E207 - Emily Maitlis: How I Approached THAT Prince Andrew Interview

This is the final episode of our new Leadership Series, sponsored by PwC, in which we will be diving deep into what it really takes to be a great leader.

Emily Maitlis is a journalist, presenter of the ground-breaking daily podcast The News Agents, documentary filmmaker and former BBC Newsnight anchor. She is known for her skilled and informative interviews including THAT interview for Newsnight. In this conversation, they explore what it means to be an excellent interviewer. They discuss how Emily creates a compelling narrative, how she prepares for each interview and what her main objective always is.

She shares with Jake and Damian how covering traumatic events, such as school shootings in the US, the Paris terror attacks and Grenfell, has taken its toll. They discuss how she, and the Newsnight team secured the highly significant Prince Andrew interview, and the immense pressure that came with it.

Thank you to PwC for sponsoring this special CEO Series. PwC’s purpose is to build trust and solve important problems, and their global strategy - The New Equation - is bringing this to life for their clients, people and society. By combining technology with human ingenuity, passion and experience, PwC works with organisations to deliver more intelligent, sustained outcomes.

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**Navigating Challenges in Journalism and the Importance of Preparation: Emily Maitlis' Journey**

**Introduction:**

Emily Maitlis, a renowned journalist, presenter, and documentary filmmaker, joins the High Performance podcast to discuss the intricacies of conducting powerful interviews, the significance of preparation, and the personal toll of covering traumatic events.

**Overcoming Obstacles in Journalism:**

- **The Emotional Toll of Reporting Traumatic Events:** Maitlis reflects on the emotional impact of covering traumatic events such as school shootings, the Paris terror attacks, and the Grenfell Tower fire. She emphasizes the need for self-care and recognizing the toll that such experiences can take on journalists.

- **Balancing Personal and Professional Life:** Maitlis shares her struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance, particularly when faced with demanding assignments. She highlights the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being.

- **The Pressure of High-Profile Interviews:** Maitlis discusses the immense pressure she faced in securing and conducting the highly significant interview with Prince Andrew, emphasizing the need for meticulous preparation and the ability to remain calm under intense scrutiny.

**Preparation and Interviewing Techniques:**

- **The Importance of Preparation:** Maitlis stresses the significance of thorough preparation, including extensive research, understanding the interviewee's background, and anticipating potential responses. She explains how this preparation helps her build a compelling narrative and ensures a productive interview.

- **Establishing a Clear Objective:** Maitlis emphasizes the importance of having a clear objective for each interview, ensuring that she obtains the desired information and insights from the interviewee. She believes that a well-defined objective guides the interview and helps her avoid confusion or missed opportunities.

- **Building a Rapport with the Interviewee:** Maitlis discusses the importance of establishing a rapport with the interviewee, creating a comfortable and open environment that encourages candid responses. She highlights the role of active listening and empathy in fostering a connection with the interviewee.

**The Prince Andrew Interview:**

- **Securing the Interview:** Maitlis shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Newsnight secured the highly sought-after interview with Prince Andrew, describing the competitive bidding process and the intense negotiations that led to its realization.

- **Preparation and Mindset:** Maitlis reveals her preparation process for the interview, including extensive research, role-playing exercises, and visualization techniques. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm and focused mindset despite the immense pressure.

- **Navigating Difficult Questions:** Maitlis discusses the challenges of asking difficult and potentially uncomfortable questions to Prince Andrew, explaining how she approached these moments with respect and a commitment to uncovering the truth.

**Conclusion:**

Emily Maitlis' journey as a journalist offers valuable insights into the complexities of conducting impactful interviews, the importance of preparation, and the resilience required to navigate the emotional challenges of covering traumatic events. Her experiences serve as a reminder of the power of journalism in holding those in positions of power accountable and shedding light on important societal issues.

# Leadership Series: An Interview with Emily Maitlis

In this episode of the Leadership Series, sponsored by PwC, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes engage in a captivating conversation with Emily Maitlis, a renowned journalist, presenter, and former BBC Newsnight anchor. The discussion delves into the intricacies of being an exceptional interviewer, the challenges of covering traumatic events, and Maitlis' decision to depart from the BBC.

## The Art of Interviewing

Maitlis emphasizes the significance of establishing a compelling narrative and preparing thoroughly for each interview. She highlights the importance of identifying the core question that drives the interview and maintaining a neutral and unbiased stance. Maitlis also stresses the value of active listening and being open to unexpected responses from the interviewee.

## Covering Traumatic Events

Maitlis candidly shares her experiences covering traumatic events, such as school shootings, the Paris terror attacks, and the Grenfell Tower fire. She acknowledges the toll these events have taken on her and her team, emphasizing the need for self-care and support. Maitlis also discusses the immense pressure and scrutiny that came with securing and conducting the highly significant interview with Prince Andrew.

## The Decision to Leave the BBC

Maitlis reflects on her decision to leave the BBC after 20 years, describing it as a brave move that was motivated by a desire for a new challenge. She highlights the importance of embracing change and being open to new opportunities, particularly for women in the media industry. Maitlis also emphasizes the significance of asking for what you want and not waiting for recognition to come to you.

## Key Takeaways

- **Preparation and Clarity:** Thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the core question are crucial for conducting successful interviews.

- **Active Listening:** Listening attentively and being open to unexpected responses from the interviewee enhances the quality of the interview.

- **Self-Care and Support:** Covering traumatic events can take a toll on journalists. Self-care and support from colleagues and loved ones are essential for maintaining well-being.

- **Embracing Change:** Being open to new challenges and opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.

- **Asking for What You Want:** Women in the media industry should not hesitate to ask for the opportunities and recognition they deserve.