Finding My Virginity

The New Autobiography

By: Sir Richard Branson

Narrated by: Steve West

Length: 17 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Random House presents the unabridged audiobook edition of Finding My Virginity by Sir Richard Branson, read by Steve West. 

Fifty years ago, Sir Richard Branson started his first business. In his new autobiography, Finding My Virginity, the Virgin founder shares his personal, intimate thoughts on five decades as the world's ultimate entrepreneur. 

In Finding My Virginity, Sir Richard Branson shares the secrets that have seen his family business grow from a student magazine into a global brand, his dreams of private citizens flying to space develop from a childhood fantasy to the brink of reality and his focus shift from battling bigger rivals to changing business for good. Following on from where best-selling Losing My Virginity left off at the dawn of the new millennium, Finding My Virginity takes the listener on a roller-coaster ride with the enigmatic entrepreneur. Learn how Branson created 12 different billion-dollar businesses and hundreds more companies across dozens of sectors, going from a houseboat to his own private island. 

But this audiobook goes far beyond the numbers - it is a journey into the heart and mind of Britain's best loved businessman. Join Sir Richard as he juggles working life with raising his children, Holly and Sam; building a marriage with his wife, Joan; and creating a unique company culture. Discover how he created a new life on Necker Island while continuing to grow the Virgin brand into all corners of the world. Get the real story behind adventures and run-ins with everyone from Bill Gates and Kate Moss to Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Go behind the scenes as Sir Richard Branson creates the world's first commercial spaceline, Virgin Galactic, and handles the biggest crisis he has ever faced. Get under the skin of world record attempts on land, sea and air, and see how the original business hippy adapted to becoming a doting 'grand-dude' to his four grandchildren, Eva-Deia, Etta, Artie and Bluey. 

This is the true account of how the Virgin founder reinvented himself and his brand for the 21st century while continuing to push boundaries, break rules and reach for the stars in more ways than one. This is the story of the man behind the beard, the business, the bravado and the brand. Find out how the ultimate entrepreneur did it for the first time - all over again. 

©2017 Richard Branson (P)2017 Random House Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A fantastic book...offers valuable guidance and inspiration to anyone looking to become a leader, chase a dream or try something new...and reminds us to embrace original thinking and innovation." (Sheryl Sandberg)

"A terrific read." (Bill Gates)

Great book, but feels a bit disconnected

It's a great book and insight to Richard Branson life. However it feels more like a collection of notes, so it feels a bit on the surface, without digging much deeper on any subjects.

Listened to it in one go.

I was waiting for this book for ages. Did not disappoint at all. Can not wait for the “finding my virginity”. Please please Richard, do not dare to do something stupid to kill your self. This world needs you. Love Martin.

Loved it

If you enjoyed the original “Losing my virginity” book, you’ll definitely find this a great read. It’s adventurous, witty, and packed with practical advice, and Steve West’s narration is just as great.

Waste of time

This book lacks any genuine reflection and thoughtful analysis of his past deals etc. you are just spending money to hear Bragg stories that aren’t that interesting to begin with. Total waste of time and money.

Sir Richard Branson inspires to live more bravely

So many adventures, tireless generator of ideas, adventurer, no matter what. I admire Sir Richard Branson and was happy to listen to this audio book since reading it would probably not managed at the moment.
The narrators voice fitted just perfectly to how I imagine the author could be speaking. Loved this experience.

Loved every minute of it!

I absolutely admire Richard Branson. His mindset, his wit, his business smarts. I would definitely listen a few more times.

Self agrandizing pile of crap

Talks about himself insesantly and what he's done while taking the moral high ground on global warming and also bashing trump in the process. Couldn't finish it. Though Hillary Clinton was a nice honest person.

Respect

I have always been a huge fan of Sir Branson and love the way this story picks up from 2000 onwards. The man has balls and I respect the fact that even though he falls from time to time (and literally in some instances), he has the uncanny ability to pick up where he left off having learned a lesson and with an optimistic approach. The narrator of this story could be Richard himself and I was totally absorbed in the story and felt at times that I was there in the thick of things!

Story collections from the life of the author

This book shares a collection of stories from the author without a cohesive narrative. I think it will have been a great addition to the previous book but perhaps that will have been made it a little too long

incredible stories! highly recommend it

incredible stories! i highly recommend it for everyone! richard is such an incredible personality. Great read

Rollercoaster ride

This is a fascinating, open and honest account of his personal and business life spanning from the beginning and looking into the future. His laid back approach to life and business is something we should all adopt. So many pearls of wisdom and take homes from this book and I thoroughly recommend. Thanks for sharing RB!

A must read! Truly inspirational

Just amazing that one person can achieve so much across so many different areas....and he's still not done yet! Richard Branson should be cloned. Virgin Clones ? ;-)

Great book, dreadful narration

I tried and tried with this because I wanted to hear all about Richard Branson . . . but the narration is monotone and entirely lacking in emotion. Day after day I tried but eventually it was all too tedious and I had to give up. Richard, when you get a spare few hours perhaps you could redo this with your voice as I believe it would make it a stand-out autobiography if you did?

16 and a half hours in 15 words

I’m great. Look at all the awesome things I’ve done. Aren’t I great. Richard x

Smug and arrogant sounding narrator

It was tough to listen to the first 5hrs but I couldn't go on any further. The narrator uses American grammar not British and just sounds far too smug. Especially when describing skiing holidays and having lunch with Obama etc etc. Too much trumpet blowing for my liking combined with a smug sounding narrator just makes me want to puke.

Self-centred and tedious account

A boring account of the setting up of more Virgin companies. Couldn’t listen to it all. Little personal information and all about wheeler-dealing.

Not bad. Not great.

Easy reading/listening. A bit too personal and not enough business insight. Would have been nice to hear about tips / formulas Richard follows. Daily routines etc etc. Was lacking in real substance and value I feel. Had hoped to take lots of notes. Didn't.

A Must-Listen For Richard Branson Fans.

Listen! You're going to love this audio book! If you're not that much into reading a book (the book is bigger than you think) then listening to the audio will suit you. Steve West is an amazing narrator! When you listen to him it sounds like Sir Richard Branson himself is reading the book. A great choice for a narrator.

Without boring you with too much info, this autobiography basically picks up from where it left off. Anyway... enough of me scribbling words. Go out and buy it and check it out for yourself. Screw it! Just do it! ;)

A wonderful listen, I would soul hearlty recommend

This is a brilliant story from Richard about he's life, very inspirational and excellent advice on business and life

Honest and inspiring - the antidote to 2017.

If you've ever wondered why the Virgin brand walks, talks and acts in the way it does, then this book is for you. Gripping, entertaining, and honest. Start to finish I was hooked. It's like having a conversation with Richard - wonderful.