Mike Read is a veteran radio & television presenter, producer, author and songwriter.
He is well known and respected in the music industry and has won numerous awards for his radio & television work, and his songwriting.
He has topped the Times Bestseller List and has written 41 books to date.
A prolific songwriter he has written songs for over forty major artists – his biggest hit reaching Number 4 in the charts.
Mike’s work spans globally, and in 2011 he was honoured to be made a Knight of Malta. He has been an Ambassador for the The Prince’s Trust since the 1980s and is Chairman of the British Plaque Trust and a Trustee of the Buddy Holly Foundation.
- How did you get into the industry?
Local radio but I’d already written a book a musical and songs.
2. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
There are hundreds more TV and Radio stations who simply don’t want to (or can’t afford to) pay proper money.
For songwriters….we are being paid peanuts due to streaming
3. How would you describe your leadership style?
You don;’t have to elect a leader….a leader emerges and is recognised they don’t have to be the best at what they do… but inspire other people and get the best from them.
4. How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
Lead. Listen. Engage. Make decisions.
5. What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Me keeping on top of it all!
6. How has the past 12 months been for you?
Creatively good, financially could be better.
7. What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
Ah if only we knew that….
8. What are the highlights of your career so far?
Knight of Malta. 10 National Broadcaster of the Year Awards. Several TV Awards. International Music Award. British Academy of Composers & Songwriters Gold Badge Awards.
Fronting three top-rated TV Series and the National Breakfast Show.
9. What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Never put your won money into a musical. Do the next deal while the current deal is still hot.
10. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
I only recall the bad advice!! Still waiting for the good advice.
To find out more about Heritage Chart, visit: www.heritagechart.co.uk.
