7 Best CEO & Leadership Courses for Business Growth

Here's something nobody tells you when you start a business: the skills that got you here won't get you there.

You were great at execution. Brilliant, even. You could outwork anyone, solve problems on the fly, and deliver exceptional results. So you built a business.

But now? You're drowning in decisions. Your team looks to you for direction you're not sure how to give. You're working 70-hour weeks but revenue isn't scaling proportionally. Welcome to the leadership gap—that uncomfortable space between founder and CEO.

I spent three years in that gap, buying course after course, looking for the magic formula that would transform me into a "real CEO." Here's what I learned: there is no magic formula. But there are frameworks, mindsets, and strategic approaches that accelerate the evolution.

These seven courses won't turn you into Tim Cook overnight. But they'll give you the thinking tools, communication frameworks, and strategic insights that separate founders who plateau from CEOs who scale. Each one comes from someone who's built real businesses—the kind with employees, revenue, and actual operational complexity.

Let's dig in.

1. Market Like a CEO by Jereshia Hawk

What It Is: Strategic messaging and positioning framework for entrepreneurs evolving into CEO-level thinking

Jereshia's transition is instructive. She went from civil engineer managing a $400 million pipeline project (as one of the youngest leaders in her company) to building a $2 million coaching business in under four years. That trajectory required fundamental leadership evolution.

This course addresses the gap between your business growth and your messaging maturity. You've raised rates, refined offers, maybe built a team—but you're still communicating like you did at day one.

Pros:

• Five strategic modules: Visibility rules, high-ticket messaging foundations, buyer psychology, messaging mindset, CEO-level content leadership
• Psychology-focused approach: Understand how decision-making changes at premium price points ($10K+)
• Strategic, not just tactical: Learn to think about messaging at a CEO level, not just execute tasks
• Practical implementation tools: Client Snapshot Template, custom ChatGPT prompts turn theory into action
• Proven organic methodology: $1.4 million revenue with lean operations and high profit margins (no paid ads)
• Former Director of Growth at Mirasee: Experience scaling established businesses, not just startups

Cons:

• Best for established businesses already selling premium ($4K+)—not for early-stage founders
• Heavy social media emphasis—less applicable if you prefer other channels
• Analytical teaching style (engineering background) might feel less energizing than other instructors
• Requires you've evolved beyond basic business building (prerequisite experience matters)

Best For: Established entrepreneurs whose messaging hasn't kept pace with their business evolution. Leaders who've built authority but struggle articulating it clearly. CEOs wanting to attract clients who match their premium positioning.

My Take: What separates this from generic marketing courses is the focus on CEO-level thinking. Jereshia teaches you to lead your messaging strategically—understanding market dynamics, buyer psychology at different stages, and how to position yourself as the obvious choice. The three levels of buyer identity shifts (Module 3) alone transformed how I approach all communication. If you're tired of attracting price-shoppers instead of value-buyers, this recalibrates your entire approach. This is grown-up marketing for serious business leaders.

Get it here: https://coursesdrop.com/course/market-like-a-ceo-by-jereshia-hawk/

2. 100K Offer System 2.0 by Kathryn Porritt

What It Is: Framework for transitioning from high-ticket to ultra-premium ($100K+) client relationships

Forbes calls Kathryn the "$100K Offer Strategist." She's built two multi-million dollar global companies, authored a book with Penguin-Viking, and advises entrepreneurs who've worked with Seth Godin, Tim Ferriss, and Gary Vaynerchuk.

This course addresses CEO-level positioning: instead of competing on price or features, you become a category of one where you're the only option at your level.

Pros:

• Six strategic modules: Offer Construction, Dream Client ID, Invitation System, Iconic Brand Positioning, Luxury Sales System, Luxury Marketing Mastery
• Documented success at scale: Thousands of entrepreneurs have transitioned to $100K+ clients using this exact system
• Luxury psychology focus: The leadership dynamics at six-figure deals are fundamentally different
• Comprehensive resources: Workbooks, case studies, bonus trainings previously exclusive to mastermind clients
• Founder's track record: Two global companies, international business expertise, verified Forbes contributor
• Positioning as icon, not competitor: Creates category-of-one thinking

Cons:

• Prerequisite confidence required: If you haven't successfully led $10K-$20K client engagements, this is premature
• Big mindset leap—many leaders aren't ready to charge $100K for anything
• Iconic positioning requires bold differentiation that makes some uncomfortable
• Investment and resource intensive for full implementation
• Premium focus won't apply if your market can't support those price points

Best For: Proven business leaders ready to work with fewer, higher-caliber clients. Established CEOs willing to position themselves as icons rather than competitors. Executives who've validated transformation capacity at scale.

