When asked to define the ideal leader, most people will cite difficult-to-pin-down qualities such as integrity, self-awareness, courage and empathy. Emotional intelligence is universally agreed to be vital. You’ll also need to be an excellent communicator, public speaker, debater and team player. If you plan to become Prime Minister or the head of a wildly successful global company, you’ll need exemplary leadership skills and perhaps a large dose of the ‘X factor’, but these traits will also be extremely useful in any future career in any industry that you can dream up, and in your life in general!

Get started with a leadership course in Oxford, Cambridge or London this summer 2025 and learn how to influence and inspire people, make ethical decisions and consider all angles of an argument for well-rounded choices. Practise public speaking and debate, lead your own team and craft your own start-up business plan!