How to lead when you’re scared of saying the wrong thing, with Clare Stephens

How I Work

What happens when you say the wrong thing online - or at work - and suddenly feel the world closing in? Clare Stephens knows this all too well. After publishing an article that completely missed the mark, she was hit with a wave of outrage that forced her to rethink how she apologised, how she listened, and how she led.

In this episode, I sit down with Clare Stephens, writer, podcaster, and former editor-in-chief at Mamamia. We talk about the lessons she’s learnt from being on the receiving end of online criticism, what makes an apology actually land, and how leaders can foster a culture where mistakes don’t spell disaster. Clare also shares how she walked away from what she thought was her dream role to pursue a more creative and values-aligned path.

By the end of our conversation, you’ll have a new lens on handling criticism, leading with empathy, and making decisions that keep you true to yourself.

Clare and I discuss:

• Why Clare avoids the term “cancel culture” and what she sees instead

• The psychological toll of public shaming and internet outrage

• How constructive feedback – not angry comments – changed her perspective

• The key difference between apologising online and at work

• Why leaders fear saying the wrong thing, and how to navigate this

• Clare’s decision-making hack for choosing what to say yes and no to

• How comparison with her twin sister shaped her career – and what motherhood taught her about self-worth

Key Quotes

• “The less you do, the quicker the fire ends.”

• “Sometimes saying yes is just procrastination.”

Connect with Clare Stephens on Instagram, LinkedIn and pre-order her latest book The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done here.

My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/

Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai)

If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe

Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.

Get in touch at [email protected]

Credits:
Host: Amantha Imber
Sound Engineer: The Podcast Butler

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.