Mike Soutar is an entrepreneur, broadcaster, and advisor on business transformation to corporate and political leaders.
Mike’s passion is supporting the next generation of founders and CEOs to grow into inspiring and effective leaders. He has appeared as one of Lord Sugar’s trusted advisors on BBC’s The Apprentice for 13 Seasons.
During his executive career he led some of the UK’s biggest media brands and revolutionised UK magazine publishing when he founded Shortlist Media.
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, data, contemporary art and social media.
In 2025, he joined the UK Government’s Board Of Trade to help champion the best of British business to the rest of the world.
Mike brings origional insights to a wide range of business topic. His thought provoking keynotes are known for their imagination, humour and honesty.
Core themes include:
Leading with confidence in an age of relentless change
Building resilience and decision-making under pressure
Creating transformational business opportunities from nothing
The power of innovation and adaptability