Neil Benson - A life in journalism

Nottingham Business School Business Leaders

Nottingham Business School Business Leaders Podcast

Neil Benson – A life in journalism | Episode 32

Key takeaways

• Neil Benson emphasises the need for leaders to adopt a more humble and wise approach, akin to Yoda from Star Wars, rather than the brash and assertive style of Han Solo.
• He asserts that there is no natural leader and successful leaders must invest time in learning and developing their leadership skills.
• Neil highlights the importance of gender diversity in leadership positions and believes that women generally possess qualities like approachability, communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence, which are highly valued by employees.
• His best advice to young leaders starting out on their own leadership career, is straightforward: “Learn the value of humility.”

Neil Benson’s career in local newspapers

• During Neil's 40-year career in local newspapers, he witnessed the heyday of the industry, characterised by high circulations and male-dominated newsrooms.
• Neil began his career at the Sheffield Star at the age of 19 before eventually becoming the Editorial Director of Trinity Mirror, overseeing newspapers in Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Birmingham.
• He experienced the brash and macho culture of newsrooms in the 1980s and 1990s, where newspaper editors were often portrayed as mavericks.

Related links

• Neil Benson’s memoir, You Can’t Libel the Dead: A Life in Journalism
• If you liked this episode, listen to David Lloyd – Leadership Lessons from 40 years in Radio

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