Case Study: Ginkgo Bioworks achieves stronger managerial skills and improved team performance with AceUp executive coaching

Ginkgo Bioworks - Customer Case Study

Ginkgo Bioworks, the organism company, experienced rapid growth from about 30 to nearly 500 employees, which pushed scientists into new managerial roles without formal training. Program Director Sudeep Agarwala faced challenges including difficult personality dynamics, conflict with his manager, and the need to support team members’ career development, so Ginkgo offered him executive coaching through AceUp.

Working with an AceUp coach from July 2019, Sudeep focused on conflict management, feedback delivery, role clarity, and career-path conversations. AceUp’s coaching increased his self-awareness, improved his working relationship with his manager, helped a team member transition to a more suitable role where she is now exceeding expectations, and strengthened team communication during high-stress work (e.g., COVID‑19 testing); the coaching has also propagated better management practices across peers at Ginkgo.

Ginkgo Bioworks

Sudeep Agarwala

Ginkgo Bioworks