Why Serendipity Might Be the Real Key to Success | Dennis Geelen | TEDxOshawa
Dennis suggests that happy accidents or serendipity plays a role in many of the success stories we hear. What if we could prepare to be ready for when serendipity strikes?
References quoted in this talk:
Title: How World War II led to the invention of super glueDate: July 30, 2021Link: https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2021/07/30/how-world-war-ii-led-to-the-invention-of-super-glue/
Project Failure Percentage
Title: Project Management Statistics: Trends and Common Mistakes in 2023
Date: Dec 1, 2023
Link: https://pm360consulting.ie/project-management-statistics-trends-and-common-mistakes-in-2023/
Serendipity Definition
“the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.”
Source: Oxford Dictionary
Link: https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780198609810.001.0001/
The Microwave Invention Story
Source: Popular Mechanics
Title: Who Invented the Microwave, and How? Well, It Started With an Accident
Date: March 24, 2023
Link: https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a19567/how-the-microwave-was-invented-by-accident/
Post-it Notes Invention Story
Source: CBC Radio
Title: Inventor of Post-it Note adhesive made something people didn't know they needed, says wife
Date: May 14, 2021
Link: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-friday-edition-1.6026987/inventor-of-post-it-note-adhesive-made-something-people-didn-t-know-they-needed-says-wife-1.6027098
Superglue Invention Story
Source: Military Times
Title: How World War II led to the invention of super glue
Date: July 30, 2021
Link: https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2021/07/30/how-world-war-ii-led-to-the-invention-of-super-glue/
The Slinky, The Popsicle, and Play-Doh, and Potato chips.
Source: History.com
Title: 7 Momentous Inventions Discovered by Accident
Date: January 10, 2023
Link: https://www.history.com/news/accidental-inventions
Penicillin Invention Story
Source: Science Museum
Title: How was penicillin developed?
Date: Feb 23, 2021
Link: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/how-was-penicillin-developed#:~:text=In%201928%20Dr%20Alexander%20Fleming,chemical%20that%20could%20kill%20bacteria.
Sarah Blakely Backstory
Source: Britannica
Title: Sara Blakely: American inventor and entrepreneur
Date: April 7, 2025
Link: https://www.britannica.com/money/Sara-Blakely
Dennis is a bestselling author, speaker, and coach who helps solopreneurs turn ideas into impactful businesses. With a corporate background in leadership, strategy, and customer experience, Dennis transformed his own layoff into an opportunity to build a thriving consulting business and has written four books, including The Accidental Solopreneur. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 4:05One Nigeria, Many Cultures | MUHAMMED KERIM KORKMAZ | TEDxNTICAbujaYouthIn this heartwarming TEDx talk, Muhammad Kerim, a Primary 4 student at NTIC Kano, takes the audience on a journey through the rich cultural mosaic of Nigeria. Using the metaphor of a snowflake—each uniquely formed through different paths—Muhammad reflects on how every individual, like every culture, brings something special to the table. As a Turkish student living in Nigeria, he shares personal stories of language exchange, food, and friendship, reminding us that diversity isn't something to fear — it’s something to celebrate. With humor, honesty, and a child’s clarity, Muhammad challenges us to see cultural differences not as barriers, but as bridges that connect and strengthen us. Strengths: Muhammad is an expressive and energetic speaker who brings enthusiasm to the stage. He has a natural ability to simplify complex ideas, making him a great communicator for younger audiences. Readiness: Excited and prepared. His confidence and enthusiasm will make his speech engaging and memorable. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:15The impact of technology on reading | Thalia Parker | TEDxFountainbridgeIn the modern world an exploration into the impact technology offers us when reading. Thalia is a student at Boroughmuir High School and hopes to study English in the future. In her free time, she is an Explorer Scout and has a strong appreciation for the natural world. She enjoys reading and crocheting and works at a local independent bookshop. Additionally, Thalia volunteers as a young leader for younger scouting sections in her community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 16:03Whose voice? Whose change? | Steven Martz | TEDxFountainbridgeA philosophical consideration of voices and their role in change. Originally from Canada, Edinburgh has been home for over 20 years. I am a senior consultant to the investment management industry with a focus on risk and governance, and a Teaching Fellow at the University of Edinburgh where I deliver courses in philosophy and the development of the Western intellectual tradition. I hold a PhD in 18th & 19th century German philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. Recent interests have been Aquinas, early Marx, Edmund Burke, the history of risk, and the Spectacular Society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:52Changing the change | Sophie Gordon | TEDxFountainbridgeAn exploration of how we can change the discussion around menopause. Sophie Gordon is School Captain of Boroughmuir High School where she is currently studying Advanced Higher English, Modern Studies, Biology and the Science Baccalaureate. Sophie is a member of the school hockey and netball team, orchestra and Ceilidh band, playing the violin. Out with school Sophie is Captain of her netball club performance team and Scottish Cup team. Sophie is pursuing a career in law. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:18Ghosts of the mountain: snow leopard conservation | Rose Henderson | TEDxFountainbridgeInsight into the conservation of snow leopards in our changing world Rose is a curious and passionate student who is deeply interested in the interplay between culture and conservation, and how this relationship evolves in modern times. Her talk will explore the challenges facing snow leopard conservation and delve into the intricate balance between local communities and wildlife in the Himalayas, highlighting the complex interplay between cultural traditions and modern environmental pressures and the critical role that local communities play in shaping the future of these elusive creatures. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:15The importance of active feminism | Emily Mann | TEDxFountainbridgeAn exploration of why being an active feminist is important. Emily is a S4 pupil in Edinburgh. She is a member of her school’s feminist society and her speech will be about the importance of becoming an active feminist. She hopes that her audience will walk away inspired by the potential of feminism and how we can all help create a better and more equal future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
