Living in The Silver Lining
by Claude Silver
A vibrant mix of bold conversations, heart-forward coaching, and unfiltered real talk—this is for anyone ready to finally Be Yourself at Work (and in Life). Packed with empathy, truth-telling, and actionable wisdom, these episodes go deep on belonging, finding your mojo, and leading with unapologetic heart. No fluff. Just the good, gritty, soul-stirring stuff.
Episodes
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E103: Culture Fit
Does your workplace truly celebrate diversity, or do they pressure people to conform? Today, we delve into a topic that affects us all – how to build a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can feel a sense of belonging. Get ready for an eye-opening look at why fitting in should never come at...
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E102: Finding Your People
Coming out can be an incredibly challenging experience for many people, often resulting in being estranged from loved ones who have difficulty accepting their sexuality or gender identity. When I came out, I faced rejection from my mother who didn't understand at first. The isolation of that…
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E101: The Capacity to Love is at the Core of our Success
What kind of leader do you aspire to be? In our new podcast episode, we discuss the power of leading with love. Leaders who embody love not only inspire their teams but also foster environments of trust and respect. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Embracing love as a...
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E100: Rooting Culture in Kind Candor
In today's episode, we delve into the concept of "kind candor" and its pivotal role in fostering a positive organizational culture. It’s an innovative approach that combines honesty with kindness when giving feedback to employees. By providing clear, specific, current, and actionable feedback, we...
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E99: Don’t be Afraid to Give Yourself an F
Ever graded your own performance? In our new episode, we shed light on a unique exercise assigned by Gary that had us all doing just that. We're sharing a fascinating leadership lesson: the power of self-graded performance. Hear how our team faced their weaknesses head-on to drive growth and...
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E98: Emotional Efficiency
In a world where effective teamwork is essential for success, understanding the importance of emotional efficiency can revolutionize the way teams operate. In this episode, we delve into the realm of emotional intelligence and how it enables teams to have productive discussions and make quick...
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E97: Vulnerability is Key for Growth
Growth can be elusive when we're in the midst of it. But it is only truly realized when we emerge from the depths. It's a unique journey for each person, and to authentically discuss growth, we must acknowledge the vulnerable moments that shaped us. In this episode, learn how vulnerability allows...
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E96: What is the Honey Empire?
Introducing the Honey Empire philosophy where “honey” comprises 51% and the “empire” claims the remaining 49%. But here's the intriguing part, that seemingly small 1% holds immense significance. It represents our approach to treating people, our behavior, and our role as Vayner citizens. Behind...
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E95: Trust First
This week, we delve into the unique culture of our company and the critical role of trust within it. Our discussion today offers key insights into how we empower new hires by immediately placing trust in them, recognizing their value from day one, and eliminating the need for initial proof of...
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E94: Creating a Safe Workplace for EVERYONE
A safe workplace for all - that's the goal of today’s conversation. Listen in as we discuss how we, as leaders, can create an environment where people feel they belong and can be their authentic selves. We share insights on building trust and connections so that anyone who suffers in silence…
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E93: Ask Yourself, "What Do I Need?"
As leaders, there are certainly tough days when we don't feel our best. In this insightful discussion, learn about the importance of self-compassion in leadership and why asking yourself "What do I need?" on those difficult days can help you refocus on self-care. I’m also sharing the challenges…
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E92: Defining Empathetic Leadership
Ever heard of the term “empathetic leadership”? But what does that really mean? In this episode, learn how empathy leads to kindness and compassion through our actions – rather than just emotions. Together, let’s explore how assuming others may be going through something and greeting them with...
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E91: My Nonlinear Path
My path wasn't always clear - I struggled in school with dyslexia but found my strengths in sports and connecting with others. After some exploring and setbacks, I discovered a passion for human behavior that led me to a career in advertising. My story shows that success takes twists and turns....
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E90: Sharing is Caring
Discover the power of relational intelligence and unlock the key to building meaningful connections. Tune in to this episode as I delve into the importance of authentic communication, self-awareness, and nurturing relationships. I’m also sharing some insights on why younger employees may try to…
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E89: The Balance of Emotional Regulation
Our ability to handle feelings develops over time, that’s why it's so important to have strategies for sharing or containing emotions appropriately at your job. As leaders, we play a key role in supporting staff through challenging times by providing guidance – not isolation. Today, let's talk...
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E88: The Future is Now
In the workplace, emotions are contagious. The energy we bring not only affects ourselves but also influences those around us. In this episode, I talk about how we can make a conscious effort to create a positive and supportive atmosphere where everyone's emotions are respected and acknowledged....
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E87: My Journey to Chief Heart Officer
Join me as I take you on an incredible journey of growth within VaynerMedia. From my humble beginnings – to now overseeing the cultural aspect – I've witnessed the company's remarkable expansion from 289 employees to a global workforce of 2,000 in just 9 years! Let's dive into how I helped foster…
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E86: Leading By Example
Creating a positive and compassionate working environment starts with leading by example. In this episode, we discuss the importance of leading with our hearts in a working environment. Leading by example is crucial to enabling and empowering others to do the same. The world in which we live can...
