7 Life Lessons From Naomi Campbell

International supermodel Naomi Campbell has over three decades of experience walking and modeling for an inimitable slew of designers and photographers. In that same time, she has acted in Lee Daniels’ drama series Empire, raised money and brought attention to a variety of charitable causes, and advocated for greater diversity on catwalks. Her name is etched in pop culture history. (As Beyoncé once sang, “Do the Naomi Campbell walk.”) And now anyone can learn from one of the most successful supermodels to ever live, thanks to MasterClass. 

In the new course, now available to MasterClass subscribers, Campbell shares nuggets of wisdom on everything from casting call etiquette to essential items to travel with as a model. But the course is not only for aspiring runway stars. Everyone can learn a useful lesson or two. Campbell pitches the class with, “You don’t have to be a model to carry yourself like one.” Want to come off as more confident while walking through the office? “Long strides make you appear more confident and unhurried,” Campbell says, during a segment that breaks down her iconic catwalk. 

“This class is for everyone and anyone,” Campbell says to Vogue. “Just to make them feel good about themselves.” Below, she shares a glimpse at what one may find during the course, including advice on everything from preparedness to work-life balance to navigating social media. Take notes. 

Vogue: We all experience stage fright—whether it’s giving a boardroom presentation or strutting down a Versace runway. How do you conquer the feeling? 
Naomi: “Stage fright is human. It’s okay. I’ve had straight fright many times. Anytime I’m about to step out onto the runway, or anything that I do live, even when I do acting on stage, it’s terrifying. But you can use your fear in a positive way to get you over that hill. And once you get over that hill it’s quite exhilarating how you feel. You have to face your fear in order to move forward and take yourself out of that comfort zone. It’s important to take those risks. And in the end you’ll see it really wasn’t a risk.” 

Did you ever have a problem handling rejection? 
“No, I never did. Because I believe they know what they’re looking for. And either you are what they’re looking for or not. Because of the school I went to it was easier for me to not take things personally and objectify myself in a certain way. They have their criteria? I didn’t match that criteria? Okay, well on to the next.”