Meet Richard Tucker: Traveling Bermudian with a Knack for Criminal Justice Reform
Richard P. Tucker. Photo by royalgazette.com
An international luxury hotelier with over 10 years’ industry experience, covering various US and Caribbean markets, Richard Tucker has merged his passion for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness with his calling for offering unrivaled hospitality experiences, in his role as Complex General Manager at The Assemblage – a coworking and coliving oasis in the heart of New York City. He is a changemaker who is inspired by, and supportive of, criminal justice reform and expanding voter access.
A proud sneakerhead #WearYourKicks! Richard enjoys skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. He is the legal guardian of his 17-year-old brother and parent to a 1-year-old tri-color American Bully named “Thanos.” Richard is a believer in the Ubuntu Philosophy of "I am, because you/we are,” and is excited to share and expand on this philosophical view with the diverse and progressive minds of the Mastermind Connect community.
Name: Richard Tucker
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How would the person who knows you best describe you?
Forgive me for the Oprah reference, but I recall vividly asking my best friend Michael a similar question, "Mike, how would you describe me to someone who doesn't know me?" Michael responded by showing me an interview that Oprah had done with Barbara Walters in December 2010 ahead of her launch of the OWN network. Oprah and Gayle had experienced speculation about the nature of their friendship for years and when Barbara asked Oprah what she would tell those people, she replied "She is the mother I never had, she is the sister everybody would want, she is the friend that everybody deserves. I don't know a better person, I don't know a better person." Michael then repeated this to me, substituting mother with father and sister with brother. This declaration immediately brought me to tears. Not because of the pleasant things that he had just uttered about me (which I received with the utmost humility), but because it is exactly how I felt about him. Michael would also add that I am selfless sometimes to a fault. Although I have learned to ensure my cup is always full, so that which runneth over can be shared without risk or detriment to myself.
What brings you joy?
The greatest joy I have experienced in life has been raising my brother for the last 3 years. I am a man of faith and have often been conflicted with god's divine intervention or my perceived lack thereof given the broken relationships I have had with the men in my life. I look forward sharing my story with you in greater detail, but in short I like many others am the victim of trans-generational trauma and sexual abuse, which had led me to cast serious doubt over the intentions and hearts of men. I prayed for God to restore my faith and love in this area and that's when he gave me the gift of my brother. He has taught me that love is sometimes painful, disappointing, and inconvenient, but it is also pure, it is warm, it is nurturing, it is forgiving, and it is essential to human existence. With love comes great responsibility but also great reward. Isaiah brings me continuous joy with his kind heart and loving spirit, he has been a huge pillar in shaping the man that I am today.
If you could learn only one magic spell, but it could only do something mundane and boring, what would the spell do?
Instantly find that missing sock!
What was your best drop the mic moment?
I was recently invited to travel back home to be a guest speaker at the annual Bermuda Tourism Summit. The theme for the Summit was "the long view". My ask was to share my experience abroad and how Bermudian hoteliers and industry partners could benefit from what I had learned. I of course covered all technical applications but made a plea to industry stakeholders, which was that black Bermudians have the attitude and aptitude to do the jobs that they so desperately seek to outsource to expatriate workers. I encouraged them to evolve that train of thought as it does not serve the best interests of the socio-economic progression of Bermuda, which ultimately improves Bermuda's marketability as a top tier Caribbean destination. The applause and reaction was electrifying. I may not be invited back to speak for a few years and that's OK!
What are some of your personal principles?
Integrity in the face of adversity, love yourself and then love yourself some more, don't be afraid to fail, and do well by doing good.
What are some goals you’d like to achieve in the next year?
Professional - career advancement to Area General Manager.
Personal - get to 9% body fat!
Who has been your biggest inspiration so far, and why?
My mom. I will admit that our relationship is far from perfect or picturesque, however the attributes I celebrate most of myself are a direct descendant of her. My mom is a fighter, she is the most selfless person I have ever encountered in life. She'd do anything for anyone (within the boundaries of what's legal of course) because she inherently sees the very best in everyone. She has battled two benign brain tumors and stage 3 breast cancer. All while being a single mother, raising two queens and 2 kings. I may be biased, but she did a damn good job! It pains me to write this, because I realize how much I take her for granted. I'll be calling her as soon as I'm done with this application. :-)
What would you say to your younger self based off what you know now?
