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The Virgin Way: How to Listen, Learn, Laugh and Lead
There's a difference between being a leader and being a boss ...
In September 2012, a YOUGOV poll conducted in Britain found that the person British workers would most like as their manager was Sir Richard Branson.
With over 40 years in business, Richard Branson is an inspiring pioneer of humanitarian projects and an iconic business leader. In The Virgin Way, Richard shares and distils his secrets of leadership and success. Featuring anecdotes from his own business dealings, as well as his observations of many others who have inspired him – from politicians, business leaders, explorers, scientists and philanthropists – Richard reflects on the qualities he feels are essential for success in today's world.
This is not a conventional book on leadership. There are no rules – but rather the secrets of leadership that he has learned along the way from his days at Virgin Records, to his recent work with The Elders. Whether you're at the beginning of your career, or head of a Fortune 500 company – this is your guide to being your own CEO (Chief Enabling Officer) and becoming a true leader – not just a boss.
In September 2012, a YOUGOV poll conducted in Britain found that the person British workers would most like as their manager was Sir Richard Branson.
With over 40 years in business, Richard Branson is an inspiring pioneer of humanitarian projects and an iconic business leader. In The Virgin Way, Richard shares and distils his secrets of leadership and success. Featuring anecdotes from his own business dealings, as well as his observations of many others who have inspired him – from politicians, business leaders, explorers, scientists and philanthropists – Richard reflects on the qualities he feels are essential for success in today's world.
This is not a conventional book on leadership. There are no rules – but rather the secrets of leadership that he has learned along the way from his days at Virgin Records, to his recent work with The Elders. Whether you're at the beginning of your career, or head of a Fortune 500 company – this is your guide to being your own CEO (Chief Enabling Officer) and becoming a true leader – not just a boss.
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
706 people are currently reading
10212 people want to read
About the author
Richard Branson
86 books1,367 followersSir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English business magnate, best known for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies. Branson's first successful business venture was at age 16, when he published a magazine called Student. He then set up a record mail-order business in 1970. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, later known as Virgin Megastores and rebranded as zavvi in late 2007. With his flamboyant and competitive style, Branson's Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s - as he set up Virgin Atlantic Airways and expanded the Virgin Records music label. Richard Branson is the 236th richest person according to Forbes' 2008 list of billionaires as he has an estimated net worth of approximately $7.9 billion USD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
October 14, 2016
Surprising tales from the renegade icon : his 400+ companies, 50 million+ customers, and his legendary April Fool's pranks ... including one Steve Jobs revealed to be the birth of iTunes.
Quotes, followed by "The Guide" excepts:
-------------------
"I read somewhere once that 10,000 Cokes are consumed around the world every second of every day."
"See yourself as the competition sees you."
"A little shake, rattle, and roll never did anybody any harm."
"My favorite question with internal applicants has always been : 'So if you get the job, what are the first things you're going to change around here, and why?' "
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it." - Winston Churchill (paraphrased)
"These days, too much is for sale... Nothing stands for anything anymore. Everything is everywhere. Convenience has no soul. It's time to take retail back... If the world is about ubiquity, then we're about scarcity and intimacy."
"Leadership is the ability to hide your panic from others." - Lao Tzu, 6th century
"When all else is equal, then the big guys will usually find a way to outmuscle any pesky upstart. So that is why the newcomer has got to make sure that the playing field is anything but level. In fact, you don't want to step onto their playing field. It confuses them even more when you sprint..."
"It was a standing joke with the Virgin Mobile marketing team that AT&T would spend more on advertising during one episode of American Idol than we would spend in a whole year."
"We have always relied on smart, cutting edge creativity and scads of often self-deprecating humor to get ourselves noticed. It's called getting a much bigger bang for a much smaller buck."
"Did you know that, according to all the laws of aerodynamics, the humble bumblebee should not be capable of flight? The inescapable - if frustrating for scientists - fact is that whatever innovative technique the bumblebee is employing, it works."
