"Oh, screw it, let's do it."
That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, in slightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many successful ventures. From the airline business (Virgin Atlantic Airways), to music (Virgin Records and V2), to cola (Virgin Cola), to retail (Virgin Megastores), and nearly a hundred others, ranging from financial services to bridal wear, Branson has a track record second to none.
Losing My Virginity is the unusual, frequently outrageous autobiography of one of the great business geniuses of our time. When Richard Branson started his first business, he and his friends decided that "since we're complete virgins at business, let's call it just that: Virgin." Since then, Branson has written his own "rules" for success, creating a group of companies with a global presence, but no central headquarters, no management hierarchy, and minimal bureaucracy.
Many of Richard Branson's companies--airlines, retailing, and cola are good examples--were started in the face of entrenched competition. The experts said, "Don't do it." But Branson found golden opportunities in markets in which customers have been ripped off or underserved, where confusion reigns, and the competition is complacent.
And in this stressed-out, overworked age, Richard Branson gives us a new model: a dynamic, hardworking, successful entrepreneur who lives life to the fullest. Family, friends, fun, and adventure are equally important as business in Branson's life. Losing My Virginity is a portrait of a productive, sane, balanced life, filled with rich and colorful stories:
Crash-landing his hot-air balloon in the Algerian desert, yet remaining determined to have another go at being the first to circle the globe
Signing the Sex Pistols, Janet Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Boy George, and Phil Collins
Fighting back when British Airways took on Virgin Atlantic and successfully suing this pillar of the British business establishment
Swimming two miles to safety during a violent storm off the coast of Mexico
Selling Virgin Records to save Virgin Atlantic
Staging a rescue flight into Baghdad before the start of the Gulf War . . .
And much more. Losing My Virginity is the ultimate tale of personal and business survival from a man who combines the business prowess of Bill Gates and the promotional instincts of P. T. Barnum.
Joseph –
Congrats Daktari. You have delivered a searingly honest journey through life’s heaviest trials, demonstrating what it truly means to rebuild when everything around you collapses. Written with emotional depth, courage, and clarity, this book speaks directly to anyone who has ever faced overwhelming loss, uncertainty, or personal struggle. It is far more than a personal story, it is a blueprint for resilience and hope.
Salome –
I opened Walking Through My Own Ashes expecting a book about addiction, but what I found was a raw, cinematic journey through the absolute darkest corners of rock bottom.
I’m not an addict, but after my business collapsed, I was quietly losing the will to keep going. This book met me in that darkness and reminded me that ashes aren’t an ending, they’re where you rebuild. It broke my heart, gave me back my hope, and made me want to track down the author just to say thank you for saving my spirit.
If life has ever broken you, please read this.
Dr.Andrew Githuka –
Author’s Note: The Reality Behind the Journey
I wrote this book to shine a light on the true, chronic nature of addiction. It is a complex entity with biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions—and unless it is addressed holistically, it almost always leads to repeated relapses and, ultimately, death.
This memoir is raw, honest, and unfiltered. To understand the depth of the valley before the recovery, here is the journey in numbers:
-18 years living in active addiction
-Over 20 arrests and 20+ court arraignments
-Remanded 10+ times & declared unfit to stand trial 2 times
-10+ high school suspensions & dropped from university 4 times
-22 years to finally complete my undergraduate degree
-5+ admissions to psychiatric units
-Victim of mob justice 6 times
-7 suicide attempts
-Attended 20+ different church denominations seeking spiritual help
-Got born again over 30 times before true transformation took root
-Today, I am 11 years sober.
Who Needs to Read This Book:
Anyone currently fighting addiction who feels trapped in a cycle of relapse and lost hope.
Families and loved ones carrying the heavy burden, confusion, and grief of living with an addicted family member.
Healthcare providers, psychiatrists, and addiction counselors looking for a deep, firsthand perspective on the complex bio-psycho-social-spiritual realities of addiction.
