"La chance joue un rôle démesuré dans chaque entreprise, et je peux vous assurer que nous en avons eu une large part."

The central idea of this quote is that luck is a significant factor in any undertaking, and the speaker acknowledges having had their fair share of it. Basically, it’s about recognizing how random chance can influence outcomes, sometimes more than skill or planning.

Historically, acknowledging luck in success isn't new. People often emphasize hard work and talent, but seasoned folks know that a stroke of luck can tip the scales. This particular quote might be from a business leader or someone reflecting on their career, recognizing that even with all the planning and effort, luck played a crucial part.

Let’s talk about a real-life example: Steve Jobs and Apple. Sure, Jobs was a visionary and a hard worker, but let's not forget the lucky breaks. Like when he convinced John Sculley, then PepsiCo president, to join Apple by asking, "Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?" That was a lucky turn of phrase at the right moment. Or when Apple was on the brink of bankruptcy in the late '90s, and Microsoft invested $150 million—saving the company and arguably setting the stage for its future success. Was that all strategy? Not really. Luck had its day in the sun.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by accepting that not everything is in your control. Plan meticulously, work hard, but be open to the idea that luck—good or bad—will impact your journey. When things go well, stay humble and acknowledge the role of luck. When they don’t, don’t beat yourself up too much. There’s only so much you can control.

Imagine you're about to start your own business. You’ve done all the research, you've got a solid business plan, and you’re ready to go. But then, a random conversation in a coffee shop lands you an unexpected investor. Or what if a sudden market shift creates a demand for your product? That’s luck. You didn’t plan for it, but it happened. And acknowledging that luck allows you to stay grounded and flexible.

To put this in a relatable scenario, think about playing a game of poker with friends. You might be the best player at the table, knowing all the strategies, reading people’s tells, and calculating odds in your head. But sometimes, it comes down to the cards you’re dealt. You could play perfectly and still lose if luck isn’t on your side. Or you could win with a hand that’s not great just because the person across from you made a mistake. That’s luck in action.

So, next time you find yourself either at the peak of success or facing a setback, remember to tip your hat to luck. It’s a humbling reminder that while we steer the ship, the winds and waves have their own ideas. Keep working hard, stay prepared, but also—be ready to ride the wave of luck when it comes your way.