It’s hard enough for an entrepreneur to launch one successful business, but Jessica’s guest, Sir Richard Branson, has launched over 200.
Richard founded Virgin in 1970, and his empire has grown to include airlines, mobile phones, trains, space travel, cosmetics, and financial services, just to name a few. Virgin has recently become a leader in building more socially responsible businesses, with green projects that focus on climate control and sustainable energy. The Virgin Earth Prize will offer $25 million to someone who invents a commercial solution to climate stability; Virgin Atlantic will use more fuel efficient Boeing planes; Virgin Fuels will invest $3 Billion on friendlier fuels.
Richard speaks with Jessica about his entrepreneurial approach to responsible business and social change, from scratch.
Connie Duckworth is the founder and President of Arzu, an organization that promotes economic independence among women in Afghanistan through the sale of rugs. Arzu sources rugs from weavers in Afghanistan, sells them in the United States, and compensates these women at above market rates.