Strategic Leadership Experience FAQs
2025 Frequently
Frequently Asked Questions
NEW - Class of 2027 (Beginning July 2025)
What is the Strategic Leadership Experience (SLE) executive development program?
Developed in partnership with Wharton Executive Education and LIMRA and LOMA member companies, the Strategic Leadership Experience program enables the next generation of senior leaders to shape the future of our industry by adapting business strategies to leverage market opportunities, manage risk, and develop talent.
- This nomination-only program focuses exclusively on critical opportunities facing our industry today — including key trends, enterprise thinking and financial decision-making, operational excellence, designing organizational capabilities, and leading change.
- The experience consists of three 3.5-day modules, conducted over 24 months, with brief action learning team assignments, and optional development offerings during the program and post-graduation.
Is the program global?
Currently, the SLE program is open to participants located in the U.S. and Canada.
What’s included in the curriculum?
The program is focused on 3 primary themes, and the key capabilities and experiences for next generation leaders, through the lens of “new industry realities.”
- Module 1: “Becoming an Enterprise Leader”
- Module 2: “Developing a Strategic Mindset”
- Module 3: “Leading Transformation”
Program curriculum for each module can be found on the Strategic Leadership Experience webpage, and is subject to change.
Who serves as faculty for the program?
Wharton professors serve as primary faculty for the program. C-level executives from LIMRA and LOMA, and our member companies provide industry insights and leadership advice in select program segments. Occasionally, faculty from other entities — who bring unique insights — may join the program.
When does the new Class of 2027 begin, and where will the program be held?
The class of 2027 begins Monday, July 14, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. ET (registration at 4:15 p.m.), and concludes Friday, July 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
- Flights on Friday should be booked for 2:00 p.m. ET or later. Parking is available for those driving, with information available in June 2025.
- The program will be held at Wharton, in the Yasuda Amphitheatre on the 2nd floor of the Steinberg Conference Center, on the University of Pennsylvania campus, at 255 South 38th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
What are the dates for the Class of 2027?
The program consists of the following. Participants must attend all 3 modules to graduate.
- Module 1: July 14-18, 2025
- Module 2: July 20-24, 2026
- Module 3: July 19-23, 2027
Registration for Modules 2 and 3 will be available in the future for those enrolled in the program.
How many leaders are enrolled in a class?
Each LIMRA and LOMA member company can nominate up to two candidates for the 24-month experience, who meet program criteria. Each class will include 100 leaders from across the industry, representing various functional areas of expertise. Occasionally, a member company may have more than 2 participants in a program, often due to company size or leaders changing employment.
What is the nomination criteria?
This nomination only program is available to individuals from eligible member companies who meet the following qualifications:
- Assistant Vice Presidents
- Vice Presidents, or
- Leaders in an equivalent strategic leadership role who have consistently demonstrated strong performance, and whose companies believe they will benefit from, and contribute to, an executive-level development program.
Those nominated to the program should also embrace a “Now, “Later,” and “Share” mindset. As next generation leaders, participants will gain capabilities and experiences to apply now and later on their development journeys. Key learnings should also be shared with one’s company. Participants focused only on learnings they can apply NOW will miss out on the overall program experience.
When does the Class of 2027 nomination process begin?
Beginning November 4, 2024, nominations can be made for the Class of 2027. Contact Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development, at LStevens@loma.org, for additional information.
When does the nomination process end?
Nominations are due by Tuesday, April 30, 2025. Lisa Stevens, the Director of Executive Development, will partner with member companies needing additional time, based on available seats.
Can participants self-nominate?
Participants cannot nominate themselves, however, they can express interest to their leader or company nominator. Participants needing assistance in connecting with their company nominator can contact Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development, at LStevens@loma.org.
What is the cost of the Class of 2027 program and what is included?
Program tuition for the Class of 2027 is $6,500 for Module 1 (2025), which includes all Wharton on-site meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner). All fees are shown in U.S. currency and pricing for Modules 2 (2026) and 3 (2027) are subject to change without notice. Lodging, transportation, and off-site meal expenses are the responsibility of the participant.
- Participants are not required to eat any onsite meals.
- However, participants are strongly encouraged to attend the Welcome Reception on day one of each module (Mondays), as well as the Module 3 graduation dinner which will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2027.
What payment options are available?
Tuition is paid per module during the registration process. Payment options include credit card, invoice, or wire transfer. Many participants pay by credit card. Participants in companies with centralized invoicing will be communicated to separately. Tuition must be paid 10-days prior to module start.
Can 2024 budget dollars be leveraged to pay early for 2025 programming?
Yes, participants can pay for 2025 programming with 2024 budget dollars. Contact Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development at LStevens@loma.org for questions.
