Mike Soutar

Mike Soutar is an entrepreneur, broadcaster and business advisor with more than three decades of experience building brands, scaling businesses and leading through change. Best known to television audiences as one of Lord Sugar’s trusted interviewers on The Apprentice, Mike brings a direct, insightful and often humorous perspective to leadership, entrepreneurship and business transformation.

Mike began his career in journalism as a teenage reporter in Scotland before rising through the ranks of the UK media industry. He went on to edit and revitalise major consumer titles including Smash Hits and FHM, before becoming Managing Director of Kiss FM, where he helped transform the former pirate radio station into a successful multi-platform media brand. He also played a key role in the sale of IPC Media to Time Warner.

During the global financial crisis, Mike co-founded Shortlist Media, helping pioneer a new model for free and freemium publishing. Under his leadership, the company grew from a five-person start-up into an award-winning media business with more than 200 staff across print, digital and live events, disrupting the UK publishing landscape with titles including Stylist.

Alongside his executive career, Mike has built a respected portfolio of advisory and board positions across media, culture, sport and technology. He serves as a Non-Executive Director of Scottish Rugby, a Trustee of V&A Dundee, and an advisor to a range of fast-growth businesses. In 2025, he joined the UK Government’s Board of Trade, supporting British business internationally.

As a keynote speaker, Mike shares candid lessons from boardrooms, newsrooms and the Apprentice interview chair, exploring themes including entrepreneurship, resilience, decision-making, innovation and scaling with purpose. Combining strategic insight with warmth and wit, he equips audiences with practical ideas for navigating growth and disruption in an increasingly fast-changing world.

To book Keynote Speaker Mike Soutar, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com