Stories Worth Hearing

From B-2 Stealth Bombers to the Boardroom: Lt. Gen. Dick Newton on Leadership, 9/11, and the American Dream

October 9, 2026·31 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

What does it take to rise to the rank of three-star general, command some of America's most powerful military aircraft, and then build an entirely new career in business, finance, and national media?On Stories Worth Hearing, host John Quick sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Richard "Dick" Newton for a fascinating conversation about military service, leadership, entrepreneurship, faith, and the opportunities that continue to define the American Dream.Newton spent 34 years serving in the United States Air Force, rising to become Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and serving under multiple presidential administrations. From commanding the first B-2 stealth bomber squadron to leading a B-52 bomber wing at Minot Air Force Base during the September 11 terrorist attacks, his career placed him at the center of some of the most consequential moments in modern American military history.He shares what it was like to command an Air Force base on 9/11, prepare thousands of service members and their families for an uncertain future, and transition from peacetime operations to combat missions in Afghanistan just weeks later.But Newton's story didn't end when he retired from the military in 2012.He went on to build a remarkable second career in corporate leadership, serving on major investment and corporate boards, including Victory Capital and Terran Orbital, while expanding into consulting, artificial intelligence, energy, and national security. Today, he's also a senior national security contributor for NewsNation and serves on the National Security Advisory Council of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.The conversation explores how leadership principles learned in the military translate into the boardroom, why America's economic strength is essential to national security, and whether the American Dream is still alive for the next generation of entrepreneurs.Newton also opens up about the importance of faith and family, his commitment to mentoring future leaders, and the advice he gives young professionals looking to build meaningful careers. His message is simple: never stop learning, find great mentors, take calculated risks, and pursue opportunities that align with your values.From flying stealth bombers to navigating Wall Street and national television, Dick Newton's journey is a powerful story of service, reinvention, and leadership.Stories Worth Hearing with John Quick brings you conversations with remarkable people whose experiences, accomplishments, and lessons offer inspiration for life, leadership, and business.Learn more about Lt. Gen. Dick Newton: https://ltgennewton.com/

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