The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

558: Heartfelt Leadership with Claude Silver

Jan 1, 2026

Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work, discusses the power of authenticity in the workplace. She shares her journey to instill empathy and vulnerability in her company's culture. The conversation addresses overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of psychological safety for creativity. They highlight practical strategies for sharing one's true self at work and the organizational benefits of fostering an authentic environment, including better retention and a positive workplace culture.

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ANECDOTE

From Strategist To Chief Heart Officer

Claude Silver left and then returned to VaynerMedia after negotiating a role focused on people rather than advertising.
Gary Vaynerchuk created the Chief Heart Officer role so she could scale empathy across the agency.

ANECDOTE

Trust Opened Full Partnership

Claude described how her people-pleasing held her back from being fully candid with Gary Vaynerchuk.
Trusting him allowed her to speak up about problems and collaborate on solutions, improving their work together.

ADVICE

Share Incrementally With Boundaries

Start small when revealing personal needs: share bits of yourself while avoiding an avalanche of personal details.
Signal boundaries and use self-awareness to gradually open vulnerability with managers.

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In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Claude Silver, the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of the inspiring book, Be Yourself at Work. Together, they explore the importance of authenticity in the workplace and how embracing your true self can lead to greater creativity, connection, and success.

Claude shares her journey, highlighting her mission to foster an environment where empathy and vulnerability are celebrated. The conversation delves into the psychological barriers that often prevent individuals from being their authentic selves and the strategies that can help overcome these challenges. Listeners will learn how to rewrite the negative narratives that hold them back and the value of cultivating a culture that prioritizes emotional safety and connection.

As you tune in, reflect on how you can begin to change the narrative in your own life and workplace, creating a space where everyone feels empowered to show up as their true selves. This episode is a must-listen for leaders and individuals alike, eager to transform their work environments and enhance their personal fulfillment.

In this episode:

Discover the role of a Chief Heart Officer and the significance of empathy in the workplace.
Learn practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and negative self-talk.
Explore the importance of psychological safety and how it fosters creativity and collaboration.
Understand how to create a culture that encourages authenticity and emotional connection.
Gain insights into the benefits of being yourself at work for both individuals and organizations.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/558.

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