bike 20k and then run 10k (my legs felt a little heavy by the end!) https://virg.in/atr

♥ 14145 · Commentaires 618

I took on the 10 mile hike this weekend for the Strive Challenge to raise money for Big Change . It was a great warm up for what comes next - the 100k cycle. https://virg.in/akJ

♥ 13791 · Commentaires 596

So touched that the Virgin Orbit team chose to honour my mum by writing For Eve onto the nose cone of the rocket – yet another great adventure for mum! It was a wonderful surprise for all of our family, and I want to again thank everyone who has shared such touching tributes to her https://virg.in/j89 …see more

♥ 13788 · Commentaires 367

I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space https://virg.in/iQw Virgin Galactic Under Armour

♥ 13650 · Commentaires 529

I miss offices. I miss meetings. I miss random smiles in corridors. I miss energy. I miss brainstorms. I miss industry events. I miss snatched conversations. I miss walking around and feeling part of something. I miss team meals. I miss nurturing and being nurtured. I miss Friday feelings, I miss leaving the office. I miss vacations.I miss the richness of living. I miss seeing reactions. I miss it all. And I’m doing fine, but I wonder if in order to cope we’ve all just become rather numb. A little bit dazed. Feels totally nuts that were in this situation. Feels like the rules changed and we’re in a futile purgatory, no logic, no end, no plan. And to speak of this is considered wrong, because these are first world problems and most of us are doing really well considering. But it’s MANY other people I’m worried about, and seriously so. …see more

♥ 12804 · Commentaires 815

In a society hooked on immediate gratification, it’s hard to remember that each of us is on our own timeline. Bruce Deel has the empathy to see the best in every person, and the patience to help them move closer to that ideal version of themselves, in their own time. The stories he shared about his life and his organization, City of Refuge, Inc. , on this week’s episode of A Bit of Optimism are equally gut-wrenching and heartwarming. I’m so thankful to be able to share his work and his wisdom with you. Find it at apple.co/simonsinek or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. …see more

♥ 12520 · Commentaires 280

One of the most resounding lessons I learned from my father was the importance of dreaming https://virg.in/SDf

♥ 10865 · Commentaires 258

My little brother passed away last week. He was 18. Three weeks ago he asked to work for me after he graduated high school. And I said yes & there was nothing I was looking forward to more. To everyone “hustling” out there, please remember this (because it’s way too easy to get lost in the work): - Hustling won’t make you happy. The people (or person) you’re hustling FOR will bring you happiness. Don’t forget that. - Likes, comments, shares, etc... will not help you live a happy life. You need to find meaning beyond that. - Make sure you’re not working so hard to appear happy on social & instead just work to BE happy. - Go home. See your friends/family (if you’re able). Even if they don’t understand why you’re working so hard. I wasted way too many years because I was “working.” There are no words to express this pain — I hope the above hits some of you. Be grateful for the people in your life. Show them love today. Show them love everyday. Because “someday” isn’t always guaranteed. Taking a break from social. 🖤 …see more

♥ 10600 · Commentaires 2544

2008 and 2018. I was 23 on the left and just starting my company, Zen Media. I’d just finished graduate school and writing my thesis on Twitter. No one believed social media would be a field. It was early (...very early) days. I could have never imagined the highs and lows which would follow. The following year, Business Week would name me to their 25 under 25 entrepreneurs list. Inc and Forbes would follow suit in the years to come...In the 10 years to follow, I’d write two best selling books. The Zen of Social Media Marketing (4th edition now) and Momentum. Zen Media would grow to be a globally known marketing firm with an enviable client list. I’d keynote at hundreds of events in front of thousands. I’d learn what it means to lead people and make a ton of mistakes in the process. I’d know great love and great loss. But, I’d find that in the depth of winter lay within me an invincible summer. And, I’d learn the most important lesson of all - be grateful for your highs and graceful in your lows. 💞 #10yearchallenge …see more

♥ 8961 · Commentaires 542

These Virgin Galactic VMS Eve flights mean a lot to me. My mum always supported every idea of mine and she lives on in everything we do – after all, you can’t have a mothership without naming it after your mother. Great to see you flying high, VMS Eve. …see more

♥ 8549 · Commentaires 380

25 years ago we thought it would be an exciting challenge to take on Coca-Cola. We eventually failed – but learned a lot along the way https://virg.in/5kV

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Spotted 11-year-old Abraham taking hand-written notes at my talk, and got chance to meet him afterwards to find out what he was writing down… https://virg.in/iLL

