Self-Paced, Online Executive Program Is Designed for the Next Generation of AI Leaders

July 9, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 9, 2025 — Wharton Online today announced the launch of Leading an AI-Powered Future, a self-paced online executive program designed to equip professionals at every stage of their careers with the practical skills and confidence to lead in an era defined by artificial intelligence.

As AI continues to transform industries and workplaces around the globe, there is growing demand for leaders who can move beyond theory and apply AI to real-world challenges. Recognizing this shift, Wharton Online’s new program is tailored not just for senior executives, but also for emerging and mid-level leaders, functional managers, and business influencers who are expected to implement and drive AI strategy within their organizations.

“AI isn’t just a technology trend — it’s a leadership imperative that’s shaping the future of work across every sector,” said Stefano Puntoni, academic director for the program. “We designed Leading an AI-Powered Future to be accessible, actionable, and hands-on, so participants can immediately start making an impact, regardless of their technical background.”

The self-paced, online program is guided by Wharton’s expert faculty: Stefano Puntoni, Lynn Wu, Nicolaj Siggelkow, and Christian Terwiesch. It also features guest lecturer Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn and a leading voice in AI. Across four modules, participants will explore the future of AI and human agency, learn to design effective AI-human collaboration, discover how generative AI can transform customer experiences, and prepare for the evolving workforce. Each module blends foundational concepts with hands-on activities, helping learners build AI literacy, craft effective prompts, evaluate ethical considerations, and create actionable strategies for AI adoption.

Key program features include:

  • Self-paced, 100 percent online format for maximum flexibility
  • Required hands-on activities and exercises
  • Actionable frameworks to bridge strategy and practical application
  • Focus on preparing teams and organizations for the future of work
  • A Wharton digital badge of completion

Enrollment for Leading an AI-Powered Future is now open.

About Wharton Online

Wharton Online, the Wharton School's digital learning platform, makes high-quality business education available to learners anytime and anywhere. From certificate programs that issue Continuing Education Units to specializations across a variety of business and management topics, Wharton Online's offerings equip learners to advance their careers. And with 100K certificate-earning learners and more than one million total learners who have accessed courses, Wharton Online boasts an impressive network of business leaders around the globe.

About the Wharton School

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 100,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs, and thousands of pre-collegiate students explore business concepts through Wharton’s www.wharton.upenn.edu.

Media Contact

Sarah SchwabDirector of Communications Aresty Institute of Executive Education
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania execed-pr@wharton.upenn.edu