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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Losing My Virginity summary
How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
30 mins
Brief summary
Richard Branson's 'Losing My Virginity' is a memoir by the founder of Virgin Group. It tells the story of how he started the company and offers insights into his approach to business and life.
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Losing My Virginity
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Key idea 1 of 13
Branson’s family pushed him to test his own limits, once even almost causing him to drown.
Born in 1950 to a family with an independent spirit, Branson was, from a very young age, pushed by his family to test the limits of possibility.
As a result, young Branson developed a taste for adventure, eagerly rising to the challenges that his mother, or life in general, presented to him.
When he was only eleven years old, his mother sent him to visit relatives who lived more than fifty miles away – on a bike and without directions. This was meant to teach him stamina and orientation. And, when finally he returned to his family home the following day, instead of a hero’s welcome he was greeted simply with the instruction to go to the vicar’s house to chop some logs.
But this wasn’t the first time his family had set him an arduous challenge. On a fortnight’s family holiday in Devon, when Branson was just four years old, his aunt bet him ten shillings that he couldn’t learn to swim by the end of their holiday.
Rising to the challenge, he spent hours upon hours in the sea. Unfortunately, by the time the final day arrived, he still couldn’t manage to keep on top of the waves.
But, to him, this was far from the end of the matter. When he spotted a river during the twelve-hour car journey home, he seized the opportunity and asked his father to stop the car.
Springing from the car, he tore his clothes off, raced toward the riverbank and, as soon as he reached the water’s edge, jumped in.
He immediately began to sink.
Gradually, however, by kicking slowly and regularly, he managed to push himself to the surface. As he made his way to the middle of the current, he saw that his family was clapping and cheering, and that his aunt was waving a ten shilling note.
When Branson emerged from the water, his father gave him a big hug, himself dripping wet. Seeing his son dive headfirst in the stream had greatly unnerved him, so much so that he had jumped in after him.
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What is Losing My Virginity about?
Losing My Virginity is the internationally best-selling autobiography of self-made businessman Richard Branson. He details his lucrative adventures, beginning with dropping out of school, founding a record label and crossing the Atlantic ocean on a speedboat. In essence, the book is about how cleverness, determination and an adventurous mindset played a role in the making of one of the richest men on earth.
Losing My Virginity Review
Losing My Virginity (1998) is Richard Branson's captivating account of his extraordinary life and entrepreneurial journey. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Branson's inspiring adventures and daring escapades, such as his hot air balloon flights and record-breaking boating expeditions, will leave you in awe.
- With honesty and vulnerability, Branson shares both his triumphs and failures, offering valuable lessons and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- The book's fast-paced storytelling and Branson's larger-than-life personality ensure that every page is brimming with excitement, ensuring that it never gets dull.
Best quote from Losing My Virginity
My headmasters parting words to me were: Congratulations, Branson. I predict that you will either go to prison or become a millionaire.
—Richard Branson
Who should read Losing My Virginity?
- Anyone interested in the life of Richard Branson
- Anyone interested in how Branson founded one of the most influential music labels, a transatlantic airline, and set several world records for ballooning and boating across oceans
- Anyone who wants to read an entertaining tale of how one man broke the rules of business but excelled at it nevertheless
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Losing My Virginity FAQs
What is the main message of Losing My Virginity?
The main message of Losing My Virginity is about Richard Branson's journey to success and the importance of taking risks.
How long does it take to read Losing My Virginity?
The reading time for Losing My Virginity varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Losing My Virginity a good book? Is it worth reading?
Losing My Virginity is a captivating and inspiring read that provides valuable insights into entrepreneurship and Richard Branson's unconventional approach to business.
Who is the author of Losing My Virginity?
The author of Losing My Virginity is Richard Branson.
What to read after Losing My Virginity?
If you're wondering what to read next after Losing My Virginity, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
- Millennial Money by Patrick O’Shaughnessy
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
- Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Everyday Millionaires by Chris Hogan
- Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei & Anne Morriss
- Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam
- Finding My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Man Without A Face by Masha Gessen
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman