MQ Incubator Lunch & Learn | Serendipity: The Story of You and Me… and The Power of Random Chance and Positivity

Think luck is random? Think again.

What if being “lucky” isn’t about chance at all — but about mindset, strategy, and being in the right place at the right time on purpose? In this engaging and eye-opening session, we’ll challenge the myth that luck is something that just happens to us. Instead, you’ll learn how to build the kind of habits, networks, and awareness that help you spot opportunities hiding in plain sight.

We’ll explore real stories of people who turned unexpected encounters into life-changing moments, uncover the science behind serendipity, and show you practical ways to increase your "luck surface area" — the zones of your life where lucky breaks are most likely to land. Whether you're an aspiring founder, a curious student, or just someone who wants to make the most of the opportunities around you, this session will give you the tools to think smarter, move faster, and unlock doors you didn’t even know were there.

You might walk in thinking you're just another person in the room. But if you’re paying attention, asking the right questions, and showing up boldly — you might just leave as the luckiest person on the planet.

Facilitator Profile

Dr. Joseph T. Steensma, EdD, MPH, MA

Professor of Public Health, Business, and Environmental Studies, Washington University in St. Louis

Visiting Professor, Royal Academy of Engineering (UK)

Senior Scholar, Global Good Fund

Biodiversity Fellow, Living Earth Collaborative

Dr. Joseph (Joe) Steensma is a transdisciplinary scholar whose research bridges public health, environmental science, business, and sustainability. A veteran of the United States Army, he holds joint faculty appointments at Washington University in St. Louis across the School of Public Health, the Olin School of Business, and Environmental Studies. He also serves as a Visiting Professor with the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), Senior Scholar at the Global Good Fund, and Biodiversity Fellow at the Living Earth Collaborative.

This is a hybrid event held in-person and online via Zoom. The meeting link for those who wish to join online will be sent in your confirmation email.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Incubator team at incubator@mq.edu.au.

Please BYO lunch.