Why you cannot run a business without risks

Do you have any regrets?

There are always things in life that you might regret, and there are probably a lot of business decisions I regret – but I try not to dwell on them. I move on to more positive things.

One missed opportunity does rankle still. That was the chance to run the United Kingdom’s national lottery. Our proposal was to run a not-for-profit game, with much of the money going to good causes, but we were just beaten by the eventual winner.

We have moved on and set up Virgin Unite, our foundation, to act as the catalyst to helping others and galvanising our companies into action. It has been crucial in helping us establish The Elders and The Carbon War Room, initiatives aimed at solving conflict and helping to combat climate change.

And finally, I am often asked: Are you a man of habits? I guess being a serial entrepreneur is a pretty big habit.

Mr Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group and companies such as Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America, Virgin Mobile and Virgin Active.