What makes someone truly care about their work, their team, or even you? In this episode, I sit down with Zach Mercurio, one of the world's leading experts on the science of "mattering." We unpack why nothing can truly matter to someone unless they first feel that they matter to you — and how that insight can transform relationships, leadership, and client trust. Zach shares fascinating research, relatable stories, and practical scripts for showing others that they're seen, heard, and valued in both professional and personal settings.

We dig deep into the "why" behind mattering and move into the "how" with clear, repeatable steps you can use to create more meaningful connections in every interaction. From client relationships to internal teams, you'll walk away with concrete ways to build trust, loyalty, and genuine engagement that scales.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why being a "good person" isn't enough to make people feel cared for

• The three key practices of mattering — noticing, affirming, and needing

• How small interactions shape trust and loyalty more than big gestures

• Practical questions that make others feel seen and heard instantly

• Why documenting details can help you build stronger relationships at scale

• How to give feedback that inspires change instead of resistance

• The psychology behind making people feel indispensable

• How "co-creating" with clients or colleagues increases buy-in and results

If you're ready to level up your relational skills and make every connection count, don't miss this one. Zach's frameworks are simple, science-backed, and deeply human — and they'll change the way you lead, sell, and communicate. Check out his book The Power of Mattering and visit thepowerofmattering.com for free self-assessments and templates. Then tune in and start practicing the small moments that make the biggest difference.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/

Visit Zach's Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/

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Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

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What really makes a strategy work—and why do so many professional services firms get it wrong? In this conversation with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West, we dig deep into how service-based companies can craft and implement strategies that actually stick. We explore what strategy is (and isn't), the role of evidence and data in decision-making, and why buy-in across the firm is non-negotiable if you want to move from vision to execution.

I share stories and insights from my own experience alongside Alastair's expertise, and together we unpack the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static PowerPoint document rather than a living, breathing process. If you've ever wondered how to align your people, your clients, and your resources in a way that fuels sustainable growth, this episode is for you.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why most strategies fail before they even begin

• The surprising role of "saying no" in fueling growth

• How the "triangle" of firm, clients, and people drives every strategic choice

• What professional services can learn from private equity's approach to growth

• How to navigate the emotional challenge of pulling back from long-time clients

• Why short-term wins matter for long-term strategy execution

• A framework to ensure your strategy doesn't just sit in a drawer

If you're ready to think differently about how strategy is created, communicated, and lived out inside your firm, this episode will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective. Tune in, take notes, and start putting these ideas into practice today—because the best strategy isn't just written, it's implemented.

Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Connect with Alastair's: abeddow@meridianwest.co.uk

Alastair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-beddow-43a20724/

Meridian West's website: https://meridianwest.co.uk/

How do you know when your community is fueling your growth or when it's quietly working against you? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hamilton, author of The Growth Dilemma, to unpack the hidden dynamics of communities and client segments. Ryan shares fascinating research and real-world stories that reveal why growth isn't just about gaining more customers. It's about managing the relationships between them. We explore how brands can scale in a way that sparks connection, avoids conflict, and builds exponential value.

From Nike to Carhartt to professional services firms, we dig into the practical and sometimes surprising lessons leaders can apply across industries. We also discuss the four relationship types that exist within every client base and why recognizing them can make or break your growth strategy. If you've ever wondered why some communities thrive while others implode, this conversation will give you the insight (and the courage) to approach growth differently.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why traditional customer growth strategies leave hidden risks on the table

• How separate vs. connected communities can completely change your outcomes

• The one factor that turns leaders into magnets for followers (and what happens when you lose it)

• Why not every client mix is healthy and the danger of drifting into incompatibility

• A surprising "matrix" tool that helps you map out community dynamics

• How small, intentional moves can unlock exponential connections

• The unseen ways conflicts inside a community can erode your brand

• What brands like Nike, Carhartt, and Supreme teach us about scaling without losing credibility

Ready to rethink growth? Tune in now and discover how to identify the communities you're really building and how to align them for long-term success. And if you found value in this conversation, don't forget to share the episode and leave a review so more people can discover the insights inside The Growth Dilemma.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn

Connect with Annie on LinkedIn