Name: Bob Newman

Where were you born and raised?
Delaware County, PA

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
After spending all of my adult life in the SEAL Teams, I had a strong desire to continue to work with an elite performing team. I said yes to far too many opportunities in this search and spread myself very thin.

To say I transitioned “too fast” is an understatement. I spent the first three years out of the navy redefining myself, from working with veteran nonprofits to running a small leadership development firm.

During this time, I felt that something was missing. I was aligned with my “Why” but realized I wanted to be back where the action is and be part of the team “moving the needle” instead of on the sidelines coaching—joining the Honor Foundation team checks all of the boxes I have for my fulfillment. Most of all, allowing me to give back to the community that has given me so much is the honor of a lifetime.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Choose your “own” path. Though I had a very fulfilling career in SEAL Teams, I recognized that I followed a course laid out for me by others. I found this was part of my challenge in transitioning. I went from a very linear progression to a spaghetti chart to success in the private sector.

Your Personal Why?
I fuel people’s inner spark to inspire action towards the dreams held by their inner voice.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
Working with THF allows me to give back to the same organizations and people who have given me so much. My why drives me to be a servant leader in providing training, insights, and support to our Special Operations community. Preparing these special operators to use their skills in the private sector is a force multiplier and a win-win scenario for all involved.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
Most of the men in my family served in the military. I learned of the SEAL Teams when I was 16 from my father, who came across their prowess in 1965 while attending airborne army training. I did some research and was hooked on the idea of serving my country in the highest capacity I could in the special operations of the navy. I trained and enlisted at the age of 17 and served in the “Teams” for nearly three decades.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
My favorite THF Value is “Exemplify trust.” Relationships are vital to me, and trust is the foundation of all strong relationships. I lead with trust in others and wish to inspire others to trust in me to help them in any capacity I can.

Area/Industry of expertise:
As the Director of the Virtual Programs, my expertise is to build engaging, world-class content with the latest technologies to facilitate THF’s executive-level transitioning curriculum. I am working with my THF Tribes in planning, collaborating, and executing the world’s premier virtual transition platform. Let’s go!!

Contact Bob directly at bob@honor.org.