Lead Well, Live Well: Women Leaders, Wellness and Purpose with Claude Silver
Why Authenticity is Your Greatest Superpower
In Episode 59 of the Her Resources Podcast, host Linda Misegadis sits down with Claude Silver — renowned as the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia and author of the inspiring book Be Yourself at Work — to explore why authenticity is your greatest business superpower. (Podbean)
Claude opens up about her personal journey — from feeling like an “underdog” to embracing her unique voice in leadership — and explains how showing up as your true self isn’t just emotionally powerful but strategically essential in modern workplaces. (YouTube)
Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever
Claude and Linda dive deep into how authenticity fuels connection, creativity, resilience, and organizational belonging. Her message is clear: authenticity isn’t a “nice-to-have” — it’s a competitive advantage that drives stronger teams and deeper trust. (YouTube)
She discusses:
How her unusual title — Chief Heart Officer — came to be: created to center empathy and humanity in corporate culture. (YouTube)
The personal cost of hiding your true self at work: and how learning to be authentic transformed her life and leadership. (YouTube)
Practical tools to dismantle imposter syndrome: including her powerful “lie exercise” to silence negative self-talk. (YouTube)
Insights for Women and Leaders
The conversation also tackles the invisible weight that many women carry in professional environments, especially when navigating expectations and bias. Claude offers compassion alongside insight, affirming that authenticity often requires bravery, self-awareness, and vulnerability. (YouTube)
She also unpacks why culture addition (rather than merely “culture fit”) broadens the organization and why diverse perspectives strengthen teams. (YouTube)
Heart-Centered Leadership in Action
Claude also speaks directly to HR professionals — acknowledging the emotional labor of HR work and encouraging leaders to model authenticity even in the toughest conversations. (YouTube)
Her belief? Authenticity isn’t polished perfection — it’s real, messy, human, and essential for meaningful success.
Final Takeaways
This episode is a compelling reminder that:
Authenticity builds trust and belonging in ways traditional leadership often misses. (YouTube)
Personal stories and vulnerability humanize workplaces and unlock potential. (YouTube)
Practical exercises and emotional tools can help professionals at every level show up more fully. (YouTube)
Whether you’re leading a team, working in HR, or growing in your career, Claude’s wisdom offers encouragement, practical guidance, and a bold call to lead from the heart.
Listen & Connect
🎧 Watch Episode 59: Why Authenticity Is Your Greatest Business Superpower — on YouTube. (YouTube)
📘 Claude’s Book: Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart — available now. (Podbean)
🔗 Learn more about Claude Silver and her mission to bring human-centered leadership to work. (Claude Silver)