Richard Branson: Fun with Money

A New Zealand radio host recently asked me during an interview, “If you could be any billionaire, who would it be?”

The question caught me off-guard. Any of them? All of them? Inhabiting the body of any of these mega-moguls, no matter how flaccid or geriatric, seemed alright to me. But asked to name one, the answer seemed obvious. Why be a cranky paper-pusher, a Scrooge McDuck if you will, if you could be a flaxen-haired cosmonaut with a hand in just about every sexy industry the business world offers? In other words why be bitter when you can be Branson?

Richard Branson at a charity event in Italy on November 2 (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty)

Yes, Sir Richard Branson, the dashing founding chairman of the saucily-monikered Virgin Group, purveyor of cell phones, smooth plane rides, green fuel, hot tunes,  booze, cruises and much more. Why am I fan?

5. Everyone Loves a Self-Made Success

At least Americans do, and Branson (a Brit, though I’d consider adopting if he wants to change it up) is nothing if not a self-starter. Though his origins weren’t exactly humble- his father was a lawyer- his dyslexia cramped his academic performance. Frustrated with school, he launched a student magazine at 16 and Virgin, a mail-order record retailer, just four years later. Let’s just say it was a huge success.

4.  He’s an Eco-Conscious Capitalist

When Branson announced back in 2007 his intention to commit a massive portion of profits (an estimated $3 billion over 10 years) from Virgin’s transport division to research renewable energy, it was touted by many as a magnanimous gesture by a guilt-stricken fuel hog. Same response a year earlier when he launched Virgin Fuel, an investment vehicle committed to funding bioethanol and other plants exploring alternatives to oil. But Branson was quick to emphasize that both initiatives were most definitely for-profit ventures. Few individuals have the capital- or commitment- to fund such ambitious projects like developing a brand-new ultraclean fuel, but Branson has no fear of failure. High fuel costs hack away his airlines’ margins and he’s well-aware of the commercial value of a reliable, clean-burning energy source.

3. His Sales Pitch Never Gets Old

And that’s because he’s selling his own lifestyle, which to us on the outside looks pretty awesome. Rich, adventurous, jet-setting excitement. The first time I flew Virgin I was completely charmed by the personal greeting Sir Richard delivered prior to takeoff. Was I enjoying the pre-departure Theme From Shaft-esque music? Would I like to explore the on-demand movie library during flight? Maybe enjoy a beverage from the giant neon circular bar located in Business? Why yes I would. He blogs and tweets but is just as likely to chatter about Virgin promotions as he is about his sweet yacht.

2. He Has a Private Island

Unafraid to live a cliche, Sir Richard went out and bought the glorious Necker Island, a 74-acre slice of paradise in the British West Indies replete with coral reefs, sandy beaches, spacious villas and Michelin-trained chefs. And he’ll share it with you! For $36,000 a night. A businessman to the end.

1. He Has Fun (or does a great job of faking it)

Unlike 99% of his fellow tycoons, Branson does not take himself too seriously. He’s starred in his own reality show, done cameos on sitcoms and movies, started a water fight with Stephen Colbert and spends his spare time trying to break world records by plane, boat and hot air balloon. But even when cavorting with stars or water-skiing with naked supermodels he’s always flying the Virgin flag. Again, this guy is a billionaire for a reason.