You matter, you are loved, and you are beautiful.
Who matters most in your life?
Me, and please do not receive that in a narcissistic way, as it is anything but. One of my favorite life coaches is Iyanla Vanzant and I believe that her most profound teaching is being self-full. Please visit this link, you won't be disappointed!
What does friendship mean to you?
True friendship is a privilege and the most amazing gift life has to offer. Friendship is being in spiritual, mental, and emotional relationship with another human being who aligns with your values, supports your growth, respects your individuality, and holds you accountable. Friendship is knowing the best and worst qualities of you - and loving you because of them all.
What is your favorite book and why?
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. Ms. Angelou so eloquently shares her truth of being a victim of unimaginable hate, abuse, and oppression. Her experiences in life show that one's character and belief in themselves can liberate. As she so famously said "love liberates". As a victim of sexual abuse this book manifested an evolution of thought about my own experience, from subconsciously allowing my story and narrative control my life to understanding that there is so much more to me that what happened to me.
What does brotherhood mean to you?
Brotherhood is a feeling, a connection, a way of life. It is the belief that I am brother's keeper. Friendships come and go, but family, familial bond is enduring. It stands the test of time, it protects, it loves, it corrects, it inspires, and most importantly - it welcomes.
Share with us some of the dreams you wish to accomplish: I have always been passionate about politics and I have set a long lasting intention to one day go back home to Bermuda to run for public office and by the grace of God become Premier of Bermuda.
I would also like to begin investing in real estate in the very near future.
I would like to begin engaging and exploring within African Diaspora tourism and travel.
What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
Following my heart and moving to NYC despite the lack of support from family and friends. Taking a leap of faith and putting total trust in God and myself has always been the most rewarding memory for me.
What has been your best volunteering experience?
Being an Olympic Club Youth Leader at my previous church.
What is something that you’re struggling with? Making time for life outside of work. This answer will be further explained in "How do you see Mastermind Connect helping you grow?".
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I begin with asking myself why? I then set measurable goals and clear intentions, meditating on ad manifesting them.
What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know?
A shrimp's heart is located on its head - mind-blowing!
Did you have a mentor growing up?
No.
Have you ever been a mentor to someone else?
Yes, on a professional level I mentor 10 direct reports, including professionals from Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, Accounting, and Customer Service.
Do you feel capable of mentoring someone else, and if not why?
Yes.
What movie do you wish life was more like?
The Wiz! More self awareness, authenticity, and evolution of thought. Also wouldn't mind a spontaneous musical number every hour or so...
What are some business/professional goals you have?
Secure a VP of Openings and Transitions opportunity with a leading hospitality management group. Opening and transitioning hotels from one management group to another has always been the most challenging and rewarding experience for me.
I would ultimately like to create and own a hospitality management consulting firm to be contracted for hotel design and experience concepts.
What are some of the personal goals you have?
Financial independence
Continuing Education
Improved Body Language
Share More of Myself
What made you want to become a Mastermind Connect member?
Networking is one of the primary functions of my job, however it is usually limited to individuals who do not look like me or have not had similar experiences in life as me. Mastermind Connect's appeal to me was a community of successful and progressive individuals who not only allowed for networking opportunities and relationship building, but giving back to communities of black and brown boys that look like me through mentorship. This country and the world needs more of this magic!
How do you see Mastermind Connect helping you grow?
I believe surrounding myself with other professional and progressive men of continue to challenge me to the best version of myself, while also offering a support system founded on brotherhood.
What would you like to see "more of" in our community?
Programs and retreats centered around wellness.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be one of service. I want to be known as someone who always showed up as their true authentic self. I want my name to be synonymous with love and compassion.
What childish thing do you still enjoy?
When visiting Bermuda, I always make it a priority to climb the same tree in my backyard.
What would your 8th Grade favorite teacher say about what you were like back then?: Unsolicited advocate for student rights - very outspoken.
What is your motto?
If you like it, I love it!
Do you make other people uncomfortable sometimes, and why?
Yes.
