Broughton Quarterly - Winter 2007 - (Page 36)

“Some of the technology we’re developing on the space tourism front will be ver y useful for bringing much more fuel efficient planes to normal air travel.” Branson was the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a hot-air balloon, and broke all existing records when he hit speeds of 25 mph during an epic crossing of the Pacific, from Japan to Arctic Canada. moment for less than the CO2 burned off one economy class passenger flying on a plane. And we actually think we might be able to get it to be completely benign by the time we start flying. So, again, if we move into this industry we need to make sure that anything we do is backed up with what we’re saying elsewhere. And I think some of the technology we’re developing on the space tourism front will be very useful for bringing much more fuel efficient planes to normal air travel as well. What are the qualities in a person that are important to you? Just somebody who’s really good with people. Somebody who just genuinely cares about people. Somebody who’s a good listener. Somebody who’s not always pushing their I’m curious about your moniker, “Sir Richard.” ideas down the throats of others. Somebody Tell us about Virgin Galactic, the “spaceline” Do you ever use that to go places, or is it more who’s good with the cleaning lady in the you’ve been developing. It seems that only for esthetic purposes? laundry, the switchboard operator, not just celebrities and high profile people are signing I’ve never used it. Everybody just calls me the people at the top. up for this. Richard anyway…Americans quite like the Sir It’s actually all sorts of people. We’ve had Richard bit. Occasionally, I’ll be in a restaurant If there’s one thing that you’d like to be 89-year-old grandmothers right through to and somebody will say “Sir Richard,” and I’ll remembered for when you’re gone, what Sam, my son, who is only 21. So you have a think there’s a Shakespearian play taking might that be? complete [age] range of people…We’ll then place behind me. [Laughs] Larry King always [Laughs] I’ve got two great kids. I’ve always have 12 months extensive test flights into gets it wrong. He says “Sir Branson.” It’s one tried to bring up a great family. I don’t know. space before we then take the first passengers. of those things that people feel awkward I’ve been a good dad, been a good husband. I mean, I’ll be going with my parents and my about…Generally speaking, people do just I’d like my company, Virgin, to be recognized children on the first flight. call me Richard. as the most respected brand in the world. The best company to work for. And the Your book Screw It. Let’s Do It reveals Do you realize the impact you’ve had on other issues, like global warming, to solve experiences you’ve had that have helped society and on the world as a whole? that problem in my lifetime. It would be you overcome obstacles. Can you give us an Well, I know I’m in a position where I can wonderful if a number of people could join example of just how you overcame a serious achieve a lot. And I don’t want to waste that together to help avert a crisis—and I’d like problem in your personal life? position. So I’m spending quite a lot of time on to play my part on that one—but we’ll see. [Sighs] Well, I mean, generally myself, we the charitable foundation side, and we think Helping to solve that would make me proud. lost our first child; she died a week after we can do a lot with that. There’s the public But only time will tell. Q 3 Broughton Quarterly Winter 2008 she was born. And, um, obviously that was particularly difficult for the mother. But, obviously, it’s not easy for either of you… Generally speaking, the way I overcome problems and disappointments is we just have fantastic people around us at Virgin… And we look for the best in each other. I’m a great believer in lavishing praise on people. We all flourish when we’re praised…That’s sort of the general philosophy at Virgin. persona that can hopefully make a difference. Like with Al Gore and our announcement about clean fuel, we were hoping it would encourage other people to do it.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Broughton Quarterly - Winter 2007

Broughton Quarterly - Winter 2007 Contents Contributors Plugged In Notes Calendar 1000Words Destination Wine & Cuisine Introducing Doctor Robot In the Desert Stillness Richard Branson Marketplace Spotlight

Broughton Quarterly - Winter 2007

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