Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way

by Richard Branson

  As a collective humanity, it is unbelievable that we are allowing thousands of people to die every day from preventable and treatable diseases, and allowing people to kill their brothers and sisters due to lack of natural resources and blindly waiting and doing almost nothing as the perils of climate change are rapidly approaching.

  Yet we do have the power to change all of these things. Hopefully, this group of Elders, with Mandela and Graça at the helm, can bring some hope and wisdom back into the world to play a role in bringing us together to stop unnecessary human suffering and to celebrate the wonderful world that we are so privileged to be a part of.

  After a short introduction by Archbishop Tutu, Nelson Mandela opened the historic meeting by saying:

  In today’s world many of the problems we face are global in nature; these include climate change; pandemics such as AIDS, malaria and TB; and of course that entirely human-created affliction, violent conflict. Destructions we have to deal with. These problems are often tied down by political, economic or geographical constraints.

  As institutions of government grapple, often unequally, with challenges they face, the efforts of a small dedicated group of leaders, working objectively and without any vested personal interest in the outcome, can help resolve what often seem like intractable problems.

  Gathered here today we have the makings of such a group. Using their experience, their moral courage, and their ability to rise above the parochial concerns of a nation, race and creed, they can help make our planet a more peaceful, healthy and equitable place to live.

  Let us call them Global Elders, not because of their age, but because of their individual and collective wisdom. This group derives its strength not from political, economic or military power, but from the independence and integrity of those who are here. They do not have careers to build, elections to win, constituencies to please. They can talk to anyone they please and are free to follow paths they deem right, even if hugely unpopular.

  It is now several years since Richard and Peter came to me with their idea for the Elders. Since then I have watched the concept grow, gain structure and strength, and become a real viable and pragmatic initiative. I believe that with your experience and your energy and your profound commitment to building a better world, the Elders can become a fiercely independent and robust force for good. Tackling complex and intractable issues, especially those that are not popular. However, I know that this group will not become arbitrary and arrogant, and that it will seek advice from expert organisations and work co-operatively with them.

  What’s more, you will not take the easy short-term route, but support the long-term sustainable approaches, that address the root causes of the problems you tackle. Wherever possible you will work with local and indigenous knowledge, you will listen, bringing together antagonists and protagonists, working with anyone who is motivated to resolve a problem, and giving them support and the determination to do so. You can help foster and introduce innovative ideas and little-known solutions to connect to those who have real practical needs with those who have something to give.

  Through our friends in business we can mobilise up-to-date technology. And raise not only awareness of forgotten issues, but also help and locate the resources to address them. But whatever techniques you use, I believe that in the end it is kindness and generous accommodation that are the catalysts for real change. And I expect that if my friend the Archbishop has anything to do with it, you will insist on assuming the essential interdependence of all humankind. We call this the spirit of Ubuntu, that profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of other human beings. You should be conscious that you will often disagree with each other, and that you will have detractors.

  Who are these self-appointed saviours?, people will ask. Respond to this internal disagreement and outside critics with openness, in fact reach out to those detractors, convert them to this way of thinking. The Elders can become real role models, leading, guiding and supporting all sorts of initiatives. Both your own and those of many others. The Elders can speak freely and boldly. Working both publicly and behind the scenes, on whatever actions need to be taken. And remember, who needs your help the most? It is those that have the least, that suffer the most. It is they that are rarely heard. This group of Elders can help them and make sure they are not ignored.

  I know that you will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair. This initiative cannot have come at a more appropriate time, it will bring together an extraordinary collection of people with the skills and resources to undertake what is now required. I am proud to be here, at this groundbreaking first meeting of the Global Elders. As I have said, I am trying to take my retirement seriously, and though I will not be able to participate in the really exciting part of the work, analysing problems, seeking solutions, searching out partners, I will be with you in spirit. I thank you.

  Index

  The page references in this index correspond to the printed edition from which this ebook was created. To find a specific word or phrase from the index, please use the search feature of your ebook reader.

  A&M Records 143, 144

  Abbott, Trevor 210, 211, 232, 234, 235, 250–1, 252, 253, 255, 256, 262, 264, 315, 333, 335, 336, 343, 346, 349, 363, 378, 382

