John R. Miles: Being Needed Isn't the Same as Mattering

You can keep showing up, delivering results, and supporting everyone around you while losing touch with yourself. John R.

Miles joins Mick to explore the difference between being needed and knowing that your presence matters. John shares the calling behind his work, the experience he calls the slow fade, and the ideas discussed in The Mattering Effect.

Together, they unpack how leaders can help people feel seen, known, valued, and able to make a difference, and why that work also has to begin within ourselves. You'll Hear • Why being useful to others can leave your own sense of significance unanswered. • How John describes the slow fade in high performers and caregivers. • Why a culture of mattering requires more than recognizing someone's job title. • The mattering needs pyramid and John's MATTER framework: meaning, autonomy, trust, time, energy, and reciprocity. • The turning points that led John toward a more intentional life. • How small, self-honoring choices can help rebuild belief. • The Unplugged 5: culture, personal growth, podcast conversations, and legacy.

Chapters 00:00 Your presence makes a difference 00:12 Welcome to Mick Unplugged 02:04 The Because: a calling to serve 07:24 Recognizing the slow fade 11:18 The Unplugged Truth: seen, known, and valued 15:45 The mattering needs pyramid 21:21 The Hot Takes: The Mattering Effect 26:43 Meaning, autonomy, trust, time, energy, reciprocity 29:52 The Room: the turning points behind the mission 37:53 The mattering loop and self-honoring choices 42:14 The Unplugged 5 50:32 Final reflections and your because Connect & Discover John R. Miles: Website: The Mattering Effect: Passion Struck: LinkedIn: Instagram: Follow Mick Mick Hunt Official: Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: LinkedIn: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Buy Mick's book, How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never Had One: Your because is your superpower.

Go unleash it. Content note: This conversation includes a home invasion, bereavement, suicide loss, and personal experiences with mental health.