but, after five decades in business reinventing whole industries, sir richard branson has been tested as never before, both financially and emotionally. the pandemic left the 72 year old fighting to save his empire and his reputation. he faced questions over how he has used women to promote his brand, and sceptics have asked why someone who campaigns on climate change is sending rockets into space. the original rebel entrepreneur continues to grab the headlines and confound his critics. i ve come to miami to hear the whole story. sir richard branson, thank you so much for speaking to me and to the bbc. how are you? i m good. i always think sitting down to do interviews like this is a bit like i ve never been a psychiatrist s chair, but it s a bit like being in a psychiatrist s chair. of course i m nervous. we ll see how you are in an hour. just to be clear, you have not seen or approved of the questions in advance. nothing is off the table, right? i m afraid that s the case
but it wasn t just innovation that got sir richard branson attention. tonight with richard branson back in london after his record breaking transatlantic run, the virgin publicity bandwagon is under full steam. from speedboat crossings to record breaking balloon attempts, his adventures are secured him headlines secured him headlines and more than a few brushes with death. good evening, richard branson s transatlantic balloon flight - has ended in high drama tonight. i he and his copilot, - per lindstrand, abandoned the giant virgin atlantic flyer and landed in the sea off- the west coast of scotland. why are you so addicted to danger? um, i m certainly not addicted to danger and i m certainly not craving death. sir richard, how can i put this to you? it was at the back of your book you have got 75 no, 79 near death experiences. that s the first thing you say which i am actually going to go so far as to say i disagree with.