ISPA CONFERENCE EDUCATION SESSION

2026 ISPA CONFERENCE EDUCATION SESSION presenter Zach Mercurio on purposeful leadership, motivation and creating spa cultures where people feel valued— and show up fully

What does it truly take to build a workplace where people feel valued, motivated and connected to purpose? Conference presenter Zach Mercurio brings research-backed insight and real-world application to this question, helping leaders create cultures where everyone matters.

MEET ZACH MERCURIO

Dr. Zach Mercurio is an organizational psychology researcher, author and speaker whose work centers on purposeful leadership, mattering and the science of meaningful work. He is the author of The Invisible Leader and 2025’ s The Power of Mattering.

Mercurio’ s practice is rooted in hands-on partnership with hundreds of organizations around the world. He equips leaders to create cultures where people feel valued, motivated and capable of making a difference. His clients include teams at the U. S. Army, USA Wrestling, J. P. Morgan Chase, Delta Air Lines, Marriott International, the Government of Canada and the U. S. National Park Service. He also teaches with bestselling author Simon Sinek as one of his“ Optimist Instructors.”

Mercurio holds a Ph. D. in Organizational Learning, Performance and Change from Colorado State University, where he is a senior honorary fellow and instructor. He resides in Fort Collins, Colorado, with his family.

DON’ T MISS ZACH MERCURIO AT THE 2026 ISPA CONFERENCE

Mercurio’ s Education Session— a benefit open to all 2026 ISPA Conference attendees— will offer spa leaders a fresh lens on purposeful leadership and practical ways to foster meaning, engagement and significance across their teams. Attendees can expect ideas they can immediately apply within their organizations.

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