My experience with CEO Magazine’s trip to Necker Island with Sir Richard Branson was truly life-changing. I was inspired in ways I didn’t think were possible and completely transformed how I think about impact. I saw first-hand what leadership can look like when it’s fun, inclusive, and deeply human – the way Richard Branson leads.

Everything about the trip was organized to perfection – the food, the speakers, the activities—every detail was top-notch. I was also amazed by how accessible and genuine Richard was throughout the experience.

That first trip ignited a new chapter for me, both personally and professionally. Since then, I’ve returned multiple times to various events organized by CEO Magazine, each time walking away with powerful insights, connections, and growth. It has not only transformed my business but also shaped me into a better leader.

If you have the opportunity to join CEO Magazine on this unforgettable experience, you should do everything in your power to make it happen—it’s that life-changing. I am forever grateful for this extraordinary journey and the doors it has opened.

I honestly don’t know how to put into words just how incredible the Necker Island experience was.

It was one of those rare moments in life where everything just clicks — the people, the energy, the setting, the conversations. I remember asking someone who had been the year before, “How do you even explain this to someone?” And they just smiled, because you really can’t. You have to live it to understand it. The group that came together was something special. Within hours, we were having deep, honest conversations that felt like we’d known each other for years. Everyone was open, curious, and genuinely interested in connecting. The team from The CEO Magazine — especially Chris and Melanie — along with the Virgin crew, nailed every detail. From the logistics to the vibe, it was all seamless. And having time with Richard Branson himself — whether it was playing paddle or tennis in the morning, hiking, or just chatting — the privilege of learning directly from one of the world’s most iconic entrepreneurs was surreal.

The speaker sessions each morning were packed with insight, and the social side — from unforgettable meals to a lunch with all 30 of us in the pool — added a layer of joy and connection that’s hard to replicate. The lack of phone coverage was a blessing, giving me the space to truly switch off and be present.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone fortunate enough to be invited. Chris and Melanie have created something truly special. It’s not just a trip – it’s a life moment.

I joined the trip to Necker 2024. It was an amazing experience which started even before we got to the island. The CEO Magazine team managed to group together 50 people from all over the world, and we bonded instantly. Each and every one of the people in the group was interesting, and a person with whom I enjoyed talking to and being with, and we all continue to keep in touch and try to meet even now, after the event.

The island is amazing, and the crew went out of their way to pamper us. And, of course, the highlight was the time spent with Richard Branson, who is just as impressive as I imagined. This was an exceptional experience that I will never forget.

A trip that started with excitement of not knowing what to expect ended with exceeding any expectations that I would have thought of.

Amazing organization from The CEO Magazine and Chris Dutton that brought amazing leaders to learn and make new lifelong friends while delivering a great impact to the world through Virgin Unite.

Feeling humbled and content and can’t wait until I go back again for more learnings and forming relationships that go beyond the self

Sincere thanks for the great and professional work that has been delivered

Being surrounded by such accomplished leaders and visionaries was beyond inspiring. The conversations had, the ideas exchanged, everything was thought provoking and game-changing. I feel truly fortunate to have engaged with some of the brightest minds from around the world and created new friendships. The wisdom and experiences will shape my decisions as a CEO moving forward.

It was amazing to meet everyone and hear their inspiring stories! I’m going back to Sydney with renewed energy, passion and a little part of each of them inside me.

Thank you to Sir Richard Branson for sharing your gorgeous home and giving us your time. Truly inspiring what you have achieved. Thank you Lisa, Chris and the Virgin Unite Team for putting together such an amazing life-changing experience – I’m truly grateful and inspired

Much love to everyone

This was hands down the best experience I’ve had to date. The team at The CEO Magazine sold me the dream and absolutely delivered. They should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

Chris wasn’t wrong when he said Necker would be incredible. I have been expanded as a person in so many ways – I couldn’t even quantify it if I tried!

Chris wasn’t wrong when he said Necker would be incredible. I have been expanded as a person in so many ways – I couldn’t even quantify it if I tried!

I feel immensely grateful to Chris and the team. This experience has deeply touched my life.

I’ve been to Necker two years in a row, and each time has been nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a rare blend of world-class content, intentional curation by The CEO Magazine, and the kind of magic you only find on a tiny island with big ideas. Richard is the best host – from taking us on morning hikes, to playing tennis with us, and most epically, leading a group over to Virgin Gorda for the legendary bike ride. The programming was just as powerful: conversations on climate and food systems, human-centered leadership, AI and mental health stretched my perspective and gave me tools I’ve already applied in my business. The network was exceptional – friends from all over the world who build with purpose and push your thinking while staying grounded in kindness. And the memories are unforgettable: e-foiling in the Caribbean, sushi kayaks at the pool, dancing on tables at midnight, neon and 90s theme nights, the most amazing food, and wildlife everywhere. I came home recharged, with global friendships, sharper questions and insights I didn’t have before. If you’re a mission-driven leader seeking fresh perspective and genuine connection, Necker belongs at the top of your list.

