Be Yourself at Work: Leading from the Heart without Losing Performance with Claude Silver

2026
Written By Dr. Shari Simpson

Eps. #168 Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Shari Simpson speaks with Claude Silver about the importance of heart-led leadership in creating a psychologically safe workplace. Listeners will learn how to cultivate trust and empathy among team members, leading to improved performance and collaboration. Claude shares practical insights on how to have difficult conversations while maintaining kindness and clarity, ensuring that employees feel valued and understood.

Listener Takeaways:

  • Understand the significance of empathetic leadership in business outcomes.

  • Learn how to create psychological safety within teams.

  • Discover effective ways to give and receive feedback.

  • Recognize the importance of transparent communication in leadership.

  • Identify strategies to support both high performers and those needing improvement.

Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your HR practices!

Guest(s): Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Claude focuses on fostering human-centered cultures that prioritize emotional intelligence and psychological safety. She has extensive experience in leadership development and is passionate about helping organizations create environments where employees can thrive.

 

Claude Silver

Chief Heart Officer

VaynerX

Guest(s): Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX

Claude Silver is on a mission to revolutionize leadership, talent, and workplace culture.

She is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. Silver has earned Campaign US's Female Frontier Award and AdWeek's Changing the Game Award and she electrifies audiences at national and international conferences and at organizations, including Meta, Google, US Government agencies, and the US Armed Forces.

She has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She is the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart .

LinkedIn
Dr. Shari Simpson

Shari Simpson, EdD, SHRM-SCP, leads thought leadership at a technology company and is the founder of HR Swagger, LLC and DTG Leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources, she focuses on leadership, culture, and learning experiences that help people do their best work. Shari is also the host of the HR Mixtape podcast and a frequent speaker on modern HR, leadership, and workplace transformation. Her work blends practical HR strategy with a people-first approach that helps organizations build connection, clarity, and momentum.

Beyond her professional achievements, Shari is a proud mother of three sons—one a veteran and two currently serving in the US Navy—a dedicated dog mom and an avid reader. Her 25+-year marriage to a fire department Chief adds depth to her understanding of service and dedication.

https://askhrswagger.com
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