E952 David Rogier, MasterClass on shaping the future of online learning @LAUNCH Festival Sydney 2019

TL;DR

MasterClass offers online courses taught by world-renowned experts, providing a unique opportunity for people to learn from the best in various fields.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• 🌍 MasterClass has been successful in attracting world-renowned experts as instructors, such as Serena Williams and James Patterson.
• ✋ The company places a strong emphasis on high production value, filming classes on location rather than in a studio.
• ⛽ Constraints, such as financial limitations or predefined topics, can often fuel creativity and innovation.
• 👻 MasterClass aims to democratize access to knowledge, allowing anyone to learn from the best in the world, regardless of their location or background.
• 🍉 The platform measures its success in terms of how many lives it has impacted and changed.
• 🫒 Live events and tours can be challenging to scale and require careful planning and resources.
• ❓ MasterClass continues to attract top talent, with instructors such as Elon Musk and JK Rowling on their wishlist.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did MasterClass obtain the domain name?

The founder of MasterClass reached out to the owner of the domain, who was a music editor in Los Angeles. They struck a deal where the owner exchanged the domain for a small equity stake in the company.

Q: How does MasterClass measure its impact on students' lives?

MasterClass asks its users directly if the platform has had a profound impact on their lives. The company aims to change lives and inspire learners to pursue their passions.

Q: How does MasterClass develop the curriculum for each course?

The company collaborates closely with the instructors to determine the topics and areas of focus for each course. They also conduct research and gather input from potential students to ensure the curriculum meets their needs.

Q: How does MasterClass choose its instructors?

MasterClass seeks out individuals who are not only at the top of their respective fields but also have a passion for teaching and inspiring others. The company looks for instructors who have had a significant impact on their industry and can offer unique insights.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• MasterClass was founded in 2014 and launched in 2015, offering high-quality online courses taught by experts.

• The platform currently offers around 80 classes, with over 200 employees and millions of paid customers.

• MasterClass aims to inspire and excite learners, allowing them to access knowledge and insights from the best in the world.