♥ 8263 · Commentaires 236

A year ago last week, I graduated from college. That day, I united with my family after the ceremony and asked my dad, “Are you proud of me?” “Absolutely. You graduated from the school you wanted to. But you should never do something just to make me proud. As long as you are following what you want and benefiting you and those around you, I will be proud. You could have not gone to college at all, and I would still be proud” my dad responded. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have parents that support me in what I chose to do with my education and career. Support systems are vital. #university #graduation #studentoflinkedin …see more

♥ 7943 · Commentaires 270

If you ask for the impossible you might simply find that it is possible! Most would hesitate to ask, this boy got a selfie with the two most powerful leaders in the world. This got me thinking, when was the last time, I stepped out of my comfort zone and reached for the impossible! I think it was when I decided to ask my family to move back to India after 22 years in the US. Love to hear your #ImpossibleMoments …see more

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When I was 7 my parents and teachers didn't think I'd ever be able to read or do basic math, because of my debilitating dyslexia. I was lucky enough to work with an amazing educator who convinced me that my dyslexia was a superpower. My confidence grew, and I realized that the problem wasn't that I couldn't learn - it was that the standardized resources and tools being thrown at me were useless. Once I was able to understand my dyslexia, I was able to master it and use it to my advantage. The same is true for ANY weakness. Get to know yourself. Get to know your faults. Then grab them by the horns, and use them to unleash your full potential. Interviewer: Bryan Elliott …see more

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An incredible act of compassion and a powerful image as Brant Jean forgives and embraces the woman who killed his brother: https://lnkd.in/dvsXkEU #ReadByRichard

♥ 6719 · Commentaires 846

It’s great to see the world waking up to the amazing strengths #dyslexia can give you. Here’s my message for dyslexic children https://virg.in/E9T

♥ 6674 · Commentaires 297

As millions in the US and around the world take to the streets to demand an end to racism and racial injustice against black people in the wake of George Floyd’s brutal killing in Minneapolis, I am reminded of an encounter I learned a lot from more than 50 years ago. In 1967, I was 17 years old and had just launched Student Magazine to protest against the Vietnam War and other issues where I felt young people’s voices were not being heard. I was fortunate to get the rare chance to listen to James Baldwin, the brilliant African American writer and leading public intellectual. I had heard he was staying in London for a few days, so I went to his hotel and managed to secure an interview in his room. The conversation we had feels more present than ever during these days of protest.   “White people do not listen and do not care,” he said at one point, voicing his frustration at the continuing oppression of black people. “What would happen if they did listen?” I asked. “It isn’t me that they have to listen to,” he replied. “It isn’t any black man they have to listen to. It’s their own hearts and conscience.” https://virg.in/psX …see more

♥ 6284 · Commentaires 447

You can't do that, she told me. Cindy was a VP in the Marketing department. I was on my way to see the CEO of HBO, where I worked. You can't do that, she said. You can't just walk into his office! Jeff was my boss's boss's boss's boss's boss's boss. People say "can't" when they have no answer. --- I had an idea I wanted to tell him. If you can make original TV series on HBO, why not do original web series? This was 1995. He said, go for it. I used that first idea to launch my first company. My first clients were AmericanExpress.com and TimeWarner.com . If you can't "can't", then you won't. It reminds me of this amazing football play. This quarterback shouldn't. No he didn't. No he won't! But he did. …see more

♥ 6203 · Commentaires 245

I was sixteen when I had my first steady job and earned my first buck. It was a brutal and humiliating job that truly taught me where power lies. I applied for a job at Magoo’s Ice Cream Parlor because it was located in the mall where the girls tended to gather after school. The first day went well. My scoop skills were sound, and I could say with pride that although it was a busy day and I was new, I kept the lineups short and the customers happy. My second day on the job even busier, but I was faster. During a lull, the boss came to the front of the store. I’ll admit I was hoping for a bit of praise, for being swift, efficient, and a fast learner. Instead, she said to me, “Kevin, there’s some gum in the grout on the floor. Get on your hands and knees and scrape it out before anybody comes back in.” This request stopped me in my tracks. The first thing that entered my mind was that if a pretty girl saw me doing that, she might not talk to me. The second thing that crossed my mind was that I didn’t get hired to scrape gum. “That’s not my job,” I said. “My job’s to scoop ice cream.” Her features twisted into the meanest expression I’d ever seen on a face. Next thing out of her mouth was “You’re fired. Get out of my store.” It was the best thing that ever happened to me. …see more

♥ 5883 · Commentaires 379

I struggled at school, so I explored what I called the university of life. And I’ve never looked back.

