In today’s fast-paced world, improving your leadership and business skills is more important than ever.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an established leader, or simply looking to hone your decision-making abilities, the right course can make all the difference.
MasterClass offers some of the most renowned experts across industries, delivering insights, strategies, and frameworks that have helped shape their success.
In this listicle, we’ll dive into the top MasterClass courses that can boost your leadership and business skills.
Each course will be analyzed from the standpoint of what it offers, who would benefit most from it, and how it measures up against real-world expectations. Let’s explore!
MasterClass
MasterClass is an online learning platform that offers high-quality video courses taught by industry experts across various fields.
These courses, often presented by celebrities, entrepreneurs, and renowned professionals, provide a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in business, leadership, creativity, and more.
Each course typically consists of 10-30 lessons that delve into the expert’s personal experience, offering both practical advice and inspirational stories.
MasterClass courses are designed to be engaging and accessible, with beautifully produced videos that feel more like a masterclass session than a traditional e-learning course.
The platform offers courses in a wide range of subjects, including leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, and negotiation, making it especially appealing for professionals looking to enhance their business and leadership skills.
While the courses are more about gaining insights and inspiration rather than providing in-depth, step-by-step tutorials, they are great for personal growth and broadening perspectives.
What makes MasterClass stand out is its ability to bring together an impressive roster of experts like Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, and Chris Voss, making it an excellent option for those seeking to learn from the best in the business world.
However, it may be best paired with more hands-on, practical learning for those seeking specific, tactical tools.
1. Bob Iger Teaches Business Strategy and Leadership
Course Overview
Bob Iger, the former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, brings his vast experience in leading one of the world’s most iconic brands.
In this course, he shares insights on the importance of innovation, risk-taking, and how to lead an organization through significant transitions.
What You Learn
- Strategic Vision: Iger emphasizes the power of setting a clear vision and staying true to that vision, even when facing pressure.
- Leading Through Change: With Disney’s acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm under his leadership, Iger discusses how to handle transformative decisions.
- Innovation and Creativity: The course dives deep into how leaders should create an environment that fosters creativity, which is especially critical in today’s business world.
- People Management: Iger shares his approach to building strong teams and making difficult decisions in the best interest of the company.
Who It’s For
This course is ideal for senior leaders or those aspiring to lead large organizations. If you’re involved in any form of business strategy or managing big teams, Iger’s lessons will inspire you.
However, it might not offer enough granular tactical advice for those looking for more hands-on business management tools.
Review Insights
The course is filled with valuable anecdotes and lessons learned from Iger’s tenure at Disney. Many learners have expressed how inspirational the course is, highlighting the storytelling and Iger’s personal approach to leadership.
However, some note that it lacks practical frameworks that could be applied immediately, instead focusing more on broad philosophies of leadership.
This course is great for developing the right mindset but might not be the best for those seeking tactical tools to implement straight away.
2. Howard Schultz on Business Leadership
Course Overview
Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, shares his philosophy on leadership and business, focusing on the values that shaped the coffee empire.
Schultz talks about building a company culture, balancing growth with purpose, and leading with a strong ethical foundation.
What You Learn
- Building a Values-Driven Business: Schultz talks extensively about how Starbucks’ success wasn’t just about coffee but about a shared vision of human connection and purpose.
- Leadership with Empathy: Schultz emphasizes leading with empathy and creating an environment where employees feel valued, which in turn improves customer experience.
- Creating a Global Brand: The course offers insights into how Starbucks became a global brand while staying grounded in its core values.
- Purpose Over Profit: Schultz discusses why companies should have a purpose beyond profits and how that can be a powerful motivator for both employees and customers.
Who It’s For
This course is best for entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to create or lead businesses with a human-centered approach.
If you’re in charge of building a company or managing a team that values cultural impact alongside financial success, Schultz’s course is invaluable.
Review Insights
Schultz’s course is often praised for its ability to humanize leadership. Learners appreciate the authenticity of Schultz’s journey, especially how he tackled issues like corporate responsibility and creating jobs that empower people.
However, some reviewers feel the course could have delved more into specific business strategies or decision-making tools. As with many of the MasterClass offerings, it’s more about inspiration and broad principles than actionable frameworks.
3. Chris Voss Teaches the Art of Negotiation
Course Overview
Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, brings his expertise in negotiation to the business world. This course focuses on the psychological and emotional tactics of negotiation, helping you influence outcomes while maintaining control of conversations.
What You Learn
- Tactical Empathy: Voss teaches how understanding the emotions of others and empathizing with their point of view can lead to better negotiation outcomes.
- The Power of “No”: One of Voss’s key strategies is the use of “no” as a tool, turning it into a stepping stone for productive discussions.
- Mirroring and Labeling: These are psychological techniques that allow you to gather more information and influence the direction of a conversation.
- Negotiating Under Pressure: Voss shares strategies for negotiating in high-stakes, stressful environments — a skill that’s valuable for leaders in tough situations.
