The Problem With Bad Luck: Paul Sloane

May 5, 2026 · 1h 26m

About this episode

Paul Sloane joins James Smith to discuss the myth of bad luck and how perceived misfortunes can lead to hidden opportunities.

Paul Sloane joins James Smith to dismantle the myth of bad luck and reveal why the most successful innovations in history happened entirely by accident. A Cambridge engineer, former IBM marketer, and bestselling author, Sloane argues that what most people write off as misfortune is actually a hidden opportunity, and the people who notice it are the ones who change industries. 👁️ Try Neutonic: https://www.neutonic.com/jamessmith 🧪 Check your Test: https://www.manual.co/smith 📝 Business Mentoring: https://www.jamessmith.business 🏋🏼‍♂️ Online Coaching: https://www.jamessmithacademy.com Paul Sloane's Website – https://www.destination-innovation.com Paul Sloane On X – https://x.com/PaulSloane He explains: ◼️ Why most "bad luck" is unrecognised opportunity ◼️ The four traits that actually lucky people share ◼️ How psychological safety unlocks radical ideas in any team ◼️ Why polymaths produce more creative solutions than specialists ◼️ The one question every business must be able to answer Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:15 The Two Problems With Bad Luck 02:37 J.K. Rowling, Trains and Hidden Opportunities 04:26 The Four Traits of Lucky People 05:32 Why Superstition Is the Wrong Direction…

People in this episode

Host: James Smith

Guest: Paul Sloane

Topics covered

bad luck
innovation
opportunity
psychological safety
creativity

Keywords

bad luck
innovation
psychological safety
creativity
opportunity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: IBM, Destination Innovation