“Does Luck Really Play a Role in Business Growth?” – My Perspective

This question often finds its way to me in coaching sessions, leadership discussions, and boardrooms:

“Arshad, does luck really play a role in business growth, or is it all about hard work, strategy, and preparation?”

Let me share something I firmly believe:

Yes, luck plays a role—but only when you are prepared and take consistent action.

Luck isn’t about sitting idle and waiting for a miracle. It’s about creating the conditions where opportunities find you ready to seize them. India’s business landscape is filled with stories that people call “lucky,” but if you dig deeper, you’ll find they were built on grit, preparation, and relentless execution.

Let’s dive into a few inspiring Indian examples where “luck” showed up—but only because someone put in the work.

1. Dhirubhai Ambani: Luck or Vision?

The story of Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, is often called a “lucky break.” But was it really?

• Preparation: Dhirubhai understood the textile market like no one else. He envisioned a future where the common man could afford high-quality fabrics.
• Action: Starting small, he built trust with investors, expanded into petrochemicals, and later diversified into energy and telecom.
• Opportunity: When India’s economy opened up, Reliance was ready to capitalise on it.

People called it luck. I call it vision + action meeting opportunity. Luck didn’t favour Dhirubhai randomly—he had prepared to meet it head-on.

2. Karsanbhai Patel: Nirma’s Rise as the Underdog

When Karsanbhai Patel, a chemist from Gujarat, began making detergent powder at home, no one gave him a chance against established global brands.

• Preparation: Patel noticed a gap—affordable detergents for India’s middle-class families.
• Action: He made the product in his backyard and sold it door-to-door, building trust with consumers one packet at a time.
• Opportunity: As the middle class in India grew, Nirma became the go-to brand for affordability and value.

What seemed like “luck” was Patel’s smart observation of consumer needs, persistent effort, and the willingness to act.

3. Ritesh Agarwal: The ‘Luck’ Behind OYO Rooms

When Ritesh Agarwal started OYO Rooms, the budget hotel segment was highly unorganised. Today, OYO is a global brand, and many call his success “luck” during the rise of travel tech.

Here’s the truth:

• Preparation: Ritesh identified the need for standardized, budget-friendly accommodations early on.
• Action: He partnered with small hotels, branded them under OYO, and scaled quickly using technology.
• Opportunity: With the rise of domestic tourism and India’s growing digital economy, OYO was ready to capitalise on the trend.

Luck didn’t randomly favour Ritesh—his groundwork ensured OYO was in the right place at the right time.

4. Falguni Nayar: Nykaa’s Success Isn’t Luck

Nykaa’s rise is a masterclass in preparation meeting opportunity.

• Preparation: Falguni Nayar, an investment banker, understood business, finance, and consumer markets.
• Action: She started Nykaa in 2012, betting on India’s growing demand for beauty products. She invested in building a seamless online shopping experience.
• Opportunity: As e-commerce and internet penetration exploded, Nykaa became India’s go-to beauty platform.

Today, Falguni is a self-made billionaire, but her story isn’t about luck—it’s about spotting opportunities before others and putting in the work to seize them.

5. Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Paytm and the Demonetisation ‘Luck’

Many people believe Paytm’s explosive growth during India’s demonetization in 2016 was sheer luck. But let’s look closely:

• Preparation: Vijay Shekhar Sharma launched Paytm years before demonetization, investing in mobile wallets when few believed in them.
• Action: He scaled the platform, ensured user convenience, and built a loyal customer base.
• Opportunity: When demonetisation happened, Paytm was ready with the solution India needed.

If Vijay had waited for the “right time” to act, Paytm wouldn’t have been in the position to benefit. Luck happened because he prepared, acted, and stayed ready.

The Role of Action in Inviting Luck

In every Indian success story, luck played a role—but only after someone acted. Think about it this way:

Luck = Preparation + Consistent Action + Seizing Opportunity

If you sit still, opportunities will pass you by. But when you act consistently, you increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time.

Claycan Example: Turning ‘Luck’ into Growth

At Claycan, we worked with a manufacturing business that felt “unlucky.” Their market wasn’t growing, competition was rising, and they felt stuck.

Here’s what we did:

1. Prepared the team: We focused on leadership development, building processes, and aligning goals.
2. Took action: Implemented strategies for customer acquisition and explored untapped markets.
3. 3. Seized the opportunity: When a competitor exited, they were ready to fill the gap.

The result?

• Revenue grew by 100% in 12 months.
• The team doubled in size.
• They expanded into two new regions.

Was this luck? No. It was preparation and action creating the opportunity for growth.

How to Make Luck Work for You

If you want luck to play a role in your business, follow these steps:

1. Prepare Relentlessly: Train your team, refine your strategy, and build your systems.
2. Take Action Daily: Consistency creates momentum. Start small, but start now.
3. Stay Alert: Watch for opportunities in your market—trends, gaps, and customer needs.
4. Adapt and Persist: When challenges come, don’t give up. Learn, adjust, and keep moving forward.

Remember: Opportunities favour those who are ready.

Final Thoughts: Luck Favours the Doers

To everyone who asks, “Does luck really play a role in business growth?” my answer is clear:

Yes, luck plays a role, but only for those who act.

• Dhirubhai Ambani didn’t wait for luck; he created it.
• Karsanbhai Patel turned his backyard project into a household name.
• Ritesh Agarwal and Falguni Nayar prepared, acted, and seized the right opportunities.

Even luck needs action. The dice will never roll in your favour if you refuse to throw it.

So, take action. Prepare yourself. When the opportunity comes knocking, you’ll be ready to turn “luck” into success.

What’s your take? Have you seen luck play a role in your business journey? Was it random, or did your preparation and action create it? Share your thoughts in the comments.

#BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Action #Preparation #Claycan