Originally published on Apr 27 on Medium
Embracing Change and Seeking Growth
Over the past two months, my entrepreneurial journey has been a transformative experience filled with inspiring connections, invaluable insights, and even some unexpected laughs. When I chose to step down as Co-founder and CEO of the company I built — a childhood dream — many thought I was crazy. However, I felt the need to grow, learn, and embark on a new adventure, similar to the inexplicable desire for another child after experiencing the challenges of parenthood (sleepless nights, diaper changes, and all!). In fact, much like parenting, entrepreneurship can be a wild, unpredictable ride filled with delightful surprises and humbling lessons.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
So, I began my quest once again to uncover my true passion, to understand who I am, and what my next big thing, career path, and personal development should be. During this journey of self-discovery, I realized I was an entrepreneur — something I hadn’t considered before (imposter syndrome, anyone?)
Transformative Insights from Wise Friends
In one of my first 10–20 meetings, I connected with Eran Gefen, a wise friend whose insights turned out to be transformative. He observed that my 20-year career path was a perfect example of serendipity. At first, I felt out of control, as if my success was built on chance — definitely not helping my imposter syndrome.
Understanding Serendipity
So, what is serendipity? Serendipity, coined by Horace Walpole in 1754, was inspired by the Persian fairy tale “The Three Princes of Serendip” (Serendip being the old name for Sri Lanka). The term describes the art of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
More Than Just Luck
More than just luck, serendipity is about being open to possibilities, recognizing opportunities, and connecting the dots. Embracing serendipity allows us to seize unexpected opportunities and turn them into something meaningful, fostering innovation and success.
Embrace the Unexpected in the Pursuit of Knowledge
Serendipity, the art of making fortunate discoveries by accident, has played a crucial role in many groundbreaking innovations throughout history. Few examples of how unexpected moments have led to significant breakthroughs, two examples;
Post-it Notes: A Sticky Situation
Picture yourself as a chemist trying to develop a super-strong adhesive, only to create a weak, pressure-sensitive adhesive instead. That’s what happened to Dr. Spencer Silver in 1968. The adhesive could be easily removed without leaving a residue. Years later, his colleague Art Fry realized the adhesive’s potential for creating bookmarks that would stay in place but could be easily removed, giving birth to Post-it Notes. This unintentional invention has since become a staple in offices and households around the world.
Penicillin: A Revolutionary Discovery
Imagine you’re a scientist, returning from vacation to find a petri dish filled with bacteria accidentally left on your lab bench. This is precisely what happened to Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928. To his surprise, a mold called Penicillium notatum had contaminated the dish and killed the bacteria, paving the way for the world’s first antibiotic, penicillin. This accidental discovery revolutionized medicine and saved countless lives.
Recognizing Opportunities
After reflecting on my friend’s notion, I came to understand that serendipity had indeed played a significant role in my life, and that these unexpected twists and turns have often led to the most rewarding and memorable moments. I discovered that it’s not about losing control or making mistakes; it’s about recognizing and seizing opportunities that arise unexpectedly.
The Power of Connections
Throughout this journey, I connected (and still do) with over 80 remarkable professionals from various industries. Each encounter offered invaluable insights and fresh perspectives, fueling my passion for innovation and growth. These serendipitous meetings taught me that the secret to unlocking opportunities lies in being open to new connections and embracing the power of collaboration.
Reflections on My Journey
As I reflect on my journey from CEO to serendipity seeker, I am grateful for the incredible experiences, connections, and growth opportunities that have shaped my path. Embracing serendipity has unlocked a world of possibilities, and I am excited to see where this entrepreneurial adventure takes me next.
Harnessing the Power of Serendipity
As you can see, serendipity has played a significant role in shaping the course of human history. By embracing the unexpected, being open to possibilities, and maintaining a curious mindset, you too can harness the power of serendipity in your own life. Who knows — your next accidental discovery might just change the world.
The Birth of a New Venture 🚀
Now, I stand on the brink of unveiling a brand new startup, born out of the serendipitous encounters and lessons learned during my entrepreneurial odyssey. This venture embodies the spirit of unexpected discoveries, and I’m eager to share more details with the world. Stay tuned!