Imperative is a workplace relationship platform that uses AI and behavioral science to help employees build meaningful connections at work. Imperative provides software that manages, scales, and measures employee networks inside organizations, aiming to break down silos, foster innovation, and address the need for social connection and continuous learning in the modern work environment.
The core of Imperative's offering is its employee purpose profiling technology, which accelerates trust between colleagues and enables peer-to-peer mentoring at scale. By facilitating these purposeful connections, Imperative reports that companies can reduce voluntary turnover by up to 35%.
Since its launch in 2020, Imperative has been adopted by large organizations and fast-growing companies such as Microsoft, Zillow, GSK, Boston Scientific, WebMD, and Siteimprove. The platform is designed for enterprises seeking to improve employee engagement, well-being, and career development through technology-enabled networks.
Imperative was founded by workplace entrepreneur Aaron Hurst and is a certified B Corporation. The founding team brings experience across growth, product experience, engineering, and customer success, with a shared focus on helping people overcome social and organizational barriers. The company was funded by Voyager Capital and Court Lorenzini (DocuSign founding CEO), and in 2024, Imperative was acquired by Chronus.
You can learn more about Imperative's story and team on their About page.
How was Imperative started?
Imperative was founded in Seattle, Washington, with the goal of addressing the evolving needs for human connection and purpose in the workplace. The company combined expertise in behavioral science and software engineering to develop a platform capable of managing complex employee networks. The founding team includes Steve O’Brian (CEO), Nicole Resch (VP Growth/Co-founder), and Courtney Deimel (VP People & Product Experience/Co-founder), each with a focus on building organizations that empower individuals to reach their potential.
Who uses Imperative?
Imperative serves large enterprises and rapidly growing companies across industries that prioritize employee well-being, collaboration, and professional development. Notable customers include:
- Microsoft
- Zillow
- GSK
- Boston Scientific
- WebMD
- Siteimprove
These organizations use Imperative to break down internal barriers, foster innovation, and align employees’ sense of purpose with their daily work.
What makes Imperative different?
Imperative differentiates itself through its use of purpose profiling technology and AI-driven matchmaking, which allows employees to become mentors for each other regardless of organizational hierarchy. This approach not only supports learning and social connection but also provides measurable outcomes, such as reduced turnover and improved organizational culture.
Leadership and Team
Imperative’s leadership team brings together backgrounds in organizational development, product management, engineering, and customer success. The team includes:
- Steve O’Brian, CEO
- Nicole Resch, VP Growth / Co-Founder
- Courtney Deimel, VP People & Product Experience / Co-Founder
- Hyewon Abe, Technical Product Manager
- Connor Peavey, Senior Software Engineer
- Nate Oelrich, Senior Software Engineer
- Colin Koach, Enterprise Account Manager
- Caroline Muhlfeld, Customer Success Manager
- Natalie Szocs, Customer Success Coordinator
- Emma McGinnis, Customer Success Manager
The company was acquired by Chronus in 2024, continuing its mission to support enterprise-wide employee networks.
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