Ryan Paugh is a man with a lucky pebble. “My wife gave it to me. It’s from Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is a spiritual sort of place and it is meant to keep away bad spirits and attract good energy. So when I’m trying to raise money or launch a product I keep it in my pocket,” says the founder of YEC, the US invitation-only entrepreneurs’ organisation.

Mr Paugh explains that while he does not exactly believe his pebble is imbued with magical powers, “it feels good. It’s an object that reminds you to be in a positive frame of mind and it reminds me that I work hard for my family.”

Many businesspeople will admit privately to luck playing a part in their careers. A token is a way of giving good fortune a helping hand. “A lot of entrepreneurs do this sort of thing, but few of them of them talk about it. They will have an object or a piece of clothing that is essential to their persona,” says Mr Paugh.