Claude Silver, author of Be Yourself at Work, joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share how authenticity, empathy, and connection can transform the way we lead.
Claude Silver is on a mission to bring more humanity into the workplace. As the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, she partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success and redefine what leadership looks like. Instead of striving for perfection, Claude reminds us that the real power lies in showing up as ourselves. Her debut book, Be Yourself at Work, makes a bold case that authenticity and empathy aren’t soft skills… they’re the strongest tools we have.
Today, Claude shares how she learned to lead with heart, listen with intention, and create cultures where people don’t just fit in, they belong. From her early lessons in self-discovery to her role guiding teams around the world, Claude opens up about the road to self-awareness, the courage to be vulnerable, and the practical ways we can all lead with compassion and purpose.
My friends, if you’ve ever felt like you had to hide part of yourself to succeed, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave reminded that kindness is strength, authenticity is freedom, and the best way to lead others is by being fully yourself.
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SHOW NOTES:
- As the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, she partners with Gary Vaynerchuk to redefine what leadership looks like.
- Claude shares how her early experiences taught her that true leadership and fulfillment don’t come from chasing perfection, but from leading with authenticity, empathy, and connection.
- Claude talks about the importance of pausing to recognize your own gifts, and even writing them down as evidence of your worth.
- We’re not meant to do life alone. Claude reminds us to reach out to others to share how much they mean to us.
- To lead with heart, Claude believes in listening deeply, being brave enough to be vulnerable, and creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same.
- Three emotional pillars that are the framework for leading with compassion and clarity: optimism, bravery, and efficiency.
- She opens up about the lessons she’s learned from Gary Vaynerchuk and how they’ve built a company culture grounded in kindness and accountability.
- “Showing emotion at work isn’t a weakness. It’s what makes us human.”
- She believes every person has the power to shape culture through small, consistent acts of care and curiosity.
- Her biggest takeaway: when we show up as our full, imperfect selves, we give others permission to do the same, and that’s how we create workplaces, and lives, filled with heart.
- Get a copy of Claude Silver’s book Be Yourself at Work here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Liz Fosslien. Liz reminds us that embracing our emotions at work isn’t unprofessional… it’s human. Together, we talk about how to bring your whole self to what you do, how to create real connection, and how to live and lead with more heart. Listen to Liz Fosslien on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 122 now.
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About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
CLAUDE SILVER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. A sense of wonder and dreaming. I wanted to be the first female first baseman on the New York Yankees. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. The last letter my nana ever wrote me. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Amy Schumer and the Dalai Lama. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. The best tactical advice is before I send an email out that might have some teeth in it, stop. Take 30 seconds. Come back to the email and see if I still wanna send it. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. You are right where you need to be, and I want you to take up some space. Share. Open your mouth. Share who you are with people, share your thoughts, share your curiosities with people. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. She had a generous heart.