♥ 5740 · Commentaires 253

Meet Aria, the Indian flying icon who will be appearing on Virgin Atlantic 's planes soon (and is based on my great-great-great-great grandmother)

♥ 5551 · Commentaires 177

I remember my first financial meltdown. I was 23. I’d invested my whole salary - $25,000 (half of it debt!)- in a mining company on a “hot tip.” It tanked within two days. Since then I’ve learned to be a little more scrutinizing about what I invest my money in, while also following my gut. People told me I was a mad man for “investing” in a $30,000 watch! But guess what - that watch was worth TWICE what I paid for it almost the second I walked out the store. And I looked good too. #sharktank #investmentadvice …see more

♥ 5409 · Commentaires 188

The year was 1959. This is a story of #entrepreneurship , #courage , and self-reliance. The one which proves anything is possible once you decide to do something about the situation. The story of 7 women without any fancy #education , not only improved their own lives but gave livelihoods to many other women and built an empire worth Rs. 1600 crore …see more

♥ 5349 · Commentaires 146

A moment I really enjoyed last year was surprising more than 800 start-up founders. I joined a Virgin StartUp Meet Up to chat to Simon Sinek Inc. about how we can stay optimistic even in the middle of uncertainty and challenges:

♥ 5250 · Commentaires 157

The Boeing 747 is a plane that holds a special place in my heart – the Queen of the Skies started Virgin Atlantic and has taken us on so many adventures over the past 36 years https://virg.in/Dyu

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This #WorldDyslexiaDay I want to take a moment to share a message of hope and encouragement: https://virg.in/E9T Made By Dyslexia

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Lovely to speak to Jake, who has just found out he has dyslexia. We talked about how it feels as I really struggled with my dyslexia at school & I encouraged him to keep chasing his dreams and to use his imagination at every opportunity. https://lnkd.in/dxQQKyd @MadeByDyslexia …see more

♥ 4462 · Commentaires 229

Meet Emily and Rupert – the founders of Roundwood Gin and Virgin StartUp alumni. During #COVID19 , Emily and Rupert quickly started producing hand sanitiser at their distillery to meet the needs of key workers. Holly Branson reached out to Emily to hear more about their journey, and here’s what she had to say: https://virg.in/G25 #BusinessAsUnusual …see more

♥ 4423 · Commentaires 132

Screw up an order? Piss off a customer when you’re having a bad day? Shit happens. Every business makes mistakes! It’s how you handle them that makes or breaks a business. Thanks for the words of wisdom, Wicked Good Cupcakes !

♥ 4367 · Commentaires 161

Abraham said he isn’t an entrepreneur yet – but he wants to be. I told him you’re never too young to start, and he let me add my own note in his notebook too

♥ 4218 · Commentaires 156

My dyslexia has shaped Virgin right from the very beginning - it helped me think big, but keep our messages simple https://virg.in/iNo

♥ 4101 · Commentaires 230

The simple daily practice that saved my life. #DailyPractice #Health #Life #Improvement #Career #WorkLifeBalance

♥ 4082 · Commentaires 149

2020 has been a brutal year for the wine industry. I know I'm living it. Fires destroyed crops, smoke tainted juice and #covid shut down restaurants, bars, airlines and many points of distribution. Still many of us were able to grow our businesses by making the great digital pivot and selling direct from our wineries in #california to our customers in over 40 states, and maybe win a few awards along the way! #innovation #entrepreneurship #digital #marketing …see more

♥ 4039 · Commentaires 256

Testing this morning for the #coronavirus Now I know the angst a #pregnancy test must invoke! I was freaking out waiting for the results. Outcome? No #covid19 and I'm not pregnant! We will not be able to go back to the new normal until these tests are available to everyone, everywhere, anytime! …see more

♥ 3947 · Commentaires 399

I took this image from the center of #Greenland while working on the documentary series #ProjectEarth for Discovery Inc There was no life there, not even a single insect. We were completely dependent on helicopter food drops. Once it stormed for four days in a row and we were cut off. This picture happen an hour after the storm broke. The human guiding in the chopper looks so fragile and insignificant on the vast moonscape of ice. …see more

♥ 3936 · Commentaires 183

In an attempt to better understand the feelings surrounding the events of the past week, I reached out to friends to have necessary and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. One call was to NFL Hall Of Famer Curtis Martin. We talked about the lessons he’s learned and shared insights that can help us get through this together. Listen at https://bit.ly/2Y98SaE …see more

