Claude Silver: Be Yourself at Work: A New Era
My guest on episode #471 of #thePOZcast is a long time friend and mentor, Claude Silver—the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Claude has made it her mission to prove that when people feel seen, heard, and valued, both they and their companies thrive. Since stepping into her role, she’s helped VaynerX grow from 400 to more than 2,000 employees worldwide, guided VaynerMedia to Adweek’s Breakthrough Agency of the Year, and become a sought-after voice on heart-first leadership, empathy, and emotional bravery. What’s most inspiring is that the very thing she was once told was a flaw—leading with her heart—has become her superpower. From launching an outdoor adventure company and studying positive psychology to building culture inside global agencies, Claude has always championed humanity in business. She’s been recognized by Campaign, Adweek, and The New York Times, and her first book, Be Yourself at Work, is out now! Her mission? To create workplaces where people feel safe to be themselves, brave enough to grow, and supported enough to succeed. Let’s get into it with the one and only… My friend and yours, Claude Silver GET THE BOOK: https://beyourselfbook.com/ Connect & follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/
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Summary
In this conversation, Adam Posner and Claude Silver discuss the importance of heart-first leadership and the need for workplaces to prioritize emotional intelligence, authenticity, and self-awareness. Claude shares insights from her upcoming book, 'Be Yourself at Work,' emphasizing the role of kindness and empathy in fostering a positive workplace culture. They explore the impact of COVID on employee dynamics, the significance of mentorship, and practical tools for building trust and collaboration within teams. The discussion highlights the ROI of kindness in business and the necessity of creating environments where employees feel valued and engaged.
Takeaways
- Claude Silver is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX.
- COVID prompted Claude to write her book, 'Be Yourself at Work.'
- Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional development.
- Authenticity in the workplace enhances connection and performance.
- Workplace culture is defined by the vibe and energy of interactions.
- Emotional optimism is the belief that things can improve.
- Empathy is essential for effective leadership and team dynamics.
- Kindness in the workplace leads to higher employee retention.
- Practical tools like appreciation circles can enhance team morale.
- Leaders should focus on creating a culture of trust and collaboration.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Heart-First Leadership
03:06 The Impact of COVID on Work Culture
06:00 Self-Awareness as a Leadership Superpower
08:54 The Role of Authenticity in the Workplace
11:54 Scaling Heart-Centered Leadership
14:52 Defining Company Culture
17:45 Emotional Optimism and Bravery
20:53 Empathy and Care in Leadership
23:46 The ROI of Kindness in Business
25:28 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
26:34 Tactical Empathy and Practical Tools
28:21 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
30:37 Running on Calm: Frameworks for Leaders
32:57 Assessing Human Skills in Recruitment
34:36 The Seven Rules of Team Citizenship
37:30 Leading with Authenticity
39:18 The Target Audience for 'Be Yourself at Work'
39:53 Optimism in Workplace Culture
42:03 Defining Success Through Generosity
