Last night I finished reading Richard Branson‘s book Business Stripped Bare. The book has been my companion since September and I’ve read a few pages every now and then. I find the book really interesting (and good for practicing my new MBA vocabulary!). The book provides inside perspectives on the bank crisis, the disastrous effects of not-so-intelligent-journalism, how to build brands, wisely expand your business and many more of Branson’s personal experiences and advice. Sometimes the chapters about Virgin’s trains, mobile services and airlines feel more like a long detailed introductions for new employees at Virgin. “We at Virgin this” and “We at Virgin that”… However, it’s worth a read.

But it wasn’t until I reached page 253 of 360 that I was entirely hooked. Branson’s personal thoughts on the problems of HIV/AIDS in sub-saharan Africa and climate change really captured me. I’m fascinated by his personal mail correspondence with South African president Thabo Mbeki which puts the HIV/AIDS problems in the context of the various grim challenges of South Africa.

Waking up today I still feel encouraged by Branson’s description of the awakening of his interests for saving the earth from global warming. Branson is over and over again encouraging the reader to participate, to do something. He emphasizes that the scale doesn’t matter, “Just make a difference where you can”. Because the alternative is horrendous, as decried in the book; changed weather patterns, food shortage on a large scale, grave flooding, the disappearance of the Gulf current which provides humid climate for most Europe etc.

His advice to business people on business ethics really triggered my thoughts on my master thesis. (I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately.) Somehow this is what I want to write about… “To run a business ethically you have to consider the effect of your operations on others. You would never tolerate bribery; by the same token, you must not tolerate casual damage to the environment.”

As a leader I find Branson very inspiring. He seems to be a truly crazy, nice, honest, easy going and at the same time extremely focused person. What I also like is that he admits his mistakes and he doesn’t seem to judge other people. To be honest, he’s exactly the leader I want to be (am trying to be!).

For more info on Virgin’s non-profit Virgin Unite.