Richard Branson (1950 – ). British business magnate and philanthropist. Founder of the company "Virgin". It unites many different business sectors in 30 countries around the world. At the age of 16, he left school due to dyslexia. He started his business by selling music records. Later, he founded one of the best recording studios in the world, Virgin Records, and collaborated with such famous groups as the Rolling Stones, Genesis and others.
He has expanded his business from the music industry into communications (Virgin Mobile), railways (Virgin Rail Group) and airlines (Virgin Atlantic Airlines). One of his latest and most successful ventures is space tourism (Virgin Galactic), which aims to make it affordable for people to travel to space in the future.
Branson is actively involved in environmental protection, renewable energy production, the fight against AIDS, and other campaigns. He is engaged in the promotion of a sporty lifestyle and is known for such records as crossing the oceans in a hot air balloon, etc.
In 1999, he was knighted for his contributions to entrepreneurship.
Branson's biography is distinguished by its diversity. He never rests on his laurels and constantly sets new goals for himself. Despite diversified businesses, he quite effectively leads several companies and attaches special importance to the employee factor in his own success. He believes, not without reason, that the well-being of employees is directly related to the well-being of the business. The more satisfied an employee is with the working environment, working climate, the correct and fair attitude towards him, taking into account his abilities and recognizing his role and contribution, the more motivated, focused on personal and company development, result-oriented and effective his work style is. Therefore, if we want to do business well, be successful and have satisfied customers, we must start by improving relations with employees, appreciating them, caring for their development and feeling grateful for them.
