Category: Blog

At VaynerX, empathy and leadership go hand in hand—and no one embodies that more than Claude Silver, our Chief Heart Officer. Recently, Claude was recognized as a She Runs It Working Mother of the Year in the New to Motherhood category, celebrating her ability to navigate both career and parenthood with heart and authenticity.

We sat down with Claude to talk about what this award means to her, the realities of balancing work and family, and how VaynerX continues to support working parents.

Congratulations on your She Runs It Working Mother of the Year award! What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Claude: Thank you so much! Being recognized with the She Runs It Working Mother of the Year award is truly humbling. Personally, it feels like a huge affirmation that the effort I put into balancing my family and career is not only seen but celebrated. As a working mom, the juggle can sometimes feel like an endless battle, so to be acknowledged for it is a powerful reminder that every sacrifice, every late-night, every moment of self-doubt, is worth it.

Professionally, it’s a reflection of the incredible support I’ve had from my team, my colleagues, and Vayner’s culture, which encourages me to bring my whole self to work. This award is not just about me—it’s about the environment that allows me to thrive as a mother and a leader. It validates that blending professional success with personal fulfillment is possible, and it fuels my commitment to continue paving the way for others to do the same. It’s a reminder that we can all push the boundaries of what we’re capable of—without having to sacrifice who we are or what we care about most.

As a new mother, what has been the most surprising thing about balancing your career and motherhood?

Claude: As a new mother, what has surprised me the most about balancing my career and motherhood is how much I’ve had to completely toss out the idea of “perfect balance” and embrace the beautiful chaos! It’s not about splitting my time evenly or checking every box—it’s about flowing with whatever demands are in front of me that day. Some days work is the priority, other days it’s family. I’ve had to learn how to stay present—really present—whether I’m leading a team or chasing after my little ones. 

What I didn’t expect was how much this constant juggling would teach me about flexibility, being okay with imperfection, and trusting myself to navigate it all without getting bogged down. It’s messy, it’s real, but it’s the most exhilarating challenge I’ve ever taken on!

VaynerX has a reputation for its flexible and people-first culture. How has that shaped your experience as a working mom?

Claude: Vayner’s flexible, people-first culture has been a lifeline for me, especially as a working mom.  I believe it all comes down to having the space to be human. 

There’s an understanding that I’m allowed to be present both at work and at home without having to be perfect or wear a mask. This is something we try to share with each and every person who walks through our door; however, it’s much easier felt than seen…

The environment gives me the grace to grow, stumble, and get back up again, without sacrificing who I am or the people I love. It’s about aligning my choices with my values, both as a parent and a professional, and knowing that I can do my best work without losing sight of what matters most. 

The culture here doesn’t just support me; it accelerates me. It’s about making real connections, fostering trust, and ultimately creating an environment where I can keep moving forward, with the flexibility to be the person I need to be in all areas of my life.

As Vayner’s Chief Heart Officer, how do you balance your commitment to nurturing the people at VaynerX with the demands of being a new mom/parent?

Claude: Holding the titles of “Chief Heart Officer” and “Mommy” has taught me how to master the art of patience, time management, and resilience—skills that are essential in both roles.

I manage the delicate dance between my professional life and motherhood by honoring my time. I carve out the space to show up for my employees, while carefully protecting time before and after work for my children. 

It’s not always simple, and there are many days where I find myself a bit off-kilter. The key for me is not getting down on myself, because that only works against my goal of being kind, compassionate, and aware of myself and what I’m able to do. 

I remind myself that it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to ask for help, (not always easy for me!) and it’s okay to be human. This is a lesson I’ve learned through motherhood, and it’s something I bring with me to VaynerX every day,  and share with everyone.

Can you share a specific moment when your role as a mom and your role at Vayner intersected in a meaningful way?

Claude: Every day, the lines blur. Mom mode. Work mode. Sometimes both at the exact same time.

Like the day my 3-year-old was home sick, wrapped around me like a koala, determined to type on my keyboard while I tried to sound professional on a video call. Mute button on. Mute button off. Meanwhile, my 6-year-old was in the background, rapid-firing “Mommy, I wanna watch a show on your phone” over and over again—like a very persistent executive who would not take “later” for an answer.

Guilt? Oh yeah, plenty of it. Was I doing enough for them? Was I letting my team down? But then I remembered—this is the job. Both jobs, actually. Some days, I’m negotiating deals while prying tiny fingers off my laptop. Other days, I’m deep in work while they build epic pillow forts.

And that’s okay. They don’t need perfect. They need present. They see me working hard, loving hard, and doing my best. And if I ever forget that, my 6-year-old is happy to remind me—usually in the middle of a meeting.

