22-Year-Old Boldly Asks Billionaire Sir Richard Branson For Money, His Response Was Unforgettable

Australian comedian Hamish Blake opens up on the life-changing encounter.

Jesse

• Published in News
• September 4, 2024

If you could ask anyone for money, why not go straight to a billionaire? After all, to someone like Richard Branson, a request for $1,000 might seem like asking for spare change.

Richard Branson, the British business magnate behind the Virgin Group, has built an empire that spans everything from airlines to gyms, amassing a net worth of around $2.7 billion. With this in mind, it might not seem all that outrageous for someone to approach him with a simple ask for a little financial help.

Australian comedian and radio host Hamish Blake recently shared a story that perfectly captures Branson's character. During an interview on his show, one of his team members decided to seize the opportunity and boldly asked Branson for $1,000.

Now, most billionaires might laugh off such a request, but Branson's response was both unexpected and heartwarming. Instead of simply brushing off the audacious request or complying out of amusement, Branson paused and shared a piece of advice that would linger far longer than any amount of money ever could.

He told the young man that true wealth comes from within and that the drive, determination, and creativity that fuel one’s journey are worth more than any check he could write.

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Richard Branson has built a personal fortune that’s just shy of the $3 billion mark.

Recalling the conversation, Blake shared how it all went down on that fateful day;

"We had Richard Branson on the show, and one of the guys on our radio show, Jack, basically said to Richard Branson, 'You are a billionaire. Can we just go to the ATM downstairs and give me $1,000? It's nothing to you, but it'll change my month.'"

Hamish Blake was surprised by the reply he got from the Billionaire

While most people might have expected to be met with a chuckle or outright dismissal for casually asking for $1,000, Richard Branson had a much more unexpected reaction.

"There’s something I’d give you all my money for," Branson reportedly responded, catching everyone off guard. "Your age."

Hamish Blake, recalling the moment, continued,

I was like, "That’s interesting." Jack was 22, and we were curious, so we asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Branson explained,

"I’d happily be broke and 22 than a billionaire and 68," referring to his age at the time.

Those words have resonated deeply with Blake ever since.

"Whatever age we're at. Let's say we have $10 million and we're 90 years old, of course we'd give $10 million to go back to be 40," Blake said.

Blake shared this memorable exchange during an episode of ABC's The Assembly, and it’s clear that Branson’s perspective has left a lasting impression.

A valuable life lesson for everyone

Though the comedian clearly found Branson's words inspiring, not everyone shared his enthusiasm.

One YouTube viewer bluntly noted,

"Nice way for Branson to avoid the original question. Also rich people don't stay rich by giving their money away."

Another commenter, drawing from personal experience, argued,

"From someone who has grown up poor, money does change lives. People treat you differently, you have far less opportunities, and even at 22, youth does not keep a roof over your head."

You know, not everyone will be swayed by a billionaire's wisdom, but there's something to be said about the perspective Branson offered.

While money undeniably has the power to change lives, the mindset and determination to succeed are equally valuable.

We'd love to get your thoughts on this intriguing interview.

Jesse