"If your dreams don't scare you they are small,” says Richard Branson, Co-founder of Virgin Group

Entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, risk taker are just a few names used to describe Richard Branson. The British business magnate known for Virgin Group is also famous for his amazing personality and his taste for adventure.

Born in Surrey, England, Richard Branson didn’t excel in school since he suffered from dyslexia and dropped out when he was 16.  A natural entrepreneur he initially ventured into the music industry, eventually into other areas which include space-tourism venture, “Virgin Galactic”. 

Today, Virgin Group controls over 400 companies which include airlines, a bank, and most recently a hotel chain and has made Branson one of the richest man in Britain. Richard Branson believes, “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.”

Furthermore, he is also known for his sporting achievements, notably the record-breaking Atlantic crossing in Virgin Atlantic Challenger II in 1986, and the first crossing by a hot-air balloon of the Atlantic in 1987 as well as Pacific 1991.

“You don't learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over,” says Branson. The self-made billionaire has been breaking the norm since his entrepreneurship journey and is proven to be an extraordinary leader and trailblazer.

Branson built a great empire and survived countless setbacks thanks to his steadfast determination. He was knighted on 30th March 2000 at Buckingham Palace by Charles, Prince of Wales, hence gaining the name Sir Richard Branson.

An unconventional leader, Branson has truly justified his quote “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.”