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.

You must have the courage to trust your instincts and be ready to question what other people don't. If you do that, you can seize opportunities that others would miss. Believe in yourself, and use everything you can - including the obstacles - to propel you along the road to success. Who knows what you might achieve?

Lavish praise on people and people will flourish; criticize people and they'll shrivel up.

Give your employees a mission that matches their ambitions. When you challenge people, they surprise you.

Please don’t get hung up on this question of whether you need to have experience in an industry before you launch your startup.

Those who achieve great things are the ones willing to be scared but not scared off. If you dream big and take risks, impossible becomes just a word.

Don't wait till you are big before you begin building your brand. Build a brand from scratch alongside your business.