How Richard Branson Channeled This Negative Emotion Into a Billion-Dollar Empire
People often credit ambition or confidence when starting a new business, but that’s not the only trait that can make the difference. It can go beyond passion and inspiration too.
According to Sir Richard Branson, founder of the multinational conglomerate Virgin Group, best known for Virgin Airlines and Virgin Records, the feeling that made all the difference for him is frustration.
"You often spot opportunities from personal frustration," Branson told the audience at the Qualtrics X4 Experience Management Summit last week. The origin of Virgin Atlantic was tied into this negative emotion, which was channeled in a positive way by Branson
"I was 28, in Puerto Rico, trying to get to the Virgin Islands, and the pilot announced we had to wait until the next day," the businessman with an estimated networth of $5 billion dollars recalled. This delay wasn't anything unusual: because the flight didn't have enough passengers, it was canceled.
Branson was frustrated, but it also gave him the seed of an idea.
“I had a beautiful lady waiting for me, and I was damned if I would wait till the next day," he recalled.
Rather than waiting, Branson hired chartered plane. This was back before Branson was a billionaire, and a chartered plane wasn’t really in his price range at the time. However, he didn’t care. He did it anyway.
"One of my favorite phrases is, 'Screw it, let's do it!'"
With this mantra in mind, Branson booked the the plane, borrowed a blackboard, wrote "Virgin Airlines, one-way Virgin Islands $39" on it, and went around to the other passengers of his canceled flight. "And I filled my first plane," he said.
That was the moment he started the company that changed everything.
Branson's next step was to buy an airplane -- secondhand, of course. He called a Boeing executive and said, "I'm Richard Branson, will you sell me a 747?"
"He said, 'Who are you?'" Branson recalled.
"I said, 'I have Virgin Records and the Sex
Pistols.'"
"He said, 'As long as you don't call it Virgin, because
people will assume your airline won't go the whole way.'"
We all know the way this frustrating story ended: with Virgin Group and massive success.
So, there you have it. If something's frustrating you, channel your frustration into finding a solution, and turn that negative emotion into something amazing. You may end up as the next Richard Branson, or -- more importantly-- the first you!
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.