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Workday Playdate

Erin Diehl | Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Keynote Speaker

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*TOP 1% GLOBAL PODCAST* Pssst…it’s your work bestie again tapping you on the shoulder telling you to take a breather from sending another email because I’ve got some tea–piping hot, actually. I’m Erin Diehl, founder of improve it!l (AKA, your work bestie), and I’m going to take you on a much needed excursion from your workday from the comfort of your very own headphones. Every Wednesday, your Workday Playdate will give you research-based, tangible strategies to transform yourself through imp ...
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Rha Goddess (Intentional Ambition: Redefining Success in a Post-Pandemic World) is a soul coach, author, cultural innovator, and founder of Move The Crowd. Rha Goddess returns to Workday Playdate to unpack what it means to lead with clarity, rest, and purpose in a world still recovering from burnout. She and Erin explore how our definitions of succ…
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In today’s Workday Playdate snack, we’re talking about moving beyond the checklist version of success—and finding work that actually energizes you. The Problem: You’ve hit the career milestones, but something still feels off. You’re busy, sure—but not fulfilled. That’s not laziness or burnout. It’s misalignment. The Improv Hack to Try: “The Commerc…
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Dr. Adam Dorsay (Super Psyched: The Power of the 4 Types of Connection) is an author, psychologist, TEDx speaker, and podcast host. Dr. Adam Dorsay joins Workday Playdate to talk about the four kinds of connection that can radically transform your life, why enthusiasm is a secret superpower, and how adult friendships are often more vital—and more f…
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In today’s Workday Playdate snack, we’re talking about how to stop hating your job—and maybe even enjoy the humans you work with. The Problem: If you’re dreading Slack pings, counting down to Friday, or secretly fantasizing about moving to a remote island with zero meetings… it might not just be burnout. It might be a connection problem. We spend 9…
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John Diehl is the head of talent development, a results-oriented HR professional, and Erin’s life partner. John joins the Workday Playdate to share his perspective on infertility, what it means to let go of a “fix it” mentality, and why having a core support group is instrumental to processing life events. Inside This Episode: Why men may feel pres…
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In today’s Workday Playdate snack, we’re talking about vulnerability at work and why speaking up might be the boldest move you make all week. The Problem: We’re taught to keep it polished and professional. But when life—grief, burnout, infertility—shows up, we go quiet. That silence creates distance. Between teammates. Between leaders. Even within …
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Jay Fields is an author, somatic coach, and experiential educator. Jay joins the Workday Playdate to discuss the importance of setting boundaries, the emotional complexities of relationships, and how to navigate communication overload while maintaining empathy. Jay introduces the “Hey Wait” technique, a simple yet powerful tool for asserting yourse…
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Today, we’re talking about why teams hesitate to speak up and how to change that. If you’ve ever felt like your voice doesn’t matter in meetings, that stops now. The Problem – Why Teams Aren’t Engaged: When a leader asks, “Any questions?” and no one speaks, it’s not because there’s nothing to say. It’s because people don’t feel safe to share. When …
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What happens when the path to family doesn’t go as planned? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin gets deeply personal, sharing her journey through secondary infertility—a topic that too often goes unspoken. From the rollercoaster of IVF to the emotional weight of grief and resilience, she opens up about the heartbreak, the healing, and the pow…
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Today, we’re talking about something you can use anytime, anywhere: flipping fear into fuel. If you want to turn challenges into courageous choices, you’re in the right place. The Problem: Why We Freeze at the Edge of Big Decisions Ever find yourself standing at a crossroads, knowing the bold choice is the right one, but feeling stuck? That’s your …
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What if one wish could change everything? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Dana and her family to talk about the incredible journey of how a single wish turned a shy, quiet dreamer into a bold, confident leader. Through the power of Make-A-Wish, Dana found her voice—and a love for beluga whales along the way. We dive into th…
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Today, we’re talking about something anyone could use at any given time: a leadership sprucey spruce. If you want to turn team dreams into company wins, you’re in the right place. The Problem: Why Teams Are Not Engaged Ever feel like your team is running on autopilot? Like they’re doing just enough but not really bringing their A-game? It’s not bec…
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What does it take to leave a prestigious job at Google to chase your true passion? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Jenny Wood, the visionary behind Google's Own Your Career program. Jenny candidly shares her transformative journey from a high-powered corporate role to embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. She del…
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Hey, hey, Workday Playdate peeps! It’s time for your quick bite of leadership wisdom—a little boost of inspiration, energy, and playfulness to brighten your workday. Today, we’re talking about something we ALL have in common: mistakes. Yep, those cringe-worthy, face-palm moments that keep us up at night. But guess what? Your mistakes aren’t just em…
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What if the secret to high-performing teams wasn’t another strategy session—but an improv game? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin dives into how improvisation is transforming team dynamics, leadership, and workplace culture. From LinkedIn to Amazon, top companies are embracing improv as a tool for boosting psychological safety, engagement, …
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Hey, hey, Workday Playdate peeps! It’s time for your quick bite of leadership wisdom—a little boost of inspiration, energy, and playfulness to brighten your workday. Today, we’re talking about the power of play. When was the last time you truly played pretend? Not just faking enthusiasm for Bob’s homemade cookies at the office potluck—but really le…
