What if the key to great leadership is making people feel like they matter?

In this episode of Motivational Mondays, researcher and speaker Zach Mercurio shares why “mattering” is one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) forces in leadership today. From helping Fortune 500 companies to schools to the U.S. Army, Zach’s message is clear: when people feel seen, heard, and valued, everything changes.

He breaks down what a “mattering deficit” looks like in today’s world and how anyone can be a leader by making others feel like they truly belong.

You’ll learn how to:
✅ Lead through meaningful connection
✅ Shift from achievement to contribution
✅ Help others feel seen and valued
✅ Build purpose through everyday interactions

Whether you’re managing a team or navigating your own leadership journey, this episode will help you lead with more purpose and impact.

🧭 Watch more motivational content from the NSLS:
🎧 Reinventing Leadership Through a Negative Split (Feat. Mary Beech) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oeb8nGr2J8w
🎧 Breaking Barriers in Mental Health (Feat. Heather Stephens) → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwmDUDM_JRs

🔗 Take our 2-minute survey and tell us what you think of our new format → https://thensls.typeform.com/to/liPNkUtg
📘 Learn more about the NSLS → https://www.nsls.org
📲 Follow us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/theNSLS
📢 Join the conversation with #theNSLS and #MotivationalMondays

Website: https://www.nsls.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theNSLS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theNSLS
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thensls
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59JfXnEQaOCt9MMtMt5Zit

#theNSLS #MotivationalMondays#ZachMercurio #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #Mattering #EmpowerOthers #InclusiveLeadership #NSLSPodcast #LeadWithPurpose

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Corey Andrew Powell Cultural Commentator / Content Producer

Hey there! My name is Corey Andrew Powell. I'm a creative chameleon with a knack for donning multiple hats. From crafting compelling copy and producing engaging content to rocking the mic as a podcast host and weaving musical magic, I've got a diverse skill set that keeps things interesting.

My journey kicked off in 2011 at The Vitamin Shoppe, where I started as a copywriter and quickly found myself caught up in the whirlwind of rebranding campaigns, product development, and retail store expansions. Two years of hard work later, I proudly stepped into the role of Manager of Marketing Copy, steering the ship through the exciting waters of marketing creativity.

After three years of freelancing, in 2019 I joined the incredible team at the National Society of Leadership & Success ( NSLS), stepping into the role of Content Manager and Content Producer for the nation's largest leadership honor society, with over 1.3 million inspiring members.

In 2021 I became the proud host of the NSLS's beloved podcast, 'Motivational Mondays'! How cool is that? In my debut episode, I had the absolute honor of chatting with Tokyo Olympics silver-medalist Raven 'The Hulk' Saunders. We dove deep into the world of professional sports and had a heart-to-heart about the importance of mental health. Our audience has grown exponentially to over 250,000 listeners and subscribers.

My creative life has been an incredible journey thus far, and I’m always intrigued by what the future holds.