By James Edward Harrison 
Sir Richard Branson, the legendary founder of the Virgin Group, has long been known for his risk-taking, adventurous spirit, and diverse business empire. But in 2025, he appears to be embracing a fresh career pivot — one that leans more into purpose-driven entrepreneurship, mentorship, and building up the next generation of changemakers.
From Billionaire Tycoon to Mentor & Impact Champion
One of the most striking developments in Branson’s recent activity is his deeper involvement with Virgin StartUp, an initiative that supports early-stage entrepreneurs across the UK. In 2025, he joined forces with Simon Squibb and a group of emerging founders backed by Virgin StartUp, emphasizing not just financial backing but also vision, guidance, and mission-driven growth. Entrepreneur
This marks a deliberate shift in Branson’s focus: from simply building new Virgin businesses, to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among the next generation. Rather than seeking rapid profit, he’s now placing value on purpose, creative drive, and meaningful impact.
Reimagining Education & Career Paths: The “Who Are You?” Movement
Another pillar of Branson’s new direction is his support for the “Who Are You?” (WAY) movement, launched in May 2025. WAY challenges traditional metrics of success — particularly the fixation on academic degrees — and promotes creativity, character, and real-world talent. Форбс
Branson has publicly shared his own story: he left school at 15, struggled in class due to dyslexia, and built his business empire without formal higher education. Форбс By backing WAY, he’s encouraging others who might not follow conventional paths to embrace their unique strengths and ambitions.
Rebalancing His Legacy: Business, Succession & Strategic Risk
At 74, Branson is also making moves to secure his legacy. He recently expressed satisfaction over Virgin Atlantic’s succession plan: the airline is appointing Corneel Koster as its new CEO starting January 2026. LBC+1 Branson praised Koster’s “Virgin spirit,” seeing this as a strategic step toward passing the torch while preserving the company’s challenger DNA. LBC+1
But Branson is not stepping aside quietly — even in his more reflective phase, he still embraces risk. In a recent LinkedIn post, he talked honestly about critics who said his ventures would fail, whether it was Virgin Atlantic or spaceflight — but he continues launching new ideas, carefully managing downside risk while betting on “crazy” visions. cnbc.com+1
The Future of Virgin Voyage — Sailing Into New Horizons
While Branson’s role as a mentor and visionary is growing, he’s still very much engaged in his core businesses. Virgin Voyages, the adult-only cruise line he founded, is moving into its next phase: in 2025, they’re launching their fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, with exciting new routes including Alaska, New York, and Los Angeles. thestreet.com
This launch underscores that Branson’s evolution isn’t about abandoning business — it’s about scaling for longer-term impact, combining luxury travel with his trademark spirit of disruption.
Why This Career Turn Matters
- Legacy over empire: Instead of just building companies, Branson is increasingly focusing on legacy — mentoring, investing in others, and ensuring Virgin’s core values survive.
- Redefining success: Through WAY, he’s challenging societal norms about education and career, advocating for a world where creativity and character matter more than credentials.
- Balanced risk: Even as he steps into a more advisory role, he remains hands-on in strategic ventures, particularly in travel and innovation.
- Sustainable impact: His shift toward purpose does not signal a retreat from business but a rebalancing — blending profit with positive social change.
Bottom Line: In 2025, Richard Branson is reinventing himself not just as a billionaire adventurer, but as a mentor, legacy builder, and champion of meaningful entrepreneurship. His latest moves show a man who still dreams big — but now dreams bigger for others.