Quotes from Richard Branson

When I was a kid, I had a tendency to criticize. But when I did, my mum would whisk me off to the bathroom to stand in front of a mirror. Ten minutes, never less. To think about how criticism is a poor reflection on the one who criticizes.

Especially when you're at a high level in an organization, criticism can be devastating to an employee. I prefer to praise employees for what they're doing right, and it tends to lead to them doing more of the same. Not always, but it's the way I choose to bet.

I always find the time to exercise - kitesurfing, tennis or cycling - and to spend time with my loved ones.

Well, the odds must be against anybody being able to fly around the world in a balloon on the first attempt. All of us who are attempting to go around the world in balloons are effectively flying in experimental craft because these craft cannot be tested.

Whether your sport of choice is running, cycling, kite surfing, etc. start moving and stay moving! It will give you energy and help you stay young.

Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.

If people aren't calling you crazy, you aren't thinking big enough.

Colleagues should take care of each other, have fun, celebrate success, learn by failure, look for reasons to praise not to criticize, communicate freely and respect each other.

Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision and change.

My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life almost like one long University education that I never had - everyday I'm learning something new.

Success cannot be measured in wealth, fame or power, but by whether you have made a positive difference for others.

If you get into business solely to make money, you won't. If you try to make a real difference, you'll find success.

There are no quick wins in business - it takes years to become an overnight success.

Past failures unlock future successes

One key to entrepreneurial success is to get a great group of people around you who believe in your idea.

What matters is working with a few close friends, people you respect, knowing that if times did turn bad these people would hold together.

Above all, you want to create something you're proud of.

My definition of success? The more you are actively and practically engaged, the more successful you will feel.

Growth does not always lead a business to build on success. All too often it converts a highly successful business into a mediocre large business.

If you create something that makes a difference in people's lives, you are likely to become a business success as well

Many assume my business success has brought me happiness. But the way I see it, I am successful because I am happy.

Most entrepreneurs will admit luck plays a part in success.

Success comes from delegating, risk-taking and having a good TEAM!

I never really felt secure until I was well into my 30s, because anytime I had success, I would invest in new projects.