  Abdul, Paula 316

  Abunalla, Mike 460

  Airbus 399, 440, 472–3, 474

  Air Europe 315, 318, 329, 367, 395

  Air New Zealand 443–3

  Alberta 90, 91, 94–5, 96, 98, 121, 131

  Aldridge, Alan 54

  Ali, Tariq 59–60, 62

  Allen, Paul 467, 468, 528

  American Airlines 449, 450

  An Inconvenient Truth 491, 564

  Angus, Sir Michael 358, 361, 387

  Annan, Kofi 459, 462, 522

  Ansett 441, 443, 444

  Arista Records 169

  Armitt, John 539

  Attenborough, Stephen 516

  Australian Mutual Provident (AMP) 405

  Ayeroff, Jeff 332

  Ayers, Kevin 114, 153

  Ayling, Robert 386, 390

  Azoulay, André 7

  BAA 387

  Bader, Douglas 26–7, 33

  Barrow, Tom 238, 242, 267, 268, 279

  Basham, Brian 351, 352, 354, 355, 368, 373, 386, 389, 393

  Basham, Eileen 351

  Batchelor, Robin 237

  Bayliss, Josh 529

  Beatles, The 53–4, 55, 58, 120, 146, 233, 253

  Bedford, Dave 114, 137, 139

  Bell Canada 463

  Bell, Tim 351, 352

  Bermuda Agreement 249

  Bernard, Prince 554

  Berry, Ken 137–8, 155, 158, 170, 173, 192, 193, 194, 199, 208, 210, 211, 230, 232, 233, 234, 256, 264, 316, 333, 343, 376, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382–3, 411

  Berry, Nancy 274

  Bhubezi Community Health Centre 513–14

  Bin Laden, Osama 449

  Bingham, Brian 352

  Binnie, Brian 566

  Birk, Lady 73, 74

  Bishop, Sir Michael 341

  Blackwell, Chris 127, 154

  Blair, Cherie 506

  Blair, Tony 423, 430, 431, 472

  Blake, Peter 51, 64

  Bletcher, Taddy 479, 480, 483, 520

  Bloxam, Tom 484

  Blue Riband 213, 528

  Blyth, Chay 215, 218, 219, 220–1, 223, 224, 225, 226

  Boeing 192, 193, 201, 472, 562, 563

  Boomtown Rats 140

  Borne, Marcia 362

  Botham, Ian 206

  Bowie, David 110, 120

  Bowker, Richard 439, 442

  Boy George 184, 185–6, 201, 232, 261

  BP 216, 222, 229

  Branson School of Entrepreneurship 484–5

  Branson, Clare (daughter) 180–1, 182

  Branson, Eve (mother) 15, 16, 20–2, 23–4, 25, 26, 29–30, 32–3, 37, 38, 50–1, 59, 67, 70, 101, 103, 11
8, 125, 179, 240, 272, 274, 296, 313, 330, 539–40

  Branson, Holly (daughter) 1–2, 4, 5, 182, 198, 199, 205, 217, 245, 268, 270, 271–2, 274, 275, 278, 279, 306, 335, 337, 413, 414, 460, 470, 473, 487, 558–9, 567

  Branson, Jim (great uncle) 19, 20, 25

  Branson, Joan (wife) 1, 4, 5, 150–4, 160–3, 164, 171, 179, 180, 181–3, 198, 205, 216, 217, 268–9, 274, 277, 278, 279, 296, 306, 381–2, 413, 442, 460, 470,474, 487, 491, 511, 527, 529, 530, 566

  Branson, Joyce (aunt) 16, 17, 18, 86–7, 103

  Branson, Lindi (sister) 22, 23, 24, 59, 67, 70, 71, 86, 88, 274

  Branson, Sam (son) 1–2, 4, 5, 7, 219, 220, 245, 274, 275, 278, 279, 282, 335, 337,413, 414, 470, 473, 474, 485–7, 556, 558, 560, 567

  Branson, Ted (father) 16, 18–19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29–30, 38, 59, 67, 101,118, 125, 179–80, 268, 272, 273, 274, 296, 313, 330, 392, 474, 475–6, 558

  Branson, Vanessa (sister) 15, 22–3, 64, 70, 71, 86, 188, 189, 210, 274

  Brink, Dr Brian 512–13, 548

  British Airways 195, 196, 229, 249, 250, 261, 267, 276, 281–2, 294, 315, 320, 321–2, 323–5, 326–31, 333, 339, 340–1, 343, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353–64, 367–75, 384–95, 397, 439, 449, 450, 457, 465, 466, 473, 563, 564

  British Caledonian 197, 248–9, 250, 261, 315, 321, 328, 329, 384, 395

  British Midland 326, 341, 536

  British Rail 349

  Brooks, Elkie 120

  Brown, Gordon 547

  Bucknall, Matthew 447

  Burke, Simon 258, 336

  Burns, Terry 456

  Burnside, David 370, 389, 393

  Burridge, Brian 461

  Burridge, Simon 454, 455

  Burrows, Geoff 542

  Camelot 451, 453, 454–5, 456

  Campbell, Joseph 350

  Cannes Music Festival 168

  Caplan, Leo 484

  Carman, George 388, 391, 392, 393, 394–5, 453

  Carter Center 521, 522

  Carter, President 520, 521–3

  Casino Royale 564

  Cathay Pacific 423

  CBS 128

  Chalker, Lynda 281

  Chambers, Alan 316

  Charles, Paul 562, 564

  Cheong, Dr 443–4

  China Crisis 187

  Christian Aid 281–2

  Chrysalis Records 167, 210

  CIDA 479, 480, 483

  Cilion 491

  Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 195, 196, 197, 202, 203, 204, 320, 322, 324, 333, 357

