Lessons from the King of Flight
A few weeks ago, I received a wild invitation: Richard Branson invited me to a gathering of changemakers to explore how Virgin Unite, the foundation he co-founded with the incomparable Jean Oelwang, could amplify its impact. Despite the serious logistical gymnastics required (😜) my answer was immediate & obvious 😉
The days were magical ✨ and my time with Richard offered lessons that resonate deeply with what we’re building at The Flight School.
Leadership matters.
When Gen Z is asked about leaders they admire, the silence is disconcerting. Years ago, Richard and Jean convened The Elders—a council of global leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson, Desmond Tutu, and others, to serve as a conscience for the planet. How can we connect today’s moral leaders with the rising generation?
Happiness is an inside job.
Richard is one of the most contagiously joyful people I’ve met—and it’s not because he’s a billionaire. He’s learned that purpose, not profit, gives life meaning. At 74, he’s in stunning shape and chooses to do what bring him joy—whether he’s caring for flamingos 🦩 or teaching people to swim. His life is a testament to alignment: How do we ensure our words and actions align with our purpose?
Risk-taking is a muscle.
Richard’s motto, “Screw it, let’s do it,” is more than a saying; it’s a life philosophy. His memoir's appendix, “79 Ways I’ve Almost Died,” shows that risk-taking is a muscle he’s built over time. What if we taught young people to embrace risk rather than avoid it?
People are people, no matter their status.
I was admittedly intimidated on arrival—it’s easy to feel small among those with more money, power, or fame. But Richard’s humility shines through and puts others at ease. Whether driving a taxi in disguise or treating his staff like family, he reminded me that our character is revealed in how we treat those with less power. What if humility and humanness grew with status?
Our differences are our superpowers.
Dyslexic and labeled “dumb” by his teachers, Richard dropped out of school at 15 to start his first business. Now, he’s convinced LinkedIn to create a “dyslexic thinking” badge, recognizing different ways of seeing and learning can be superpowers. What other superpowers should schools and employers start acknowledging?
Richard has generously offered to be an ally to The Flight School and we’re over the moon to bring him into our orbit 👏👏👏
He embodies everything we’re committed to building in our next-gen leaders:
Comfort with ambiguity
Confidence to chart one's own course
Courage to take risks, fail, and rebound
Commitment to a purpose beyond oneself
Here's to saying YES to invitations – and building the plane while flying!
The sky's the limit, and we’re just getting started. 😎
