The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher Authentic Leadership at Work: Claude Silver on Leading with Heart as a Power Skill
Jan 22, 2026
Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work, champions authenticity as a leadership power. She recounts her winding career and a pivotal wilderness moment that reshaped her confidence. Conversations cover why leading with heart works, three pillars of emotional leadership, small rituals that build belonging, and practical ways to show up human at work.
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From Account Lead To Chief Heart Officer
- Claude describes moving from agency project work to focusing solely on people and culture at VaynerX.
- She recounts resigning then being invited back as Chief Heart Officer, a role built around caring for the organization's heartbeat.
Wilderness Training That Changed Her
- Claude shares a 93-day Outward Bound wilderness program that transformed her confidence and leadership.
- A pivotal instructor moment forced her to change mindset and embrace servant leadership.
Three Emotional Pillars Sequence
- Emotional optimism, bravery, and efficiency form a sequence that fuels authentic leadership.
- Starting with mindset, then action, then speed through resilience builds high-performing, human teams.
