Rating: 
Summary: Great autobio of a great businessman!
Review: Unlike most people whose exposure to Richard Branson came from his reality show, I bought this book after reading one of the Forbes "Richest People" lists. I was intrigued by a man who could make a few billion dollars, jump out of planes, set record after record, cross-dress for promotions, and still remain a respected businessperson!
This autobiography covers Richard's life until around 1993, and the epilogue very briefly goes to 1997. Thus, there is no discussion about the impact of the internet on Virgin, or how the dot-com bust affected them, and so on. However, everything else until that time is very detailed and interesting.
Reading this book, you will learn the challenges that Branson had to overcome in his youth, including dyslexia. You'll learn how he started a vastly successful magazine while still in school, all the gritty details that involved in operating it, and how he progressed to record shops, record label, mega shops, airline, and eventually his Virgin empire. Exploits in his professional and personal life are also revealed, including his many world records and how he broke them, his numerous relationships, and the historic case against British Airways.
Make no mistake: Richard makes sure to put a happy face on Virgin and to promote his brand as much as possible. Then again, I don't know of a single book written by the founder of any such company - especially one that deals mainly with consumers - that does not "toot" its own horn on every other page.
Regardless, this is a great book of a great man by a great leader. Whether you are an accomplished businessman, a student, or a bystander looking to learn more about Branson and Virgin, this book is worth purchasing!
Rating:
Summary: A different path in life and business
Review: While Branson is certainly intelligent, creative, and perseverant, his business ventures illustrate just how much luck and good timing play into becoming successful. The stories also show how people pursue numerous ideas, end up failing at many of them, learn from prior experience, and finally -at long last- they break through. Branson's business pursuits are a testament to value investing - make a number of risks with a limited downside, yet a few can pan out and pay off handsomely. The importance of networking is also shown, which is how Branson connected with new ideas and valuable people. Branson's adventures are great reminder of all the fun and excitement life has to offer. What a contrast to most people's habits of passively sitting in front of the television, routinely doing chores, and other low-energy ways of passing the time. While most people are not going to go out and literally risk their life, this does serve a useful point of comparison. This is a quick, action-packed read, full of insights into business and life. Recommended to a wide range of readers, who will find this informative, interesting, and enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: A different path in life and business
Review: While Branson is certainly intelligent, creative, and perseverant, his business ventures illustrate just how much luck and good timing play into becoming successful. The stories also show how people pursue numerous ideas, end up failing at many of them, learn from prior experience, and finally -at long last- they break through. Branson's business pursuits are a testament to value investing - make a number of risks with a limited downside, yet a few can pan out and pay off handsomely. The importance of networking is also shown, which is how Branson connected with new ideas and valuable people. Branson's adventures are great reminder of all the fun and excitement life has to offer. What a contrast to most people's habits of passively sitting in front of the television, routinely doing chores, and other low-energy ways of passing the time. While most people are not going to go out and literally risk their life, this does serve a useful point of comparison. This is a quick, action-packed read, full of insights into business and life. Recommended to a wide range of readers, who will find this informative, interesting, and enjoyable.
Rating: 
Summary: Richard Branson - The Gambling Megalomaniac
Review: Whilst the success of the Virgin Group is undeniable, "Losing My Virginity" reveals that the company is led by a gambling megalomaniac driven by an insatiable urge to emblazon his name in the headlines. Two incidents in particular strike me as clear examples of why Richard Branson is an unfit leader for the group.
The first was his decision to stake the entire future of the Virgin Group on the success of the airline company. It is universally acknowledged that the introduction of the airline business posed an enormous risk to the company as a whole. Whilst I can understand one man's desire to gamble his stake on a high risk venture, what is unacceptable to me is the incredible willigness with which Branson is willing to risk not only his own stake, but that of his friends and life long business partners who also had a share of the group.
The second incident that appals me is the willigness with which Branson risks his life despite the presence of a family who rely on his support. I suspect his intent was to garner gasps of admiration from the audience for his apparent bravado, however I can only wholeheartedly express my disgust. I can certainly understand why a single man would engage in such a thrill seeking adventure. However, to gamble not only your own future but that of your family is an act of a man whos ego dwarfs the size of his balloon.
The book makes it difficult to judge his skills as a businessman, however as a person Mr Branson exemplifies the "me first" philosophy which unfortunately has become so common in modern life. Despite my criticisms of Branson as a person the book itself is an enjoyable read and contains many moments that I am confident the reader will enjoy.
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