"Oh, screw it, let's do it."
That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, in slightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many successful ventures. From the airline business (Virgin Atlantic Airways), to music (Virgin Records and V2), to cola (Virgin Cola), to retail (Virgin Megastores), and nearly a hundred others, ranging from financial services to bridal wear, Branson has a track record second to none.
Losing My Virginity is the unusual, frequently outrageous autobiography of one of the great business geniuses of our time. When Richard Branson started his first business, he and his friends decided that "since we're complete virgins at business, let's call it just that: Virgin." Since then, Branson has written his own "rules" for success, creating a group of companies with a global presence, but no central headquarters, no management hierarchy, and minimal bureaucracy.
Many of Richard Branson's companies--airlines, retailing, and cola are good examples--were started in the face of entrenched competition. The experts said, "Don't do it." But Branson found golden opportunities in markets in which customers have been ripped off or underserved, where confusion reigns, and the competition is complacent.
And in this stressed-out, overworked age, Richard Branson gives us a new model: a dynamic, hardworking, successful entrepreneur who lives life to the fullest. Family, friends, fun, and adventure are equally important as business in Branson's life. Losing My Virginity is a portrait of a productive, sane, balanced life, filled with rich and colorful stories:
Crash-landing his hot-air balloon in the Algerian desert, yet remaining determined to have another go at being the first to circle the globe
Signing the Sex Pistols, Janet Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Boy George, and Phil Collins
Fighting back when British Airways took on Virgin Atlantic and successfully suing this pillar of the British business establishment
Swimming two miles to safety during a violent storm off the coast of Mexico
Selling Virgin Records to save Virgin Atlantic
Staging a rescue flight into Baghdad before the start of the Gulf War . . .
And much more. Losing My Virginity is the ultimate tale of personal and business survival from a man who combines the business prowess of Bill Gates and the promotional instincts of P. T. Barnum.
Jacob Aliet –
This is a captivating story of Wangari’s turbulent journey from rural Nyahururu to Nairobi City. Wangari takes us through her childhood, her relationship with her parents, and her school experience, to the time she went to the University, coming of age, falling in love, and dealing with heartbreak and trauma.
Very well written in a forthright manner. She is not afraid to share her pain, mistakes, and vulnerabilities, which makes the book very engaging. Good work Wangari!
Teresiah Gitau –
The content is a springboard to practical pathways of food security and sustainability
since people must eat! Transformative, African and Kenyan-led true inspiration to all generations.
Kamau ndungu –
The world is full of real challenges so for an author who takes the approach of setting out real life challenges and how to overcome especially on job loss a common occurrence that has shattered many dreams is motivating. Would encourage and recommend as a good read. It’s short and doable in a day or two
Andy Mumia –
One lesson I have learnt from her, not only heard work and determination can lift your
from where you are but also the attitude and willingness to strive for Success.
Gabriel –
I like her books. They are an eyeopener and informing to a layman who has never been to farming.
Nyambura Muhuriri –
What a captivating read, one filled with great Inspiration and is well expressed.
It goes to show that whatsoever one puts their mind into, be sure to achieve.
Giving up is not an option.
Well done Wangari!
Wangari Kuria –
She faces unimaginable obstacles to become everything she never dreamt possible