When did you realize you were no longer a kid (please elaborate)?: In my first year in college in the UK. I was walking home from class down the main street in Headington, Oxford. The street was lined with shops and restaurants with plenty of activity. I was halfway home when I heard the piercing sound of sirens swiftly approach me. Within seconds, I was surrounded by 4 officers who instructed me to face the wall with my hands raised above my head. I was then searched under the premise that I fit the description of a suspect who had just burglarized a local retail store. Upon completion of their search and verifying my identity, I was released. It was in this dehumanizing moment that I realized I was no longer a kid.
What’s not to love about you?
I talk, A LOT.
Who or what is your nemesis?
Procrastination, although I have made huge strides in addressing this issue by keeping a planner which includes a personal to do list and due dates.
What long shot have you taken that really paid off?
Quitting my previous job as Hotel Manager after I realized that I wasn't fully aligned with the company's values. I was unemployed for a few months and discovered the Assemblage which has enriched my mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial wellness beyond my expectations.
What were you really into when you were younger but now think is silly?
Having the latest material items, believing they somehow made me better.
What is the most useless thing you know how to do?
Write in cursive.
What is the highest pressure situation you have experienced and how did you handle it?
In 2015, the hotel I managed had a labor dispute with the union and employee's representatives. This resulted in a 2 month OSHA inspection at the height of NY's peak hotel occupancy dates. Employees were still permitted to come to work but were not able to report to their work areas limiting all essential hotel services to guests. While the negotiations between the union and the hotel rested in the hands of the ownership group, I was responsible for operating through the inspection and relocating over 500 guests. I created an SOP for the relocations that focused on guest guest satisfaction and retention, ensuring that despite our inability to honor their current reservation, we would ensure their return. I also created a training plan for the employees to ensure that they were still engaged and kept up to date on standards while they were limited with the tasks they could complete at work.
If you could add 4 hours to your day, what would you spend that 4 hours doing?
1 hour of meditation.
1 hours of fitness.
2 hours of reading.
What’s something you were really stressed about, it turned out to be no big deal?
Leaving a toxic relationship. At the time, I believed it to be love and became so dependent on my partner. It felt like I would never be able to overcome the heartbreak, but counseling and breath-work allowed me to recenter and realize that true happiness lies within you.
What three events made the biggest impact on who you are today?
Being molested at the age of 11.
Stepping into my truth by coming out of the closet as a gay man.
Becoming the legal guardian of my brother.
What is something that most people get wrong about you?
That I am a perfectionist. I don't believe in perfection, I believe in being or creating the best version of something. Everything has some form of imperfection, which continuously allows for growth and refinement.
What’s the biggest doubt you have?
Being 29 years old, I sometimes wonder if I deserve to be where I am in life.
What do you think you know a lot about but probably don’t?
Love.
If you died today, what would your greatest achievement be?
Relocating from one of the smallest countries in the world to the biggest city in the world, succeeding on my own merit.
What stories from your life will you tell your children about (assuming you have children)?
My coming out story, how I met their mother/father, the places I have traveled, my firsts in life (first day of school, first kiss, first love, first heartbreak, etc.), the biggest lessons I have learned.
What did you think was silly until you tried it?
Meditating
When you are daydreaming, what do you dream about?
My mom's cooking.
What do you believe even though you know it’s probably wrong?
Once I achieve (insert desired goal/outcome), I will be happy.
What signs make you think someone will go on to be successful?
Integrity, trustworthy, tenacity, strong belief system, and one's ability to listen.
What’s the most unusual but fun experience you’ve had?
Sweat Lodge Ceremony!
What have you done wrong for most of your life and only recently found out the right way to do it?
Communicate! I always listened to respond and not to understand. Changing the way I communicate has done wonders for my personal and professional growth.
How does your definition of a “real man” differ from the mainstream stereotype of a “real man”? In communities of color, machismo traits are often idolized. This includes the idea that a man shouldn't cry or show emotion, strength is more about what can be seen and not what can be felt. My definition of a real man is someone who is self aware, able to admit their faults and be accountable for their actions. A real man knows that true strength lies in one's ability to be authentically themselves and to embrace their emotions. A real man understands the value of open and honest communication.
If time wasn’t an issue and you had forever to master a skill, what skill would you master?
Patience
What’s the best bad decision you’ve made?
Quitting my job without having another opportunity available.
The Oprah video: