Explore how work works with The CultureCon® Podcast—real stories, fresh ideas, and bold voices building a better world of work.
Sometimes the most important leadership shift starts with changing the song in your own head.
Live from CultureCon 2026, Dr. Rod Berger sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, USA Today bestselling author of “Be Yourself at Work”, and a pioneer of people-first leadership. Claude shares how a 93-day Outward Bound experience helped her find her voice, challenge the limiting beliefs she carried for years, and ultimately recognize the kind of leader she was meant to become.
From building a culture rooted in empathy to taking accountability for how we show up, Claude explores why great leadership requires both heart and ownership. She also opens up about the trust that changed her career, the importance of knowing when you are not at your best, and why people should never have to shrink themselves to succeed at work.
Additional Resources:
Connect with Claude on LinkedIn
Get Claude’s book “Be Yourself at Work”
Learn more about Claude’s work
Learn more about CultureCon
Subscribe to CultureCon’s YouTube channel!
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- Change the story playing inside your own head.
- Empathy and accountability can exist at the same time.
- Great leaders coach people instead of rescuing them.
- Stop shrinking yourself to fit the workplace.
- Trust gives people permission to stand in their strengths.
Nick Lombardino & Zach Blumenfeld
Welcome to The CultureCon® Podcast, the official podcast for workplace Culture Geeks.
Join us as we explore the way work, works.
At CultureCon, we believe you have the power to make work more meaningful for yourself and for those around you, no matter your role. This is your backstage pass to conversations that spark change, innovation and connection about what makes organizations thrive. You’ll hear inspiring stories, lessons learned and practical strategies from workplace culture experts who are building a better world of work.
Our community is made up of business executives, department heads, people ops professionals, HR leaders, L&D specialists, team managers and individual contributors and anyone who cares about creating more engaging, fulfilling and productive workplaces.
If workplace culture matters to you, you’re in the right place.