Richard Branson double-booked his own job interview. The candidate stuck in traffic with him for 2.5 hours is now Virgin’s CEO

Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin brand, had a peculiar job interview that ended up shaping the career of its participant, Josh Bayliss. When Bayliss, a 31-year-old lawyer, arrived at Branson's London mansion, he found Branson already running late due to another appointment. Instead of canceling, Branson invited Bayliss to join him on the journey, making for a two-and-a-half hour ride in traffic.

During this time, Bayliss got a chance to ask Branson questions and learn more about his personality and decision-making process.

This unique interview marked the beginning of a relationship that would eventually lead Bayliss to become Virgin Group's CEO in 2011. Now 53 years old, Bayliss credits part of his success to Branson's curiosity and appetite for learning new things. He describes Branson's energy and willingness to try new things as qualities he admires and values highly in his own life.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Bayliss initially aspired to become a scientist, inspired by the Incredible Hulk's transformational powers. However, after studying history and Spanish literature, he realized his interests leaned more towards the humanities. He eventually pursued a legal career, starting as a judge's clerk at the Court of Appeal of New Zealand and later working in a law firm in Barcelona before moving to London in 1999.

Eventually, Bayliss found the opportunity to work at Virgin and interview with Branson at the age of 31, giving him the chance to combine his legal background with an increasingly leadership role. Over the years, Bayliss has identified curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking as the qualities that have helped him advance in his career.

He particularly admires Gen Z interns' unwavering moral fiber and believes these young people can move rapidly through the early stages of their careers when using AI as an "enablement tool" rather than a replacement.