Available to book
Engage in meaningful conversations and gain insights into the art of effective questioning with Frank Sesno, speaker, journalist, and media expert.
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.
Topics, sessions and talks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Frank Sesno structures his talks around a taxonomy of question types drawn from his book Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change, categorising questions by function — diagnostic, creative, bridging — and demonstrating how each type produces distinct outcomes in leadership, negotiation, and organisational culture.
Frank Sesno specialises in panel moderation and leadership discussions, strategic questioning and organisational inquiry, and narrative construction with a focus on environmental innovation. He is a former CNN Washington Bureau Chief and White House Correspondent whose career includes interviews with five US presidents, Fortune 500 CEOs, and global political figures, recognised with an Emmy Award for his coverage of the 1993 Midwest flooding.
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