Heart Over Hustle: Empathy Is the Ultimate Power Move with Claude Silver

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia and author of Be Yourself At Work. Claude leads a global organization by proving that emotional intelligence is not a "soft skill," but a core business function that drives sustainable, high-growth culture. She shares the origin story of her unique role, revealing how to infuse empathy from the top down and why showing your full humanity is the ultimate strategy for success in a fast-paced, high-pressure world.

Inside the Episode:

• The Chief Heart Officer (CHO) Role: Claude details the evolution of her groundbreaking role, defining it as the executive responsible for the "heartbeat" of the entire organization.
• Be Yourself At Work: The core message of her book, written for anyone who has felt the need to "shapeshift" or "code-switch" to survive the corporate day.
• The New Work Paradox: How the emerging Gen Z and Gen Alpha workforce is demanding self-awareness and mental health resources, forcing companies to move beyond toxic cultural norms.
• Emotional Intelligence as a Superpower: How women can reframe and own their EQ, transforming the "too emotional" label into their most valuable leadership asset.
• Shutting Down the Inner Critic: Claude introduces the LIE Exercise—a science-backed method for combating imposter syndrome.
• Fierce Empathy in Action: What kind candor looks like when delivering tough feedback, fostering "genuine care" so that hard conversations are seen as connection, not correction.
• The Non-Technical Skill of Tomorrow: Claude argues that empathy is the single most critical skill for future leaders.
• Advice for the Un-Evolved Workplace: How to continue being your authentic self and a champion for others, even in environments that don't support it.

If you’re ready to stop hiding who you are and learn how to make your humanity your biggest competitive advantage, this episode is a powerful call to action.

🔗 Resources:

• Download the first chapter of Be Yourself At Work for free at https://www.google.com/search?q=beyourselfbook.com.
• Visit Claude's website at claude silver.com.
• Connect with Claude Silver on LinkedIn.

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