Richard Branson and me
I recently experienced one of the highlights of my life.
If any of you know me at all, then you'll know that meeting Richard Branson has been one of my biggest dreams. He's been a true source of inspiration to me and it's all because of how he defines business and entrepreneurship.
It used to be that the only things that defined success were money and the number of people working under you. Well, with Branson, that's not it at all. For him the definition of business means being ethical in all that you do, treating your employees right, and mostly -- having fun. Lots of it.
So how did I end up on his private island?
Alright, so back to my dream of meeting Richard Branson. I honestly thought it would take me 5 or even 10 years to do this. You know, to build up credibility and success as an entrepreneur, the typical way to meet anybody famous and wildly successful.
Editor's Note: Richard Branson is an entrepreneur extraordinaire. With his first successful business venture at the age of 16, he's best known for the Virgin brand which comprises of 360 companies.
The Virgin brand covers everything from record stores to railways to spaceships. And in addition to his business savvy, Branson has also beaten some world records such as being the first to fly across the Atlantic in a hot-air balloon. He has also been knighted and is a major philanthropist.
But things were about to go into high speed (little did I know). A while ago, I was at an event for speakers and authors in Vegas and fellow internet entrepreneur, Joe Polish, announced he was organizing a trip to Branson's private island, Necker Island for 20 entrepreneurs to meet and hang out with Branson. The purpose of the trip was to raise money for Branson's charity, Virgin Unite. To attend we had to make a substantial donation to Virgin Unite. I had already set aside a sum of money to donate to charity via my foundation, the MindValley Foundation, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I would donate to a good cause AND get to hang out with Branson and several other brilliant entrepreneurs on Necker Island.
So, I shot an email to my business partner Mike and asked him what he thought of the idea. He replied using the title of
Branson's most famous book. Mike's one-line email simply said, "Screw it, let's do it!"
Richard Branson with my business partner, Mike Reining and me
And so in May, we found ourselves on Necker Island hanging out and partying with Richard Branson. Out of the total 4.5 days on the island, we spent 2 and half days with him from early morning breakfasts to late night celebrations.
A typical day would include breakfast with Branson and 20 other entrepreneurs on the veranda overlooking the sea. This would be followed by a brainstorming session or Q&A with Branson on a variety of topics from entrepreneurship to philanthropy. Lunches were held on the beach. And then it was time for speedboat racing, water sports or snorkeling. Dinners would revolve around a theme, pirate night, 70s party, Casino Night and would end in a wonderful party by the sea.
Hanging out with Branson blew our minds. While most people have their 3-5 year goals, Branson was thinking bigger. I'm talking about space travel and world peace. He's already working with Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Muhammad Yunus and other world leaders on a project called "the Elders" to help guide countries and societies towards peaceful resolution of their differences.
Playing pirates with Richard Branson
Now the Elders is an independent group of highly influential global leaders. It came about with the leadership of Nelson Mandela and together the Elders offer their influence and experience to support peace building and diminish human suffering.
And as for space travel? Why not take a comfy seat aboard Virgin Galactic. It's the first of its kind, providing non-astronauts with the ability to go into space. Now that's a huge goal. But what's even better is that with Branson's vision, this may be affordable to everyone in the future so that people like us can get a chance to experience the Universe from a different perspective.
But beyond his ambition and vision what really struck me about Richard Branson was his attitude towards people. We tend to assume that the rich and successful have a certain sense of arrogance or distance to them. Not so with Branson. He's the kind of guy that talks to everyone, makes the effort to make you feel welcome and treats you almost like family. It was actually quite amazing to watch him. He was almost saintly in his approach to life and people. The way he treated his staff, the children on the island, and the visiting guest entrepreneurs, was with the utmost kindness and grace. The biggest thing I noticed about Branson was his generosity and humility.
The trip was unquestionably one of the most amazing things to have happened to me. It was literally a dream come true. After having hung out with Branson, I'm absolutely going to reevaluate my goals and make them just a little bigger. If Branson can bring about world peace and affordable space travel, I'm pretty sure we can all reach for the moon too.
In a future post I'll share more on what I learned from my experience on Necker Island.
In the meanwhile, here's a video I put together of the trip from the footage on my Flipcam.
And some photo highlights.
Sunrise from my room balconey. At 5:30 am in the morning.
Morning breakfast at the long table.
