The Unexpected Key to Entrepreneurial Success: What My TED Talk Journey Can Teach You

When I was 10 years old, I had no idea that the seemingly small act of stepping on stage in front of my whole school would have such a lasting impact on my life. Back then, I was terrified. New town, new school, and to top it all off, I had to give a speech in front of hundreds of strangers. But in that moment, something clicked. I realized I loved it. The energy, the connection, and the thrill of sharing something meaningful with an audience, something changed within me that day.

Fast forward 40 years, and here I am, getting ready to step on stage at the Biltmore Theater in Oshawa to give my very first TED Talk. And while the nerves are still there, the message has grown, and so has my understanding of how powerful serendipity (those unexpected, chance moments) can be in our personal and business journeys.

My TED Talk is centered around the role serendipity plays in success: how moments of chance, luck, and unexpected events can shape our path and lead us to new opportunities. Reflecting on that Grade 5 speech, I see now that it was one of those serendipitous moments. It was the first step in a journey I never anticipated.

For solopreneurs, this concept of serendipity isn’t just about waiting for lucky breaks; it’s about being open to unexpected opportunities, taking risks, and realizing that you don’t always have to feel ready to take that first step. Sometimes, you just have to step on stage, even if you’re unsure of what’s ahead.

Here are three key lessons solopreneurs can take from my journey and apply to their own entrepreneurial paths:

1. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Moment. Take Action Anyway

As solopreneurs, we often find ourselves waiting for the right time to take action. Whether it’s launching a new product, speaking to a potential client, or creating content. But if I had waited for the “perfect” moment to give my speech in 5th grade, I would’ve missed the chance to discover a passion that would later shape my life. In the same way, if you wait until everything is perfect before acting, you’ll never take that first step.

Lesson for Solopreneurs:
You don’t have to feel ready to start. Start before you feel completely prepared. Each action, no matter how small, will bring you closer to your goal. Perfection is overrated, action is what breeds success.

2. Embrace the Nerves. They’re a Sign You’re Growing

When I stepped on stage as a kid, my knees were shaking. I was terrified. But that feeling didn’t hold me back—it pushed me to perform, to engage, and to connect with my audience. The same nerves resurfaced when I prepared for my TED Talk, but instead of letting them overwhelm me, I embraced them. Those jitters are a sign that I’m doing something that matters.

Lesson for Solopreneurs:
Feeling nervous or unsure is a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and that’s where growth happens. Don’t shy away from uncomfortable situations; embrace them, because they’re often the catalyst for your next big breakthrough.

3. Serendipity Strikes When You’re Willing to Step On Stage

Looking back, I see that my first speech was a form of serendipity. It wasn’t part of any grand plan, it just happened. But what made it meaningful was my willingness to step up and take the opportunity when it presented itself. As solopreneurs, we often wait for opportunities to come to us, but the truth is that many of the best ones only appear when we’re proactive and ready to take a chance.

Lesson for Solopreneurs:
Be open to the unexpected. Opportunities don’t always come knocking in the way you expect, but if you’re ready to step into the unknown, that’s when serendipity can work its magic. Keep showing up, and you’ll be surprised by the opportunities that arise when you least expect them.

Final Thoughts: Step Into the Unknown

As I prepare to give my TED Talk, I can’t help but reflect on how much my entrepreneurial journey has mirrored the nervous excitement of stepping on stage all those years ago. Serendipity played a role in my path, but the real learning came from taking action, facing the fear, embracing the uncertainty, and simply doing the work.

If you’re ready to face your own fears and start building unstoppable confidence, I’ve got an article that can help. Click here to read "The Secret to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Unstoppable Confidence" and learn how to build the courage you need to take bold steps in your business.