"Identifying Great People" :
*** "Youthful joie de vivre"
*** "People skills"
*** "Relentless focus on great service"
*** "Succeed at each and every task"
*** "Sense of humor"
"I have always found working from my home, as I have done all my life, reduces the stress levels I know I'd suffer if I were working from an office."
"Southwest's fleet of around 600 airplanes consists of just a single aircraft type : the workhorse Boeing 737. This makes every employee's job simpler. Every pilot can fly every aircraft in the fleet, and every engineer knows where every part goes."
"Wear laurels, don't rest on them."
"Happiness actually fuels success, not the other way around."
"Indecision is not an option."
The Guide
----------
"A smorgasbord of bite-size, easy-to-digest, and very pragmatic mini-mission statements that also act as calls to action."
THOU SHALT :
- Be genuine
- Be yourself
- Give your full attention
- Find common ground
- Try to remember faces
- Be empathetic and remember everyone's different
- Share what you know
- Notice how you're coming across
- Build relationships
- Have fun
THOU SHALT NOT :
- Force the fun
- Act unnaturally or talk like its scripted
- Interrupt
- Be elitist
- Be too busy
- Take it personally if people don't want to chat
.
Quotes, followed by "The Guide" excepts:
-------------------
"I read somewhere once that 10,000 Cokes are consumed around the world every second of every day."
"See yourself as the competition sees you."
"A little shake, rattle, and roll never did anybody any harm."
"My favorite question with internal applicants has always been : 'So if you get the job, what are the first things you're going to change around here, and why?' "
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it." - Winston Churchill (paraphrased)
"These days, too much is for sale... Nothing stands for anything anymore. Everything is everywhere. Convenience has no soul. It's time to take retail back... If the world is about ubiquity, then we're about scarcity and intimacy."
"Leadership is the ability to hide your panic from others." - Lao Tzu, 6th century
"When all else is equal, then the big guys will usually find a way to outmuscle any pesky upstart. So that is why the newcomer has got to make sure that the playing field is anything but level. In fact, you don't want to step onto their playing field. It confuses them even more when you sprint..."
"It was a standing joke with the Virgin Mobile marketing team that AT&T would spend more on advertising during one episode of American Idol than we would spend in a whole year."
"We have always relied on smart, cutting edge creativity and scads of often self-deprecating humor to get ourselves noticed. It's called getting a much bigger bang for a much smaller buck."
"Did you know that, according to all the laws of aerodynamics, the humble bumblebee should not be capable of flight? The inescapable - if frustrating for scientists - fact is that whatever innovative technique the bumblebee is employing, it works."
"Identifying Great People" :
*** "Youthful joie de vivre"
*** "People skills"
*** "Relentless focus on great service"
*** "Succeed at each and every task"
*** "Sense of humor"
"I have always found working from my home, as I have done all my life, reduces the stress levels I know I'd suffer if I were working from an office."
"Southwest's fleet of around 600 airplanes consists of just a single aircraft type : the workhorse Boeing 737. This makes every employee's job simpler. Every pilot can fly every aircraft in the fleet, and every engineer knows where every part goes."
"Wear laurels, don't rest on them."
"Happiness actually fuels success, not the other way around."
"Indecision is not an option."
The Guide
----------
"A smorgasbord of bite-size, easy-to-digest, and very pragmatic mini-mission statements that also act as calls to action."
THOU SHALT :
- Be genuine
- Be yourself
- Give your full attention
- Find common ground
- Try to remember faces
- Be empathetic and remember everyone's different
- Share what you know
- Notice how you're coming across
- Build relationships
- Have fun
THOU SHALT NOT :
- Force the fun
- Act unnaturally or talk like its scripted
- Interrupt
- Be elitist
- Be too busy
- Take it personally if people don't want to chat
.
December 10, 2014
Clearly Mr. Branson is an amazing person and exceptional entrepreneur, which is evident by his success. However, a ridiculous portion of this book is really just a Virgin “puff piece”, which I found exceptionally hard to plow through. There is some sage advice and a few interesting internal Virgin stories but they are hopeless intertwined with the over the top praise of Virgin and its people.
