Ep. 111 - Leading with Heart with Claude Silver

In this episode of the Finding Purpose Podcast, Adam sits down with Claude Silver—the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, bestselling author of Be Yourself at Work, and one of the leading voices in emotional intelligence and heart-centered leadership.

Known for helping scale VaynerX from roughly 400 employees to more than 2,000 across 11 countries, Claude has built a career centered around a powerful belief: humanity and high performance are not opposites—they belong together.

But Claude's path to leadership was anything but traditional.

From struggling with dyslexia as a child and battling deep self-doubt, to leaving college, completing a 93-day Outward Bound wilderness leadership program, launching an outdoor adventure company after 9/11, and eventually helping redefine workplace culture alongside Gary Vaynerchuk—Claude's story is one of resilience, reinvention, vulnerability, and service.

Throughout the conversation, Claude opens up about self-worth, optimism, emotional intelligence, parenting, leadership, purpose, and the importance of changing the internal narrative we tell ourselves every single day.

This episode is about learning to lead yourself before you lead others—and understanding that the most powerful cultures are built through trust, safety, empathy, and human connection.

What We Discuss

• Growing up between New York City and Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Being diagnosed with dyslexia and how it impacted her self-worth
• Why emotional intelligence became her greatest strength
• Struggling with confidence, identity, and belonging as a young adult
• Leaving college and feeling lost early in life
• Completing a 93-day Outward Bound wilderness leadership program
• The life-changing lesson of "changing the song in your head"
• How internal narratives shape our lives and self-perception
• Limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, and emotional resilience
• The importance of optimism and believing in new beginnings
• Why vulnerability is an act of courage
• Emotional intelligence in leadership and workplace culture
• Building psychological safety within teams
• The difference between managing people and truly leading them
• How to create trust, resilience, and belonging inside organizations
• Why the best leaders lead through empathy and consistency
• Working alongside Gary Vaynerchuk and helping shape VaynerX culture
• The role AI will play in the future of work and leadership
• Motherhood, patience, and what parenting taught Claude about herself
• Why joyful service is at the center of purpose

About Claude Silver

Claude Silver is the Chief Heart Officer of VaynerX, where she leads the company's people and culture initiatives across a global organization of more than 2,000 employees.

A pioneer in emotional intelligence and human-centered leadership, Claude has become widely recognized for her work helping organizations prioritize empathy, trust, belonging, accountability, and psychological safety in the workplace.

Before joining VaynerX, Claude built a diverse career spanning digital strategy, leadership, entrepreneurship, outdoor education, and global agency work in both the United States and London.

She is also the bestselling author of Be Yourself at Work, a book focused on authentic leadership, emotional resilience, and creating healthier workplace cultures rooted in humanity and self-awareness.

Through her speaking, writing, leadership, and mentorship, Claude continues to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to lead with more courage, compassion, and heart.

Connect with Claude

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver/

Website
https://www.claudesilver.com/

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/

Book
Be Yourself at Work by Claude Silver

Purchase on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Be-Yourself-Work-Groundbreaking-Standing/dp/0063392437

Production Partner

This episode was produced by Claudio, Justin, and the team at Cayivisions.

If you're looking to launch a podcast, create high-impact content, or elevate your brand through storytelling:

https://www.cayivisions.com/

Sponsors

Relive the Moments
https://www.relivethemoments.com/

Relive the Moments is redefining how memories and experiences are shared through innovative NFC tap technology, interactive event experiences, and customizable marketing solutions.

Connect with Adam

Website
https://www.adamvohra.com

Instagram (Adam)
https://www.instagram.com/adamvohra_/

Instagram (Finding Purpose Podcast)
https://www.instagram.com/findingpurposepod/

Adam works privately as a Recovery and Purpose Development Coach, helping individuals break old patterns, build resilience, and realign their lives with who they truly are—not just who they've been conditioned to be.