Saira Khan, broadcaster and entrepreneur, rose to prominence as the runner-up on the first season of The Apprentice in 2005. Since then, she’s become a familiar face on UK television, from hard-hitting documentaries to her roles as a panellist on Loose Women and The Martin Lewis Money Show. In this episode, Alice Hazell speaks with Saira about her journey from corporate sales to television, the impact of her immigrant background, and her commitment to diversity and authenticity in media.

Saira discusses her resilience in navigating the challenges of being a woman of colour in the media industry, her passion for sharing underrepresented stories, and the balance between business acumen and personal integrity. She shares her philosophy of building a “life CV”—crafting a legacy of stories worth telling—and her insights on creating a personal brand that resonates deeply with audiences. Through her candid reflections, Saira explores the evolution of traditional and social media, the significance of cultural understanding, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The Society hosts interviews with world-class speakers, leads interactive skills and employability workshops, and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on socials @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.ox

Credits:

Host & Editor: Alice Hazell

Producer: Antonia Rogers

Directors: Alice Hazell & Antonia Rogers

Composer: Ariana May

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