Oliver Shah: Inside the world of business journalism

Over 200 years since its first publication hit the streets, The Sunday Times business section has solidified its role in British culture as a must-read for business leaders and entrepreneurs.

“With a nose for scoops”, Oliver Shah has risen to the role of Associate Editor at the publication, even writing a best-selling book along the way. In this exclusive interview, we talk to Oliver about the demise of brash business leader personalities, the current relationship between business and politics, being threatened by Sir Philip Green and much more.

Here's what we discussed:

• Could you give us an overview of your career? (03:22)
• What gave you an interest in business? (04:56)
• How do you reflect on Brexit? (07:25)
• You wrote Damaged Goods: The Inside Story of Sir Philip Green in 2018. How did that relationship come about and what led you to write the book? (09:49)
• Do you feel that the big, brash personalities of well-known business leaders, such as Sir Philip Green, are now a thing of the past? (13:36)
• You've been around exceptional leaders throughout your career, do any stick our mind in particular? (17:49)
• Many people, such as Jordan Peterson, are very critical of how ESG is perceived as a silver bullet. What is your view of ESG? (21:13)
• How do you reflect on the early days of the pandemic? (24:49)
• Do any post-pandemic success stories stick in your mind? (30:26)
• A number of companies have delisted from the London Stock Exchange or pulled their potential listings due to a lack of value. Does the Government need to do more to encourage investment and how do you compare them to Lord Mandelson’s pro-business approach you mentioned before? (35:50)
• The Good News Postcard: What is your favourite ever good news story? (39:42)
• What makes a great business leader? (41:28)

Thanks to Leo from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that’s good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Business Leader YouTube channel for more interviews with some of the world’s leading business figures.

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