Losing My Virginity: The Autobiography Paperback – International Edition, 7 May 2009

In this book Branson tells you his life story, talks you through this thought processes and tells you how Virgin did/do business.There are a lot of hilarious moments, serious moments, deep thought and innovative business thinking. Its an easy read - Branson communicates effortlessly, and despite being 500 pages it doesn't feel like it takes long to get through. You can almost imagine Branson himself narrating!There is quite a lot of talk about Virgin and how they built as a company, a lot more about the ins and outs than you'll find on the web. It provides a good insight to start a business and the sort of challenges you may face, arguments with bankers abound and a 'new startup' culture is prominent. Bransons bouncy abrasive attitude comes through strong, including his joy at shaking up established 2/3 player markets. It's good inspiration for anyone wanting to challenge their thought processes. A great example is where rather than trying to get credit for TV screens in the back of 747 seats Branson realises it might be easier to get a credit line for 18 new jets! (which is what happens!) This sort of enterprising thinking abounds.The one negative I found, and which felt a bit off about the book, is you do get a feeling there are things which aren't talked about. There are only a few mentions of serious conflicts within the Virgin group, there are only a few short mentions of when things completely failed (like Virgin Cola; the telling of the Virgin Cola tale here starts and ends with it being a successful startup, not the years when it fails). I feel this is a lost opportunity as great depth and insight is given to so many other things. There is also an element to which you wonder how much the prose 'sticks to the story' - there are a few places where a phrase placing the blame on another company is repeated; it's not to say the blame wasn't on the other company, it just feels the point is being worked a bit hard.All in all though really good book, really good fun, smacks with personality, it comes across exactly like you'd imagine a chilled conversatoin with the man would be!

An interesting account of a young mans life who was not born into an “ordinary” family. The rise in fortunes from a sixteen year old lad starting a magazine to his present entrepreneur status is quite unbelievable. We mere mortals would never take the risks he does! The earlier account of how he acquired more diverse businesses is fascinating....and I enjoyed his exploits taking on world records on the seas and in the air (a rich mans indulgence?)....and his story certainly makes the world a smaller place. However it tends to get bogged down in politics and “being a do-gooder” to save the world during the latter chapters. Although he may mean well his ambitions to change the direction of political and to save the world seems more of a hobby which only the obscenely wealthy can indulge in. Nevertheless an enjoyable read.

Really good book. What a life!!

Mr Branson is a remarkable character, that goes without saying, but reading his book really does bring it home. I have read many business books and autobiographies of other entrepreneurs (phew, did I spell it right!?), but nothing compares to this one.The book is riveting from page one and you will find yourself unable to put it down. From personal anecdotes and stories, business escapades, and adventurous journeys...this book really packs a punch.Many people have some less than complimentary things to say about Richard, but I couldn't disagree more. This is a kind and generous, philanthropic man who has gone to the ends of the Earth to help others (literally). He is a man seemingly unchanged by the trappings of major wealth, feet firmly planted on the ground. He has achieved great success from humble beginnings, and I for one say good for you Richard!As a business owner myself, I found great inspiration in this book. It is littered with gentle reminders that business doesn't have to be all 3 piece suits and board meetings, we are supposed to enjoy the bloody thing!AVOID THIS BOOK AT YOUR PERIL!P.S. Regarding Virgins near miss with the West Coast train line, this was yet another oafish decision made by an incompetent government, a government completely ignorant of any commercial sense. When will they start to look more towards business people to confide in for political advice, when its clear thats what the country needs! (And I do not mean Sir Alan Sugar, who has clearly exceeded the size of his little size 5's or whatever they are!)

My wife got bored of listening to me rant about this book and how it was motivating me to start my own company but after the early years it becomes a little boring. Up to the days of Mike Oldfield and bringing in new 70/80's bands it was a great read. As soon as it start to talk about corporate takeovers and share selling/buying it becomes a bit dull, like a list of dates and events.The stories of ballooning and fast boats would have suited being put into another book. The book becomes disjointed and a mix of everything that really doesn't work well. I raced through the first 200 pages and then felt it was a little bit of a drudge.What it did inspire in me was a desire to be in charge of my own destiny rather than being stuck in the 9-5 making someone else rich. It did give me the impression that Richard Branson has come extremely rich by a combination of hard work, risk taking and lucky turns of events. I don't think anyone gets to be this rich without having a massive ego and this books does nothing to dispel this idea.

This is a great book. Explaining everything about how Richard started as a student. And then his many business lessons and life as he's evolved over the years of his life both business and personal. Times throughout the book I was left aghast by his bold risky business decisions and the successes. Highly recommend this to everyone. Truly entertaining.

It’s very long but he has done a lot, so it couldn’t be difficult. You should read it. It is very inspiring

This memoir is absolutely amazing.Sir Richard is a very open man and talks about how he started his first company at a very young age and built it to a billion dollar conglomerate over the years. It is a volatile book. At the beginning you might find yourself in a musical rally. Then it changes into an aviation mania.And later into a chain of legal fuzz. And these are just some of the many experiences that you will feel you were present along with when you read it. It feels as if one were going back in time along with Sir Richard and he is pointing out and narrating each of those experiences. The book also has situations one might come across one's life and how Sir Richard faced them . It's a beautiful book. Don't think ! Just read it!🥰

De los mejores e inspiradores libros que he leído, el siguiente "finding my virginity" sera extraordinario super recomendado para todo emprendedor que quiera inspirarse u obtener lecciones que pudiera aplicar al inicio cinco estrellas para este gran libro

Richard Branson’s honesty throughout about his successes and failures is incredible. His resilience is inspiring, but I’m more surprised at what I didn’t know- how many people he has, and continues to, help. The man is a role model, and not just for entrepreneurs.