CEO Interviews Richard Branson

The Founder of TIEWN recalls one of the most memorable interviews in her career. There are people in our lives that showcase their true selves and these moments are engrained in our memory banks forever and add so much substance and inspiration to our lives.

From Frances Kiradjian, CEO of TIEWN

Here I am, reminiscing about the video of my interview with one of the most prolific and interesting entrepreneurs on the planet. I was attending the launch of Virgin Australia to cover the story as official media. I had absolutely no expectations of actually getting close enough to do a personal interview as the room was full of the official press like NBC, etc. I had a videographer with me to shoot the launch party which was just amazing. As the plane arrived at LAX, it was given a real welcome with fire trucks spraying water on both sides of the aircraft as it came down the runway. Upon arrival at the hanger, Richard opened the pilot’s window and hung out waving at the crowd. Upon parking the aircraft, Sir Richard and the crew walked out on the wing spewing champagne in celebration of his new aircraft and brand. The Mayor of Los Angeles and many others were there to greet him.

Once inside the hangar, in between greetings from all over the world and taking some refreshment, Richard hung out in a staging area while the media basically lined up. I honestly had no idea of the protocol, but took a chance and went to the other side of the stage where there was no one in line. He saw me there and came right up to us. I was in shock and a bit unprepared for what I wanted to ask him. I had done around 80 interviews previously with top executives in travel and hospitality, so it came naturally. I decided (at the spur of the moment) that I wanted to understand more about the person behind the famous beloved Virgin brand. The questions came rapidly; as he was answering one I was contemplating the next question. I adored his answers as they gave me a quick glimpse into what a special human he was.

Recently, on January 11, 2021, his dear Mum Eve Branson passed away suddenly and his tribute to her was so heartwarming. I loved how he described her, “inventive, fearless, relentless — an entrepreneur before the word existed.” I also love the charity that she founded - the Eve Branson Foundation which is a small non-profit aimed at improving the lives of women and young girls in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, providing access to education and health care. I would like TIEWN to consider it as one of our official charities.

This moment in my career was absolutely magical and the last frame of the interview, pictured above, was completely unexpected. I will never forget that moment and the warmth of Sir Richard Branson.