Mattering . . . Matters (way more than you think),
with Zach Mercurio
This episode will change how you think about the impact leaders have on their followers as human beings.
Zach Mercurio, author, keynote speaker, and researcher, joined the Be Worth* Following podcast to share how purposeful leadership and mattering can change lives. Zach began researching the concept of “mattering” while trying to discover why some individuals lived and worked with more purpose, regardless of the kind of work they did. What he discovered has tremendous implications for leaders and guides the work that Zach does today.
In this episode of the podcast, Zach shares some of his own personal story and passion behind purpose and mattering in leadership. Listen for not only impactful research, but also practical ways to help others know they matter.
Show Notes
Transcript of the episode
In this episode you’ll hear:
Individuals and organizations can learn to be more purposeful.
Someone must believe that they matter before they can have purpose.
Mattering is built through interpersonal interactions.
Things to listen for:
[1:43] - Zach’s early professional life
[10:38] - Contributing vs. doing and the “so that” mentality
[12:34] - Destination addiction
[14:05] - A purposeful mindset
[19:08] Lead from where you want impact and legacy
[22:46] What precedes purpose
[26:26] Mattering through interpersonal relationships
[28:11] Noticing others
[33:24] people cause results
[36:39] Affirming others
[38:39] “If it weren’t for you…” (relying on people)
[42:30] the dark side of mattering
[47:10] the most of leadership
[49:19] Zach’s irons in the fire
[50:39] Tim’s Take
Additional Resources
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
Connect with Zach on LinkedIn
Everything Else in the World: Poems, by Stephen Dunn
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, by Simon Sinek
The Psychology of Mattering: Understanding the Human Need to be Significant, by Gordon Flett
Touchpoints-Birth to Three: Your Child's Behavioral And Emotional Development, by T. Berry Brazelton
Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why, by Lawrence Gonzales
David Brooks - resumé virtues vs. eulogy virtues
About Zach . . .
Zach Mercurio, Ph.D. is an author, researcher, speaker, and consultant specializing in purposeful leadership, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology. He wrote "The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose," praised by Arianna Huffington as "a compelling book filled with powerful stories, cutting-edge research, and practical tools that show us how to lead with purpose." Zach works with hundreds of companies, governments, and schools around the world to forge purposeful leaders and cultivate positive cultures that enable more meaning, mattering, motivation, well-being, and performance. Some of his clients and partners include J.P. Morgan Chase, The Government of Canada, Marriott International, American Express Global Business Travel, the Food and Drug Administration, Michelin, the National Park Service, and Hewlett-Packard. He also serves as one of Simon Sinek’s “Optimist Instructors.”
Zach earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change from Colorado State University where he serves as an Honorary Fellow in the Department of Psychology's Center for Meaning and Purpose and as an Instructor in the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change program.