What advice would you give to working mothers, especially those new to motherhood, who are navigating the pressures of career and family?

Claude: To all the working mothers/parents out there, especially those who are new to the journey—here’s my best advice: Don’t strive for perfection; strive for progress. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the pressure to “do it all” can feel overwhelming. You’ll have days when you’re killing it at work, and days when you feel like you’re barely keeping it together at home. That’s normal! 

Be kind to yourself and embrace the mess. What you’ll learn quickly is that you’re more capable than you think, but also, it’s okay to ask for help and lean on your support system. Your well-being is just as important as your career and family. Take the time to recharge when you need to—whether that’s a quiet moment or simply acknowledging that you don’t have to be “on” 24/7. The key is being present and intentional, wherever you are.

And here’s the real kicker—being a new parent will make you question everything you’ve ever known about your own self-awareness and how you regulate your emotions. It’s almost comical some days. There are moments when I feel like I’m on the verge of throwing my own tantrum, just because it’s all so new, and there’s no playbook to guide you through it. Of course, your friends and other parents will give you advice, but there’s nothing quite like being in your own skin and realizing that you’re fully responsible for this beautiful little creature. It’s a wild ride, and sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh and keep moving forward—because you’ve got this, even when you don’t feel like you do!

How does VaynerX support working parents, and what initiatives do you think have been most impactful in making the workplace more inclusive for parents?

Claude: VaynerX goes above and beyond to support working parents, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. The culture here is built on flexibility and understanding, which is essential for parents who are trying to juggle both career and family. Flexibility and understanding mean that there’s a deep respect for the fact that life doesn’t always happen between 9 and 5. But more than that, it’s the intentionality behind the support—Vayner doesn’t just give you the space to be a parent, it encourages you to show up as a full person, with all the complexities that come with being a working parent.

Some of the most impactful initiatives have been the family leave policies, which are not just about time off but about making sure employees feel supported and valued during life’s biggest transitions. There’s also a strong focus on mental health and well-being, which is critical to all employees, especially parents & caregivers who are balancing multiple roles. The team’s commitment to fostering a culture of open communication and flexibility really helps in reducing the pressures that often come with parenthood, giving parents the tools they need to thrive professionally without sacrificing family time.

What’s really powerful is the leadership’s continuous focus on making the workplace more inclusive for parents—whether it’s through mentorship, supporting growth opportunities, or advocating for flexible policies. It’s clear that the culture at VaynerX truly values working parents and works to create an environment where we can excel in both our professional and personal lives.

Looking ahead, how do you envision continuing to grow in both your career and as a mother, and how do you see your role at Vayner evolving as your family grows?

Claude: Looking ahead, I’m all about growth—both in my career and as a mom—and I’m ready for the ride! I already have two young daughters, and while our family won’t be expanding (no more little ones on the way!), I see my role at Vayner evolving as my kids grow older. As they get more independent, I’m excited to lean into the new stages of motherhood and keep growing as a professional. My career is about harnessing the lessons I learn every day from being a mother: patience, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to let go of control. I see myself leaning into the chaos more—embracing the fact that the more unpredictable life gets, the more exciting it is!

I want to keep pushing myself to be an even stronger leader, one who leads with empathy, awareness, and flexibility. I also see Vayner as a place where I can bring those lessons back—continuing to lead with heart, inspire others to bring their full selves to work, and create an environment where we all grow, personally and professionally. As my daughters grow older, I’m learning to trust that everything doesn’t need to be done yesterday, and I’m giving myself the space to lead in my own rhythm—slowly, steadily, but with a whole lot of fire. The balance is always shifting, but I’m not trying to find perfection—I’m aiming for impact. And let me tell you, I’m fired up for what’s next!

Lastly, as someone who leads with empathy, how do you think we can continue to improve work-life balance for all parents, especially those in the early stages of parenthood?

Claude: I believe there will always be innovative ways to better support parents through those early, sleep-deprived, and all-consuming stages of parenthood. It’s a time that changes you, stretching you in ways you never expected. And as a company, we have the opportunity (and responsibility) to make that experience easier.

The truth is, work and life were never meant to be at odds. Parenthood doesn’t make someone less ambitious or less capable—it makes them more. More resilient, more efficient, more deeply connected to what matters. And when we create a workplace that truly supports that reality, everyone benefits.

We already know what works: real flexibility, meaningful parental leave, child care support, and a culture that doesn’t just allow people to take the time they need but genuinely encourages it. Companies that embrace this aren’t just doing the right thing; they’re building teams that are stronger, more engaged, and more innovative—just like we’re doing here at VaynerX.

How do we build a world where both can thrive together is the real question. This isn’t about making room for parents—it’s about reimagining work in a way that works for everyone. And I’m excited for us to continue leading the way.