Richard Branson credits his mother for his adventurous spirit and resilience, having been pushed out of the house by her at a young age to explore and experience life. His mother, Eve Branson, had a very eventful life of her own, being a ballet dancer, disguise master, glider pilot, and air hostess, among other things.
The speaker's mother was able to avoid prison time for a family member through a pledge of their home, highlighting the wealth inequality in the justice system where those who cannot afford bail are left languishing in prison for months awaiting their trial, even if they are innocent. An effort is being made in America to help those who cannot afford bail.
Richard Branson attributes his success to his mother's tough love and encouragement to go out and do things, pushing him out of the house to explore the world. His mother, Eve Branson, had a fascinating life of her own, from ballet dancing to joining the Women's Royal Navy Service, to becoming an air hostess on British South American Airways.