Watching Gene Hackman’s films again after his passing, I found myself reflecting not just on his incredible performances but on my own life. His characters—strong, stubborn, often flawed—reminded me of how unpredictable life can be. No matter how much we plan, things rarely turn out the way we expect. That truth resonates deeply with me, and it brought to mind a verse from Proverbs 19:21:
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
Growing up, I never thought I would be where I am today. My father struggled with addiction, and for a long time, I believed I would never get married or have a family. I didn’t see that kind of stability as something I could have. And yet, in July, my wife and I will celebrate 13 years of marriage. Over six years ago, I adopted her kids, creating a family I never thought was possible.
Even in business, life has taken unexpected turns. Owning my own company has come with challenges, but it’s also a story of success—not just in financial terms, but in the fact that my wife and I are in control of our destiny. We’ve built something, made choices for ourselves, and refused to let the past define our future.
That’s what struck me most about Hackman’s characters. Whether it’s Coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers believing in Shooter when no one else would, or Royal Tenenbaum realizing too late what truly mattered, his roles reflect the unpredictable nature of life.
The story of Shooter in Hoosiers is particularly meaningful to me because of my father. While my dad battled to stay sober for 52 years, he also spent years working with people who were addicted and homeless. He was out in the streets every day, trying to help people find their second chance. He understood something that Hoosiers captures so well—people aren’t just their mistakes. If given the right opportunity and support, they can rise again.
Hackman’s characters remind us of different leadership lessons:
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Popeye Doyle (The French Connection)—A man so consumed by the chase that he doesn’t see where it’s leading him. A lesson in not letting obsession blind us to the bigger picture.
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Captain Ramsey (Crimson Tide)—A leader who must accept that times are changing and that sometimes, stepping aside is the right move. A reminder that adaptability is key.
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Rankin Fitch (Runaway Jury)—A power player who thinks control is everything, only to find himself with nothing. A warning that winning at all costs can be your downfall.
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Royal Tenenbaum (The Royal Tenenbaums)—A man who, despite a lifetime of mistakes, finds meaning in the moments he finally shows up. A testament to the fact that it’s never too late to change.
These flawed characters remind me of how life is never as we expect it to be. We make plans, but the path shifts. We think we know where we’re going, but often, we end up somewhere entirely different. And sometimes, that unexpected destination is better than anything we could have imagined.
Hackman played men who were real, flawed, and human. But in them, I see reflections of all of us—our struggles, our growth, and the ways we find redemption, even when we least expect it.
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