Jennifer Wallace Interview

In this episode of the - Be Best You - podcast, Coach Hughes speaks with Jennifer Wallace, a bestselling author and founder of the Mattering Institute. Her book, *Never Enough*, addresses feelings of inadequacy in young people and the pressure to prove their worth. Her upcoming book, releasing in 2026, will focus on “mattering” — the need to feel valued and contribute to one's community.

They discuss how the lack of mattering causes anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in both youth and adults, particularly in competitive environments. Research shows that affluent, high-achieving youth are two to six times more likely to experience mental health issues because they base their self-worth on achievements rather than intrinsic value.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of intrinsic values like kindness and personal growth. She introduces the “SAID” framework (Significant, Appreciated, Invested in, Depended on) as a way to foster a culture of mattering, which can help reduce burnout.