Frank Sesno
Engage in meaningful conversations and gain insights into the art of effective questioning with Frank Sesno, speaker, journalist, and media expert.
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Frank Sesno is a journalist and media expert with over three decades of experience in the industry. He began his career as a reporter and later became the Washington Bureau Chief, White House Correspondent, and talk show host at CNN. Sesno covered various aspects of American politics and news media, earning him several awards, including an Emmy Award for his coverage of the 1993 Midwest flooding. After leaving CNN, Sesno served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at The George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs, where he taught courses on journalism ethics, documentary production, and sustainability reporting. Additionally, he created PlanetForward.org, a multimedia project aimed at examining innovative solutions to environmental challenges. As a moderator and interviewer, Frank has engaged with numerous high-profile individuals, including presidents, politicians, scientists, and business leaders. His ability to connect with audiences and facilitate meaningful conversations has earned him recognition as a world-renowned interviewer. He has also authored books such as "Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change," which offers insights into the art of effective questioning. Throughout his career, Sesno has been recognized for his contributions to journalism and media, receiving awards such as the Pilot and Web-Sequel Awards, CableAce Award, Overseas Press Club Award, and The National Press Club Award. Despite his impressive accomplishments, Frank remains committed to fostering open dialogue and promoting more civil discourse in society.
Frank brings over three decades of unparalleled experience in journalism and media, offering deep insights into effective communication, the power of questioning, and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. His engaging storytelling and ability to facilitate meaningful conversations with high-profile individuals will inspire your team to think critically and innovate. Booking Frank as a speaker will not only elevate your event but also empower your business with strategies for success in today’s complex media landscape.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
As a journalist, author, and educator, Frank Sesno has often sought to find the counter-narrative to the doomsday scenarios that abound. In his Planet Forward environmental project, the focus is on innovation – the new ideas and breakthrough technologies that represent a fundamentally positive frame. His book, Ask More: the Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change, explores how we can put inquiry to use to improve our lives through awareness, understanding, and creativity. His teaching at the George Washington University summons students to learn so that they may make positive contributions for the rest of their lives.
Frank's talk, based on his book "Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change," explores how organizations can challenge colleagues, motivate the workforce, and engage leaders through brilliant and provocative questions. He delves into the types of questions that inspire imagination, the listening skills that maximize performance, and how inquiry can catalyze risk-taking and creativity. Attendees will learn how to harness purpose and meaning in their work, build bridges in divisive times, and use a journalist’s tools—questions, curiosity, listening, and learning—to become more engaged, aware, and productive.
Frank Sesno is a master at moderating panels and leadership discussions, blending expertise, curiosity, warmth, and humor to engage guests and panelists. With a career as an interviewer, anchor, talk show host, and public event moderator, he has conversed with global leaders on topics from business to international affairs. Sesno has interviewed figures like Condoleezza Rice, Jack Welch, and five American presidents, including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He has also led high-profile panels and interviewed Fortune 500 CEOs like Bill Gates. Attendees will learn how to create engaging, informative discussions that draw out the best in their subjects.
There are many things to worry about, and constant news and alerts can be overwhelming. How can we view the future more optimistically? Veteran journalist, educator, author, and commentator Frank Sesno addresses this in his talk, highlighting trends in culture and business that showcase human progress and ingenuity. From the environment to food, technology to health care, Frank reveals important achievements often overshadowed by daily news. With humor and a conversational style, he engages the audience on a journey to a future full of potential and promise. Attendees will learn to see a hopeful and exciting future.
Frank Sesno discusses asking the right questions, reflective time, and storytelling's power in climate awareness. Tailored talks draw from his book "You've Got 8 Seconds," offering effective communication guidance.
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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
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We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.
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Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.
We also provide a full range of talent, from event hosts and moderators to interviewers and corporate entertainment, ensuring your event’s success from start to finish.
PepTalk workshops are interactive learning experiences for leaders at all levels, blending theory with practical insights from industry experts. These programs, led by experienced facilitators, are designed to drive real mindset changes and equip participants with actionable skills. Workshops can be customised to meet your organisation's specific needs. Explore our workshop examples and contact us today to learn how your team can benefit.
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