© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Richard Branson may be one of the world’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, but on a recent trip to New York he found himself blending into the crowd. Branson, 75, the Virgin Group founder, was out on the streets promoting his new project Doorbell of Dreams when he began approaching strangers to ask about their ambitions. Instead of being mobbed by fans, though, Branson was largely ignored, an unusual experience for a man who’s built empires from airlines to space travel.
The stunt, filmed by entrepreneur Simon Squibb, quickly blew up on Instagram. In the clip, Branson can be seen smiling, microphone in hand, as people rush past without a glance. “Can I ask you a question?” he calls out repeatedly. Most don’t stop. One woman breezes by without breaking stride, another looks briefly at him and keeps walking. Laughing at himself, Branson turns to Squibb and says, “I’m not doing too well, am I?” Squibb responds with a grin, “A bit of rejection is healthy.”
But this wasn’t a prank. Doorbell of Dreams, Branson’s joint venture with Squibb’s startup HelpBnk, is designed to give everyday people a platform to pitch their ideas in 60 seconds or less. Using a specially created video doorbell, participants can record their “big idea” for a chance at mentorship, guidance or even investment. The impromptu street interviews were meant to build buzz around the project and encourage locals to get involved.
Eventually, after many polite brush-offs, one passerby did pause to share his dream: to reach financial independence and make a positive impact on the world. It was a small but telling moment, proof that even billionaires aren’t immune to everyday rejection.
The clip drew a wave of light-hearted and amused responses. A user wrote, “I can’t believe they just ignored him! I mean, him or anyone.” Another user wrote, “Richard Branson experiencing ‘rejection therapy’ is what I needed to see after a long day.”
A third person commented, “Imagine ignoring one of the most inspirational self-made billionaires in the world, who’s politely asking you a question.”
