When Jeff Bezos led Amazon (1999–2006), his odd favorite interview question was simple yet revealing: “Are you a lucky person?” 

Rather than asking about technical skills or past successes, Bezos used this question to assess a candidate’s humility, initiative, and optimism—traits he valued deeply in Amazon’s culture. 

• Humility: Admitting luck reflects an awareness that hard work isn’t the only factor in success. It signals gratitude and grounded self-awareness. 

• Alertness: Research shows people who consider themselves lucky are often more observant of opportunities—Bezos saw this as a sign of proactivity. 

• Optimism: Believing you’re lucky often correlates with a future-focused mindset - essential in high-growth, uncertain environments.

Conversely, dismissing luck outright - or attributing success entirely to one’s own merit - can hint at arrogance or a narrow worldview. Bezos considered mindset more insightful than credentials. 

Though unconventional, the question became a subtle test of character. Candidates who could weave effort and chance into their narratives often stood out. In Bezos’s view, that blend of realism, humility, and drive defined leadership potential - making the question as brilliant as it was bizarre.