Be Yourself at Work - by Claude Silver (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A powerful, timely, and inspiring guide for embracing your most authentic self at work--and why it matters--from the first-ever Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX.

Featuring a foreword by Gary Vaynerchuk

In a world obsessed with perfection--and workplaces wired for efficiency over humanity--Claude Silver offers a new language for the beautiful mess of being human at work: showing up as your true self.

No matter our role, seniority, or generation, we all want the same things: to feel valued, trusted, respected, and like we belong. When we stop performing and start being, we unlock our capacity to connect, thrive, and do our best work. Not only is this shift liberating--it's the antidote to burnout, an end to the myth of "fitting in," and a proven path to building bold, human-first teams.

Through her experience as the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, Silver offers a compelling vision for how authenticity and connection transform leadership, ignite innovation, and elevate workplace culture. Silver draws on research and thousands of hours of direct experience--listening, coaching, testing, team building, and speaking--and introduces a new framework based on three pillars:

Emotional Optimism - leading with hope and possibilityEmotional Bravery - having the hard conversations with heartEmotional Efficiency - driving clarity through compassion and focus

Be Yourself at Work provides actionable insights, relatable stories, and a practical roadmap to navigate a workplace where the old models are failing. In an era where technology evolves faster than we can imagine, humanity is our greatest asset. Authentic presence is the currency of the future--a game-changer for individuals and organizations alike.

Review Quotes

"Claude's book helps us see the map drawn by our heart is not only the essential one, but the one that leads us to our highest and best purpose--both at work and in our lives. This book is a gift. Read it and cherish every page. Then make your heart print." -- Poppy Harlow, founder and CEO of Day 2 Media, former CNN anchor

"What Claude Silver offers in Be Yourself at Work is both grounded and game-changing: emotional safety isn't fluff--it's the foundation. Belonging isn't optional--it's why people stay. If you care about people, if you care about impact, read this book." -- Jillian Turecki, New York Times bestselling author of It Begins With You

"In Be Yourself at Work, Claude Silver invites us to lead with heart and show up authentically--no matter our title or role. Combining research findings, personal stories, and practical tools, she reminds us that emotional intelligence and genuine connection aren't just nice-to-haves--they're essential for thriving at work and in life." -- Tal Ben-Shahar, founder, Happiness Studies Academy

"Be Yourself at Work is a timely and vital reminder that humanity isn't a soft skill--it's a superpower. Claude Silver shows that when leaders bring their whole selves to the table, they don't just build better teams--they build trust, culture, and lasting impact. A must-read for rising leaders, HR pros, entrepreneurs, and CEOs alike." -- Farnoosh Torabi, bestselling author and Webby Award-winning host of So Money

"In Be Yourself at Work, Claude Silver offers a powerful roadmap for building workplaces rooted in hospitality, where people feel seen, valued, and loved- not in spite of who they are, but because of it. It's a must read for anyone who wants to lead with more heart, more humanity, and more intention." -- Will Guidara, author of Unreasonable Hospitality

"Every person who envisions being the best they can be in their work life MUST read this book. It will become the Bible for the top players around the world. It is the framework for bringing out the greatness inside all of us!" -- Ann Rhoades, president of Peopleink and former EVP, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines

"The way we lead impacts the way people live. Business can be a powerful force for good in the world if we had leaders with the skills and courage to care for those they have the privilege to lead. In Be Yourself at Work, Claude Silver shares a similar vision where wisdom, inspiration and a path to carling leadership brings dignity to everyone in the organization. She shows how empathy, honesty and human connection aren't soft skills--they're the foundation of building cultures where everybody knows who they are and what they do matters." -- Bob Chapman, author of Everybody Matters and Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller

"Authenticity, empathy, and compassion aren't 'soft skills.' They're essential human skills that are needed now more than ever. Be Yourself at Work is a compassionate call to return to what makes us human. Claude Silver offers a deeply wise and immediately practical guide for restoring authenticity, fostering genuine connection, and fulfilling our universal need to matter at work." -- Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., author of The Power of Mattering

"Culture is not a perk--it's the core of profitability. In today's fast-paced world, the greatest differentiator isn't just technology or strategy--it's emotional intelligence. Claude Silver gets it. In Be Yourself at Work, she delivers a powerful blueprint for building organizations where people feel safe, seen, and supported. When people are empowered to show up as their authentic selves, retention soars, innovation thrives, and performance becomes sustainable. This book is a must-read for any leader committed to building a connected culture that scales." -- David Meltzer, author of Game-Time Decision Making