The real secret behind landing big opportunities
Read time: 5 minutes
Recently, I closed a high-value speaking gig at a major conference. I was really happy with the outcome. When I shared the news with a friend, her response was, “You’re so lucky you’re great at speaking.”
The comment got me thinking.
Am I lucky?
Maybe a little, but I know it was more than that.
You can be a great speaker and still not land speaking gigs.
You can be super talented and still be overlooked.
I think people often assume luck is random, that it just “happens”. But when I reflect on the opportunities I’ve had over the past six months, it’s clear to me that it wasn’t just luck.
It was the result of consistent action, and a willingness to show up even when things feel tiring or uncertain.
So then the question becomes, How do you create your own luck?
Here are six things I’ve done that I believe have led to the “lucky” breaks people see on the outside.
1. Say yes to uncomfortable opportunities
This year, I made a deliberate decision to say yes to the uncomfortable asks.
- An advisory role
- A billboard campaign
- A panel where I wasn’t sure I was right for it
- And plenty more that made my palms sweat a bit…
And what happened? It’s led to inbound partnerships, podcast invites, new clients, new board members, and more.
It’s not about saying yes to everything. It’s recognising when something feels like growth and choosing to do it, even if it scares you a bit.
2. Create things
Whether it's social content, a newsletter, a podcast, a free resource — putting things out into the world tells people who you are and what you’re about. It gives them a reason to connect.
I've posted on LinkedIn every single day for the past year. It’s built visibility, and led to speaking opportunities and sponsored posts.
I’ve also written this newsletter weekly since the start of 2025, leading to clients, partnerships, and even rekindled old connections.
Creating builds trust and helps people see your thinking, and your values. The magic happens when someone you've never met reads, relates, and reaches out.
3. Meet people (even when you don’t feel like it!)
Networking can be exhausting, but the reality is being around people creates opportunity.
Lately I’ve become more intentional with how I network. I’ve attended industry dinners, online events, and in-person meet-ups where I know there will be interesting people. The goal is always to learn and connect.
Some of those connections have turned into new friends, collaborators, even mentors. A few have led directly to paid work. None of that would’ve happened if I’d stayed home and convinced myself it’s not worth going!
4. Consume wisely
We’re all drowning in so much information these days, but what you consume matters.
Reading and watching the right content helps me shape my thinking and has given me so many ideas over the past year.
Rather than scrolling endlessly, I think it’s about being aware of what leaves you energised versus drained or anxious, being selective, and filtering information appropriately.
5. Write more
Writing really is a powerful tool: I find it forces me to slow down and make sense of what I believe, what I’ve learned, and what I want to say.
Whether it’s writing long or short form content, or journalling (which I started doing again earlier this year), some of my biggest mindset shifts and strategic decisions have come from writing things down.
Writing also gives others a window into your world and what you believe. When you do it consistently, people begin to take notice.
6. Follow up and stay in touch
I always think this one’s underrated. In my experience, most opportunities come not from the first message or meeting, but from the follow up.
I try to make it a practice to check in with people, not just when I need something, but when I have something to share or congratulate them on. It keeps the relationship warm and the door open.
Last year, a “checking in” email led to a podcast spot, and a DM follow-up after an event turned into a collaboration.
People are busy, so don’t always respond the first time. A thoughtful follow-up can lead to the next “lucky” break.
The bottom line
When you look at any of these in isolation, they seem small. But when done consistently over time, they do compound.
And when you look at the people you think of as “lucky,” you’ll usually find they’ve been doing some version of these things quietly, consistently, and over a long period.
The issue is, most people stop too soon. They try once or twice, don’t see results, get discouraged, and move on.
The biggest hack I’ve found is effort and consistency over time.
Essentially, if you keep showing up—taking shots, creating, meeting people, and following up—luck has a habit of showing up too.
Hope that helps!
Speak soon
Dupé
PS: Whenever you're ready, feel free to enquire about working together: Get guidance on how to be more visible and grow your brand. Whether you need 1:1 coaching or ready-to-post content, hit reply and let’s chat!
And if you' like to book me to speak make an inquiry here :)
