Branson takes the reader on a trip back to the 60's and 70's when Virgin took off and gradually leads you into the "jetstream" of his turbulant life. You will enjoy the ride.

This is definitely a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and earnestly recommend to anyone, not necessarily to businessmen, just to anyone who wants to make the most of his/her life.

Richard Branson used the book well on many occasions to tell his side of the story and to clarify to the public certain events that may have not been fully disclosed in that way during the time of their occurance.

He also talks freely about matters, which a conventionial bussinessman would find out of place, beyong the point or even downright embarrassing. Those "personal" moments are actually the essence of what this book is all about. The book is about Branson's life and Virgin Group is just that, a very large chunk of Branson's life.

36 of 38 found the following review helpful:


Some Teaching Points but lacking depth....  Sep 17, 2004 By Shola Abidoye
I have to agree with several other readers. Sir Branson articulates himself to be a born entrepreneur, risk-taker (sometimes calculated, other times not), iconoclastic and, perhaps subtlely, family-centered.

Unfortunately, his vivid descriptions of his variegated love life and only tangential discussion of his personal life philosophy and philanthropic work, leaves one saying "He's an exciting, flamboyant character; but not someone who will be remembered in the manner of a Carnegie or Rockefeller".

Whenever I read and review biographies, I try to encapsulate key takeaways--relevant teaching points--for future benefit. I present them below in the hope that they might be beneficial to someone:

-A tight knit social circle of family and friends is critical; the wealthier and more successful one becomes, the tighter and more important this circle should be

-JVs (Joint Ventures) can be a valuable way of expeditiously creating new business lines in an unfamiliar industry or environment

-European banks are far more conservative/less risk-taking than American ones (rather well known)

-Sub-units managed as individual corporate entities are an effective way of hedging risk and building employee buy-in

-Put employees first (vs. shareholders) and profits to owners/shareholders will dutifully follow


Overall, I am pleased that I read this book because I enjoy Virgin's services (particularly Virgin Airways). Branson's adeptness at branding is unquestionable. However, I came away with the feeling one often has after completing a meal at a much hyped restaurant yet not having had one's appetite pleasurably satisfied.

19 of 21 found the following review helpful:


The way a leader is supposed to think  Nov 13, 2000 By Andy Orrock
Now with the caveat that this is Branson's view of how he got to where he is today, I found this book to be a terrific read. In my mind, 'Losing My Virginity' perfectly encapsulates the way a leader is supposed to think and act.

Ever heard Branson speak in public? He's surprisingly shy, ill-at-ease, and not all that eloquent. But the guy works hard every day at crafting his vision and pushing it forward one day at a time. That's the genius of this book - Branson shows us the method he's used to succeed and admits that there's no great genius involved, but a heck of a lot of perserverance, determination...and a fair degree of flair!

My caveat at the beginning? If you want a very different viewpoint of Branson's career, check out Tim Jackson's excellent "Virgin King."

11 of 12 found the following review helpful:


The ultimate mentor for those with self-employment dreams  Mar 07, 2005 By M. R. Estante "book reader"
Branson is NOT your typical international business tycoon. For one thing, he dropped out of school at 16 in Britain. He was a near-sighted dyslexic who was told by teachers he would amount to nothing. Young Richard was terrified of reading out loud and supposedly had to sit in the corner with a dunce cap. In a world that admires people for the masque they wear - Ivy League credential, private club memberships, burgundy office furniture, house size, neighborhood whereabouts, and all sorts of external "proof" of worthiness ... Branson broke all the rules (not in a maliscious way), had fun, made a fortune out of adventure, and avoided suits, chauffers, and still was knighted by the Queen. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets an O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire) one day. In a nutshell, if you aspire to fly with your own entrepreneurial dreams and stay true to yourself ... Branson's book (there is an updated to 2003 edition out now) provide an informal mentorship in the art of believing in oneself.

How often do bitter teachers crush the hopes of students because of their own insecurity? How often do people get promoted on the fact that they went to Wharton or Harvard and have an exclusive golf memberships? How many people go broke trying to look like a success and negate their true selves? Close to 90% of the population trying to go up the corporate ladder. Branson, like Charles Schwab, was featured in the May 2002 Fortune cover story "The Dyslexic CEO". His story is a testament to the power of will and street smarts that may not be taught in the bluest of blue bood MBA programs. If the saying is correct - "few great men could pass personnel" - then there is hope for countless others in the world. Who would have thought that 16-year-old dropout Richard, who would never have been hired as he was by any Fortune 500 comany, or at least identified as a "top talent" by the men in pinstripe suits, would rival Donald Trump. Trump, with his Wharton MBA, private school upbringing, and slick New York posh address, was the one "most likely to be voted most likely to succeed."

Branson, being British, also triumphed over a class structure and nation at the turmoil of socialist error. Thatcher's reign as Prime Minister may have helped young Richard, but I suspect economic Thaterism was an adjunct to his ruthless rebellious desire to amass an empire of his own that won in the end.

Losing my Virginity is witty, funny, honest, and intriguing. Richard Branson admits his errors, allows himself to be human, and seems to maintain his boyish charm. If you respect people who are self-made, not handed a thing, Branson is a great story especially when you'd like some real-life inspiration. Most of all ... Branson personifies why not to let your transcripts dictate your confidence, and why never to think that teachers or some educational authority is some oracle into what you can accomplish.

Rumor has it that Trump and Branson have some disagreement on business style. Whether it's true or not, consider this: would you rather spend your life being purley materially driven with money as your God OR would you like to go to your grave knowing that you have nothing left because you truly are "thoroughly used up when you die." Your talents released to their ultimate positive manigfestation in the world while you had a absoulute smashing time doing so? If it's the latter ... buy Branson's book.

"When kids grow up, Kinko's founder Paul Orfalea was told by his mom, "the A students work for the B students. The C students run the business. And the D students dedicate the buildings." Betsy Morris' article in Fortune May 2002 cover story.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


The story of Branson's life... great read!  Nov 02, 2006 By John Els
I bought "Losing My Virginity" after reading and enjoying his latest book "Screw It, Let's Do It", which is a quick read... I wanted to know more about his life.

As with "Screw It, Let's Do It", he covers his life from early childhood to business mogul. "Losing My Virginity" contains a lot more details though. Although it is probably impossible to understand how hard Branson worked to get where he is, he does a good job of telling the story of how he started out, how he struggled in his early days, the many disappointments he had, and the successes they had that eventually snowballed into the business empire that Virgin is today.

By his own admission, Branson is not an academically brilliant man. He's just a regular guy who goes after what he wants with all he has. He doesn't let failures along the way derail him from achieving his goals.

This book is a great read that I highly recommend.

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