Good people have always been at the heart of the Virgin business, and that's largely because we have tried to keep our business small, and our management teams tight-knit. I feel that small, compact companies, are better run. That is partly because people feel more connected in small companies.

I never really felt secure until I was well into my 30s, because anytime I had success, I would invest in new projects.

There is no such thing as a boring person: everyone has stories and insights worth sharing. While on the road, we let our phones or laptops take up our attention. By doing that, we might miss out on the chance to learn and absorb ideas and inspiration from an unexpected source: our fellow travelers.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, give people a reason not to forget you

The most important thing for entrepreneurs is not to be put off by failure.

There's no better satisfaction than watching the people around you, who have worked day and night to get something right, realising the dream.

I am always working on the go. I have never had an office that I work out of and work has become intertwined with my personal life. Fortunately I am able to work from my home and can answer my e-mails in the morning, play tennis or kitesurf in the afternoon to keep fit and have meetings or phone calls in between.