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“Belonging is about fitting in. Mattering is about standing out and being seen for your unique contribution.”
zach mercurio
How Small Leadership Actions Hardwire a Sense of Mattering | Zach Mercurio
In this profound conversation, John R. Miles speaks with Dr. Zach Mercurio about the often overlooked but deeply transformative power of mattering. Drawing on years of psychological research and firsthand organizational work, Zach reveals that mattering isn’t a “soft” concept—it’s a basic human need and the cornerstone of trust, engagement, and performance.
The discussion uncovers how a “mattering deficit” is quietly fueling crises in the workplace, from burnout and loneliness to high turnover and poor morale. Zach explains how intentional leadership—grounded in small, meaningful actions—can reverse these effects. By seeing people as humans first, leaders can awaken potential, foster psychological safety, and create cultures where everyone feels indispensable.
From the science of “reflected appraisals” to real-life examples like Japan Airlines and John Bacon’s transformation of a losing hockey team, this episode is a roadmap to human-centered leadership that lasts.
Key Takeaways from This Episode with Zach Mercurio:
- Mattering is a survival instinct: It’s not a luxury; it’s a biological and psychological need that influences our behavior, performance, and well-being.
- Anti-mattering is damaging: When people feel ignored or unimportant, it can lead to emotional withdrawal, disengagement, and even physical health issues.
- Leadership is relational, not positional: Great leaders consistently make others feel seen, heard, and needed—regardless of formal authority.
- The 3 practices of mattering: Noticing, affirming, and needing, are actionable, learnable habits that foster a culture of significance.
- Small actions have a big impact: Asking someone about their day, showing up at their event, or remembering their struggle can reinforce their value.
- Change starts now: Mattering isn’t a large initiative—it’s a choice in your next conversation, meeting, or interaction.
WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH ZACH MERCURIO A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode isn’t just about leadership—it’s about human connection at its core. Whether you’re managing a team, raising a family, or trying to motivate yourself, the insights here will change how you relate to others. Zach’s clarity on how to embed significance into everyday interactions is a game-changer in a world increasingly plagued by invisibility and disconnection. If you’ve ever felt unseen—or want to ensure others don’t—this conversation will show you exactly how to start changing that today.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR FEATURED RESOURCES
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STARTER PACKS
Are you new to the show? These Starter Packs are collections of our most popular episodes grouped by topic, and we now have them on Spotify.
You can also browse starter packs for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.
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How Zach Mercurio’s Ideas on Mattering Are Transforming the Way We Lead
In this enlightening Passion Struck Podcast episode, researcher, author, and speaker Zach Mercurio shared some powerful reflections from his new book, The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. But the conversation didn’t feel like a book promo—it felt like a wake-up call.
Zach talks about mattering not as a motivational buzzword, but as a basic human instinct. He makes the case that people need to feel seen, valued, and needed just as much as they need food or sleep. When they don’t, the result isn’t just disengagement at work—it’s a slow erosion of self-worth.
What stood out is how surprisingly simple the path to fixing this is. Throughout the episode, Zach breaks down his practical framework for helping people feel that they matter: Noticing, Affirming, and Needing. These aren’t just theories—they’re everyday practices any leader, teacher, or parent can use. Notice someone’s effort. Affirm how their contribution made a difference. Remind them that they’re needed—not just for what they do, but for who they are.
Zach shared real-life examples from schools, businesses, and even airline safety practices that were transformed just by putting this idea into action. His message is clear: mattering isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about consistent, intentional human connection.
If you’re someone who leads others, or just wants to show up better for the people in your life, this part of the conversation will likely stay with you long after the episode ends. It’s a reminder that significance isn’t reserved for the few. We can all help someone matter, starting right now.
Have you ever had someone make you feel like you didn’t matter? Then you already know how powerful it is to do the opposite.
THANKS, ZACH MERCURIO
If you enjoyed this interview with Zach Mercurio, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on Instagram
Click here to show Zach Mercurio your thoughts about today’s episode on Instagram.
Click here to let John R. Miles know about your number one takeaway from this episode!
If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected].
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH ZACH MERCURIO
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Zach Mercurio’s Website
- Zach Mercurio’s Instagram
- Zach Mercurio’s LinkedIn
- BUY Zach Mercurio’s Book ‘The Power of Mattering’
- APA’s recognition of mattering as critical to child mental health
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
My solo episode on Why We All Crave To Matter: Exploring The Power Of Mattering
Can’t miss my episode with Gordon Flett on The Urgent Need to Know You Matter
My episode with Jennifer B. Wallace On The Consequences Of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering
Catch my interview with Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World
About Today’s Guest, Zach Mercurio
Zach Mercurio is an author, researcher, and one of the world’s leading experts on purposeful leadership and the science of mattering. As the author of The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance, Zach helps organizations around the world activate the power of purpose and meaning to fuel engagement, resilience, and performance.
His work is grounded in over a decade of research and hands-on consulting across industries—from Fortune 500 companies and government agencies to schools and nonprofits. Zach’s insights on leadership, mattering, and human motivation have been featured in major outlets like Forbes, Psychology Today, and The Huffington Post. He also serves as an instructor and faculty fellow at Colorado State University, where he teaches courses on meaningful work and positive organizational psychology.
With a blend of science, story, and strategy, Zach empowers individuals and leaders to unleash potential—starting with helping people feel truly seen, heard, and valued.
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Learn more about me: https://johnrmiles.com.
Passion Struck aspires to speak to the humanity of people in a way that makes them want to better, live better, and impact the world.
Passion Struck’s mission is to unlock the power of intentionality for the benefit of us all. To create a world where we live better, be better, and impact the world through our unique and powerful content.