The Necker Island trip with The CEO Magazine was honestly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. From the moment we boarded the speed boat across to the island, speeding across turquoise waters with music pumping and that mix of adrenaline and anticipation, I knew it was going to be special.

Richard Branson set the tone straight away. He wasn’t a distant host. He was right there with us and involved from the start, helping unload bags, jumping on the tennis court, even offering to go kitesurfing together within an hour of arrival. Over the week he joined us for meals, hikes, sailing, chess and countless casual conversations. He was open, generous and has even kept in communication after we left the island.

What impressed me just as much was how well The CEO Magazine curated the group. There were no egos, just a group of approachable, values-driven and successful individuals who wanted to share openly, learn and genuinely connect. It was the perfect mix: inspiring keynotes with world-class speakers, deep peer-to-peer discussions and a whole lot of fun. Days might start with tennis or a hike, roll into thought-provoking sessions on leadership, AI or resilience, and end with cocktails, a boogie on the dance floor and a night swim.

That balance between professional growth, genuine connection and pure fun is what made Necker so unique. I left with fresh perspectives, friendships I’ll carry forward and a renewed sense of energy in how I lead. It’s rare for an event to deliver at every level – but Necker did.

Disclaimer: Be prepared for the ‘post-Necker blues’ after leaving the island. It hits hard!

Necker was unlike any other leadership gathering I’ve attended. Richard Branson’s presence was both casual and extraordinary – he’d be looking around every morning for a partner for tennis or chess, listening with real attentiveness, and he even drove us around in his golf buggy. What left a deep impression was his leadership style: the genuine care he showed for his team and his hospitality to every guest. I had long, energizing conversations with peers about AI, humanity and the future of work – topics close to my heart – and moments that were profoundly moving, like hearing Fergal Keane’s reflections as a war correspondent. Insights from fellow entrepreneurs, such as Luke from TimelyCare on the role of investment in scaling vision, gave me new perspectives for my own startup journey. The CEO Magazine curated a community and atmosphere that was both inspiring and transformative.

Going to Necker Island was a dream come true – sounds cliche but it’s true. Richard Branson is literally one of the only people/entrepreneurs/celebrities I have ever wanted to meet and I thought It would be a trip that would be ‘one and done’ like I checked the box. But after that experience I want to go back every year forever.

While Richard and Necker Island were a great motivation to get me there, it went far beyond that. The content from the speakers was engaging, thought provoking and relevant. The time together and relationships developed have me planning trips to meet up with lifelong friends after only a week together on the island. I value the learning and the lessons, and we did it all while having fun!

To sum it up, at dinner on our last night, someone said “I always heard, ‘Never meet your hero – you will always be disappointed.’” We all smiled and laughed and agreed we were not at all disappointed. Wow! Iconic energy, lessons learned, amazing people enjoying a magical place. Doesn’t get any better than that.

If you have the means to go to Necker – do it! It is a life-changing, soul-enriching experience. Not only the ‘pinch yourself’ location, but the people you meet, the speakers, and of course Richard himself will fill your cup and inspire you beyond your wildest dreams.

Coming from a C-suite role in a global company, I had no idea what to expect from the Necker Island experience. What I walked away with changed the trajectory of my career – and my life.

Chris Dutton and The CEO Magazine team curated an incredible group of leaders. The intimate group size created a rare space for deep connection, and Sir Richard Branson’s wisdom, generosity and wicked sense of fun made anything feel possible – and frequently happen. The speakers were all world-changers but even more powerful was what came after: international collaborations, new ventures and lifelong friendships.

In the months following, I made the leap to launch three companies, something I may never have done without the inspiration and thinking this experience sparked.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend The CEO Magazine gathering on Necker Island with Sir Richard Branson, run – don’t walk – to sign up. The impact, insight and inspiration will stay with you forever.

Initially, I was sceptical about going to Necker, thinking it was going to be a typical corporate junket. But I spoke to Chris from The CEO Magazine, who explained that it was not only about business networking, but also about the works of philanthropic group Virgin Unite, and he put me in touch with the CEO.

After speaking with her I was keen to attend and went to the island with a very open mind with no expected outcomes.

I also invited my sons Nikhil and Ajay, in case there was any business networking they could benefit from, as I was mostly keen on philanthropic learnings.

From the time we got to Necker, I was blown away – it’s Sir Richard’s vision of luxury and pleasure at its best.

The people attending were very diverse in backgrounds and culture. I had amazing interactions (and partied) with a whole bunch of them, young and old. The food offerings, entertainments and the quality of speakers were incredible.

Both my sons had interactions with some very bright minds, and in fact, we have now done some investments with a few of them.

I personally was impressed with the speakers who talked about women’s and girls’ issues globally, which are the key values of our Foundation.

The interesting thing is that we have still maintained friendships with a whole bunch of the people whom we met there.

It is definitely worth attending this and I would personally recommend it.