  Clerc, Julien 169

  Cliff View House 33

  Climate Group 491, 529

  Climate Initiative 527

  Climate Prize 530

  Clinton Global Initiative 493, 530

  Clinton, Bill 490, 493, 494, 527

  Coca-Cola 401, 402, 406

  Cochran, Sir Charles 21

  Cohn-Bendit, Danny 59, 60

  Collins, Phil 133, 174–5, 176, 182, 184, 187, 207, 231, 232, 253, 256, 261, 364,376, 381

  Collins, Tony 534, 535, 536, 542

  Colour By Numbers 186

  Conduit, Phil 399

  Constantine, Philippe 168

  Corrigan, Chris 445

  Cott Corporation, The 401

  Cow, Henry 140

  Crowley, Tom 390

  Cruickshank, Don 209–10, 211, 231, 253, 254–5

  Culture Club 83, 184–6, 193, 207, 376

  Dalai Lama 462–3

  Dan Air 315, 318, 367, 395

  Dandelion 121

  Dare 133, 183

  Davis, Jeannie 387

  Davis, Michael 359, 387, 385–6, 388

  Day, Jeff 384, 385

  DeJoria, John Paul 503

  Del Rosso, Nick 390

  Denny, Sandy 116

  Department of Transport 322, 324, 340, 443, 449

  Department of Transportation (DOT) (US) 501, 502, 561

  Detchon, Reid 490

  Devereux, Robert 188–9, 190, 210, 211, 261, 274, 335, 338, 343

  Diamandis, Peter 549

  Diana, Princess 430–1

  Diana, The Last Days 465

  ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?’ 185

  Dobson, Frank 324

  Downie, Pete 218, 221

  Draper, Simon 102, 104–5, 106–7, 108, 112–13, 115, 116, 119–20, 122, 125, 127, 132, 136, 137, 138, 141, 151, 155, 158, 165, 173, 174, 175, 184, 187, 192, 193–4, 210, 211, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 259, 262, 274, 277, 333, 342–3, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380–1, 382–3

  Driberg, Tom 73

  Duende 153, 154, 168, 171, 189, 194, 195, 198, 210, 230, 251

  Duffell, Ian 256, 263, 266

  Duffy, Simon 551

  Dylan, Bob 58, 76, 84, 105, 122, 136

  easyGroup 448–9

  Eberhart, Dick 370

  Eddington, Rod 439, 450

  Egan, Sir John 387

  Electra 349

  Electric Dreams 204

  11 September 2001 434–40, 443, 445, 447, 448, 449, 456, 457, 458, 463, 464

  Ellis, Mundy 90, 91, 119

  EMI 97, 136, 141–2, 143, 144, 233, 234–5, 250, 252, 377, 411

  Energis 454

  Energy Future Coalition 490

  Enron 446

  Ertegun, Ahmet 131–2

  Esso 215, 216, 222, 223, 224

  Event 183–4

  Exorcist, The 132

  Face Value 184

  Fairport Convention 116

  Faithfull, Marianne 52

  Farrow, Frances 437–8

  Faust 120

  Faust Tapes, The 122

  Ferry, Bryan 232, 316, 381

  Fields, Randolph 190, 191, 194, 196–7, 198, 199, 200, 204, 205

  Flannery, Tim 495, 499, 529, 531

  Fleming, Peter 330–1, 353, 354, 368, 369

  Flying Lizards, The 171

  Flying Teapot 120, 122

  Forbes, Bryan 63, 64

  Fossett, Steve 420, 427, 470–2, 562

  Fowley, Brendan 89–90

  Free 127

  Freeman, Roger 349

  Frost, David 47, 339

  Fujisankei 262, 380, 382

  Gabriel, Peter 133, 376, 377, 379, 381, 409, 460, 518, 520, 524, 570

  Gaia Theory 488, 493, 494, 530

  Gardner, Roy 196, 203, 205

  Garland, Nicholas 64

  Gates, Bill 432, 489

  Geffen, David 365

  Geldof, Bob 229

  Geller, Uri 205

  Gems, Jonny 39–40, 41, 42, 45, 46, 49, 50, 53, 55–6, 57, 65, 66, 67, 74–6

  Genesis 107, 133, 136, 174, 175

  Gillan, Ian 172

  Gisby, Robin 539

  Glitter, Gary 110, 120, 121

  Global Elders 519–24, 569–73

  GNER 545

  ‘God Save The Queen’ 145, 158

  Godfrey, Brett 443, 444

  Gold, Caroline 90

  Gold, Rob 90

  Goldcrest Films 210

  Gong 120, 136, 140–1, 144

  Goodman, Harry 315

  Gore, Al 491–4, 530, 531, 564

  Gormley, Rowan 349, 404, 405–6, 446