My Take: This is advanced CEO-level strategy. Kathryn doesn't coddle you or promise easy wins. She shows you exactly how to position yourself so compellingly that six-figure investments feel like bargains. The Iconic Brand Positioning module (Module 4) is particularly valuable if you're tired of competing on price or features. Just know this isn't for dabblers—it requires unshakeable belief in your value and willingness to stand out boldly. Perfect for leaders ready to play at the highest levels.

Get it here: https://coursesdrop.com/course/100k-offer/

3. Offer Engineering by Ross O'Lochlainn

What It Is: Systematic approach to creating high-converting offers using analytical thinking and simple tools

Ross brings Intel engineering discipline to business building. He generated $500K from a single offer using nothing but a well-structured Google Doc. His company does $750K profit/year with just two people working two days per week on delivery.

That's CEO-level efficiency: maximum impact, minimum complexity.

Pros:

• Five systematic modules: Foundation, Offer Doc Structure, $500K template, $18K premium offer, Value Amplifier
• Actual working templates: The real Google Docs Ross uses to close deals (not "inspiration")
• Anti-hype methodology: Build "Open Every Day" systems generating consistent revenue without launches
• Engineering mindset applied to business: Systematic, logical, reproducible
• Proven simplicity: Two-person operation generating high six-figures proves scalability
• Former Director of Growth at Mirasee: Experience beyond just his own business
• Five ethical value-stacking methods: Amplify value without fake "$50K in bonuses" nonsense

Cons:

• Minimalist approach won't appeal if you love elaborate systems and campaigns
• Requires confidence in your offer—Google Docs have nowhere to hide
• Less about lead generation, more about conversion optimization
• Engineering mindset might feel dry for emotional, visionary leaders
• Template-based approach requires adaptation to your specific business

Best For: CEOs tired of marketing complexity wanting elegant simplicity. Leaders who value systematic thinking over creative improvisation. Business owners ready to compete on value, not hype.

My Take: This is the antidote to entrepreneur chaos. Ross proves that stellar offer engineering beats flashy funnels every time. I especially value Module 5 (Value Amplifier)—five ways to legitimately stack value that prospects genuinely care about. The Golden Rule of Offers concept alone could save you from catastrophic mistakes. As a CEO, you need systems that work without constant intervention—this delivers exactly that. Clean, systematic, refreshingly simple.

Get it here: https://coursesdrop.com/course/offer-engineering/

4. Offer Vault Plus by Elise Darma

What It Is: The C.A.S.H.I.E.R. Method for building offer ecosystems that create predictable revenue

Elise built a $10+ million business through strategic offer design. Her $27 Story Vault offer generated $1M+ in year one. She's partnered with Later (1M+ customers) and Teachable to train thousands.

For CEOs, this course teaches how to build an intelligent offer ecosystem—multiple products working together to create predictable income rather than feast-or-famine cycles.

Pros:

• Seven comprehensive modules: Audience building through offer delivery
• Speed-focused framework: Launch offers in days/weeks, not months (critical for CEO time management)
• Works at scale: Proven effective even with under 1,000 followers initially
• Multiple revenue stream strategy: Build an ecosystem, not just single products
• 56,487+ students: Substantial social proof across Elise's programs
• Reality-based bonus: "Creating Courses Reality TV Show" shows messy real process, not just highlights
• Lifetime updates: Evolving program keeps content current

Cons:

• Low-ticket focus ($27-$97) might not align if you're exclusively high-ticket
• Instagram-heavy methodology requires adjustment for other platforms
• Starter Pack might be too basic if you're established
• C.A.S.H.I.E.R. acronym feels slightly gimmicky (though methodology is sound)

Best For: CEOs wanting to create predictable revenue without calendar overload. Leaders transitioning from purely service-based to product-based models. Business owners needing straightforward systems that don't require constant oversight.

