Superhero Leadership with Peter Cuneo Michael Fabiano: Leading with Clarity, Fueling with Curiosity
Jul 21, 2025
Michael Fabiano, President of ESG News, brings a wealth of experience from his transformative roles at NBC News and the Associated Press, including his work on the Oscar-winning documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol. He discusses the growing importance of ESG principles and how corporate mindsets are shifting toward sustainability. Michael shares insights on transforming resistance into opportunities, the role of storytelling in leadership, and the need for adaptability in an ever-changing business landscape.
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ESG Is A Generational Business Shift
- ESG represents a generational shift where companies pursue double or triple bottom lines beyond profit.
- Michael Fabiano sees ESG coverage as essential because trillions are moving into sustainable finance globally.
Turning A Print Culture Digital
- Michael inherited an AP culture steeped in print and retrained teams toward digital and consultative selling.
- He used stepwise restructurings and 18-month pauses to avoid breaking the organization while transforming it.
Sell By Solving Customer Problems
- Do adopt a consultative approach: ask customers what problem they need solved rather than pitching old products.
- Do pre-plan negotiations with top outcomes and spreadsheets to improve customer engagements.