Zach Mercurio, Ph. D., is a researcher, leadership development facilitator, and speaker who specializes in purposeful leadership, mattering at work, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology.

He’s the author of The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025) and The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose.

Zach advises leaders in organizations worldwide on practices for building cultures that promote well-being, motivation, and performance. Some of his clients include the U.S. Army, USA Wrestling, Delta Airlines, Marriott International, The Government of Canada, and The National Park Service. He also serves as one of author Simon Sinek’s “Optimist Instructors.”

Zach holds a Ph.D. in organizational learning, performance, and change from Colorado State University, where he serves as a senior fellow in the Center for Meaning and Purpose and as an Instructor in the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change program. His research on meaningful work has been recognized by the Association for Talent Development, the Academy of Management, and the Academy of Human Resource Development.

Zach’s thinking on leadership and meaningful work has been featured in The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Psychology Today, ABCNews, The Denver Post, and Thrive Global.

He lives in Fort Collins, CO, with his wife, two sons, and two adopted dogs.