Creating safer workplaces starts by telling the truth with Leigh Elena Henderson
Zach Mercurio is a researcher, author, and speaker specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology. He wrote The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose and The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. His practice is informed through hands-on work with hundreds of organizations worldwide, forging purposeful leaders who enable mattering, motivation, well-being, and performance. Some of Zach’s clients include teams at the U.S. Army, USA Wrestling, J.P. Morgan Chase, Delta Airlines, Marriott International, The Government of Canada, and The National Park Service.
HOST
Matt Poepsel, PhD
Vice President & Godfather of Talent Optimization
GUEST
Leigh Elena Henderson
Creator, HRManifesto
Leigh Elena Henderson spent years in corporate HR — until the system she upheld broke her down.
In this episode, Leigh shares her powerful story of leaving the corporate world behind and using her voice to expose the realities so many employees face in silence. From toxic culture to broken policies, she unpacks the tension between doing what’s “by the book” and doing what’s right. Her viral presence on TikTok isn’t about trends — it’s about truth, transparency, and reclaiming humanity at work.
If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you — or watched it fail someone you care about — this episode is for you. It’s raw, real, and a wake-up call for anyone who believes people come first.
Key Takeaways:
- HR isn’t broken because of bad policies — it’s broken because people are afraid to speak up.
- Doing what’s right at work often means going against what’s written in the handbook.
- Culture isn’t defined by perks — it’s revealed in how people are treated when things get hard.
- Telling the truth at work can cost you your job, but staying silent can cost you your health.
- Real change starts when we stop protecting systems and start protecting people.
Additional Resources:
Leigh Elena Henderson (aka HRManifesto) Founder and CEO of HRManifesto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighelena/
Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all
Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/
Listen on
Recent Episodes