This is how I would break down the books content:
- 40% a Virgin advertisement and promotion, including high praise of their “amazing management” who are continuously mentioned by name and are only seconded in their incredible abilities by Mr. Branson (at times I felt he was really writing this book for his management’s egos);
- 15% recycling well known business stories (many of which Mr. Branson had no involvement in);
- 5% clichés (there are really far too many in the book);
- 20% Virgin war stories (some very interesting);
- 20% management concepts and business ideas. He is clearly passionate about some very basic concepts which I found interesting and helpful to understand. However, the concepts are very basic and including things like: listen carefully, taking notes, look after your employees, be a good steward of the environment, have fun, … ).
The best part of this book was learning a bit more about the story of Virgin and a little about what makes Mr. Branson tick. However, if the Virgin marketing had been replaced by more stories about things that happened inside Virgin (the good and bad), then this might have been an ok book (but sadly that was not the case).
This is how I would break down the books content:
- 40% a Virgin advertisement and promotion, including high praise of their “amazing management” who are continuously mentioned by name and are only seconded in their incredible abilities by Mr. Branson (at times I felt he was really writing this book for his management’s egos);
- 15% recycling well known business stories (many of which Mr. Branson had no involvement in);
- 5% clichés (there are really far too many in the book);
- 20% Virgin war stories (some very interesting);
- 20% management concepts and business ideas. He is clearly passionate about some very basic concepts which I found interesting and helpful to understand. However, the concepts are very basic and including things like: listen carefully, taking notes, look after your employees, be a good steward of the environment, have fun, … ).
The best part of this book was learning a bit more about the story of Virgin and a little about what makes Mr. Branson tick. However, if the Virgin marketing had been replaced by more stories about things that happened inside Virgin (the good and bad), then this might have been an ok book (but sadly that was not the case).
July 26, 2018
A very inspirational book especially for the young entrepreneurs. Richard's story is motivating and captivating.
June 20, 2018
I read this because my husband wanted me to read more serious books and especially business-type books. Well, this was my introduction into those type of books (although I don't know if it REALLY qualifies as "serious.") I actually really enjoyed this one. I thought that overall Richard Branson had some excellent points about leadership, and he portrayed them in an interesting way with lots of stories and examples, both from his companies and other famous companies. I could see that it could come across that he was just trying to make his companies look great, but since he believes his companies portray the qualities he wants, it makes sense that he would use them as examples. Many of the stories were humorous as well which kept my attention and helped me remember the leadership points better. I did start to lose focus toward the end of the book, but overall I felt like this was a positive read. Now how long until my next business book?
December 25, 2014
Everyone knows that Richard Branson is cool, and iconoclast, a massive risk taker, and amazing successful. But he’s also extremely introspective and articulate. I’ve never met him or been to Necker Island, but plenty of my colleagues have. When I started reading this one, I felt like I was doing something obligatory to read the autobiography of one of our contemporary business legends, but I really enjoyed it and by the end was glad Branson had put the energy into writing this.
May 26, 2019
I didn't like this book. I was expecting to read more about Virgin and its inner kitchen. Instead, it was more like "I know this amazing person, she's amazing, you should be like her."
January 8, 2019
Finally finished! Took me forever to read this book lol All in all it was good. Richard Branson is such a funny trouble maker lol
I like how he likes to have to workplace be a fun and creative place to work. He's alllllll about HR, making sure everyone is happy and loves their jobs, and he throws fun parties and boasts that Virgin is the best place to work at.
He talks about having mentors, learning from others, collaboration is very important and the skill of listening.
He strongly believes in youth entrepreneurship which I liked, and he's always looking at ways to help youth grow their businesses.
I like how he likes to have to workplace be a fun and creative place to work. He's alllllll about HR, making sure everyone is happy and loves their jobs, and he throws fun parties and boasts that Virgin is the best place to work at.
He talks about having mentors, learning from others, collaboration is very important and the skill of listening.
He strongly believes in youth entrepreneurship which I liked, and he's always looking at ways to help youth grow their businesses.
November 30, 2023
Určitě zajímavá kniha, ale je určená spíš pro majitele a vyšší management společností. Možná i pro nižší vedoucí, kteří přijímají zaměstnance se budou některé věci hodit. Už nemám ambice vést další tým, proto pro mě byla kniha spíš pro zajímavost.
