The School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning and FWD Life Insurance Champion the Next Generation of Leaders
MAKATI, Philippines – Women leaders are stepping up as vital forces for transformation in the world of business. They play a pivotal role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion—redefining what it means to lead in the modern world. Yet, despite their growing influence, many continue to face unique challenges, often carrying the dual weight of work and family responsibilities. In response, the Asian Institute of Management School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (AIM-SEELL), in partnership with FWD Life Insurance, launched the Forging Women’s Development in Leadership, Innovation and Future Excellence (FWD LIFE) program—a dynamic leadership development experience tailored for the company’s women executives.
Program kick-off at Shangri-La, The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
The FWD LIFE program brought together 19 of FWD’s women executive leaders for a transformative journey that spanned four full-day modules and four half-day coaching sessions. The program offered a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to leadership development, empowering participants to navigate organizational challenges with greater confidence, align their personal and professional goals, and foster meaningful work-life harmony. Its curriculum explored leadership foundations, emotional intelligence, agile thinking, and strategic negotiation—equipping participants to deepen self-awareness, embrace their authentic leadership style, and lead high-performing teams through change.
Daniel Oviedo, People & Culture Manager for Learning and Development (FWD Life Insurance Corporation) and Kristine Mae Aranda, Business Development Manager (AIM-SEELL) commence the graduation ceremony
The experience unfolded across inspiring venues: it opened with a kickoff session at Shangri-La, The Fort, continued through program classes at both FWD and AIM campuses, and culminated in a powerful graduation ceremony held at The Grand Hyatt Bonifacio Global City. Throughout this journey, the Institute’s signature experiential learning approach—featuring lecture-discussions, case studies, simulation exercises, and team-based workshops—brought lessons to life. Participants not only learned from faculty but also drew insights from each other’s lived experiences, building a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Graduation at The Grand Hyatt, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
What set the FWD LIFE program apart were the leadership coaching workshops and peer group coaching sessions led by certified experts. These reflective, supportive spaces allowed participants to deepen their leadership capacity while lifting one another up.
Program Directors Ms. Maria Angelica Lleander and Ms. Anna Teresa “Rezza” Custodio-Soriano
Led by Program Directors and AIM Adjunct Faculty members Ms. Maria Angelica “Marian” Lleander and Ms. Anna Teresa “Rezza” Custodio-Soriano, the FWD-LIFE program was a bold and timely investment in FWD’s future-ready women leaders. Ms. Marian shared that “Women Executive Leadership (WEL) enhances not just leadership skills, but also participants’ self-awareness and ability to navigate their unique challenges.” She emphasized that the impact is deeply personal, with many graduates calling the program life-changing.
She also noted the significance of the Institute’s partnership with FWD, describing it as “a milestone—the first time we’ve customized WEL for a specific organization.” She said the collaboration reflected FWD’s genuine commitment to empowering its female leaders.
For Ms. Marian, a highlight of the journey was the graduation ceremony: “Families and managers saw first-hand how the program transformed the participants, and how they could support them as they grow into leadership roles.”
As the program’s first cohort crossed the stage, they did not just celebrate a milestone—they stepped forward as catalysts for change ready to shape the future of leadership and more. Ready to empower your organization’s rising women leaders? Partner with us to design transformational learning experiences that drive real impact. For more information on how to customize a program for your organization, visit https://aim.edu/custom-programs/.