My Take: Elise's approach is practical and unsexy in the best possible way. She's not promising overnight transformation—she's showing you how to build an intelligent offer ladder that creates consistency. For CEOs, the value is in the systematic thinking: how do low-ticket products qualify buyers for high-ticket? How do you automate the ascension? The private podcast feed is clutch for learning during commutes or workouts. Solid, proven, no-nonsense business building.

Get it here: https://coursesdrop.com/course/offer-vault-plus/

5. The 7 Figure Offer Suite by Becky Keen

What It Is: Comprehensive system for building scalable offer architectures supporting seven-figure growth

Becky's a Master Certified Coach who's helped 1,000+ entrepreneurs transform their businesses. This program addresses the CEO challenge: transitioning from trading time for money to building scalable systems.

Seven-figure growth requires CEO-level thinking about offers, not just more hustle.

Pros:

• Seven strategic modules: Offer Architecture, Market Research & Validation, High-Converting Structures, Pricing Strategy, Sales Page Templates, Launch Blueprint, Scaling & Automation
• Module 4 pricing deep-dive: Entire module on confident pricing using value-based techniques and psychological triggers
• Done-for-you templates: Sales pages, messaging formulas, launch sequences
• Validated client results: Students report 4x income increases, 6x business growth
• Host of "Secrets of a 7-Figure Coach" podcast: Ongoing thought leadership
• Comprehensive content: 4.72GB covering everything from concept through scaling

Cons:

• Substantial time investment—not a quick weekend implementation
• Heavy emphasis on courses and group coaching—less applicable for other business models
• Some foundational concepts overlap with other offer courses
• Best for established CEOs with teams, not solo founders

Best For: CEOs ready to scale through leverage rather than linear growth. Leaders who've validated expertise but need systematic offer architecture. Business owners wanting to escape the time-for-money trap permanently.

My Take: This feels like MBA-level strategy applied specifically to knowledge businesses. Becky systematically walks you through building an entire offer ecosystem—not just products, but a cohesive suite. The Market Research & Validation module prevents expensive mistakes. The Pricing Strategy content is exceptionally strong if you've been undercharging due to imposter syndrome. As a CEO, you need systematic frameworks, not piecemeal tactics—this delivers comprehensive business transformation.

Get it here: https://coursesdrop.com/course/the-7-figure-offer-suite-by-becky-keen/

6. CEO Academy by Xtina Harmsworth

What It Is: Six-month intensive combining personal branding, social sales, emotional intelligence, and CEO mindset training

Xtina built a seven-figure empire organically (no ads). As a former celebrity makeup artist who styled 75+ media personalities, she understands visibility and positioning at the highest levels. This isn't a course—it's a CEO transformation program.

Pros:

• Live weekly training sessions: Direct access to Xtina with Q&A for personalized guidance
• Proven student results: $165K single-day sales, $100K+ revenue increases, consistent $10K+ months
• Seven comprehensive bonus programs: Story Slay, Getting Paid FORREELZ, Happy Sales Copy, Frequency Intelligence, $10K Black Friday Bootcamp, Money Mindset
• Emotional intelligence focus: Frequency Intelligence module addresses resilience, leadership, internal game
• Community platform: Collaborate with fellow CEOs, not solo consumption
• Monthly VIP coaching calls: Six opportunities for laser coaching on specific challenges
• Philanthropic mission: $150K+ raised for causes including trafficking rescue

Cons:

• Enormous commitment: Six months weekly engagement plus implementation between sessions
• Social media-centric approach—challenging if you hate Instagram/Facebook
• 89.8GB content requires serious storage and bandwidth
• Celebrity background might feel disconnected for B2B/corporate CEOs
• Premium time investment—not for casual learners

Best For: CEOs ready to master personal branding and social sales. Leaders comfortable with visibility willing to commit six months fully. Business owners seeking transformation, not just information.