Poslouchala jsem audioverzi, tam bych měla nějaké výhrady - chyby v textu (občas zjevně použité špatné podobné slovo, občas nějaká ta divná výslovnost), ale darovanému koni (výpůjčce z knihovny) na zuby nehledím.
Poslouchala jsem audioverzi, tam bych měla nějaké výhrady - chyby v textu (občas zjevně použité špatné podobné slovo, občas nějaká ta divná výslovnost), ale darovanému koni (výpůjčce z knihovny) na zuby nehledím.
October 24, 2021
Aunque Richard Branson me parece un personaje notable, este libro me ha aburrido mucho, por eso esta baja calificación.
May 4, 2015
- I respect Sir Richard Branson immensely as a successful business person, leader and entrepreneur, but he should really get a ghost writer or biographer. Just because you can run a billion dollar business, doesn't mean you have the skills to write a book.
- Most of it was *painful* to read. Though there are some interesting concepts, the writing is very poor and not compelling in anyway. All in all, quite disappointing. My suggestion is just to skip to the end of the book and read his top ten tips. It summarizes all he has to say without reading through 300+ pages of drivel. Sorry.
- Most of it was *painful* to read. Though there are some interesting concepts, the writing is very poor and not compelling in anyway. All in all, quite disappointing. My suggestion is just to skip to the end of the book and read his top ten tips. It summarizes all he has to say without reading through 300+ pages of drivel. Sorry.
February 23, 2016
"The Virgin Way" - an ardent & an interesting book. On his narration of his journey with Virgin Group, every nook and corner pave the way to understand THE REAL business, Marketing & Advertising, Customer & Employee preferences, leadership, qualities which help us to attain success, what could let leap you down. Richard's writing induced my brain's frontal lobe to think, to follow few good things like "First Listen", "taking down Notes", "collaboration is good", "Taking Risks", "Whatever happens, Be Cool and Funny". By the way, I love his "Screw it, let's do it" attitude! ;)
June 2, 2017
Deeply disappointing. This could have been a great book, but was "phoned in". Essentially generic business book filler, with a few glimpses of Virgin/Branson flavor. The worst thing is this book essentially means there won't be a good version of this same book, which I would gladly read -- Branson and the Virgin companies are amazing and I'm sure there are insights, or even just interesting anecdotes, which he could share if he wanted to.
The one thing I learned from this book is how amazing Sir Freddie Laker of Laker Airways was -- I'd like to find a good biography of him and his company.
The one thing I learned from this book is how amazing Sir Freddie Laker of Laker Airways was -- I'd like to find a good biography of him and his company.
September 25, 2014
Great quote: "You can take the person out of the cage, but you can't necessarily take the cage out of the person." This was an interesting look at Richard Branson's business experiences, guiding principles, and innovative ideas. I really enjoyed it and am intrigued by the "no vacation days" concept (along with many others). Brilliant!
January 3, 2018
I'm starting the year off by scratching off one from my business to-read list.
Branson is dyslexic, but that hasn't stopped him from writing 10 books - which is a bit weird, but in a fun way.
I have never used any Virgin service or product, so I couldn't relate much, but the stories were fun and he had some good points in there. You just need to look past the fact it's 50% a Virgin ad and repetition.
Here are some ideas he points at:
+ Make a positive difference and do some good.
+ Do what you love and have a couch in the kitchen.
+ Listen, take lots of notes and keep setting new challenges.
+ Communicate, collaborate and communicate some more.
+ Have fun and look after your team.
+ Delegate and spend more time with your family.
+ Turn off that laptop and iPhone and get your derrière out there
+ Follow your dreams and just do it.
+ Believe in your ideas and be the best.
+ Don’t give up.
Branson is dyslexic, but that hasn't stopped him from writing 10 books - which is a bit weird, but in a fun way.
I have never used any Virgin service or product, so I couldn't relate much, but the stories were fun and he had some good points in there. You just need to look past the fact it's 50% a Virgin ad and repetition.
