A generation ago, the image was that you had to trample everyone else down to succeed; but I don't believe that makes good business sense.

Be authentic and organic. It can't be forced or it won't work. And most importantly, have fun.

Nobody's ever called me Sir Richard. Occasionally in America, I hear people saying Sir Richard and think there's some Shakespearean play taking place. But nowhere else anyway.

A company is people … employees want to know… am I being listened to or am I a cog in the wheel? People really need to feel wanted.

In the same way that I tend to make up my mind about people within thirty seconds of meeting them, I also make up my mind about whether a business proposal excites me within about thirty seconds of looking at it. I rely far more on gut instinct than researching huge amounts of statistics.

To be a real entrepreneur you always have to be looking forward. The moment you rest on your laurels is the moment your competition overtakes you.

To me, business isn't about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It's about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials.