Based on his book Screw Business as Usual, in which Sir Richard reveals his exciting new vision for the future. It’s time to turn capitalism upside down — to shift our values, to switch from a just profit focus, to caring for people, communities and the planet.
Sir Richard Branson is an international entrepreneur, adventurer, icon, founder of the Virgin Group, the eccentric and outspoken chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways and the founder of Virgin Records. Famous for his daring entrepreneurial style, he oversees the Virgin Group, Ltd., an extensive conglomerate encompassing over 360 companies, including recording studios, a travel business, publishing entities, and retail industries worldwide.
An experienced daredevil, Sir Richard Branson has raced powerboats across the ocean and has set distance records in hot air balloons. His unconventional style of living is only a part of his undeniable knack for beating impossible odds in business and in life.
Virgin started when Sir Richard Branson was the tender age of 20. In 1972, soon after he opened a Virgin record store on Oxford Street in London, the young entrepreneur opened a recording studio in Oxfordshire and Virgin Records was born. Mike Oldfield was the first artist to sign and his album, Tubular Bells, sold more than five million copies.
During his ownership of Virgin Records, Branson turned it into a major success, signing such big names as Steve Winwood, Paula Abdul, Belinda Carlisle, Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, The Human League, Bryan Ferry, Culture Club, Janet Jackson, and The Rolling Stones. In 1992, he sold the Virgin Music Group record labels, music publishing, and recording studios to Thorn EMI in a $1 billion deal.
Sir Richard Branson eventually moved into other industries. He started Virgin Atlantic Airways, which has become the second largest English long haul international airline, and operates a fleet of aircraft to New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, Dallas, and Tokyo. He also created Virgin Mobile, USA, the fastest growing company in history to reach $1 billion in revenue.
Since 1985, he has been involved in a number of record-breaking land and air speed and distance attempts. In 1986, with his boat Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the fastest recorded time ever. One year later, Virgin Atlantic Flyer — a hot air balloon — was the first to cross the Atlantic Ocean and was the largest ever flown at 2.3 million cubic feet capacity, reaching speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour. Again, in 1991, Branson crossed the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Arctic Canada, breaking all existing records with speeds of up to 245 mph in a balloon measuring 2.6 million cubic feet.
Branson has guest starred on several television shows, including Friends, Baywatch, Only Fools and Horses, and The Rebel Billionaire. He also has had cameo appearances in several films such as Around the World in 80 Days, Superman Returns, and Casino Royale. He has also authored several books; most recently, Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You at Business School (September 2012).
In addition to his business activities, Sir Richard Branson backs a number of charities, including The Healthcare Foundation. With the help of Nelson Mandela, Branson and his friend Peter Gabriel brought together a group of eminent global leaders who “offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.”
The Elders, founded in 2007, includes such leaders as Martti Ahtisaari, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Additionally, in 2009 he brought together a group of the world’s top entrepreneurs to initiate the Carbon War Room, which increases the effectiveness of climate change efforts already underway and focuses on filling any gaps. Branson supports a number of initiatives that lead to economic empowerment and healthy communities.
He became Sir Richard Branson after Queen Elizabeth knighted him in 1999 for his business ability and enthusiasm for the spirit of Britain. In 2000, Branson received the Tony Jannus Award for his accomplishments in commercial air transportation.
December 2007, Sir Richard Branson was presented with the United Nations Correspondents Association Citizen of the World Award for his support for environmental and humanitarian causes. November 2010 Branson was awarded with the German Media Prize, previously awarded to President Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama.
In July 2012 Branson announced plans to build an orbital space launch system, designated LauncherOne. Four commercial customers have already contracted for launches and two companies are developing standardized satellite buses optimized to the design of LauncherOne, in expectation of business opportunities created by the new smallsat launcher.
Sir Richard’s latest entries into the Guinness World Records include being the oldest person to cross the English Channel by kiteboard and having the most followers on LinkedIn. In September 2013, he led 318 participants to set a new record for the largest number of kitesurfers to complete a one-mile course, in Hampshire.
Sir Richard Branson was awarded a knighthood for services to entrepreneurship. He lives on Necker Island with his wife Joan and has two children, Holly and Sam.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Kevin O Leary, widely recognized as “Mr Wonderful,” is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and television personality renowned for his sharp business acumen and candid commentary. As a prominent figure on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” he has become a household name, offering insights into entrepreneurship, finance, and strategic leadership. His dynamic presence and wealth of experience make […]
Jim Knight is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and training and development expert known for his expertise in helping organizations of all sizes achieve excellence and what he often refers to as “rock star” status. With a background in education and a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, Jim Knight has […]
Stafford Masie talks around Digital Innovation and Disruption, and are applicable to any audience because technology is a transversal matter, irrespective of industry or theme. Stafford has been in the ICT industry for more than 25 years. His career foundations started in mid 90’s working for Telkom, Dimension Data and then Novell as a software engineer. […]
Dan Heath, a renowned author, speaker, and expert in business strategy. Dan Heath, alongside his brother Chip Heath, has left an indelible mark on the business world with their insightful and impactful books. With over 3 million copies sold worldwide and translations in 33 languages, Dan Heath’s work has influenced countless individuals and organizations. Dan […]
Dave Noll is an Emmy Award-winning creative mastermind with a remarkable career spanning decades. His visionary contributions to the television and media industry have left an indelible mark. With over 60+ television series and an astonishing 3500+ episodes to his name, Dave’s portfolio is a testament to his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication. Co-creating the legendary CHOPPED franchise, […]
Henry Evans is the Founder and Managing Partner for Dynamic Results, LLC. In his career, Henry Evans has delivered more than 10,000 hours of Executive Coaching and also, more than 2000 hours of Change Management and Strategic Implementation services to clients. He applies the knowledge and experience gleaned from numerous successes and a failure in […]
Seth Mattison is a renowned business strategist and keynote speaker who has dedicated nearly two decades to studying business performance, transformation, and leadership within some of the world’s most renowned brands. With a profound understanding of the evolving landscape of work, Seth is on a mission to shape the future of work, making it more […]
After 20 years in the personal and professional development space, Kevin L McCrudden is better known as “Mr. Motivation and America’s CMO – Chief Motivation Officer.” Kevin L McCrudden is an international author, speaker and the only motivational and leadership speaker in American history to ever have a day of recognition passed by The United […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
