Episode 329: The Power of Being Yourself at Work with Claude Silver
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In this Workday Playdate, Erin explores a leadership truth that’s impossible to ignore right now: teams disengage when leaders keep leading the old way—especially in a world that feels emotionally heavy, digitally loud, and constantly changing. Joined by Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, Erin unpacks what it really means to lead humans through uncertainty, burnout, and external world events.
Together, Erin and Claude dive into the power of authenticity, empathy, and emotional fluency at work—and why showing up as your full human self builds trust, fuels innovation, and creates lasting connection. From Claude’s journey from surf instructor to CPO, to improv principles like “yes, and,” to choosing love over fear, this episode reframes leadership as a deeply human practice.
Authenticity Is a Strategic Advantage
Why being your full human self at work is essential. Erin and Claude explore how authenticity builds trust, boosts engagement, and unlocks creativity, loyalty, and performance.
Emotional Safety & Speaking Human
Psychological safety is a business strategy. Learn how emotional fluency, vulnerability, and curiosity create cultures where people expand instead of shrink—and why “professionalism” and culture fit need a modern upgrade.
Claude Silver’s Journey: From Surf Instructor to Chief Heart Officer
Claude shares her path to joyful service, writing Be Yourself at Work, and discovering purpose through presence, flow, and long-game leadership.
Flow, Water & Grounded Leadership
Water becomes a powerful metaphor for movement, calm, and resilience. Erin and Claude discuss staying grounded, regulating emotions, and leading with steady energy.
Yes, And: Improv, Trust & Collaboration
Improv principles meet leadership. Discover how “yes, and,” culture addition, and owning your identity create psychologically safe teams rooted in trust and connection.
Your Freebie
You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find.
Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones.
Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here.