Richard Branson, with everyone asking him any questions that they wanted to get his insight on. I took some quick videos of some of his thoughts, which I’ll get onto the blog when I have a few moments to do it. (don’t want to take any time away from the discussions right now!)
One of the great questions that came up was, what does Richard think is THE industry to focus on going forward, if he could pick any industry.
His answer was immediate, and clear — he believes that the reality is that we are facing an energy shortage going forward, and he believes what is going to be the industry where more opportunities will emerge is in the energy industry.
As you might know, Richard is a huge proponent of solving the carbon emissions issue, and the danger facing us all as as the result of global warming. Whether man-made or natural (and Richard said he thinks that ‘it’s 99% likely it’s man-made’) he believes that there will be massive opportunities for those tackling the challenges facing energy.
Branson is one who gets behind his own ideas, and walks the talk. He takes all of the profits from what he calls his “dirty business” (Virgin Airlines), and contributes ALL of them towards efforts and initiatives to resolve the crisis with global warming and carbon emissions.
Obviously, I would concur with him that energy remains a key challenge and opportunity for all of us. Being in Alberta, we see this on a daily basis, and this is why I think that the future of Alberta is so bright — because we are an energy centre that will play a key role in the energy sector moving forward.
I believe in the next 5 years we’re going to see technology make a significant shift in the oilsands, for example, and Alberta has the opportunity to be a world leader in energy production.
The bottom line – if you believe that Richard Branson knows how to identify opportunities (and how can you NOT believe this), then think about the energy sector and how you, directly or indirectly, can build it into your future.
The founder of WordPress, Matt Mullenweg, has also joined us on the island for a couple of days. What a genius this guy is – 24 years old, the guy who turned down a $250 Million dollar offer for a stake in his company. I’ll share some of the insights that Matt had about how to build a big company, and also which company he admires, and why.]]>
7 Responses
Greg, thank you so much for taking some of your valuable time on the island and share with us what you learn from Richard and other great minds there. I so wanted to be there and hope that soon I can be part of this brainstorming meetings.
Looking forward to your posts.
Keep them coming.
Thank you and enjoy your time there!
Mariana
Greg – thanks for letting us be a fly on the wall of this wonderful opportunity.
Linda
Thank you Greg! This is the next best thing to being there, hearing some of the magnificent outcomes of these incredible brainstorming sessions!
If anybody is really serious about the energy industry and saving the planet at the same time, they need to look into sustainable energy sources – like solar, wind, tidal, geothermal energy( it is easy tapable and can provide the energy for another 4000 years alone), underwater turbines,etc. ( for more info check http://www.thevenusproject.com/techEnergy.php ) There is more then abundance of energy on our planet. Could please mention to Richard Branson that it is possible to run all cars on water – HHO technology – just check the patents of Stanley Meyers – and you will see that is possible. If Richard Branson wants to talk to me about anti-gravity technologies – he can contact me directly. That can tremendously empower his Virgin Galactic business. I love space tourism and share the same spirit of discovery !
My God Greg, I can feel your vibrant energy here in Hamilton.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us all. As the two previous posts above say, it is the next best thing to being there and the fact that you are taking time out of your “free time” to contribute to our lives – well – I personally think that truly speaks of who you are.
Looking forward to future posts!
Hi Greg. This is truely amazing stuff. If I could bother you to ask Sir Richard a question for me, I would like to know his opinion of geothermal energy. In particular the electrical generation from geothermal sources. This technology is not new and several manufacturers currently offer equipment. There is a town in Italy that has been operating a geothermal powerplant since the very early 1900’s. I would like to know if he believes this technology will play a hand in the future of electric production.
BTW, has he got you signed up yet for a rocket ride?
Harold
Greg,
I have had Richard Branson’s name in my dream file for about 7 years. Then I met you and now you are on his island! This is just amazing. There is no coincidence. I feel truly empowered and linked to winners.
I think you are right on about surroundering with successful people. Since I’ve met you and am putting efforts to act bigger, my income has quadrupled.
I’m am not in the energy field but in a metaphorical way I want to really jump in with this idea. Teachers are tired, people believe this recession idea and keep telling me they have no money and I think it is time I come up with energy based solutions for my clients. I shall use their lack of energy on my behalf, make it a lever for my business! It is very inspiring to read you!