Claude Silver: How to Clean Your Mind and Be Yourself at Work

Overview

This episode features Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, as she reflects on the launch of her debut book Be Yourself at Work. The conversation dives into her journey of writing the book, overcoming self-sabotage, and her mission to transform workplace culture through empathy, vulnerability, and heart-centered leadership. Claude also shares personal stories, including a transformative 93-day wilderness expedition, and offers practical insights on fostering connection, cleaning the mind, and creating healthier work environments.

Notable Quotes

- I had to dance with self-sabotage so often... but this was a challenge that only I gave myself, and the only person I would let down would be me. — Claude Silver, on pushing through the challenges of writing her book.

- If we can just catch a glimpse of our potential, we might never again settle for anything less. — Claude Silver, on the power of self-belief.

- What do you need? Is that a wild question that we have the ability to ask ourselves? — Claude Silver, on the importance of self-awareness and tuning into personal needs.

🌟 The Journey of Writing a Book

- Claude began writing her book Be Yourself at Work during the pandemic in 2020, describing it as a challenge rather than a lifelong dream.

- She credits her mentor, Gary Vaynerchuk, for teaching her patience and the importance of playing the long game.

- Overcoming self-sabotage was a significant part of the process. She had to battle inner doubts and push through moments of wanting to quit, reminding herself that completing the book was a personal challenge she was determined to finish.

- The book is a culmination of her experiences in advertising and her role as Chief Heart Officer, aiming to address workplace culture and inspire change.

🔥 Fear, Fake Urgency, and Workplace Burnout

- Claude identifies fear and fake urgency as major contributors to workplace burnout. She describes fake urgency as the unnecessary pressure to act as if everything is critical, even when it’s not.

- She emphasizes the need to address the fear we absorb daily—whether from media, societal pressures, or workplace dynamics—and how it impacts mental health and productivity.

- Claude advocates for a shift in workplace culture, emphasizing that humans are the key to creating positive change by fostering safety, trust, and connection.

🌱 Building Connection and Belonging at Work

- Claude highlights the importance of rituals that foster connection, such as starting team meetings with appreciation circles or reflective questions.

- Vulnerability is a cornerstone of building trust and belonging. Creating safe spaces for employees to share personal experiences can lead to stronger team bonds.

- She draws parallels to 12-step programs, where shared struggles create a sense of community and mutual support.

⛰️ Lessons from a 93-Day Wilderness Expedition

- Claude shares her transformative experience on a 93-day Outward Bound wilderness leadership course, which taught her resilience, servant leadership, and emotional intelligence.

- The extreme conditions and challenges helped her reconnect with her spirit, develop humility, and learn to navigate adversity.

- This experience became a foundational moment in her life, shaping her approach to leadership and personal growth.

🧘‍♀️ Cleaning the Mind and Mental Nutrition

- Claude emphasizes the importance of daily rituals to clean the mind and reset. For her, this includes mindful commutes, listening to music or podcasts, and connecting with loved ones.

- She stresses the value of being intentional with mental nutrition—choosing what to consume based on what you need in the moment, whether it’s silence, uplifting content, or lighthearted entertainment.

- Claude encourages everyone to ask themselves, What do I need right now? and to listen to their inner voice for guidance.

📖 The Heart of *Be Yourself at Work*

- Claude’s book is designed to be accessible and impactful, offering bite-sized insights and actionable advice for fostering heart-centered leadership and improving workplace culture.

- She hopes readers will feel seen, inspired, and equipped with tools to create meaningful change in their personal and professional lives.

- The book is dedicated to her late grandmother, who called her heart and inspired her to believe in herself. Claude hopes her message of self-belief and empathy resonates with readers, encouraging them to embrace their potential and transform their environments.