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E85: Teams That Stick Like Glue
At VaynerMedia, it feels like you just arrived and also like you've been around forever. I've been here for nine years myself, but some days it feels like only two and others feel like 18. The secret to feeling at home is having a team that sticks together like glue! Here are some power takeaways...
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E84: Denying Good and Finding Your People
Today, we focus on the power of asking for help from those closest to us, the importance of understanding and connecting with the human experience, and what we truly deserve in life. In this episode, we highlight how we can all strive for a more fulfilling life and support one another in our...
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E83: What Does it Actually Mean to "Connect?"
In this podcast episode, we explore one of the most fundamental human needs - connection. We delve into the origin of the word "connection" and what it truly means for us as individuals living in a society. As humans, we seek to bind ourselves together, to connect with others in a way that allows...
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E82: The Small Things are the Big Things
In a world that constantly demands our attention, it's easy to overlook the little things that make all the difference. We don't need grand gestures or flashy demonstrations of affection to feel valued. Instead, it's the small moments - the validation in a conversation, the effort to check in on...
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E81: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Giving feedback to employees is an essential part of leadership and an essential part of a person's growth. However, it can be challenging to deliver feedback that doesn't come across as cold, biased or too personal. I have the honor of giving people my “subjective” feedback daily, and what I…
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E80: Vulnerability is a Superpower
At times, being vulnerable can be uncomfortable and scary, particularly in the workplace where there is an emphasis on projecting strength and professionalism. However, it is this vulnerability that often brings us closer to our colleagues and allows us to connect on a personal level. In this...
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E79: Navigating Pivots
Whether in business or personal life, a pivot happens in a person’s life, usually, when there is a certain rumbling or hunger inside for more or for something different. This feeling of restlessness or dissatisfaction is often our nudge that we probably need to explore new opportunities, take on...
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E78: You Carry Your Culture With You
Who wouldn’t want to be working for a company with the type of culture that’s kind and collaborative? If you are nodding your head, then you most likely relate to the vibes of that company - and you have that culture inside of you. You will then carry that with you, no matter where you go. Here…
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E77: Fixing People is Not the Fix
So many of us have a deep desire to “fix” people. We often feel so fulfilled when we think we are helping out, thinking we are the wise ol’ owls who have the answers. However there actually is no need to fix people, because we can’t. We can’t change anyone, only ourselves. In today’s episode, we...
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E76: Three Steps to Combat Imposter Syndrome
It takes a village to run and grow a business. You have to become committed and consistent to show up in the right community and for the right community. And even when you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, you will still have to show up for you every day. Our imposter syndrome is a close…
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E75: Choosing Positivity
Why is it easier to be negative? Well, it's not really easy. But it's a choice people make to see the world. But what happens if you refuse to see the world as half-empty, and instead, see it as half-full? Positivity is a choice as much as happiness is a choice. Unfortunately, a lot of people…
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E74: Life Lessons From the Heart
Today Nov 21st, marks the 15-year anniversary of my cousin Dayn taking his life. We had adopted Dayn as our brother. A phenomenal, gorgeous, handsome, funny, and grateful human being, Dayn was a light in this world and his light went out. In this episode, I’m sharing some things I’ve learned over...
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E73: Self-Sabotage and The Yearning to Belong
We can really never truly feel a sense of belonging if we are constantly betraying ourselves. You might have heard of the term self-sabotage and wondered what that even means. Well, it’s actually the same thing as betraying yourself. And part of that self-sabotage is having that feeling that…
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E72: The Leadership of a Jedi with Colonel J. Scot Heathman
Gone are the days of leadership when leaders would never show an ounce of weakness. Vulnerability used to be seen as a flaw, .but it can actually be a superpower in the toolbox of anyone on their own hero journey. In this conversation, Colonel J. Scot Heathman, a retired Air Mobility Wing...
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E71: Trust Your Intuition When Prepping for Leadership Conversations
It’s not about winging your answers to the questions thrown at you. The point is – if you’re a great leader, your leadership skills are not something you need to read about before any conversation. It’s all common sense. And so, the next time you’re asked to be interviewed, you can tell the...
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E70: Claude’s thoughts on Leading with a Heart
In this episode, I’m switching chairs with my good friend, Andrea Wetherald, as she interviews me. We go in-depth about starting life over again at 40, leading people, and walking together on this journey. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: Claude’s dream at 9yr old to be a...
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E69: In her full voice: Deepa Purushothaman on Leadership, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
In the wake of the Great Resignation, there's this real desire to make "work" work for everybody. And so, we have to unpack what that means and what that looks like. In this episode, Deepa Purushothaman shares her journey as a woman of color who, although an ultra-achiever in corporate America,...
