EZRA launches new AI coaching service for managers

EZRA has launched Loop, a coaching service for managers that combines human coaches with an AI assistant. The product is designed to extend coaching beyond senior executives.

Loop pairs each manager with a dedicated coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation and an AI partner called Cai. Cai tracks coaching goals, recalls earlier conversations and uses workplace context to suggest when support may be needed.

The 12-month service includes six coaching sessions for each employee. Between sessions, Cai provides prompts linked to agreed goals and passes that information to the coach before the next meeting.

EZRA developed the product after analysing more than one million coaching sessions involving 200,000 people across its client base, which includes Microsoft, Spotify, Mastercard, HSBC, Eli Lilly, KPMG and ServiceNow.

Its analysis found that AI support performed better in task-related areas such as prioritisation and goal setting, while human coaches performed better in interpersonal areas including emotional intelligence and executive presence. EZRA said the combined approach increased the likelihood of behavioural change by 37% compared with either model alone.

The company also cited a study of its customers that found teams led by coached managers resolved customer problems 18% faster.

Manager focus

Coaching has typically been reserved for the most senior ranks, even as middle managers take on a larger role in organisational change programmes and staff development. EZRA is positioning Loop around that gap, arguing that managers are often expected to lead AI-related change and difficult workplace conversations with limited support.

"Managers today are expected to lead through AI-driven change, navigate tough conversations, and develop their people, often with little support beyond a one-time training," said Nick Goldberg, chief executive officer of EZRA.

"They don't need an AI chatbot to help them work through challenges. They need a real, human coach who can help them navigate high-stakes moments with honest feedback and strong judgement. That's why Loop is a game changer, combining human coaching with AI that connects context and drives continuous development between sessions," Goldberg said.

According to EZRA, Cai integrates with workplace tools including Slack and Teams. The system is designed to identify signals that may indicate a need for coaching, including periods of inertia or moments of heightened intensity, and recommend contact with the assigned coach.

That context is intended to reduce time spent at the start of sessions on updates, allowing coaches to move directly to current issues.

"I used to spend the first 15 minutes of every session catching up," said Anusha Parshotam, ICF-accredited EZRA coach.

"Now, I walk in knowing about the conversation she already rehearsed, feedback she's been avoiding and the moment she nearly gave up. We start where it matters, and it makes coaching much more impactful," Parshotam said.

Coaching market

EZRA was founded in 2019 as the coaching arm of LHH, part of The Adecco Group. It has delivered more than one million coaching sessions to more than 200,000 people across 120 countries and 75 languages, supported by 4,500 coaches accredited by the International Coaching Federation.

The launch comes as companies across the leadership development sector test where AI can replace routine support and where human judgement remains necessary. EZRA argues that AI can maintain momentum between meetings, while coaches handle conversations that require accountability and judgement.

"AI coaching can't replace the accountability, honest challenge and deep judgement that human coaches provide," Goldberg said.

"EZRA coaches step in for high-stakes conversations, while AI provides consistent momentum and engagement between those sessions. Together, they create a continuous development loop that prepares managers with the curiosity, judgement, humility and connection to lead through uncertainty and ambiguity," he said.