Here are some ideas he points at:
+ Make a positive difference and do some good.
+ Do what you love and have a couch in the kitchen.
+ Listen, take lots of notes and keep setting new challenges.
+ Communicate, collaborate and communicate some more.
+ Have fun and look after your team.
+ Delegate and spend more time with your family.
+ Turn off that laptop and iPhone and get your derrière out there
+ Follow your dreams and just do it.
+ Believe in your ideas and be the best.
+ Don’t give up.
November 26, 2016
Si viene de una persona que ha creado un imperio comercial, creo que sus consejos merecen la pena ser escuchados. Lo más interesante es que sus consejos son simples, son tareas sencillas que requieren mínimo esfuerzo por implementarnos en nuestra vida.
En pocas palabras, ser un líder, o mejor dicho, un buen líder, se reduce a cosas de toque humano, de interés, de paciencia... de alegría.
El libro es además muy divertido.
En pocas palabras, ser un líder, o mejor dicho, un buen líder, se reduce a cosas de toque humano, de interés, de paciencia... de alegría.
El libro es además muy divertido.
October 2, 2025
I'm a sucker for business books. largely just hearing about how they did it always interests me. Big fan of Bransons life view especially with his learning difficulties he had throughout life. Appreciate his attention to listening and note taking. I enjoyed learning more about his marketing stunts like driving a Sherman Tank through times square, getting the police called on a UFO he flew in on April Fools in the UK, its fantasticly fun.
March 8, 2019
This book talks more about how Virgin got started. The thing I found so powerful was that Richard Branson has been pushing the modern company before tech startups started even considering their long list of perks. He's the person you're happy to give your life and career too because he want's to be successful but not at the expense of people or the world. He's really a man before his time when it comes to running a company and leadership. No one has driven a better culture at this scale.
July 27, 2019
Such an inspirational read on all levels of business and life! A lot of learning for those who want to become leaders and do not only a job but create experiences for themselves and others that will bring joy, happiness and will transform the life of others for better! Valuable read for everyone regardless of profession
March 29, 2017
Meh. Not much more to say. I imagine a Richard Branson biography would be interesting, but his business anecdotes are less exciting. He does seem to have a freer way with leading business than many others that I've read.
March 18, 2020
Entretenido y sencillo, muestra la estrategia y la tenacidad para trabajar duro mientras we consiguen lis objetivos pero con una empatia impresionante. Y demuestra que la diversion es importante an la vida y en los negocios.
December 31, 2020
The Virgin Way is a great book that covers a broad range of topics from speaking to business leading styles to startups. A recommended read for anyone and not just entrepreneurs.
It definitely sparked some motivation to follow my passions. An easy 400 page read that has some great insights into how Richard Branson built his empire and how he fosters the best in his staff.
It definitely sparked some motivation to follow my passions. An easy 400 page read that has some great insights into how Richard Branson built his empire and how he fosters the best in his staff.
December 27, 2017
Doporučuji těm co začínají se studiem jak fungují a mohou fungovat organizace. Pokročilejším snad jen pro rychle zopakování a občas pro pobavení.
January 24, 2018
"Listen - takes lots of notes and keep setting new challenges"
stopped-reading
November 18, 2018I have given up reading. It is not bad, but I was expecting something different.
Anyway, for those looking for books about management style, it will be probably interesting.
Anyway, for those looking for books about management style, it will be probably interesting.
November 25, 2018
Interesting take on leadership from a previous generation. Virgin it seems is like the ‘Google’ or the 80s and 90s. Very progressive and fun place to work.
February 28, 2021
Fun to read while also providing great tips on how to be a great leader in the workplace (and in life)!
April 14, 2021
Not about celibacy; generic leadership advice. Cool guy though.
January 18, 2024
I loved the “insider” tips he provided throughout this book.
March 14, 2019
It's an interesting read (audiobook). Richard Branson is definitely a character...never finished high school, but went on to be one of the most successful billionaires.
September 1, 2021
Muy divertido y con muchas ideas interesantes sobre el liderazgo y los negocios.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews