Do you ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? Or maybe you're a leader doing everything you can to build a great team—but people still seem disengaged, disconnected, or ready to leave. Here's what most leaders miss: People don't just want recognition. They want to know they matter.
In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author and workplace culture expert Adrian Gostick to explore why feeling valued is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, resilience, innovation, and performance.
Drawing on decades of research with hundreds of thousands of leaders and employees, Adrian reveals why appreciation isn't a "soft skill"—it's a leadership advantage. Together, he and John unpack why employees often feel invisible even in successful organizations, how uncertainty quietly erodes trust, and what the best leaders do to create workplaces where people genuinely want to contribute.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why employees often feel less appreciated than leaders believe
- How the "gratitude gap" impacts trust, engagement, and retention
- Why recognition is a fundamental human need—not just a management tool
- How exceptional leaders create psychological safety during uncertainty
- The difference between praise that feels good and recognition that changes behavior
- Practical ways to help people feel seen, valued, and motivated every day
- Why empathy, curiosity, and meaningful conversations have become essential leadership skills
Whether you lead a company, manage a team, or simply want to have a greater impact on the people around you, this conversation will transform the way you think about leadership.
Because the leaders people remember most aren't the ones who demanded the most.
They're the ones who made people believe they mattered.
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Full Show Notes
Download the Digital Workbook
Learn more about Adrian Gostick:
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.
Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.
Connect with John
Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
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Disclaimer
The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
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