Insightful Q&A Session with Media Mogul, Influential Investor, and The Apprentice Questioner, Mike Soutar
In this exclusive interview, Mike Soutar, a seasoned industry leader and one of LinkedIn's "Top Voices," recounts his extraordinary career journey spanning decades in media, entertainment, technology, and finance. Best known for his role on BBC One's The Apprentice, Soutar has provided insightful interviews for over a decade, playing a significant part in selecting worthy entrepreneurs for Lord Sugar's investments.
The adventure began with an unexpected phone call in 2010, while Soutar was CEO of Shortlist Media. The producers of The Apprentice wanted to meet him, leading to a meeting with Lord Sugar. Refreshing the show's prize structure to a £250,000 investment in the winner's business idea, he invited Soutar to join the interview panel, replacing a traditional salaried role.
Joining esteemed panelists like Claude Littner, Linda Plant, and Margaret Mountford, Soutar formally entered the television realm. Just before his first interview with Jedi Jim Eastwood, Lord Sugar offered two pieces of advice that would echo through the subsequent years: "This is your room. You set the rules." and "Don't let them get away with anything, Mike."
Since then, Soutar has conducted over 50 interviews on The Apprentice, praising the candidates' determination and creativity despite the intense pressure. Each season brings fresh talent and innovative business ideas, keeping the process engaging and unpredictable.
Despite his extensive and diverse background - including founding Shortlist Media, serving in various sports and arts roles, and contributing to startups - Soutar believes his adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness are the qualities that have enabled him to excel as an interviewer. He evaluates candidates based on these qualities, hoping to identify individuals with the potential to succeed with Lord Sugar's backing.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Soutar advises nurturing resilience, seeking trustworthy advice, and maintaining a curious mind to adapt to dynamic industries and evolving technologies.
Being named a LinkedIn "Top Voice" embodies Soutar's commitment to sharing valuable insights and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Able to reach and connect with professionals worldwide, the platform provides a broader stage for his influence and advisory role.
Looking back on his career, Soutar highlights the rise of Shortlist Media and his role on The Apprentice as pivotal moments. While both came from unexpected opportunities, they have significantly enriched his professional life. After a remarkable career in journalism, media, and television, Soutar continues to offer invaluable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the value of embracing each new opportunity that comes his way.
Mike Soutar, as a seasoned industry leader and LinkedIn's "Top Voice," uses his experience in finance, business, and media to evaluate candidates on The Apprentice, providing them with constructive feedback and offering his expertise on investing and entrepreneurship. Moreover, he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to follow his advice, specifically nurturing resilience, seeking trustworthy advice, and maintaining a curious mind, as these qualities can help them navigate the ever-changing landscape of entertainment and technology industries.