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What if the key to stronger leadership, deeper team connections, and a more engaged workplace wasn’t another corporate training—but a well-timed joke? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with comedian, speaker, and leadership coach JaMarr John Johnson to explore how humor, storytelling, and community can transform the way we work an…
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Hey, hey, Workday Playdate peeps! It’s time for your quick bite of leadership wisdom—a little boost of inspiration, energy, and of course, playfulness to brighten your workday. Today, we’re talking about one of the most underrated leadership tools: humor. That’s right—if you want to build connection, trust, and motivation within your team, you don’…
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Your team just hit a wall. A project derailed. A curveball out of nowhere. What happens next? If the answer is stress, scrambling, or radio silence, it’s time for a new approach. Enter improv—the secret weapon for building resilient teams that can roll with the punches and come back stronger. Inside This Episode: Why most teams struggle with resili…
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It’s time for your Workday Playdate snack—just a quick bite of leadership wisdom before we go deeper on Wednesday. Today, we’re talking about empathy—the leadership skill that turns good teams into great ones. Want a quick and easy way to help your team feel heard? Try this improv-inspired exercise: “Last Word, First Word” One person starts with a …
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have been a driving force behind innovation, employee retention, and workplace culture—but now, many companies are slashing these initiatives, leaving employees feeling unseen, unheard, and disconnected. In this solo episode of Workday Playdate, Erin dives into the corporate DEI backslide and the very…
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You care about your people, but leadership can feel like an uphill battle—burnout, disengagement, awkward silences. Sound familiar? Enter: Radical Empathy. In today’s Workday Playdate “Snack,” Erin gives you a quick-win improv activity that you can try in your next meeting: 1. Pair up your team members (or do this in a group!). 2. One person starts…
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Think empathy is just a “soft skill”? Think again. It’s your leadership superpower—one that builds trust, fuels innovation, and keeps teams engaged. But here’s the kicker: real empathy isn’t just about feeling—it’s about leading with it. In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin takes you beyond the pages of her book I See You! A Leader’s Guide to …
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Welcome to Workday Playdate—new name, same mission, more fun! If you're a leader looking to energize your team, you're in the right place. You care about your people, but leadership can feel like an uphill battle—burnout, disengagement, awkward silences. Sound familiar? Enter: Radical Empathy. In today’s Workday Playdate “Snack,” Erin gives you a q…
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Radical empathy in leadership isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. But practicing it? That takes intention, self-awareness, and a willingness to evolve. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Erin sits down with Wendy Gonzalez to dive deep into what it truly means to lead with radical empathy. Wendy is the CEO at Sama and is passionate a…
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Empathy at work (and outside of work) is simpler than you think, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In Episode 276 of the improve it! Podcast, Erin discusses why mastering empathy will unlock deeper connections, increase employee engagement, and give you more meaningful results. Erin gives you her 2-step shortcut for leading with empathy that you can…
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What if the secret to empowering your team and reclaiming your day wasn’t about setting more goals, but about leading with intention? Imagine turning your 'hot mess' moments into clear, purpose-driven leadership—this framework will show you how. 1. Self-Reflection: Know Your "Hot Mess" Moments Before you can set meaningful intentions, you need to i…
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Vivian Acquah is paving the way for more inclusive and equitable workplaces. She’s not just a DEI consultant; she’s a force of nature dedicated to helping leaders like you create cultures where everyone belongs. As the founder of Amplify DEI, Vivian combines innovation, empathy, and practical tools to inspire lasting change. You can connect with he…
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Are you stuck in the endless loop of overthinking? Maybe you’ve rewritten the same email five times, hesitated to act on a great idea, or turned your to-do list into a novel. Overthinking doesn’t just waste time—it keeps you from living fully. In today’s episode, Erin tackles how to break free from the analysis paralysis and take intentional, meani…
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Imposter syndrome—two words that can stop even the most ambitious professionals in their tracks. But what if we told you that it’s not a roadblock, but a signal of growth? In today's episode, Erin sits down with the inspiring Victoria Jenn Rodriguez to flip the script on imposter syndrome. Victoria reveals why feeling like an imposter can actually …
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What if the key to thriving under pressure was simpler than you thought? In today’s episode, Erin tackles one of the toughest challenges leaders face: staying positive and intentional during high-pressure situations. Whether you're leading a team through tight deadlines or navigating unpredictable circumstances, this episode offers actionable insig…
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2024 was a year of radical insights, heartfelt stories, and transformative lessons in leadership—and we’re wrapping it all up with a bang! If you’re ready to relive the top moments that took your leadership game from ‘meh’ to magnificent, buckle up because this isn’t just a recap; it’s your ultimate guide to starting 2025 stronger, more inspired, a…
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What if the seeds you plant today could transform the world tomorrow? In today's episode, Justin Jones-Fosu challenges leaders to leave their "home base," embrace curiosity, and cultivate inclusion to create real impact—at work and beyond. Justin Jones-Fosu, founder of Work. Meaningful., joins Erin to share powerful lessons about leadership, commun…