♥ 3730 · Commentaires 74

Twenty years ago my sister and our family suffered a tragedy that we don’t talk about very often. She wanted to talk about it with the hope that it helps someone. I think it will help a lot of people. This is… A Bit of Optimism: apple.co/simonsinek

♥ 3717 · Commentaires 159

I was a bad boss. 😞 It’s true. ✖️I lost great team members. ✖️I didn’t realize everyone isn’t driven by the same things. ✖️I made a ton of mistakes. In my defense, I was 23 and had never been responsible for a team before. I was an entrepreneur - not a manager. My heart was in the right place but I didn’t know HOW to be a good boss. Contrary to what most people believe, good leadership ISN’T innate. It is LEARNED. Thankfully, I learned. ✔️I mended relationships with my team members. ✔️ I started to understand - and honor - that not everyone wants the same things. ✔️I started to listen. ✔️I showed my appreciation rather than assumed it was a given. ✔️I put the WE before ME. To every leader out there - it is YOUR job to make sure you are learning, growing, and being an inspiration to your team. You work for them, not the other way around. If you have issues, your team has issues. It is YOUR job to become a better leader every single day. You owe your team that because everyday they show up to fulfill YOUR vision. It’s the least you can do. …see more

♥ 3699 · Commentaires 188

Very moved watching #JustMercy , which tells the true story of the brilliant human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his effort to free Walter MacMillan who was wrongfully sentenced to die in 1988: https://virg.in/5pQ

♥ 3549 · Commentaires 84

Our #heritage is who we are and what we are made of. We must protect it to protect our deepest core of self. Now more than ever, we need to #support our artisans. Be the guardians of the rich heritage; it is our responsibility to preserve it for our #future generations. One of my most cherished possession is a handwoven cotton Benarasi saree with a rich border. It is a simple saree but was very expensive, and I had bought it directly from the weaver. Over the years, it has given me so much inner #joy , each time I wear it, I smile, I feel the connection to the artist who put so much effort to make this. What is your most cherished heirloom for you? …see more

♥ 3540 · Commentaires 169

I remember asking Dave what flying SpaceShipTwo was like as soon as he got out of the spaceship on his first spaceflight… “It is like nothing else in this world” https://virg.in/R44

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When we started Virgin life was all about hand-written letters, calling advertisers from phone booths, and running across town to speak with bands and banks… https://virg.in/isB

♥ 3416 · Commentaires 120

My own journey in business and that of many others I’ve come to know over the years has made me wonder: if we could fall through the grid and succeed nonetheless, just how many other talented, driven and smart kids must have fallen through as well, but perhaps lacked the support and the right circumstances to ever live up to their true potential? https://virg.in/iDU Big Change …see more

♥ 3416 · Commentaires 119

Holly shares the lessons she learnt from growing up with a serial entrepreneur for a dad https://virg.in/RNY

♥ 3338 · Commentaires 113

Over the years I’ve had to make a conscious effort to put my health and fitness first (after all, you only have one body, so it makes sense to try and look after it!)

♥ 3098 · Commentaires 103

Feeling alone: Saddened to read about the tragic death of CCD owner V. G. Siddhartha. I didn’t know him well, & like others, I too wondered how to make sense of this news. Who among us hasn’t felt lonely in our burdens & responsibilities at one time or the other? What stops us from giving in to despair, despondency & lose the will to live? Something snaps & you see no hope or future. Research shows that the majority of people are glad to be alive if they can get past those difficult moments. We don’t know what the soul suffers when a person dies. But we know that the people left behind are anguished for life with guilt, regret, & unresolved questions. V. G. Siddhartha, the founder of CCD, was a first-mover in the India coffee chain opportunity. But no matter how hard you work, the realities of building a successful business are soul crunching. Even with success, factors like changing markets, competition, profitability, debt, & investor pressures are ever-present. When the pressure gets too much, talk to a counselor; learn anxiety management tools; lean into your inner circle. Don’t take your life. Don’t leave behind a circle of grief. My heartfelt condolences to Siddhartha's family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. …see more

♥ 2988 · Commentaires 168

Sindhu Gangadharan 's corporate journey is inspiring. Some women defy the notion of limits. Can women have it all? This is a perpetual question discussed at length through all ages. What do you think holds you back? For me, if I decide to pursue something, nothing holds me back. Our mindset is our biggest strength and biggest limitation too. #InspiringPeople #WomenLeaders #WomenInBusiness …see more

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The unforgettable Gay Byrne: my thoughts on the legendary presenter and our name-written-on-hand incident https://virg.in/ihf

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