Losing My Virginity: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Losing My Virginity containing key details about the book.
What is Losing My Virginity About?
Richard Branson's autobiography, Losing My Virginity, is a candid and inspiring tale of the life and career of the founder of the Virgin Group. Through his struggles, successes and failures, Richard Branson reveals how he built his business empire, while maintaining his sense of adventure and zest for life. He shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. As the founder of over 400 companies, Richard Branson is an inspiring example of how to build a successful business and make a lasting impact on the world.
Losing my Virginity is dedicated to "Alex Ritchie and his family" and a note before the prologue thanks Edward Whitley who helped Branson with the writing of the book. The prologue of the book recounts the start of a round-the-world balloon trip over the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and is followed by 28 chapters in which Branson recounts the first 43 years of his life. The book ends in January 1993, in the wake of Virgin Atlantic's victory in their court case against British Airways.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Losing My Virginity
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* Follow your passions: Branson's success is largely due to his willingness to follow his passions, even if it meant taking risks and facing challenges. He encourages others to do the same, and to embrace their unique interests and talents.
* Take calculated risks: Branson is no stranger to taking risks, but he emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks. This means doing your research and carefully considering the potential outcomes before making a decision.
* Don't be afraid to fail: Branson has had many failures in his career, but he has always learned from them and used them as opportunities for growth. He encourages others to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process.
* Be adaptable: Branson has constantly adapted to changing markets and consumer needs, and encourages others to do the same. This means being open to new ideas and approaches, and being willing to pivot when necessary.
* Put people first: Branson is known for his emphasis on treating people well, whether it's customers, employees, or partners. He believes that this is the key to building successful businesses, and encourages others to prioritize the human element in their own endeavors.
* Have fun: Branson has always had a playful and adventurous approach to business, and he believes that having fun is a key ingredient for success. He encourages others to find joy in their work, and to approach challenges with a sense of humor and creativity.
Who is the author of Losing My Virginity?
Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is a British billionaire, entrepreneur, and business magnate. In the 1970s he founded the Virgin Group, which today controls more than 400 companies in various fields. Branson expressed his desire to become an entrepreneur at a young age.
What are good quotes from Losing My Virginity?
“It is only by being bold that you get anywhere. If you are a risk-taker, then the art is to protect the downside.”
“I can honestly say that I have never gone into any business purely to make money. If that is the sole motive then I believe you are better off not doing it. A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.”
“Most necessary-evils are far more evil than necessary.”
“to be successful, you have to be out there, you have to hit the ground running”
“I have always believed that the only way to cope with a cash crisis is not to contract but to try to expand out of it.”
“The best motto to follow is ‘Nothing ventured; nothing gained’.”
Book details
- Print length: 416 Pages
- Genre: Business, Biography, Nonfiction
What are the chapters in Losing My Virginity?
Chapter 1: A Family that Would have Killed for Each Other
Chapter 2: You Will Either Go to Prison or Become a Millionaire
Chapter 3: Virgins at Business
Chapter 4: I am Prepared to Try Anything Once
Chapter 5: Learning a Lesson
Chapter 6: Simon made Virgin the Hippest Place To Be
Chapter 7: It's Called Tubular Bells. I've Never Hear Anything Like It.
Chapter 8: To Be Second Choice Means Nothing
Chapter 9: Never Mind the Bollocks
Chapter 10: I Thoguhts I'd Move In, Joan Said.
Chapter 11: Living on the Edge
Chapter 12: Success can Take Off without Warning
Chapter 13: You Go Ahead with This Over My Dead Body
Chapter 14: Laker's Children
Chapter 15: It Was Like Being Strapped to the Blade of a Vast Pneumatic Drill
Chapter 16: The World's Biggest Balloon
Chapter 17: I was Almost Certainly Going to Die
Chapter 18: Everything was Up for Sale
Chapter 19: Preparing to Jump
Chapter 20: Who the Hell Does Richard Branson Think He Is?
Chapter 21: We Would have About Two Seconds to Say Our Last Prayers
Chapter 22: Flying Into Turbulence
Chapter 23: Dirty Tricks
Chapter 24: The Kick Boxer in The First Room
Chapter 25: Sue the Bastards
Chapter 26: Barbarians at the Departure Gate
Chapter 27: They're Calling Me a Liar
Chapter 28: Victory
Chapter 29: Virgin Territory
Chapter 30: Diversity and Adversity
Chapter 31: Changes
Chapter 32: Flying High
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "Richard is good-looking and very smart, which is sexy to start with. He also makes a billion dollars before breakfast—and still knows how to have fun." — Ivana Trump
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you'll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
