STRIPES Leadership Program launched its 10th cohort on Nov. 4, 2026, with its signature 3-Day Transformational Leadership Launch in Philadelphia. The Fall 2026 cohort welcomed 23 participants representing 27 companies, including 20 repeat and 7 new organizations to the program.
The cohort brings together an experienced cross-section of the equipment finance industry, with participants spanning operations, sales, risk, credit, marketing and organizational leadership. Many hold director, vice president or senior vice president positions and bring extensive experience within their organizations and the industry.
While their backgrounds and responsibilities vary, participants share a commitment to expanding their leadership capacity and creating meaningful results. Their goals include stepping into broader leadership roles, strengthening confidence, executive presence and communication, broadening reach, visibility and exposure, improving decision-making and becoming more effective coaches and mentors. They also bring perspectives on key industry priorities, including technology and AI adoption, leading through change, strengthening collaboration and developing the next generation of leaders.
“If you are serious about being a better leader this is the program to be a part of. The way the information was presented made you really think of how you are as a leader and how you can be better,” Ryan Wheeler, sales manager at DLL, said.
The 3-Day Launch establishes the foundation for STRIPES’ six-month leadership journey, combining transformational discovery with strategic and tactical business skills and applied learning. Through powerful leadership distinctions, hands-on exercises and candid conversations, participants examine how they lead, challenge familiar ways of thinking and expand their vision of what is possible for themselves, their teams and their organizations.
“One of the greatest experiences I have had, truly eye-opening and life-changing,” Marisa Sheppard, manager of risk and legal resolutions at TimePayment, said.
During the Launch, participants also begin to develop their Capstone Projects: bold initiatives designed to produce meaningful, measurable results within their organizations. These projects provide an opportunity to put the program’s leadership principles into practice while advancing a business priority. The program includes formal Capstone Project presentations to curriculum leaders, program peers and STRIPES leadership.
“Who’s in the room matters. What makes STRIPES distinctive is that we are not simply developing individual leaders; we are creating a community of leaders who are expanding what is possible for their organizations and for the industry. Their real work, challenges and aspirations become part of the curriculum. The 3-Day Launch is the catalyst –– creating the space for leaders to challenge familiar ways of thinking, expand what they believe is possible and begin leading differently for themselves, their teams and their organizations.,” Carolynn Caruso, senior vice president of sales and program leader for STRIPES Leadership Program, said.
Following the Launch, participants will continue their development through Business and Leadership Workshops, Executive Roundtable discussions, and group, peer and one-on-one coaching sessions led by recognized industry executives and leadership experts. These experiences build on the transformational work of the Launch, providing ongoing opportunities for discovery, application and support as participants lead their teams and execute their Capstone Projects.
“I have a newfound passion to be the best leader I can be for others, and for myself,” Troy Hunter, lead administrator for documentation at Canon Financial Services, said.
With the launch of its 10th cohort, STRIPES continues its commitment to develop leaders who create new possibilities, strengthen their organizations and help shape the future of the equipment finance industry.
