Building on yesterday’s post I had a few interesting conversations today about achieving fame and fortune.

Yesterday’s topic focused on a very talented musical artist named Rodriquez who had little to no recognition in his home country – America – but achieved great renown in South Africa and Australia, without really trying.

Whether the achievement is in the field of business (seeking the CEO job) ,  entertainment (stardom) , sports (winning consistently) or some other endeavor the key variables to success are probably some mix of the following:

• Talent/ skill –  I think this should be the price of entry although I can think of some who are highly recognized but I personally would question their skill/talent.
• Right place/ right time – Opportunity is not always of your making although seizing it probably is to some extent.  I am reminded of the story of musician Mick Taylor whom had a long and prosperous career including a stint as lead guitarist with the Rolling Stones.  His start in music is said to have been initiated at a John Mayall and the Blues Breakers concert Mick attended when he was sixteen.   Well known guitarist Eric Clapton did not show up and at the break Mick asked John Mayall if he could sit in for Eric.  He did and this led to a stint with John Mayall’s band and subsequently he replaced Brian Jones in the Rolling Stones (John’s recommendation helped with this).   Mick left the Rolling Stones after five years, he quit, they wanted him to stay.  If Mick had not seized the opportunity that presented itself at the Blues Breakers concert who knows if any of his subsequent fame would have been achieved.
• Luck – For me this variable is out of your control.  Sometimes you win the lottery, sometimes you don’t.
• Ambition – if you don’t want to succeed, you probably won’t  (actually I think this was the issue for the musician Rodriguez based on what I read about him).

And so the Witches brew is Set

With the right combination of talent, opportunity, luck and motivation the world is your oyster.