my favorite billionaire
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008
Several years ago, when I had read Richard Branson’s profile (full disclosure: I am a Virgin Mobile customer) in Esquire’s recurring feature What I’ve Learned, the statement that jabbed me between the eyes was his headmaster’s parting words upon graduation: “Congratulations, Branson, I predict you will either go to prison or become a millionaire” (further support to the wisdom that the most brilliant people are incarcerated).
Not long after, I recall his cameo appearance on “Friends” as a souvenir vendor applauding Joey’s nutty determination to walk around London sporting a Dr. Suess ‘Cat in the Hat’ topper. Thereafter, I began to notice his television appearances, whether trying to break some hot air balloon flight record or launching space tourism - no matter the venue or occasion, he’s always flashing that toothy grin and never one to betray the starchy pallor you may notice in 90% of corporate executives.
As if to spite those who take exception to his risk-oriented approach to business, his ventures succeed just as well as the rest.