Brainstorming with Branson and other entrepreneurs
With the money we raised for Virgin Unite
View of Necker Island
Playing Pirates with Richard Branson
Cheers,
Vishen Lakhiani
P.S. What if you could meet Richard Branson? Can you imagine what he would say to you or better yet, what would you say to him? Drop a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on one of my role models.
P.P.S. The thought of meeting Richard Branson isn't completely loony. Stay tuned and I'll let you know what I mean.
Great post how your Big Dreams are coming true! Can you tell me please how you edited your Flipcam footage so brilliantly? What software or method? I also use my Flip a lot as you can see from my website but now you've inspired me on many scores!!
What a great time. Thanks for posting the video!
To Richard, I would say thank you for all he contributes to the world, and I would ask him to help me set bigger goals for my life.
Thank You Vishen Lakhiani
Wow fantastic Vishen,
It has also been one of my 'dreams to meet Richard and spend time in his company to get the feel of how it is that he does so much and all with a smile.
Must have been an awesome experience for you.
Thank You so much for sharing your time and experience with us all.
Richard was a legend to me. After to read your comments my idea about him changed "He is an extraordinary human being". I would like to meet him one day. It will be one of the best day of my life. Thank you very much for sharing.
It was wonderful reading your experience.The photgraphs tell a beautiful story. It is not unlikely that some neo rich persons have a certain sense of arrogance or distance themselves from the past.This arrogance is sign of insecurity and indicates that the person has actually got "success and or wealth " by sheer luck or shortcut method. It is so reassuring to read that Richard is a class apart where hard earned success & wealth are just resources for bettterment of mankind. I am from India and have always held Richard is esteem although I did not know about his part of his personality Who will not like to meet him. Thanks Vishan for this insight
It was wonderful reading about your meeting with Richard. Photos speak for themselves.Wonderful! It is so reassuring to know about Richard Branson's attitude towards people wealth and success.it is not uncommon to come across people who are " rich and successful" and have developed certain sense of arrogance or distance them from their past. This attitude betrays the persons insecurity. It also indicated that he has got "success and money" by sheer luck or shortcut method. People who have worked hard and acquired wealth and success are very humble. Like Richard they respect others. I am Indian and have great esteem for Richard. Who would not like to meet Richard - any where any time .Thanks Vishan for this insight.
Thanks for sharing. Branson is impressive! But I'm uplifted and excite to learn that such a group as the Elders exists. Both Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter are heroes of mine. In my opinion, they've identified the most worthwhile, critical issue of any lifetime and need an audience and support.
No doubt, Richard Brason has a big heart and life. He definitely responds to creativity and generosity. Thanks for sharing this with us. I admit I adore him for all his giving and will keep on doing what he does well. Nameste.
What a delight to have the experience of Richard Branson. He seems to me to be very athletic and joyful like a child, yet always thinking of opportunities to share his ideas and wealth so that the world is a much better place with Richard. How wonderful he is.
Great story. Its awesome you've been able to meet him, but not only that have him rub off on you even more by inspiring you to raise you goals. A timely post for me, I've just started reading 'Screw it, Let's Do It'
WOW!!! This is totally awesome and I envy both of you for having the opportunity to meet the Virgin God himself!!! The Elders project looks set to be an inspirational and visionary approach to world peace.. Thank you for sharing this piece and I wish you guys more success in the future. I also pray that someday, I can be half as successful as you guys and Branson himself...
Cheers!
Good one Vishen, thank you for your works.
I've had a dream of talking to Mr. B. about a big space business concept, for a long time. Any way to get it to him for his thoughts? privately please.
Best Regards
Thanks Vishen, for taking the time to create the wonderful video and blog post. It's so good to see when someone pursues and achieves their dreams.. Richard Branson is an inspirational guy.
It's a wonderfully heartwarming and inspiring story
all the best,
Paul.
"Sir Branson, How did you lose your virgin?"
I am only kidding. I would maybe ask him what 1 advice he will give to the youth today?
or
I will ask, "You only have $1,000. What will you do with it?"
Wow! Awesome. Thanks Vishen, for sharing your special moments. I see Sean enjoyed himself too! I'm adding this to my list. Mr. Branson is a man I must meet. What would I say to him? That takes some thought. I guess by that time I'm already fairly successful, so I'd ask: "Richard, what stops successful people from becoming even more successful?"
Jim
Thank you for sharing your experience with Sir Richard.
But more importantly, thank you for sharing the power of your intention and the Law of Attraction that worked for you.
P.S. The Facebook video was not accessible.
