Richard Branson: Raw Instinct

ʻRaw Instinctʼ presents the rags to riches story of one of the worldʼs most influential and inspirational entrepreneurs Sir Richard Branson. Sir Richard Branson the flamboyant British entrepreneur is best known for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies. The man with the Midas touch is one of the richest people in the world, with an estimated net worth of approximately $4.4 billion, and channels his fortune to the better meant of all. Branson is an incredibly unique modern day industrialist whoʼs fuelled by raw instinct. The Virgin Empire is one of the world's most recognised and diverse brands, including Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Megastore and Virgin Trains. But there is so much more to this self made man than trains, plains and automobiles. One thing not many people know about Branson is that apart from running his multi million dollar investments, this self made millionaire also has a tireless drive to improve the environment, society and to give generously to humanitarian causes. Virgin Unite is the heart of Richardʼs humanitarian efforts – a foundation that focuses on solving social and environmental problems ranging from combating the spread of AIDS and disease in Africa, to economic empowerment and education initiatives. Branson regularly hosts gala charity auctions and invites celebrities and dignitaries to raise funds for the numerous charities that Virgin Unite supports - including the Eve Branson foundation, a charity named after his mother, which aims to improve the lives of women and young girls in Morocco through education, business and healthcare.Richard is a man that makes a positive difference to our world, thanks to the success of his global group of companies. But the rise of the Virgin Empire did not happen overnight. Branson left school with dyslexia at age 16, and started his career with a student magazine, before founding Virgin music. From here on in, everywhere he looked he saw a business opportunity. Virgin Atlantic is his most successful business adventure, and it even spawned one of the bitterest legal battles in aviation history between them and British Airways. You would think that a man so busy with all his businesses and charities would have very little time to pursue his personal interests, but not Branson. This entrepreneur-come adventurer has been chasing and breaking records for decades. He thrives on the challenge and the rush of adrenalin that comes with each endeavour, whether it’s in a boat, a hot-air balloon, a plane, or an amphibious vehicle. Richard moves with the times, and often leads the world in new technologies, including Virgin Galactic, a space tourism company, and Virgin Digital, a music download service. He is an inspiration for future entrepreneurs. Sir Richard Branson refuses to follow convention; pursues and achieves his dreams; and seems to have more fun than most whilst truly living a remarkable life.