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Did you know that you negotiate every single day—and not just in boardrooms or sales meetings? From discussing PTO with your boss to deciding dinner plans with your partner, negotiation is everywhere. But how often do we approach these conversations with strategy and confidence? In this episode of the Improve It! Podcast, Erin uncovers the secrets …
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What if the success of your team hinged on a single, powerful choice: which wolf you feed? Inside every leader lies the potential to cultivate either chaos and confusion or unity and inspiration. The secret? A clear, compelling vision that your team not only understands but wholeheartedly embraces. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Erin d…
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What if the key to unlocking your full potential wasn’t just about working harder or climbing the ladder, but about understanding the invisible forces that shape how others see you? In today's episode, Erin dives into a transformative conversation with Alison Fragale, an expert on power, status, and the subtle art of influence. Her groundbreaking i…
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What if the secret to conquering chaos, leading with confidence, and transforming stress into ease was as simple as your next breath? This week on the podcast, I sat down with breathwork expert Samantha Skelly to uncover the transformative power of intentional breathing. As the Founder of Pause Breathwork, Samantha Skelly is on a mission to help ot…
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What if five minutes could change everything about how you lead, connect, and thrive? In today's episode, I reveal the powerful daily gratitude practice that shifted my mindset from scarcity to abundance—fueling not only my own growth, but transforming my team dynamics and leadership resilience. If you’re ready for a simple, impactful habit to elev…
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If you don’t take the time for yourself, the time will take itself and go elsewhere. Sound familiar, especially during the holidays? Yup, you’re not the only one. In today’s episode, Erin shares her 4-step strategy for finding balance between giving to yourself and giving to others during the holiday season. Erin also shares: What a “Bliss List” is…
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Does your job search feel like it’s its own full-time job that’s not leading anywhere and also not paying you? You’re not alone. In response to this Q, Daisy Auger-Domínguez--a cross-sector global leader, speaker, author, and advisor on future readying workplaces, fostering inclusion, and addressing burnout at work—joins Erin today to discuss 4 str…
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When you're building inclusion for those around you at work, but you yourself are not feeling included, what do you do about that? This question from a listener really begs us to consider what’s within the locus of our control vs. what's not when it comes to inclusion at work. In response to this Q, Erin gives you 5 ways to go from excluded by othe…
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Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider are hosts of the Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast—a project geared towards breaking barriers, fostering resilience, promoting peace, and developing a new masculine. Jon is a retired Navy SEAL and leadership consultant, and Will is a wellness consultant and teacher. In today’s episode, Jon and Will join Erin to discus…
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In today’s episode, Erin answers a question from a listener about what to do when you start to outperform your boss. It’s juicy, it’s complicated, and...it’s manageable. Erin gives you a six-step strategy for how to handle a situation like this, especially if you’re overperforming and underappreciated. Erin also shares: The differences between Upse…
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Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon is a business consultant, keynote speaker, and corporate trainer whose “it” in life is to demystify money so that people can walk into their wealth in abundance. In today’s episode, Dr. Darnyelle shares her Million Dollar Mindset ways of thinking to get you unstuck, paid for your true value, and detached from what’s not …
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Ever inherited a team that has a different work culture than what you’re used to? You’re definitely not the only one. In today’s episode, Erin gives you her 6-step process to create a fully-realized team environment whether you’re an emerging leader, new leader, or experienced leader. Erin also shares: Why having one-on-one conversations with your …
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Ashley Menzies Babatunde is a lawyer, storyteller, founder, and DEIB strategist passionate about work at the intersection of humanity and career. She cares deeply about centering our humanity in conversations about work. In today’s episode, Ashely tells you how to normalize the “unsteadiness” of a career curve and gives you some tangible strategies…
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In today’s episode, Erin shares some her favorite + easiest ways for adding a little spice to your teams’ daily routine when you feel like you need to switch something up. If you’re pressed for ideas to get your team laughing again (and working happier, not harder)—this is the episode for you. If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going…
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In today’s episode, Dr. Romie Mushtaq joins Erin to discuss her definition of a “busy brain” and how it can help you mitigate stress in your life and still achieve your most ambitious goals. Dr. Romie is a physician, workplace wellness keynote speaker, and best-selling author. If you’re feeling stressed—this is the episode for you. If you liked thi…
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"Yes, and” is a central tenet of improv—and our favorite buzzword. It means to postpone judgement on what someone just said, and then add your own thought to it. For example, “Yes I think what you just said is so important, and I think _________.” It’s the exact opposite of saying, “Yes, but.” In today’s episode, Erin answers a question from a list…
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Self-care—we hear it all the time to the point that it’s a buzz word everyone likes to throw around. And yes, we know that it has tons of mental and physical health benefits, but thinking about how it can lead to professional abundance isn’t the norm. In today’s episode, Taylor Elyse Morrison joins Erin to discuss all things “inner workout,” ie, se…
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