Corporate version
A 1-page CV-style summary of See Through Network Founder Robert Stern. The gap between this and the Fun Version is the point of storytelling. Having both versions is the point of the Network.
Profile
Founder of The See Through Network, Robert Stern is a multilingual filmmaker, journalist, and educator with over three decades of experience in international media, environmental communication, and carbon reduction advocacy. His career spans journalism, documentary production, and innovative environmental engagement initiatives, combining storytelling expertise with a strong commitment to measurable climate action.
Education
University of Edinburgh – MA (Hons) Chinese, First Class Honours
Graduated: 1987
Professional Experience
Founder – The See Through Network
2021 – Present | United Kingdom
- Founded and lead a global initiative with the Goal of Speeding Up Carbon Drawdown by Helping the Inactive Become Active.
- Developed innovative platforms combining storytelling and science to promote carbon reduction, including:
- See Through News (2021): journalism, education and outreach
- See Through Games (2022): real-world and online environmental engagement games
- See Through Carbon (2023): open-source, transparent carbon reporting ecosystem
- See Through Together (2024): social media storytelling through original video and audio content
- Grew the network to over 1M Facebook members, 300K YouTube views, hundreds of volunteers, and US$500K+ in donations-in-kind, while maintaining a zero-budget operational model.
Founder & Director – Litmus Films
2000 – 2021 | United Kingdom
- Produced and directed dozens of documentaries for international broadcasters, including NHK, BBC
- Broadcast on-air in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.
- Specialized in environmental, social, and cultural topics.
- Worked as a broadcast consultant focusing on China and Japan.
- Delivered BBC World workshops in China, mentoring journalists and teaching ethical filmmaking
Journalist & Producer – CNN, CNBC Asia, ABC News
1991 – 2000 | Japan, Hong Kong, China
- CNN Beijing Bureau (1998–2000): Producer/Reporter covering China and regional issues.
- CNBC Asia / NBC Asia (1995–1998): Shanghai Bureau Chief; previously Producer/Reporter in Hong Kong.
- ABC News Tokyo Bureau (1991–1995): Associate Producer for U.S. network news coverage across Asia.
Textile Trader – Itochu Corporation
1987 – 1991 | Japan & UK
- Traded textiles internationally for one of Japan’s largest trading companies.
Languages
- English: Native
- Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish: Fluent
Selected Achievements
- Created an international environmental media network reaching millions through storytelling, education, and open-source data tools.
- Produced award-winning documentaries in multiple languages for global audiences.
- Taught and mentored international journalists in socially responsible reporting.
- Pioneered zero-budget media collaboration models combining journalism, education, and carbon accountability.
Interests
Environmental sustainability • Documentary filmmaking • Global storytelling • Cultural exchange • Open-source innovation