Frank Gardner

Frank Gardner's role as a Security Correspondent for the BBC places him at the forefront of international security. His unique perspective, shaped by his experiences, makes him a popular conference speaker. In 1997, Frank became the BBC's first full-time Gulf correspondent, and two years later, he was appointed the Middle East correspondent. Despite being shot multiple times in Saudi Arabia while filming a documentary, Frank's dedication to his work was unwavering. He returned to reporting within a year, and now, as a public speaker, he reflects on this experience and shares his crisis management tips with audiences. His behind-the-scenes view of international crises is a captivating insight that enthrals audiences of all industries and sectors.  

Frank started her career in banking, working with Saudi International Bank and later Robert Fleming Bank. In the mid-90s, he transitioned to Journalism, joining the BBC's World News unit before being appointed the BBC's Security Correspondent in 2002. The former captain in the Regular Army Reserve was partially paralysed from the waist down following an attack by al-Qaida gunmen, an experience that Frank discusses as a resilience speaker. He specialises in crisis and change management at events, teaching corporate audiences to handle extreme pressure.  

Considering his first-hand experience of thrilling frontlines, it is no surprise that Frank is a successful author. He has published four books in the Luke Carlton series, a set of fiction novels that follow an MI6 operative through his missions. In 2006, Frank published Blook and Sand, a Sunday Times Bestselling memoir; in 2009, he published Far Horizons. Taking to the small screen, Frank has starred in multiple documentaries, including Tintin's Adventure with Frank Gardner, Frank Gardner's Return to Saudi Arabia, Birds of Paradise: The Ultimate Quest, Being Frank: The Frank Gardner Story and, in 2022, a BBC special of Ukraine: Putin's Nuclear Threat.  

Frank was awarded an OBE in 2005 in recognition of his security correspondence. He later received the Efficiency Decoration, the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal, and Honorary Doctorates from multiple universities. Among his other awards, Frank received the McWhirter Award for Bravery, Spain's El Mundo Prize for International Journalism, the Zayed Medal for Journalism, and was voted Person of the Year by the UK Press Gazette. Frank Gardner is a highly acclaimed security expert who presented a TED Talk on Misunderstanding the Middle East. He talks extensively about his experiences on the frontlines reporting global crises, keeping audiences hooked on his every word.