Personal Story/Journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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