My Take: Xtina doesn't mess around. This is boot camp for magnetic CEO presence. The Frequency Intelligence module alone is worth it if you struggle with resilience or burnout. I appreciate the philanthropic integration—this isn't just about profit but impact. The VIP coaching calls provide accountability lacking in passive courses. The sheer comprehensiveness (89.8GB) means you're getting serious depth. Just know you're signing up for deep work requiring consistent engagement. Perfect for leaders ready to become magnetic authorities in their space.

Get it here: https://coursesdrop.com/course/ceo-academy-by-xtina-harmsworth/

7. Same Day Sales by Steph Crowder

What It Is: Practical five-module sales system for generating customers quickly (even if you "hate selling")

Steph went from nearly fired sales rep to Director of Sales Training for North America at Groupon by age 26. She then built a seven-figure coaching business and created systems like the 15 Minute Planner (10,000+ downloads) and Year on the Wall (2,000+ students).

For CEOs, this course addresses a critical skill gap: the ability to generate revenue quickly when needed without elaborate campaigns.

Pros:

• Five-C Framework: Confidence, Clarity, Customers, Co-Creation, Cultivate—systematic progression
• Co-creation methodology: Learn to get clients telling you exactly what they want—eliminates guesswork
• Scrappy selling techniques: Generate customers even in tiny markets without massive budgets
• Complete objection library: "What Do I Say Now?" handles every prospect objection
• Time-efficient approach: Make sales in under an hour of focused work (critical for busy CEOs)
• 14 years coaching thousands: Substantial experience across diverse industries
• Mom of two neurodivergent kids: Runs multi-six-figure business under 20 hours/week—proves efficiency

Cons:

• Best for earlier-stage businesses ($0-$25K recent six months)—established CEOs might find it foundational
• Requires direct outreach—not ideal for purely automated systems
• Co-creation flexibility doesn't work if offers are completely fixed
• No high-level business credentials (though extensive practical experience)

Best For: New CEOs needing to generate cash flow quickly. Leaders who struggle with sales mindset despite business acumen. Business owners wanting scrappy, efficient revenue generation systems.

My Take: What I love is the confidence-building focus. Many brilliant CEOs struggle with sales not from tactics but mindset—they see it as manipulation rather than service. Steph reframes selling as "connection-based invitation consulting," which removes psychological barriers. The co-creation approach is genius: instead of guessing what to build, you're having conversations revealing what people will actually buy. Perfect for CEOs who need revenue generation skills beyond elaborate marketing campaigns.

Get it here: https://coursesdrop.com/course/same-day-sales-steph-crowder/

How to Choose the Right CEO Development Course for Your Growth Stage

Here's the uncomfortable truth: buying courses doesn't make you a better CEO. Implementing what you learn does.

I know because I spent $15K on leadership courses while still micromanaging every decision and working 70-hour weeks. The courses weren't the problem—my lack of application was.

So here's how to actually grow as a CEO through these programs:

Match the course to your current leadership constraint. If you're struggling with strategic positioning, you need Market Like a CEO or 100K Offer System. If you need systematic frameworks, Offer Engineering or 7 Figure Offer Suite. If you want comprehensive transformation, CEO Academy. If you need revenue generation skills, Same Day Sales.

Choose based on your learning style. Ross's analytical approach won't resonate if you're a big-vision emotional leader. Xtina's social-first strategy won't work if you're an introvert who hates video. Jereshia's strategic framework won't work if you want tactical checklists. Match the teaching to how you actually operate.

Implement one course completely before buying another. I know the next shiny course looks tempting—especially when you're avoiding hard implementation work. Resist. Take one system, implement it fully for 90 days, measure results, then decide if you need additional tools.

Track metrics religiously. Before starting any course, document your current revenue, profit margin, time worked per week, and team efficiency. After implementing, measure again. If nothing improved, either you chose wrong or didn't implement—figure out which before continuing.

A final CEO insight: the best leaders I know are voracious learners who implement selectively. They don't just collect information—they extract what's useful, apply it ruthlessly, discard what doesn't fit, and keep moving forward.

That's what separates CEOs who scale from founders who plateau. It's not about how many courses you've completed. It's about how well you've implemented the critical insights from the right frameworks at the right time.

Pick the course matching your current constraint. Implement with focus. Measure results. Adjust based on data. Repeat.

Now stop reading about leadership and go actually lead something.