Hi {{ subscriber.first_name }}, In the latest episode of The World Class Leader Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Soutar, a prominent business leader in the UK and former CEO of the Evening Standard. Mike's career has been nothing short of extraordinary, spanning journalism, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership. He’s most recognizable from his ongoing role as an interviewer on the BBC’s The Apprentice, where his no-nonsense approach to evaluating business plans and candidates has made him a standout figure. From Journalism to CEO – A Remarkable JourneyMike’s career began in journalism, where he quickly made a name for himself. By 22, he had already become the editor of the legendary Smash Hits magazine. His early success was driven by his ability to lead in highly competitive and creative environments. Throughout his journey, Mike consistently demonstrated the importance of learning quickly and adapting to new challenges. His rise from writing horoscopes at 17 to eventually leading a multimillion-pound media company showcases his relentless curiosity and drive to innovate. The Role of Ego in Leadership DecisionsOne of the most revealing aspects of Mike's journey was his reflection on how ego influenced his decision to take the role of CEO at the Evening Standard. After years of entrepreneurial success and building businesses, Mike found himself at a crossroads. The offer to lead such a prestigious and high-profile organization seemed like a perfect opportunity to validate his career achievements. In his own words, he admitted that the allure of having the title "CEO" on his business card, along with the external status that came with it, played a significant role in his decision-making. The Value of MentorshipMike’s career success was significantly influenced by key mentors who supported and challenged him throughout his journey. He shared how these mentors helped shape his leadership approach by encouraging him to think differently and approach problems creatively. These relationships not only aided his personal growth but also facilitated his transition from managing creative teams to mastering the financial and operational sides of running a business. Adapting to ChangeMike’s experience at the Evening Standard provided a valuable lesson on the importance of adaptability in leadership. When his vision for the future of the newspaper conflicted with that of its ownership, he made the difficult decision to step down. This allowed him to pivot toward a new, fulfilling phase of his career, focusing on non-executive roles with organizations such as Scottish Rugby and the V&A Dundee. Final Thoughts – The Power of ClarityThroughout his career, Mike’s ability to stay curious, reinvent himself, and make tough decisions has been a driving force behind his success. His journey teaches leaders that finding personal and professional clarity is crucial for long-term fulfillment. For those at the tail end of their corporate careers, Mike’s advice is to plan and ensure that future roles align with their passions and values. Discover More To learn more about Mike, connect with her on LinkedIn here, where he actively shares insights and engages with his audience. This is a summary of our conversation. I recommend watching our full interview on YouTube Performance & Executive Coach to CEOs, CXOs, and their Teams | Speaker | Facilitator You need more? Here are other ways to get value from what I do: 1) Read my previous newsletters and subscribe here 2) Watch and listen to the "The World Class Leaders Show" podcast and leave a review: 3) Book a free strategy call with me here |