His entire life has been all about taking risk.

Since his childhood days in scouts up until he became one of the most recognised individuals in Australia, his story has always been about venturing into the exciting world of the unknown.

Whether it's in business, personal causes, or even in his other passions such as flying, this sense of bravery and adventurism is what's fuelling his energies ever since, the same fuel that once propelled him to nosebleed heights of business success many could only wish for or dream about.

Richard Harold Smith, or Dick Smith as he's more popularly known, the man behind retail and publishing giants Dick Smith Foods and Australian Geographic, is indeed the penultimate risk taker.

But make no mistake about it. Much as he thrives in the thrill of challenges, each journey does not come without some measure of wisdom behind it. Dick says he will never get into a business unless there's a good chance of success in it. Even in his recreational adventurism, he says he would only dabble if there's a huge chance of him coming out of it successfully. It is called responsible risk taking.

Who would have thought that the young kid who hated school, who was made fun of because of a speech defect at childhood, and who had very little faith in himself thinking he could never do well, would later become one of Australia's most celebrated business personalities?

A larger than life persona admired for pioneering enterprises he has built and the social investments he has stirred.

After a successful business career in retail and publishing, there must be some formula behind it.

Formula from 'Old and New'

For Dick, it's simple. He has no shame in saying that he copies the success of others, but what he does on top of that makes the difference.

He works damn hard. Then of course, he never forgets to ask advice and keeps the overheads low. He says he's never had problems in making money by doing this.

Today's Passions

Today, in his 60s, the flame of adventurism in Dick has not flickered one bit. But more than the usual risks in money matters and business, he is one who will not shy away from sticky, controversial social issues this time - from aviation safety to open declaration of support for refugees, to the campaign to bring David Hicks back to Australia from imprisonment in Cuba.

He has also immersed himself in environmental causes pushing passionately some measures to preserve mother earth. More recently, he has also dared to involve himself in another contentious issue - rapid population increase.

Without a doubt, Dick's life story is one that is constantly punctuated by risks and taking things to the extreme. Mostly calculated and done responsibly though, all has been too well in this man's storied life.

Thanks to a courageous spirit that continues to dare, a great vision that never tires in innovating, and a pragmatic mindset to stay grounded no matter what happens.