Joshua Nelken-Zitser is an award-winning British-German journalist and author based in London. He is a correspondent at Business Insider, where he writes features examining the affordability and changing economics of modern life, including the cost of major life milestones and the choices people make about how they live and spend.
His first book, Trauma Bonds: How Generational Trauma Shapes, Divides and Connects Us, explores how trauma can pass from one generation to the next and shape individuals, families and societies. Drawing partly on his experience as the grandson of four Holocaust survivors, Nelken-Zitser interviewed descendants of both Holocaust survivors and Nazi perpetrators. His research took him across Europe and culminated in a journey to Auschwitz with the grandson of a Nazi perpetrator. The book features a foreword by barrister and broadcaster Rob Rinder and will be published by Mudlark, an imprint of HarperCollins, in January 2027.
Nelken-Zitser began his journalism career at 17 while still at school. He went on to write for publications including The Times, The Spectator and The Independent while studying politics at the University of Edinburgh, including a year at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He later completed a postgraduate degree in broadcast journalism at City St George’s, University of London.
After working as Weekend Editor at LBC and as a freelance producer for BBC Radio 2’s The Jeremy Vine Show, he joined Business Insider in 2020. As a world news and social affairs reporter, he covered major international stories including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, the January 6 attack on the US Capitol and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, reporting from across Europe, the US and the Middle East.
His reporting has been credited with helping at-risk individuals gain asylum and contributing to the release of a Russian political prisoner. His work was also cited during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial.
In 2024, Nelken-Zitser received the Axel Springer Award for Change for his multi-year investigation into subsidised gender-transition surgeries in Iran. The investigation was also highly commended at the British Journalism Awards.
He produced and presented Handed Down: A Look Into Transgenerational Trauma, shortlisted for a Bupa Mind Media Award in 2020, and has appeared as a commentator on the BBC, Sky News, NBC, Times Radio and 5 News. He has also contributed to journalism education and m
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
There is no typical day in journalism. When I’m expecting a quiet day, it often suddenly becomes manic, and vice versa. The few constants are starting the day by checking and responding to emails, then scanning the news.
The rest of the day might involve drafting a feature, interviewing sources, attending a conference, or chasing a breaking story. That variety is what I love about the job. To stay productive, I always write a to-do list in my Notes app and keep a clear sense of priorities; if something needs to take a back seat, I set a reminder in my Google Calendar to return to it later that day or the next day
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, it is all in the details: a facial expression, the weather, the surroundings. These are what turn a report into something vivid and alive. When I am out reporting, I keep a running Google Doc of thoughts and observations, which reads almost like a stream-of-consciousness poem. Some may seem insignificant at the time, but having that pool of small details makes it much easier to bring a feature to life.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by the reader appetite for human stories. In the age of AI, I believe there’s an even greater audience for reporting that feels personal and rooted in real-life experiences, which a chatbot would struggle to replicate.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I go for a walk at least once a day, every single day. Not only does it clear my mind, but it’s also when I come up with ideas and process things.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to rush. In fact, I have a poster above my desk with lyrics from my favourite song, Billy Joel’s Vienna: “Slow down, you’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you want to be before your time.”
It’s easy to set yourself arbitrary deadlines for goals or to compare yourself to others, but the most exciting careers tend to follow a straight line. Keep working hard, following your passions, and trust that the right opportunities will come when they’re meant to.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I don’t know if almost nobody agrees with me on this, but I strongly believe asking “stupid” questions is good practice and a sign of confidence. Overcomplicating questions to sound smart is rarely helpful during an interview, while the simplest questions tend to lead to the clearest answers and can help you or your reader understand something complex.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Write now, edit later. I learned this while writing my book. If you try to perfect every sentence as you go, you’ll often get stuck. Get the words down first, then return to it. It’s more time-efficient, and a far less painful way to write.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
If it’s during the workday, I’ll try to step away from my screen and go for a walk. If there’s no time for that, I’ll have a cup of tea. At the end of the day, if I’m struggling to wind down, I love to have a bath to help me switch off.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I wouldn’t call it a strategy, but I really value the importance of investing in relationships. Journalism is a small industry, and trust matters enormously. It’s not about networking for networking’s sake, but about building authentic relationships. Over the years, work has led to friendships that have opened doors and offered support when I needed it most.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There was a period in my career when I said yes to too much and found myself stretched thin. It taught me to set boundaries, look after myself, and always trust that I do my best work when my mind and body are well-rested.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Docs. I use it more than any other piece of software. I use it for keeping notes, writing drafts, fielding edits from my editor, and planning larger projects.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently went with my husband to see Jinkx Monsoon in “Oh Mary” at the theatre. I really love going to the theatre, and I feel so lucky to live in London where there’s such a great offering of shows.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favourite book is “Vile Bodies” by Evelyn Waugh, and my favourite podcast is “Table Manners.” Both are comforting, funny, and the perfect escape after an intense day.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I loved The Odyssey. I don’t watch much TV, but when I do, it’s almost exclusively reality TV. Below Deck, to be specific. It’s my guilty pleasure.
Key learnings
- In journalism, simple questions often lead to the clearest answers.
- Always take notes: the smallest details can add vital colour to a story.
- Making time to rest and switch off is essential for staying productive.
- Building genuine relationships is incredibly valuable.