Opening Story: The Flight I Wasn’t Meant to Catch
It was a regular Thursday evening. A missed flight from Delhi to Mumbai left me irritated and stranded or so I thought. But that small disruption led to an unexpected conversation the next morning, one that opened doors to one of the most meaningful roles of my career.
What I thought was a delay… was actually a doorway.
What Randomness Teaches Leaders
We plan. We forecast. We analyze. But randomness has its own rhythm and sometimes, it’s more aligned with our growth than our spreadsheets.
“Randomness is not the opposite of order. It’s often the seed of something more alive, more intelligent, more meaningful.” — Unknown
In leadership, unpredictability often:
- Forces presence over performance
- Reveals resilience, not routine
- Uncovers growth we didn’t plan for, but needed
My Learning Across Roles and Industries
Across banking, real estate, technology, and consulting one pattern stands out:
The moments that changed careers or cultures often came unannounced.
The missed deal, the new hire who brought a fresh lens, the crisis that unlocked collaboration, they weren’t part of the agenda. They were part of the unfolding.
In coaching leaders, I often say:
“The most pivotal shifts aren’t always planned. They’re perceived.”
Reflection Questions
Ask yourself:
- When was the last time an unplanned moment changed your path?
- Are you overdesigning your leadership journey and missing magic in the margins?
- Do you make space for serendipity in your routines?
Call to Action
Next time you’re thrown off-course, pause.
Don’t rush to fix it. Instead, ask:
“What is this moment trying to teach me or reveal?”
I’d love to hear from you
Has randomness ever redirected you to something far better than your original plan?
Let’s celebrate the leadership lessons that don’t follow a script.
#Leadership #CHRO #Serendipity #GrowthMindset #ExecutiveCoaching #HRLeadership #FutureOfWork #Uncertainty #ChangeManagement #Resilience
