Kristie Lu Stout’s career is a testament to the belief that success is a journey, deeply rooted in self-discipline and ‘radical’ self-awareness
“Very early on in my career, I achieved the kind of success that was unimaginable. And I thought, is this it?” reflects Kristie Lu Stout. An award-winning anchor and correspondent for CNN, based in Hong Kong, Lu Stout reports on major news stories, such as US-China relations, AI advancements and the aftermath of extreme climate events in Asia. Her work has been recognised through several nominations for the News and Documentary Emmy Awards and other accolades, including Best News or Current Affairs Presenter at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2018.
In journalism, she finds fulfilment: not in the glamour of being on camera but in the privilege of storytelling; and she thrives under pressure, believing that a bit of stress actually sharpens the mind. “As journalists, we have this opportunity to engage with a wide audience and to change people’s lives through storytelling,” she says. “But we live in a world that praises people who are on screen or who have a verified tick next to their name on social media. It’s very easy to become a self-absorbed narcissist—we have to resist that.”
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Kristie Lu Stout in action (Photo: Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
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Her coverage of the mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019, profoundly affected her, showcasing the resilience of a community united against hate. “It was a very difficult and emotional story to cover,” she recalls.
This experience reinforced her adaptability, a crucial trait in journalism. “When people put themselves forward and are willing to share [their story] in that environment, it is an act of bravery—and as a journalist, you really have to honour and respect that.”
A champion of mentorship, Lu Stout attributes her success to the guidance of others. She mentors young journalists through organisations like the Asian American Journalists Association and CNN Academy, which provides journalism training to students. Her tips for thriving in journalism include having a passion for reporting, as well as courage and curiosity—the last one is “essential”, she says. “You have to want to understand what’s really happening out there.” Music also fuels her motivation, with tracks like Lose Yourself by Eminem and Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen keeping her inspired.
