I was a risk-taker as a young man, and I don't regret it. I'm not adventurous in quite the same way now, but I still love the challenge of testing myself to the limits, flying around the world, or seeing if I can be the first to fly a balloon across the Atlantic, or trying to take people into space at an affordable price in an environmentally friendly way. I'll be going into space with three generations of my family!

Having a personality of caring about people is important. You can’t be a good leader unless you generally like people. That is how you bring out the best in them.

The idea that business is strictly a numbers affair has always struck me as preposterous. For one thing, I've never been particularly good at numbers, but I think I've done a reasonable job with feelings. And I'm convinced that it is feelings - and feelings alone - that account for the success of the Virgin brand in all of its myriad forms.

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

Remain focused on fulfilling your business mission. Never allow adversity divert your attention and efforts.

All good leaders listen to their people and empower them to go away and turn any innovative ideas they have into a reality.

I just kind of dive in if I think I can create something that will make a difference and then try to get the numbers to stack up after the event. So most of the things I've done I would not have done if I'd have asked the accountants to look at them before.