Case Study: Circl & BenevolentAI
How BenevolentAI Used Coaching to Build Inclusive Leaders in Science and Tech
“It’s a great way for companies to help employees develop coaching skills, while helping young Future Leaders grow at the same time. I would recommend Circl to all companies.”
Safiye Celik, Senior AI Scientist
About BenevolentAI
Industry: AI/ Biotechnology
Location: UK & US
Company size: 350+ employees
BenevolentAI is a global leader in using artificial intelligence to discover and develop new medicines for the world’s most challenging diseases. With a focus on innovation and impact, the company combines cutting-edge machine learning with scientific expertise—headquartered in London, with a research centre in Cambridge and offices in New York.
The Challenge: Embedding inclusion and innovation in leadership
As part of a broader push to strengthen diversity and inclusion, BenevolentAI wanted to give its senior scientists and engineers a way to develop their leadership capabilities while engaging meaningfully with underrepresented communities.
They were already running internal management training—but were looking for something different. They chose Circl to help their people practise real coaching in a way that connected with their values: empowering others, learning from emerging talent, and building more inclusive teams.
The Solution
Coaching development with immediate real-world application
Circl delivered a leadership programme for 10 BenevolentAI professionals, focused on coaching, inclusive communication and real-time practice:
• Senior scientists and engineers attended expert-led sessions covering coaching theory and frameworks
• Each participant was matched with a Future Leader—a young person from a disadvantaged background—for weekly 1-2-1 coaching sessions over Zoom
• Participants learned to lead through listening, asking questions and empowering others, while being coached themselves.
“You’re meeting younger people from
different backgrounds and applying what
you’ve learned straight away. It’s hands-on
and pushes you to develop.”
The Impact
Behaviour Change in the Workplace
90% of participants felt more confident in their coaching abilities by the end of the programme
Managers shifted their approach to 1-2-1s —listening more, letting others lead discussions, and asking better questions
80% reported using their coaching skills at work, including with their own managers and across levels of seniority.
Stronger Teams and Better Relationships
Teams saw improvements in communication, decision-making and clarity of goals
Coaching helped participants support colleagues without always giving answers—building autonomy and trust
Professionals and Future Leaders alike valued being treated as equals, learning from each other’s perspectives.
““Even when I talk to my manager, I’ve been able to use these skills to help them manage me better.”
Safiye Celik, Senior AI Scientist
Boosting Pride and Engagement
100% of participants said they felt proud to work at BenevolentAI
50% reported increased pride during the programme, driven by the social impact and personal growth they experienced
Participants found the shared learning journey rewarding and energising—and the company plans to continue with future cohorts.