Simply amazing! I am grateful that you shared this inspiring video. Meeting and hanging out with Richard Branson on Necker Island... what an incredible experience. Glad to hear that he is authentically cool in person too. Would love to hear your biggest takeaways from the adventure. Better yet, I'd like to join you next time and have you personally introduce me to him. Priceless!
Thank you Vishen for the insight and brilliant snapshot of Branson's life - greatly appreciated!! What an inspiration. I am now asking myself: how can I inspire people to have more fun creating?
Hi Vishen,
Very refreshing. Your post made me re-think my goals and that anything is possible. My goals are certainly set too low.
What would I ask Richard Branson? Certainly Joe's question is an excellent one "You have only $1000. What would you do with it?". Mine would be "What are top 3 attitudes/qualities person should have to be able to do what Richard achieved?"
P.S. Vishen & Mike - I been reading your blog for a long time. It is impressive what you been able to achieve! Your story to me personally is more motivating than Richard's, as I can't relate to Richard as much as you two.
Best of luck,
Mark
I certainly think that Richard is a Think and grow rich guy.
I really like Joe's question
"If you only had $1000, what would you do with it?"
Also,
"What was the most important action you made concerning your business?"
Mr. Branson has a lot to teach to the people. God sent him into this world for him to fulfill his mision, he is doing a great work, keep up the great enthusiasm and humor. God Bless you.
My question to you Mr. Branson is: What is your advice to creating an enjoyable and successful Home Business? Thank You. C.S.
WOW, what an adventure! what do i need to do rub elbows with Richard (does he ever go by Dick?).
Dear Vishen, thanks a lot for sharing this. I know that you will truly bring about a change in the world, towards greater peace and unity. Please keep moving on, I admire your actions and am learning something every time you share your wisdom.
Thanks again for sharing this. It's inspiring, and I believe everyone else would agree that reading a post like this sometimes take us out of our minds and bring us to somewhere more important. To lift our minds off the daily struggle and instead aim towards bettering life for ourselves, and the people around us as well.
Go go. All the best.
To me, there is obvious, generally, a new spirit in the world, one that prompts humanity's social and spiritual evolution. It seems to me Richard has embraced this spirit in a big way and is living the kind of enlightened life that reflects wholeness and abundance. A life which embodies greater love for all and a wonderful humility - as one sows, one reaps... we can see what he has sown by the fruits of his being. He is a shining light that will inspire many to raise their own level of consciousness, to do even greater acts of selfless service to others for the betterment of many.
Thanks for all the comments guys. If you had problems seeing the FB video just add me as a friend and in the message field add that you're a FinerMinds reader. I'll approve you and you'll now have access to it.
And yes, I will share more key learnings from Necker soon!
Way to go Vishen
I have started an on line political party, because I believe that the new world order is a social network. Please join if you think this party would support the kind of world you would like to live in. Would you invite Richard to join and cast his vote? I haven't had much time for campaigning, because I realized the mess we are in and have spent my time planning the revolution.
More info at HowToBoilAFrog.com click on GO and watch the movie trailer.
That is great to reach a goal of yours. It is pretty awesome to meet someone like that. Thanks for sharing, Dave
What a fantastic trip. Meeting Richard Branson must have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The way that Branson thinks business should be a model for every business in the world.
Thanks and all the best, Mats
Wow, congratulations, Richard is obviously one great guy that so many upcoming entrepreneurs like myself would love to meet. he truly is a down-to-earth guy.
Thanks for sharing. If I knew I was going to meet Richard Branson I would be prepared with my ideas in writing to support my desired interaction. If I just met him inadvertantly,I would want to inquire about his current projects, what he does to have fun and I might then ask if he liked horses and chocolate! I would challenge him to the idea of brainstorming so that I might engross him in sharing an "ideas for change" conversation. It would be empowering to hear his opinion, observe his reactions and clarify his focus. Visionaries are extraordinary people that fascinate and inspire me.
The question i would ask ..would he be willing to enter a business idea on testmyidea.com so i could see the response to it...
The site is designed to help poor people to start a business but it would be interesting for a rich person to try it ..
Thank you for the "visit to Necker " great ......ian
Richard Branson is one of the most exciting men alive on the planet today and it would be an honor to meet him. My desire is to board the Virgin Galactic as soon as it's ready.
I'd like to ask Sir Branson if he would mind sharing with me how to gracefully recover from a failed venture. Plus, what management style or personality is required by him to run one if his successful businesses.
With gratitude,
Judy