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1 minute on Pleasing Others vs. Pleasing Yourself
So often, we are literally using a ruler to measure our worth based on what someone else thinks of us, or here's a real crazy part. What we think they think of us what we think they think of us. Remember what you think of yourself how you walk into the room, the energy you carry, that is what...
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E68: Take Time to Read Your Own Mind
Do you have FOMO (fear of missing out)? Or are you just a voracious reader or avid learner who wants to constantly learn new, different things? At some point, you just have to learn to pause, take the time to read your mind, and ultimately realize that you don’t need anything else – because you…
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E67: The Heart Says "Give It A Try" - The New Face of Leadership
“It’s impossible,” said Pride. “It’s risky,” said Experience. “It’s pointless,” said Reason. “Give it a try,” whispered the Heart. This popular quote is a perfect depiction of this new era of leadership in the future of work. Leadership used to be something that just came from the top. People…
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E66: Forgiveness is the Most Important Leadership Skill
Forgiveness is the most important skill you can have as a leader because it takes courage to take accountability and to allow yourself to be vulnerable. In this discussion, Andrea Flack-Wetherald talks about how you can use forgiveness as a superpower in leading so you can find joy in your life…
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E65: Labels Belong On Cans, Not People.
The word "mental" is often thrown around, and it does make sense considering how the term is often associated with academic fields like psychology and psychiatry. However, the mere use of the term somehow ignites this stigma, which has been used by society for many years to signify crazy…
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E64: The Economy of Kindness with Linda Cohen
How do you create a culture of kindness in the workplace? In today’s episode, Linda Cohen talks about the power of doing intentional acts of kindness and the ripple effect that can transform your life and your business. After her father died, Linda started a 1,000-Mitzvah (act of kindness)…
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E63: Exceptional Doing & Inspired Action with Bart Berkey
What differentiates luxury service from ordinary service is that it’s not transactional – it’s relationship-driven. But how do you communicate in a real, authentic manner that grabs on to the hearts and souls of your customers? With 32 years of experience in hospitality, Bart Berkey, former...
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E62: Tapping into the Untethered Creative Realm with Matthew Zaremba
Matthew Zaremba is a multidisciplinary artist best known for his minimalist illustrations examining the human condition and the intricacies of the head and the heart. Boston-based and internationally recognized, Zaremba is a published visual storyteller whose work spans a myriad of mediums from...
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E61: Leaning On Your Squad And Being A Student Anytime, Anywhere
One of the things I love so much about life is you can learn anything from anyone at any time. Today, I’m sharing with you this 15-minute conversation I had with a media resident out of our West Coast office. He specifically asked me about this quote that you’re a product of the five people you...
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E60: The Heart of Writing with Chris Ferreiras
Chris Ferreiras, also known as @ItChris on Instagram, is an author and poet, who calls himself observant, but really, he's a sage. Chris is also a teacher, which for him was an inherent calling. Not only a student of the game but a student of life and his craft, Chris constantly finds a way to do...
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E59: Life in Multicolor and Tiny Things with Martin Atkins
Martin Atkins is an English drummer and session musician, best known for his work in post-punk and industrial bands including Public Image Ltd, Killing Joke, and Pigface, which has been around since 1990. Martin is an entrepreneur, educator, and musician who has been in the music business for 40...
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E58: Generosity is Love - with John Ruhlin
In this episode, international keynote speaker John Ruhlin talks about the power of gifting not only as part of your business’ powerful marketing system but also in building lasting relationships. John grew up on a farm milking goats in Ohio with a lack of abundance. Thanks to the generosity of…
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E57: My Resistance to Journaling
Here’s a confession: I don’t journal. In fact, I've been afraid to journal and write things down. I know I am an emotionally brave person - I talk through my processes, share with friends, have deep thoughts.....that’s why I’m not quite sure where such resistance comes from. One thing that…
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E56: Kindness Should Never Be Mistaken for Weakness
Kindness should never ever be mistaken for weakness. Whether we experience kindness, we deliver acts of kindness, or we witness other people being kind – we all get the same emotional payout. It's called feeling good. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: The science behind...
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E55: Growing Companies Through Authentic Leadership with Sope Agbelusi
Today, Sope Agbelusi gets as real as real gets, helping clients shift their mindsets and become comfortable with risk and uncertainty. Born in Nigeria, Sope moved to the UK when he was a teenager and later realized that he was living a life to please other people and behaving in ways that were…
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About this show
A vibrant mix of bold conversations, heart-forward coaching, and unfiltered real talk—this is for anyone ready to finally Be Yourself at Work (and in Life). Packed with empathy, truth-telling, and actionable wisdom, these episodes go deep on belonging, finding your mojo, and leading with unapologetic heart. No fluff. Just the good, gritty, soul-stirring stuff.
Hosted by
Claude Silver
Categories