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Transitions and Legacies
How to prepare for the unexpected
Owen Ruben Tucker Jr. died suddenly. He was shot and killed by his former head of security of his dream project in Belize, an eco-resort. Ironic and deeply tragic. Owen was my colleague and friend from when we both worked at a pioneering online supply chain company many years ago. We kept in touch over the years, sharing about our work and lives.
How does one deal with transitions that erupt with no warning? Owen had a shining career, in PWC, in the startup world where we met, and then at IBM, Teradata, and Oracle before setting out on his own as a consultant. He was born in Belize, came to the US on a college scholarship and flourished. At 60 he shifted careers and went to Belize to develop the eco-resort that he envisioned to be the capstone of his career. He saw that project as tying together all he learned in business with his desire to give back to the world that fostered him. When everything seemed to be coming together, he was murdered in the very place he thought was going to be his biggest legacy.
Can you prepare for the unexpected? Yes, by living each day as it may be your last. When you are living your life purpose, doing what resonates with your heart, mind and gifts, each day is fulfilling. Not that there aren’t days that are frustrating!
When Owen and I worked in the startup world, there were many long days and unforeseen obstacles. When you are innovating in an established field with centuries of traditions, blockages and resistance to change pop up frequently. Since we believed that the new technology we were developing would simplify, speed up and reduce inefficiencies in the supply chain transaction system, we persevered. We were working on processes that would make transactions more equitable for all parties, more efficient and cost effective too. We had a bigger purpose, and that kept us grounded on why and what we were doing.
Owen’s death was shocking and totally unexpected. His family and friends, including myself, were devastated. We found comfort in knowing that he followed his desire to give back and do good while doing well. Owen’s sister stated to the press, losing their beloved to a senseless killing is horrific and unimaginable. They are deeply saddened but at peace because he lived fully, and he…
