Mike Soutar
Specialist Topics
- Business transformation
- Leadership
- Team building
- Resilience
- Motivational
- Media
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.
The Apprentice

Leadership Challenges
SIMILAR SPEAKERS
Former Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney, shares key insights and tools from his 25-year career, focusing on the "Think Different" approach to boost innovation and creativity in business.
read moreCITY AM Analyst of the Year 2023, Telegraph Columnist, Business and Financial Presenter/Host/Commentator, Head of Investment at Interactive Investor, Moderator, Business Speaker
read moreAward-Winning Global Brand & Marketing Expert, Revolutionary Customer Service, Transforming Big Brands
read moreAfua Hagan | Journalist and Broadcaster | TV & Radio Presenter | TEDx Speaker | Social Mobility, Diversity & Inclusion Keynote Speaker | Event Host | Moderator | Royal Commentator
read more
