Walsall entrepreneur meets Richard Branson on Caribbean island after book changed his life
Property entrepreneur Samuel Leeds says a book by the Virgin founder changed his outlook as a teenager struggling at school – and he has now spent five days with the businessman on Necker Island
A property entrepreneur who grew up in Walsall has fulfilled a lifelong ambition by meeting Sir Richard Branson on his private Caribbean island.
Samuel Leeds, 35, travelled to Necker Island after years of wanting to thank the Virgin Group founder for the impact one of his books had on his life as a teenager.
Leeds says reading Screw It, Let's Do It when he was 14 gave him a new sense of direction after a difficult time at school, where he struggled with dyslexia and ADHD.
The five-day visit included conversations over breakfast, time together in the swimming pool and a hike around the island.
“I was able to tell him in detail how his words kick-started my life when I was a teenager and at rock bottom,” Leeds said.
He also showed Branson a photograph of himself as a teenager holding a copy of the book.
“I showed him that photo and told him how he had made me fall in love with the idea of becoming a businessman,” he said.
“From being unable to concentrate on my studies, I found I could laser focus on something that excited me.”
Leeds attended Emmanuel School in Walsall and says he was frequently in trouble and struggled to engage with academic subjects. He recalls being close to expulsion and believing his best chance of a career was becoming a binman.
His mother Sue bought him Branson's book after being called into school to discuss his progress.
He said: “I'd never finished a book before in my whole life but I devoured that one from cover to cover. I was amazed to find out that Richard had also struggled at school. I read he is also dyslexic and struggled at school because of it. That made me feel an even deeper connection with him.”
Leeds left school at 16 and went into property investment, building a portfolio through buy-to-let deals. He later established a property training business, initially based at Hilton Hall near Wolverhampton, before moving its offices to London.
He says his investments now include more than 100 properties, including hotels in Cambridgeshire and the Peak District, and estimates his personal net worth at more than £20 million.
The trip to Necker Island, which involved two flights and a speedboat journey, was organised through private members' club The Forty and cost him £30,000.
Leeds said the experience was worth it even before meeting Branson but described their time together as the highlight.
One moment came during a walk when Branson suggested they jump into a rock pool, despite both still wearing their clothes.
“I thought I was fit as I work out a lot but I struggled to keep up with Richard as we walked across his island and he is 76 now,” Leeds said.
He said their conversations also covered his charitable work, including projects in Uganda. Leeds says he has helped build several schools and funded a 64-bed hospital ward after being treated at the same hospital following serious injuries in a rafting accident.
He said Branson was particularly interested in the work and spoke about the importance of using business success to make a positive difference.
Reflecting on the meeting, Leeds said: “I'm not sure where I would have been today if he hadn't written that book but I'm so glad he did and I'm glad I got the chance to thank him too.
“To every kid struggling at school right now, your report card doesn't write your ending.”