Mattering Is the Future of Leadership with Zach Mercurio

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What if the key to transforming workplace culture isn’t perks or programs, but one powerful, overlooked human need?

Rosie sits down with Zach Mercurio, author of “The Power of Mattering” and one of Inc.'s top 50 leadership experts, to explore why mattering might just be the most important leadership skill of our time.

Together, they unpack how feeling seen, valued, and essential isn’t just a “nice-to-have,” it’s a basic human need that directly impacts engagement, trust, and performance. Zach gives insights on why intuition doesn’t scale, how “soft” skills are now business-critical, and why the future of leadership depends on how we treat each other in the next interaction.

From practical tools like the “Noticing Notebook” to powerful mindset shifts that rehumanize the workplace, this episode is packed with soul and strategy.

About Zach Mercurio

Zach Mercurio is an author, researcher, and leadership development facilitator specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, and meaningful work.

He advises leaders in organizations worldwide on practices for building cultures that promote well-being, motivation, and performance.

Zach holds a Ph.D. in organizational learning, performance, and change and serves as one of the best-selling author Simon Sinek’s Optimist Instructors, teaching a top-rated course on creating mattering at work.

His new book is The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance.

Zach's thinking and research have been featured in The Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine, FastCompany, Forbes, Psychology Today, The Denver Post, and on ABC News.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mattering is distinct from belonging or recognition.
  • Mattering happens in micro, everyday interactions.
  • You can't program your way to engagement.
  • Soft skills are essential leadership capabilities.
  • Intention and presence matter more than perfection.

 

Resources:

Get Zach's book: The Power of Mattering
Connect with Zach on LinkedIn
Learn more about Zach's work

Lisa

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