The quote, "Chance favors the prepared mind" is attributed to Louis Pasteur. I often talk about seizing the "golden moment" and this is a reminder that leaders must be prepared and open to finding our opportunities. They will not grab us, but the reverse. So how do we promote a "prepared mind"?
As leaders, we must hone our skills and our knowledge continuously. Stay on top of science, emerging and existing. Be open, curious, and even vigilant for emerging opportunities, your chance, to apply your knowledge and talents.
Sure, some just stumble into opportunities, it happens all the time. Some stumble into them and don't really grasp what they have. Either way, that is probably pure "chance". But what is critical is that we are able to identify those opportunities or chances for advancement or growth that are unexpected; that are not obviously showing up as blips in every one else's radar. Perhaps some anomaly or true emergent happenstance. And then have a mindset that allows us to evaluate it thoughtfully because it is fitting with our passion or goals.
So Pasteur points out that we should have a cultivated and curious mind in order to recognize opportunities or "chance" that others may not see or act upon. Some refer to Horace Walpole's term "serendipity" as chance, where one stumbles upon an unexpected finding, but which they would shortly have been seeking. Again, if we are educated and vigilant, even if we are not precise in what is needed, we will recognize how a piece fits our puzzle. Maybe we didn't even know it was "missing" from our plan. At least, that is how I see this.
Regardless, keep your mind open to new opportunities, to chance, to serendipity. Your ability to recognize them will heighten as you successfully take advantage of new circumstances through a thoughtful and curious approach.