Luck and the Irish: Is There a Connection?

Sharing a Letter from our Chairman & CEO

"Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you!" You'll probably hear this blessing many times this week as the world celebrates St. Patrick's Day. As someone with Irish roots, I've uttered it many times and have to say there's something to it! The phrase dates to the Gold Rush, when Irish miners struck it rich in America's gold and silver mines. Back then, it wasn't meant as a compliment; it implied their success was blind luck rather than based on skill or hard work. Lately, however, the luck of the Irish is merely a wish of good fortune, especially around St. Patrick's Day, when we see four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, and pots of gold everywhere. While those symbols come from Irish folklore, they've taken on a universal meaning of luck. What's behind the connection between luck and the Irish? To me, it's not about chance but rather the Irish spirit that's rooted in optimism, resilience, and genuine friendliness. These qualities turn the idea of luck into reality and serve as a lesson for everyone, whether you're Irish or not. A personal story with Irish luck Let me share a story to illustrate my point. After college, I took a job running a home for boys. It wasn't the best-paying job, but it gave me chances to connect with people and make a difference in ways big and small. To further support my young family, I took on extra work. I flipped houses — buying, renovating, and selling them, always hoping the final price was higher than what I had put into it. I also worked nights and weekends as a bartender, which gave me yet another way to meet people. One night, as I was closing the bar, a regular came in and we got to talking. He mentioned he was selling his flower shop across the street. To keep the conversation going, I asked how much. "$10,000," he said. As it happened, that was the exact amount I had just earned from a house-flipping project. I knew the role that flower shop played in the community, and I had a hunch it could become something special. Turns out, it did. That was the start of 1-800-Flowers.com, though it didn't get that name until a few years later, after many more twists and turns. Was it the luck of the Irish? Maybe. Or perhaps it was the good fortune that comes from an optimistic way of looking at the world. And, just maybe, it all started because — like so many with Irish roots — I just can't stop talking. Playing in traffic You have to create your own luck. Or, as a friend of mine puts it more boldly: "It's amazing how much happens when you're out there playing in traffic. Just go play in traffic," says Joseph Plumeri, former CEO of Willis Group Holdings. "Stay busy, stay aware — opportunity is always unfolding around you." Looking back on my life, I can't help but smile at how much I've lived by this idea. If you don't put yourself out there by making connections, starting conversations, or taking chances, you'll miss out on opportunities and the potential for good fortune. These qualities are often associated with the Irish, like myself, but they're not exclusive to those with ties to the Emerald Isle. That so-called "gift of the gab?" It's more than just a knack for conversation and turning life's ups and downs into stories that bring people together. You see it in Irish literary giants like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, but also around dinner tables, in pubs, and in the way strangers are welcomed as friends. At the same time, the Irish challenge authority, debate passionately, and embrace change while holding fast to what matters most. That same spirit fuels a love of celebration — music, dance, and the ever-present craic (good times and lively conversation). Maybe these traits are in Irish DNA, but I believe they're in all of us to some degree. If you see the world as your playground, the luck of the Irish just might find you. The role of resilience and tenacity Granted, you won't always find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Nobody knows that better than the Irish. But it's how they – and you – approach adversity that turns Irish luck into reality. They've done it with humor, storytelling, and a belief that things will get better. History offers no better example than the Great Famine of the 1840s. Faced with starvation and forced migration, millions of Irish endured unimaginable hardship, yet they rebuilt their lives, and many in America, where they became leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders. What could have been the end of their story instead became the beginning of a new one. In Lodestar, a book I co-wrote with Dr. George S. Everly Jr., we discovered that resilience often comes down to two key factors: a clear vision for the future — the belief that better days lie ahead — and the tenacity to turn that vision into reality. As I wrote those words, I imagined the hope and determination of my ancestors. "The luck of the Irish" is a way of life. When you embrace that mindset, good things tend to follow. This St. Patrick's Day, let's raise a glass — not just to luck, but to the Irish spirit that keeps finding ways to turn life's trials into triumphs. Sláinte, Jim The push to return to the office is growing, but after years of remote work, not everyone is on board. In this week's Power & Impact, I chatted with Dr. Angela Jackson, an author, researcher, and entrepreneur who specializes in creating thriving workplaces. With a background in journalism and roles at Nokia and Viacom, her work focuses on innovation, leadership, and the human side of work. In her latest book, The Win-Win Workplace, she challenges outdated management practices with data-driven strategies that benefit both employees and employers. Joined by co-host Alexandra Lianos of our human resources department, Dr. Jackson and I discuss changing workplace expectations, AI's impact on jobs, and how companies can build more engaged, productive teams in a fast-evolving world. How do you feel about remote work and creating a happy workforce? Share your comments at podcasts@celebrations.com and join the conversation. A feast of traditions St. Patrick's Day is more than shamrocks and shenanigans. It's a celebration of heritage, tradition, and togetherness. That was made clear in last week's Celebrations Pulse poll, which found that 23% of our community celebrate with corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and other Emerald Isle flavors. Close behind, 22% embrace the tradition of wearing green — whether a lucky shamrock, leprechaun hat, or a splash of emerald, no one wants to get pinched! Parades ranked third at 19%, with lively floats, bagpipes, and crowds creating unforgettable moments. For 18%, celebrating at home with decorations and Irish-themed gatherings is key, while another 18% prioritize spending time with loved ones, highlighting the holiday's true meaning — connection. With such a close vote, it's clear St. Patrick's Day offers something for everyone. Whichever way you celebrate, may the luck of the Irish be with you! Your St. Patrick's Day rituals Last week, I invited Celebrations Pulse readers to share a few of their favorite St. Patrick's Day traditions. Here's a sampling: These traditions remind us that celebration is about connection — whether through heritage, food, or simply wearing a little green. It's not too late: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with daily delights! The countdown to St. Patrick's Day is on, and we've been celebrating every day with giveaways, fun activities, and special surprises! Be sure to visit our countdown page to join the festivities with your friends and family before the magic disappears. A day of happiness and renewal March 20 holds special significance. In addition to being the first day of spring, it's also the International Day of Happiness. Established by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of Happiness highlights the importance of well-being as a universal goal. It encourages nations to adopt more inclusive and balanced approaches to economic growth that prioritize happiness and quality of life for all. (Finland has been the happiest country the past two years.) This observance aligns beautifully with the vernal equinox, the official start of spring, when the sun sits directly above the equator, creating nearly equal day and night lengths worldwide. This astronomical event symbolizes renewal, growth, and new beginnings. As nature awakens from winter's slumber, it serves as a reminder to embrace joy, nurture connections, and recognize happiness as a fundamental human right. What are you most looking forward to this spring? Share your thoughts with me. How 1-800-Flowers.com nurtures employee growth I recently had the chance to sit down with Authority Magazine to discuss an issue that's close to my heart: investing in our people. At 1-800-Flowers.com, we've always believed that our greatest asset is our team, and over the years, we've introduced programs to help every employee learn, grow, and thrive. In our conversation, I shared how my journey — from a small flower shop in Manhattan to leading a company focused on fostering relationships — shaped my belief in continuous development. We talked about the Emeralds program, which fosters leadership by encouraging employees to engage and support one another, and Fresh University, where team members can build new skills by taking free online courses. I also reflected on the lessons we've learned, like the importance of flexibility in training programs and how small adjustments can lead to greater participation and impact. At the heart of it is a simple idea: When our employees are growing, our company is too. Thank you to Authority Magazine for the opportunity to share our story! Related articles that caught my eye Written by our Founder and CEO, our Celebrations Pulse Letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you to express, connect, and celebrate the important people in your life. 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