Playing the Second Half - Conversation #9: Where the Lantern Hangs with Steve Newman

I first met Steve Newman in New York when I was taking over his role at Ericsson. We spent a year working closely together, and I learned an enormous amount from him - not only about leadership, but about life.Steve has lived on several continents, hitchhiked across America, served in the Peace Corps in Uganda, taught, travelled, and collected extraordinary stories. But after reading his beautiful memoir, Where the Lantern Hangs, I realized that the real thread running through his life is not only adventure. It is curiosity... and laughter.Steve has this remarkable ability to find humor almost everywhere. Even life’s hardest moments become stories that make you smile and, somehow, also make you think.This conversation is about finding home, about leaving and returning, about love, and about living with an open mind.You will hear about memorable encounters - with Marilyn Monroe, Idi Amin, and an America I never knew existed. But above all, you will discover how Steve’s curiosity opened doors. Whether sharing a long beer straw in Uganda or meeting people from completely different walks of life, he shows how approaching every encounter with curiosity and an open mind can transform the way we experience the world.Before someone turns Where the Lantern Hangs into a movie - which I sincerely hope happens one day - don’t miss reading Steve’s wonderful memoir. And until then, don’t miss this conversation either.You will love Episode 6. Even if you know Steve, I think you’ll be surprised by the sheer number of adventures he has experienced. You’ll laugh as much as we did - and be reminded of what an extraordinary gift a well-lived life can be.Summer 2026 is going by far too quickly!Viva a vida! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit playingthesecondhalf.substack.com