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.