Clergy and spiritual leaders seeking to better understand the spiritual battles and relapses of those seeking deliverance.
Educators, youth mentors, and policymakers working to combat substance abuse among students and young adults.
Anyone in recovery who needs a reminder that no rock bottom is final and that complete restoration is possible
I share this not for sympathy, but to show that no matter how deep the wreckage or how many times you have relapsed, complete restoration is possible. My hope is that this book offers insight, healing, and a roadmap for the journey.
Samuel Jireprov –
This book is marvelous,kudos to Sir Kunyotoka, it does not only speak to people who are cemented in addiction of substance abuse but also to people who are close to them like family members,relatives,friends,colleagues etc.It also opens eyes to anyone who is going through something that hinders or slows personal growth and development like debts not just substance abuse that as long as you have breath in your lungs it’s never LATE,thank you
Dorcas –
I read this book having lost someone close to me from addiction and it brought tears to my eyes a few times but along with the tears was healing and introspection.Andrew this book is priceless….
Alice Wanjiku –
This is the best book I have ever read. The honest and courageous journey of a victim who transformed his struggles into a story of triumph becoming an accomplished professional is truly inspiring. The book walking through my own ashes’ is a powerful testimony of resilience and determination. Dr. Andrew’s story reminds us never to write people off while they’re still in the factory being shaped and prepared for the purpose for which they were created. I am deeply inspired and can’t wait to read more of your books. Keep writing, keep inspiring, keep transforming lives SIR
Alice Wanjiku –
This is the best book I have ever read. The honest and courageous journey of a victim who transformed his struggles into a story of triumph becoming an accomplished professional is truly inspiring. Dr. Andrew’s story reminds us never to write people off while they’re still in the factory being shaped and prepared for the purpose for which they were created.
I am deeply inspired by you SIR and can’t wait to read more of your books. Keep writing, keep inspiring, keep transforming. Inspire before expire
Charles Mwangi Kariuki –
Kudos Dr. Andrew Mwengwa Githuka for sharing your story and may it serve to change the many that are hooked in all manner of drugs. It is a true testament of the alcohol scourge presently ruining the lives of young Kenyans. Quite a thrilling and inspirational read.
Cynthia –
Walking Through My Own Ashes is a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and hope. Andrew’s honesty makes this book both inspiring and relatable. It’s a beautiful reminder that your past does not define your future. 📖✨
It’s also such an interesting read—you don’t want to put it down once you start!
Cynthia –
Walking Through My Own Ashes is a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and hope. Andrew’s honesty makes this book both inspiring and relatable. A great reminder that your past does not define your future. 📖✨Also its a Intresting read.You don’t want to put it down once you start reading.
Sam Anyona –
An amazing narration on the complexity and resilience of humanity! It’s also a well told story; so easy to read. I hope it inspires all of us to strive for excellence ✨️
Hannah Gathoni –
Many autobiography describe life as a success. But to say the least, this book truly depicts what life really looks like. To most of us, its fully of struggle and requires resilience.
Great book.
Ronald okello –
Excellent piece.superb writing on the hope engrained in human nature.a good masterpiece for binge reading.
George Githuka –
Reading this book, you understand what it actually looks like to lose everything to drugs and claw your way back. At the end, you don’t just understand addiction better, You get to understand what’s resilience. Do you have an addict in your family, been an addict or want to know how people survive their worst and darkest chapters? Read this Masterpiece.
Karia –
Read through the while book. It’s an inspiring journey highlighting how the author navigated through his own ashes to current glory. I would recommend to anyone who’s struggling with substance abuse or has relative undergoing the same. Bravo Doc
Mbula –
I finally finished reading Walking Through My Own Ashes, and honestly, what a journey! There were moments I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what would happen next.
What touched me most was the honesty. Andrew doesn’t try to paint a perfect picture; he takes you through the difficult, uncomfortable and painful parts of his journey and shows how far he has come.
A story of courage, resilience, redemption and hope. Definitely a book worth reading. 👏🏽📚