Mike Soutar

Biography

Mike Soutar is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, broadcaster and advisor on business transformation. His passion is supporting the next generation of founders and CEOs to grow into inspiring and effective leaders.

Mike has appeared as one of Lord Sugar’s trusted advisors on BBC’s The Apprentice for 13 seasons. He has led some of the UK’s biggest media brands during periods of significant change, focusing on building better businesses, developing leadership talent and establishing the optimal culture for success.

He founded Shortlist Media out of the ashes of the financial crash in 2007 and revolutionised UK magazine publishing in the process. With a continuing interest in media, entertainment and technology, Mike is a Non-Executive Director of Scottish Rugby, a Trustee of V&A Dundee and a Board advisor to fast-growth businesses spanning fintech, contemporary art and social media. In 2026 he published Next Gen CEO: 60 Lessons for Leaders in an Uncertain World.