DV Weekend Pickup #59

A look into the mind of the one the most swash buckling and amazingly unique billionaires in history. You'll get to hear the method behind his madness as he tells stories from childhood, the rise of the Virgin brand, and his home Necker Island. In case you missed that, yes, he has called an entire island home for the last 30 years...

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.

...located in the Caribbean and equipped to accommodate up to 34 guests at a time. This is just the tip of the iceberg that has built the Branson lore as this over top adventurist, who prides himself on having fun above all else. It shouldn't surprise you the book is broken into four parts - LISTEN, LEARN, LAUGH, and LEAD - each of which really embody Branson. This is probably my favorite excerpt...

"In the same way you cannot be 'almost unique' or 'partly pregnant', true passion isn't something that comes in half measures. You are either a hundred percent behind the quest for excellence hundred percent of the time or you aren't really a player. As a leader you cannot possibly expect your core brand values to be understood, embraced, and become ingrained in the psyche of your people if you yourself are not passionately and uncompromisingly committed. I am sorry if this might come across as overly trite or preachy but if you fail to understand the significance of having and sharing such palpable passion for what you do, then the chances are that you really do not belong in a leadership role."

...along with Branson's chapter titled "K-I-S-S and Tell - Simplicity Wins Every Time." Emphasizing the popularized phrase from the US Navy in 1960, "Keep it simple stupid." I love the practicality and clear nature of his leadership style. There is good reason why most say Branson is nothing short of lovable. As he would say, "Screw it, let's do it."

Crush the day!