Is there a designated hotel for the program?
A block of rooms has been reserved, at a reduced rate, at the Inn at Penn at 3600 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. More information will be included in registration materials. The hotel is located directly across the street from the Wharton campus. Participants are not required to stay at the Inn at Penn.
When can participants register for Module 1?
Once a member company nominations are received by LIMRA and LOMA, and are approved, a congratulatory email with next steps on how to register will be sent to both the nominee and their nominator. The email will come from Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development.
- Once registered, each participant will receive a confirmation email.
- Questions about the registration process can be directed to Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development, at LStevens@loma.org
When can participants register for subsequent modules?
Participants enrolled in the Class of 2027 will be notified in the Fall of 2025 and 2026, by Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development, that registration for Modules 2 and 3 respectfully, are open. The registration process for subsequent modules opens in October/November of the prior year for those wishing to leverage year-end budgetary dollars.
If a participant leaves their current member company, or is unable to attend Module 1, can another person fill their seat?
If a participant leaves their current member company or is unable to attend Module 1, another candidate may fill the seat provided they have been nominated by the company and meet the required criteria. Such a request must be submitted in writing/email (no later than two weeks prior to program start) to Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development at LStevens@loma.org.
- Program nominees unable to attend the Class of 2027 (July 2025-2027) can be re-nominated by their company for the following year’s class, given they continue to meet required criteria.
- Note: Once enrolled in the program, if a participant has completed a portion of the 24-month experience and needs to drop out or has left their current company (for Modules 2 or 3), a replacement cannot be sent. A participant should check with their new company for sponsorship of continued participation and costs. Contact Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development at LStevens@loma.org, for assistance.
If a participant begins the program, and due to “life events,” is unable to attend a subsequent Module, what are the options?
“Life events” happen including company changes and family needs. In such cases, contact Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development at LStevens@loma.org to discuss specific situations and options.
What is the cancellation policy for Module 1?
In the event you need to cancel participation in Module 1, your cancellation request must be received in writing. The cancellation policy is also listed with a participant’s online registration confirmation. The cancellation policy for Module 1 of the Class of 2027 is as follows:
- Cancellations received before April 18, 2025: Tuition refunded, less a $250 administration fee.
- Cancellations received April 18, 2025 to May 16, 2025: 75% of tuition refunded.
- Cancellations received May 17, 2025 to June 13, 2025: 50% of tuition refunded.
- Cancellations after June 13, 2025: No tuition refund applied.
Since this is a new class, all cancellation fees will be waived if the nominating member company provides another candidate who meets program qualifications, at least two weeks prior to the start of the program (July 13, 2025).
In the event this scheduled program is cancelled by LIMRA and LOMA for any reason, our liability is limited to refunding the program registration (tuition) fee only.
For other questions, contact Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development at LStevens@loma.org.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is casual which includes jeans (no shorts). Flat/comfortable shoes are recommended as participants walk on campus and/or explore Philadelphia in the evenings. Participants should bring a light jacket or sweater as classroom temperatures can fluctuate.
Will a mobile device be required for the program?
Participants will need a computer or another mobile device such as a tablet to access the online Learning Portal throughout the program. Prior to program start, instructions will be provided by the Wharton program leader on how to access the Learning Portal. Approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the start of each Module, participants should enter their preferred name and bio to the portal and alert the Wharton program leader to any dietary needs. It is also recommended that participants consult with their respective IT departments should they experience challenges accessing the portal due to company securing policies.
Will there be assignments in between modules?
Yes, there will be two Action Learning Team assignments – one after Module 1, and the other after Module 2. Each assignment should take no more than 3 hours/per year. Participants will also learn about other optional learning events throughout the year and post-graduation that they can attend.
How can participants learn more about the program prior to Module 1?
Approximately 60 days prior to program start, LIMRA and LOMA will host optional preview sessions for both participants and their respective leaders. The preview session will be recorded for those unable to attend. It is important that participants feel supported before, during and after the program to maximize the 24-month experience.
How have prior participants rate the program?
Since 2022, the SLE program has continued to receive high marks. Participants rate the program 4.8 / 5.0, also recommending the program to others 4.8 / 5.0. Participant value the opportunities to:
- Connect and collaborate with leaders across the industry to discuss shared challenges, opportunities, and best practices in transforming the industry together, and
- Learn from elite Wharton professors on various topics critical to success as a next generation leader. Likewise, the opportunity to connect with member company executives “who have been there” has been incredibly valuable to participants.
Who can assist with other questions?
For other questions, please contact Lisa Stevens, Director of Executive Development at LStevens@loma.org or Melody Toy, Program Administrator, at MToy@loma.org. Ongoing communications will be shared with participants throughout the program.