When we sat down with Robin Daniels, the Chief Business Officer at Zensai, one thing was immediately clear: this isn’t just another HR tech executive. Robin is on a mission to reframe how we define—and build—culture in the modern workplace.
“In today’s world,” Robin said, “most companies still look at people data in the rearview mirror. Attrition rates. Exit interviews. Headcount. But none of that tells you what’s actually happening right now…or what’s coming next.”
At Zensai, Robin and his team are creating a future where organizations can see the health of their culture in real-time, act on what matters, and build environments where people actually thrive.
What is Zensai?
Zensai is a Human Success Platform that operates inside Microsoft 365 and Teams, where millions of employees already live and work every day. It combines three core tools:
Learn365: a flexible Learning management system that blends off-the-shelf content with internal training and compliance tools.
Engage365: a check-in and feedback system that captures employee sentiment and encourages recognition and reflection.
Perform365: a goal-setting and performance management platform that helps employees tie their work to outcomes, and teams to mission.
Together, they form what Zensai calls the Human Success Platform: a comprehensive, AI-powered ecosystem for learning, engagement, and performance. It’s used in over 60 countries and trusted by companies ranging from 10-person startups to 100,000-person enterprises.
Why Human Success Matters
Traditional performance systems are rigid, rear-facing, and uninspiring. Robin argues they were never built to unlock human potential.
“Two-thirds of employees are disengaged, according to Gallup. They don’t feel like they’re learning the right skills. They don’t see a future. They don’t know if they’re making a difference.”
Zensai exists to fix that.
- Instead of yearly reviews, weekly or monthly check-ins offer real-time course correction.
- Instead of guessing who's doing great work, kudos and recognition fly around the system - over 15,000 logged in one recent cycle.
- Instead of unclear goals, OKRs and SMART goals bring clarity to what success looks like.
“Clarity is the foundation of engagement,” Robin told us. “It’s hard to do great work if you don’t know what great even looks like.”
Culture, Measured
One of the most compelling ideas Robin shared was this: What if company culture had a score?
Just like an Oura ring gives you a sleep score based on multiple data points, Zensai is working toward a “Human Success Score”—a single, actionable number that reflects the health of your people and the direction of your culture.
Are your teams learning the skills they need?
Are they engaged in their work?
Are they aligned with the mission?
Are they recognized for what they do?
By aggregating check-in data, learning metrics, and performance trends, Zensai gives leaders a forward-looking view of what’s working—and what isn’t.
“Most HR data is a postmortem,” Robin explained. “We’re trying to give teams living insights that help them adjust in real time.”
Culture in Action: What Zensai Teaches Us
Robin shared an internal example: as a leader of a 60-person global team, he can see who’s getting recognition, where engagement is spiking or dropping, and how teams are collaborating.
“If we suddenly see high fives drop off in a certain department, we know something’s changed. It’s like watching a spider web: if one part starts to sag, you can respond before the whole thing tears.”
Zensai doesn’t just help remote teams work better—it helps them feel better. It fosters belonging, clarity, and connection.
And it treats people like adults.
“We believe that when people know what’s expected, and they feel seen and supported, they’ll rise. Every time.”
3 Lessons from Robin on Building a Strong Culture
1. Clarity beats charisma. Leaders don't need to be motivational speakers - they need to make sure everyone knows what matters and how to succeed.
2. Belonging is built through feedback. Regular check-ins and recognition create emotional safety and connection - even across time zones.
3. Culture is a system. You can't fix culture with posters or perks. You need the right tools, rhythms, and feedback loops to make it real and lasting.
What's Next?
Robin’s ultimate goal isn’t just better HR software—it’s a world where every employee, everywhere, can learn, grow, and succeed in meaningful ways.
“At Zensai, we ask: Are you fighting for something you believe in? Do you see how you’re making an impact? If not, what are we doing?”
It’s time to move from employee management to human success—and Zensai is leading the way.
🔗 Learn more about Zensai at www.zensai.com
📨 Know a culture leader we should feature? Reply or reach out to TeamHQ.
💬 Let us know what your team is doing to build better culture—we might share your story next.
Until next time,
TeamHQ