Who It’s For
If you’re involved in sales, business deals, conflict resolution, or leadership roles requiring influence and persuasion, this course is perfect.
It’s applicable for anyone who wants to enhance their communication and negotiation skills in both business and personal contexts.
Review Insights
Learners rave about Voss’s engaging teaching style and the practical application of his negotiation tactics. This course is one of the most practical MasterClass offerings, with learners feeling more confident in negotiations after completing it.
The primary critique is that while the concepts are powerful, some might find the training overwhelming without sufficient real-world practice.
4. Leadership and Decision-Making Under Pressure (Certificate Program)
Course Overview
This certificate program dives into the heart of decision-making when everything is on the line. It’s designed to help professionals and leaders handle intense situations, sharpen their problem-solving abilities, and lead effectively under pressure.
What You Learn
- High-Stakes Decision Making: Learn frameworks for making the right calls when the stakes are at their highest.
- Resilience: Focuses on the mental and emotional fortitude needed to make tough decisions, particularly in crisis situations.
- Problem-Solving Models: Introduces structured approaches to analyzing and solving complex business challenges.
- Practical Leadership Tools: Offers techniques for leading teams and organizations when navigating challenges, conflicts, or periods of uncertainty.
Who It’s For
Leaders, managers, and professionals at any level who find themselves under pressure or facing high-stakes decisions can benefit from this course.
It’s perfect for those in fast-paced industries, where the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively is crucial.
Review Insights
This course is unique in that it offers a professional certification, which adds more weight to it compared to standard MasterClass content. It’s highly rated for its focus on leadership under pressure and real-world application.
Some learners, however, feel the course lacks personalized feedback and interaction, making it feel more like a one-way lesson than an immersive experience.
5. Business & Entrepreneurship Collection (MasterClass Core Bundle)
Course Overview
This collection includes multiple business and leadership courses from top-tier instructors. Among the experts featured are Sara Blakely (Founder of Spanx), Richard Branson (Founder of Virgin Group), and others who have built influential businesses.
This bundle provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of business, from innovation to marketing and leadership.
What You Learn
- Diverse Leadership Styles: Learn from the different leadership philosophies of entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely, Richard Branson, and more.
- Business Fundamentals: From marketing to branding and strategic growth, this collection provides insights into running a successful business.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: The courses are designed to inspire and teach you how to cultivate the mindset of a successful entrepreneur.
Who It’s For
This bundle is perfect for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to get a holistic view of entrepreneurship and leadership.
It’s especially beneficial for those starting out in business or looking to scale their operations.
Review Insights
The variety in this bundle makes it a great choice for those who want to explore multiple facets of business and leadership.
Learners appreciate the breadth of perspectives, with many finding it engaging and motivational.
However, some feel that with such a broad range of topics, the courses can sometimes lack the depth that might be necessary for a deeper, more technical understanding of specific areas.
How to Choose the Right MasterClass Course for Your Leadership Goals
When selecting a course, think about where you currently are in your career and what areas you want to grow in. Here are a few tips:
For Big-Picture Leadership
Bob Iger and Howard Schultz offer excellent courses if you’re aiming for a high-level understanding of leadership and business strategy. Their lessons focus on vision, values, and creating a company culture that supports growth.
For Practical Business Skills
If you’re more interested in tactical, actionable skills, Chris Voss on negotiation is an excellent choice. Additionally, the Leadership and Decision-Making Under Pressure certificate program is perfect for those needing more structured professional development.
For Entrepreneurship
The Business & Entrepreneurship Collection is an excellent starting point for entrepreneurs who want a well-rounded view of leadership, from starting a business to scaling it and navigating growth challenges.
Final Thoughts
MasterClass offers a wealth of valuable lessons from some of the most successful business minds and leaders. While these courses excel in providing inspiration and big-picture strategies, they often fall short when it comes to providing tactical, step-by-step instructions.
They’re best used to build a mindset and gain insights, rather than as standalone professional development resources.
If you’re looking for courses that focus more on practical tools, you might need to supplement them with other resources, like workshops or coaching programs.
But for anyone seeking to expand their leadership thinking, broaden their business perspectives, and get motivated by some of the most successful figures in business, MasterClass is an excellent choice.
FAQs
What is MasterClass?
MasterClass is an online learning platform offering video courses taught by experts from various fields, including business, leadership, cooking, writing, and more.
How long are MasterClass courses?
Courses typically range from 10 to 30 lessons, with each lesson lasting around 10-15 minutes.
Do I get a certificate after completing a MasterClass course?
No, MasterClass does not offer formal certificates for completing courses. The focus is on learning from experts rather than professional qualifications.
Can I access all courses with a subscription?
Yes, a MasterClass subscription gives you access to all courses available on the platform.
Is MasterClass worth the price?
MasterClass is valued for its high-quality content and the opportunity to learn from renowned experts, but it may be better for gaining inspiration and broad insights rather than specific technical training.