The Power of Mattering: How to (and Why) Ensure People Feel Seen, Valued, and Needed featuring Dr. Zach Mercurio

Author & Leadership Expert

In an era defined by a growing "mattering deficit," more people than ever report feeling unseen, unheard, and disposable. This widespread sense of insignificance is more than a social trend—it is a primary driver of the global mental health crisis and, within organizations, a leading cause of disengagement, turnover, and stagnation. The good news is that mattering is a skill that can be practiced and mastered. Drawing from groundbreaking research, leadership expert Dr. Zach Mercurio will introduce you to the captivating science of significance. You will learn how to move beyond basic recognition to cultivate a culture where every individual feels noticed, affirmed, and essential to the mission.

Key Takeaways

• Master the Science of Significance: Discover how mattering acts as the hidden engine behind motivation, resilience, and long-term well-being.
• Implement Daily Practices: Identify three specific, actionable behaviors to ensure those around you feel consistently valued and needed.
• Audit Your Mattering Skill Set: Assess your current leadership approach and identify pathways to increase your personal impact on others’ sense of worth.

About the Speaker

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., is an award-winning researcher and leadership development facilitator specializing in the science of mattering and purposeful work. He is the author of The Power of Mattering and The Invisible Leader and serves as a senior fellow at Colorado State University’s Center for Meaning and Purpose. A renowned expert on organizational culture, Zach is also one of Simon Sinek’s "Optimist Instructors" and teaches top-rated courses on mattering-centered leadership. His insights on human-centered performance have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Psychology Today, and Fast Company.