Case Study: Circl & Pepper Advantage
How Pepper Advantagve Built Coaching-Led and Inclusive Leaders
About Pepper Advantage
Industry: Financial Services
Location: UK, Europe and Asia Pacific
Company size: 1,250+
Pepper Advantage is a global credit intelligence and asset management platform. As the organisation continues to grow, Pepper Advantage has invested in developing leaders who can manage inclusively, coach effectively, and empower others to perform at their best.
The Challenge: Developing Inclusive, People-First Leaders
Pepper Advantage wanted to strengthen leadership capability across the organisation by:
Building practical coaching skills among emerging and experienced leaders
Supporting leaders to manage people more inclusively and effectively
Recognising and developing high-potential employees
Creating meaningful social impact by connecting professionals with underrepresented young people
The organisation was looking for a leadership development approach that moved beyond theory, enabling leaders to apply coaching skills in real workplace conversations while supporting wider inclusion and social mobility goals.
“Circl did a great job in matching professionals with future leaders. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know (my match) during the program. She has a wonderful personality and was incredibly easy to work with”
Professional at Pepper Advantage Cohort
The Solution
Long-Term Coaching Programmes with Real-World Application
Programme participants:
109 Emtelle professionals in leadership positions
Future leader participants: 112 FL's
Training hours: 20 per person
Circl delivered a structured coaching ircl delivered a series of Leader as Coach programmes tailored to Pepper Advantage’s objectives.
Since 2022, the partnership has included:
Eight coaching cohorts, including a specialised programme for Ireland
105 Pepper Advantage professionals and 112 Future Leaders graduating from the programme
Expert-led group sessions focused on coaching fundamentals, inclusive leadership and self-awareness
1:1 coaching partnerships between Pepper professionals and Future Leaders from underrepresented backgrounds
Regular, structured coaching conversations that enabled immediate practice and reflection.
This two-way coaching model allowed professionals and Future Leaders to learn from each other, embedding coaching skills through lived experience rather than classroom learning alone.
The Outcomes
“The sessions have given me the skills and understanding I need to become a successful coach. I know these skills will continue to improve the more I use them.”
Professional at Pepper Advantage
The Impact
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86% of professionals reported an increase in coaching knowledge
71% said they would use coaching skills to support their own development
Participants reported improved confidence in:
Active listening
Goal setting and planning
Providing feedback and guidance
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94% of professionals reported becoming more inclusive leaders
71.% noticed a positive impact on team, department or organisational culture
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112 Future Leaders from underrepresented backgrounds took part
67% said the programme expanded their professional network
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100% of participants said they would recommend Circl
100% reported their objectives were met or exceeded
100% of participants felt they had the skills as inclusive leaders at the end of the programme
Conclusion
Through its long-term partnership with Circl, Pepper Advantage has embedded coaching as a practical leadership skill while creating meaningful social impact.
By pairing professionals with underrepresented Future Leaders, the organisation has developed leaders who listen more deeply, manage more inclusively, and empower others to grow while widening access to leadership skills, confidence and opportunity.
Discover how Circl can help your leaders build inclusive teams here.
Key stats
8 coaching cohorts delivered
1890 coaching hours for Pepper Advantage
