Discover how believing in serendipity can lead to powerful moments in life and business. Learn from real-life stories, customer service wisdom, and timeless values like heart, presence, and imagination.
What Is Serendipity? A Definition Beyond Coincidence
Serendipity is more than a happy accident—it’s magic in motion. It’s that delightful moment when an unscripted event changes the course of your day or life for the better. When asked, a room full of people defined serendipity in heartfelt terms:
- “Happy coincidence”
- “The sum is greater than the parts”
- “Meant to be fate”
- “Realized manifestation”
Serendipity is like a boomerang. It’s the unseen return of a word, a gesture, or a choice sent out into the world. It’s unscripted, effortless, and often leads to something greater than what we originally planned. That’s the beauty of believing in serendipity—it invites us to trust in the unexpected.
Blending Heart, Presence, and Imagination (HPI)
Three core values keep surfacing for serendipity: heart, presence, and imagination. These themes are called the “three recipes,” each with a distinct flavor but deeply connected.
- Heart: The emotional truth we bring to relationships.
- Presence: Being fully aware, in the moment.
- Imagination: Seeing what isn’t there—yet.
Together, they form the acronym HPI. Rearranged, it becomes HIP, representing something fresh, modern, and deeply connective. Aim for HIP—not in style, but in substance. Being hip means being alive to possibilities, connected to others, and willing to reimagine the world.
When combining teamwork and gratitude, the phrase “We’re not just a team, we’re a symphony” and the fact that “thank you” has eight letters, the title Symphony 8 was born.
The Magic of Meetings: Dobbs Franks and the Gift of a Baton
Dobbs Franks wasn’t just a conductor. He was a storyteller of rhythm and life.
He believes that conducting isn’t about controlling with a baton. It’s about full-body presence, collaboration, and precision over perfection. His insights turned into life lessons:
- Don’t aim to control—aim to connect.
- Don’t seek perfection—seek precision and purpose.
Serendipity in Customer Experience: Real-World Examples
How do we turn serendipity into a practical business tool? Through small, intentional acts of care.
🌸 The Honeymoon Suite Story
At a Four Seasons in Bali, a couple’s honeymoon suite was double-booked.
Despite apologies and freebies, what truly mattered was the handwritten word “Sorry” spelled out in rose petals on the bed.
The gesture moved the bride to tears.
🍩 The Tower 42 Doughnut Moment
In a different story, a small act like offering a doughnut with sincerity became a defining moment of connection.
These stories remind us that serendipity often arrives disguised as service, and service becomes magic when it’s done with heart.
Cultivating Serendipity in Daily Life and Business
You don’t need a big budget to invite serendipity.
What you need is intention and awareness.
- Smile at a stranger.
- Write a handwritten thank-you note.
- Pause to listen deeply in a meeting.
These acts don’t cost anything. But they create ripples.
They build relationships.
They make space for surprises.
Courage: The Catalyst for Serendipity
Every story shared—from “Symphony 8” to Bali’s rose petals—had one ingredient in common: courage.
- The courage to choose a meaningful title.
- The courage to step into the unknown.
- The courage to show vulnerability.
And here’s the best part: Courage grows with use.
Start with baby steps.
Make it a habit.
Over time, it becomes second nature.
“With wonder, the petals will never fall.” – Anon
Living with Heart and Imagination
Believing in serendipity doesn’t mean waiting for luck. It means being open, curious, and courageous.
It means blending heart, presence, and imagination into everything you do.
When Dobbs Franks shared his music as a final gift, it wasn’t just a tune—it was a message: “From my heart to yours.”
So ask yourself: Are you living in a way that invites serendipity?
FAQs About Believing in Serendipity
Q1: What does “believing in serendipity” really mean?
It means staying open to unexpected yet meaningful events and trusting that small, heartfelt actions can lead to big connections.
Q2: Can serendipity be planned?
Not exactly. But you can create the right conditions—being present, imaginative, and kind—so that serendipity finds you.
Q3: Is serendipity only a personal concept, or does it apply to business?
It absolutely applies to business. Moments of unexpected joy or connection often define great customer experiences.
Q4: How does courage relate to serendipity?
Courage allows us to take action when the outcome is uncertain, making space for surprises and meaningful discoveries.
Q5: What’s the role of imagination in all this?
Imagination helps us see what’s possible—even if it hasn’t happened yet. It fuels the vision behind unexpected successes.
Q6: Can you teach your team to believe in serendipity?
Yes, by modeling openness, rewarding curiosity, and celebrating small wins that emerge from genuine interactions.
Be Present, Stay Open, and Trust the Flow
Believing in serendipity means letting go of rigid plans and embracing life’s surprises.
It means trusting that what you give—whether a smile, a story, or a symphony—will return to you in beautiful ways.
