How to Build a Billion-Dollar Business

CHAPTER 35THE WORLD'S GREATEST SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

One should never only judge business success by profits, but also the relationships and opportunities that come with it. In early 2016, Ryan Trainor, the founder of Adventus, introduced me to Jane Tewson. Jane was the powerhouse co-founder of Comic Relief in the UK, co-founder of Red Nose Day and many other initiatives. She was also the founding trustee of Richard Branson's philanthropic vehicle, Virgin Unite. Over time I'd learn that Jane was one of the world's greatest social entrepreneurs. (If she had focused her mind to the world of business, she'd be one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs.) Thankfully her measure of being rich is about giving back to society and enhancing it for all. Jane and I met in a café to talk and for her to ostensibly assess if I was an appropriate person to join her on a trip to meet Richard on Necker Island. We got on brilliantly. At the end of the meeting, she asked whether I'd like to come to Necker. I said, ‘Of course, I'd love to.’

Richard's spectacular home on Necker Island is used to host events featuring the world's greatest change makers. When you arrive, you are transported to this magical paradise where you get to witness an amazing group of world-class presenters talk about how they are moving the dial on doing something great for society. You are then provided with the support needed to launch real action and apply what you have learned back in your day-to-day life. Each ...