153: The Leadership Pitfall Every CEO Should Know with Mike Soutar

In this episode, Mike Soutar, former CEO of the Evening Standard and renowned interviewer on BBC's The Apprentice, shares his career journey from journalism to executive leadership. Mike reflects on his early rise as editor of Smash Hits at 22 and how his adaptability and curiosity have driven his success.

Mike opens up about how ego influenced his decision to take the CEO role at the Evening Standard, admitting that the allure of the title led to misalignment with the company's vision. This decision taught him the importance of aligning career choices with personal values rather than chasing status.

Mike also discusses the pivotal role mentorship played in his growth, helping him navigate key transitions and develop as a leader. His story is a reminder that clarity, adaptability, and guidance are essential for long-term fulfillment.

Episode Highlights ⤵ 

02:26 – Introduction to Mike Soutar 

04:49 – From Journalism to CEO: Mike’s Early Career Journey 

13:01 – Leadership and Decision-Making During the COVID-19 Crisis 

16:01 – The Ego Trap: Why Mike Took the CEO Role 

29:49 – Adapting to Change: Why Mike Stepped Down as CEO 

34:39 – Finding Purpose Beyond Titles: Leadership Advice for CEOs

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About Andrea Petrone:

Andrea Petrone is a Performance and Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker. He helps CEOs and their Leadership Teams to achieve breakthrough performance and build healthy organizations.

Before launching his advisory firm, Andrea held C-suite executive roles in energy, industrial and consulting for more than 20 yrs at the international level. He worked in six countries and three continents.

Andrea works with clients from all over the world, from North America to Saudi Arabia.

Andrea hosts the popular podcast "The World Class Leaders Show". In his podcast and YouTube channel, Andrea and his guests deconstruct the success of high-performance leaders, share their stories and teach the most effective strategies to move from average to greatness.

Andrea is originally Italian and he lives in London, UK.

Connect with Andrea Petrone:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/

About Mike Soutar

Mike Soutar started his journalistic career at age 17, writing horoscopes for the elderly readers of a romantic fiction magazine in Dundee.

In a turnaround of fortunes that not even he could foresee, Mike is now a portfolio director, investor and adviser, focused on technology, media, sport and the arts.

Mike is the Non-Executive Director of Scotland’s leading design museum, the V&A in Dundee, and an Independent Director of SRL, the Board of the Scottish Rugby Union. He has served on the Boards of non-profit organisations including Comic Relief and IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

He is also a familiar face to viewers of BBC One’s The Apprentice where he has been an on-screen interviewer of the final candidates since 2011. This work led to the development of the team's concept, which is crucial for driving innovation in large organizations. 

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