There are some mornings when your heart beats a little faster, there is a bit more spring in your step and you just know today is going to be spectacular!
That was my Monday morning, spent with the one and only Sir Richard Branson at the Business Chicks event in Melbourne.
I got to hear first-hand from the man himself what it has taken to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs the world has ever seen and definitely the most unique with his own style and personal brand.
I’ve followed Richard’s amazing journey as the original (authentic) marketing maverick since I first aspired to be an entrepreneur. The marketing strategies and stunts he has pulled over the years are second to none. He has provided countless masterclass examples in marketing, messaging, branding and promotion which has transformed him and his Virgin Brand into truly global phenomenon.
He did not disappoint when he shared his foundational principles. What impressed me most about him was his cool, calm and collected approach to everything he does. He does not take himself too seriously and puts fun and humour into everything he does. We were reminded of many of his bold and creative marketing strategies as he told amazing stories about the sense of adventure he brought to every campaign, his unbeatable customer-centric focus, and his boundless courage and willingness to take (calculated) risks.
There were so many great insights, but these stood out for me:
- Don’t take yourself too seriously!
- Humour is way more important than most people think.
- It’s not worth worrying about things beyond your control. Let them go.
- Always look for the best in people and in life.
- If you and your team are having fun, your customers will too.
- Try not to have anyone in your life you would not want to run into on the street.
- Make the world a better place in everything you do.
A huge thank you to the amazing Emma Isaacs and the wonderful team at Business Chicks for making this incredible event happen and for asking all the right questions to extract the best insights from Richard making it a memorable event I will cherish for years to come.
Meeting Richard in person and spending the morning with him, is a career highlight I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
