Online masterclasses | Surrounded by Idiots Academy
Thomas Erikson on stage in front of a large orange circle, speaking to a full audience

Online masterclasses

It is much easier to change yourself than to change others.

Almost all problems come down to communication.

That means the ability to connect, explain and understand, clearly and effectively, is one of the most valuable skills in life. These masterclasses are designed to teach exactly that.

Based on the bestselling Surrounded by Idiots book, and delivered by Thomas Erikson, these online trainings make behavioural theory practical and personal.

Trusted by

  • BBC
  • Stanford University
  • IKEA
  • European Court of Human Rights
  • Coca-Cola
  • University of Cambridge
  • Spotify
  • Government of the UAE
  • Volvo Cars
  • Baker McKenzie
  • Discovery Channel
  • University of Copenhagen
  • KIA
  • TEDx Athens
  • Svenska Spel
  • BAM Marketing Congress

Communication masterclasses

Which masterclass is for me?

We recommend Extended for everyone. Basic is a good, lighter start.

Recommended

Choose Extended: the complete masterclass, for everyone who works with people, and especially valuable if you lead, coach or manage.

10 modules, about 34 lessons: the four colours in full, plus team dynamics, behaviour under stress and self-reflection, with exercises after every session.

See Extended Communication

Short on time? Start with Basic. The four colours and how to use them every day.

8 modules: the four colours, and how to adapt the way you communicate.

See Basic Communication

Recommended

Extended Communication

$599USD

The complete masterclass, from theory to everyday practice. Learn how to adapt your style, influence others, and lead with clarity and empathy.

For everyone who works with people, from senior executives to individual contributors.

What's included

  • Behavioural patterns and the DISC matrix
  • How to handle conflict with each colour
  • Direct application to business, with many examples
  • Behaviour under stress, and how each colour reacts

The place to start

Basic Communication

$249USD

Learn the basics of the four DISC colours and how to use them in your daily interactions.

Ideal for individuals, teams, and anyone ready to make communication less stressful and more productive.

What's included

  • One module for each colour: red, yellow, green and blue
  • From the bold and ambitious to the analytical and precise
  • Final thoughts on putting it all into practice

What others say. All three are about the Extended Communication Masterclass.

This training will save companies, prevent burnout, and bring peace of mind.

Margaux Kolainskyon the Extended Communication Masterclass

The messaging is clear and concise while promoting knowledge retention, skill development, and deeper understanding.

Elizabeth Campbellon the Extended Communication Masterclass

The course is very engaging and makes me want to learn more and put the lessons into practice.

Michael Δ†aΔ‡ić‑Escaleraon the Extended Communication Masterclass

What you will learn.

  1. How to recognise each behaviour type

  2. How to communicate with clarity across personality differences

  3. How to reduce misunderstandings

  4. How to use self-awareness to build stronger relationships

Thomas Erikson on stage, explaining the four colours in front of the colour wheel
A well-read copy of Surrounded by Idiots on an old wooden table

About Thomas Erikson. He has been called the Idiot Whisperer.

Thomas Erikson is an interpersonal communication expert and an international bestselling author. He works with European organisations on how to dramatically improve their leadership and internal communication. He mentors high-profile business leaders on their personal development and next career step.

Surrounded by Idiots and the titles that followed have sold 12M+ books in 70+ languages.

Thomas is an anglophile with a taste for tweed and old Land Rovers. He lives in the Swedish countryside with his wife and her sons. The household also includes Bubba, the silly (but friendly) Golden Retriever and Churchill, the cool Rottweiler.

When he isn’t travelling or working, Thomas loves gardening. The long-term goal is to create a classic English park at home.

12M+Books sold

70+Languages

Change starts with you. Choose your masterclass.

It is much easier to change yourself than to change others. By learning to communicate more efficiently, you can avoid most of the conflicts you are facing in your life.

Extended Communication $599 USD Buy now
Basic Communication $249 USD Buy now