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

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.