Richard Walker sits down with Zach Mercurio, a leading expert on the concept of "mattering," to explore how feeling valued and significant impacts motivation, performance, and well-being in the workplace. Zach shares his personal journey from a disengaged employee in the advertising world to a researcher dedicated to helping individuals and organizations cultivate a sense of purpose and connection. The conversation delves into the critical difference between having a job that matters and experiencing mattering in your job, highlighting how small, meaningful interactions—not promotions or paychecks—truly make people feel seen and valued. Richard and Zach also tackle the challenges of modern work environments, from the pitfalls of hybrid work and digital communication to the alarming trends of loneliness and disengagement. They discuss the urgent need to reskill leaders in relational competencies and the role of empathy, compassion, and genuine human connection in fostering high-performing teams. Tune in for an insightful and timely discussion that will challenge how you think about work, leadership, and the future of human connection in an increasingly automated world.