

Workday Playdate
Erin Diehl | Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Keynote Speaker
TOP 1% GLOBAL PODCAST for People-First Leaders
Formerly the "improve it! Podcast"
I’m Erin Diehl, keynote speaker, business improv edutainer, and founder of improve it! (AKA your work bestie). Every Wednesday, Workday Playdate with improve it! helps HR professionals, people leaders, and culture-driven humans bring more laughter, levity, and purpose to their workdays. Because work is better when you play.
This is not your average leadership podcast. You’ll get research-backed strategies, improv-inspired tools, and candid conversations with top leaders, speakers, improvisers and authors who are rethinking how we work and lead.
Our promise is to give you tangible takeaways you can use immediately, plus a few laughs along the way.
Interested in partnering with us? Workday Playdate reaches thousands of people-first leaders who care about workplace culture, leadership, and team development.
Contact info@learntoimproveit.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. We promise laughs, impact, and zero awkward small talk. Think ROI with a side of LOL’s. Let’s make it happen!
Formerly the "improve it! Podcast"
I’m Erin Diehl, keynote speaker, business improv edutainer, and founder of improve it! (AKA your work bestie). Every Wednesday, Workday Playdate with improve it! helps HR professionals, people leaders, and culture-driven humans bring more laughter, levity, and purpose to their workdays. Because work is better when you play.
This is not your average leadership podcast. You’ll get research-backed strategies, improv-inspired tools, and candid conversations with top leaders, speakers, improvisers and authors who are rethinking how we work and lead.
Our promise is to give you tangible takeaways you can use immediately, plus a few laughs along the way.
Interested in partnering with us? Workday Playdate reaches thousands of people-first leaders who care about workplace culture, leadership, and team development.
Contact info@learntoimproveit.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. We promise laughs, impact, and zero awkward small talk. Think ROI with a side of LOL’s. Let’s make it happen!
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 2, 2023 • 20min
171: Become a Better Leader! Get to Know Your Inner Child
When you think about reconnecting to your inner child, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s finger painting or playing hopscotch. Maybe it’s taking some time to go outside. Maybe it’s everything that seems, for a lack of better words, like a silly waste of time. Since inner child work may not be on the top of your to-do list or leadership-building agenda, Erin is here today to explore the idea that reconnecting to your inner child—and taking it seriously—may be the missing piece to enhancing your creativity, attracting everything that’s meant for you, and viewing the world with fresh eyes so the world can view you with fresh eyes, too. This episode is for you if you know something needs to change but you’re not sure what. Inner child = reconnected. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Put the five steps to connecting back to your inner child into action and let us know how it goes at info@learntoimproveit.com. Show Links: Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here! Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Erin’s LinkedIn improve it! TikTok improve it! Instagram improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 27, 2023 • 16min
170: Want to Build a Culture of Belonging? Try the Enneagram with Enneagram Expert, Sandhya Sudhakar
If you read the title and you’re asking yourself, “How do you make the leap from personality test to culture of belonging?” We have the answer for you. In the final episode of this three-part series, join Erin and Enneagram expert Sandhya Sudhakar as they examine how to use the Enneagram to build a culture where all are seen, heard, and valued in your organization. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Take the Enneagram test here. Understand your number, take a look at the results, put some intention into understanding this for you, and give yourself a safe space to do this. Then, encourage your team to take this assessment. You don't need to understand every single nuance of their Enneagram, but get a high-level overview of their Enneagram number. This will help you as a leader to understand the motivations for the people that you serve. Show Links: Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here! Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Erin’s LinkedIn improve it! TikTok improve it! Instagram improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 26, 2023 • 18min
169: The Enneagram’s Biggest Challenges Revealed with Enneagram Expert, Sandhya Sudhakar
Sitting beside our excitement for something as interesting as the Enneagram test is also our doubt – how accurate can it be? How can we use the results in meaningful ways? In part two of this three-episode series, Erin and Enneagram expert Sandhya Sudhakar discuss the Enneagram’s biggest challenges and how to work with them, not against them, for yourself and your team. Listen to learn how to take you and your team’s Enneagram results and put internalization, action, and intention around them. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Listen to part three of this series, Episode 170. It’s all about how the Enneagram can help us build a culture of belonging within our teams and organizations. Show Links: Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here! Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Erin’s LinkedIn improve it! TikTok improve it! Instagram improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 25, 2023 • 22min
168: How Understanding Our Core Motivations Helps Us Develop as Leaders with Enneagram Expert, Sandhya Sudhakar
I am such a Type 4. You’re definitely a Type 2. My inner-Type 3 is coming out to play. Maybe you know your Enneagram type or perhaps this is all new to you. No matter which boat you’re in, Erin and Enneagram expert Sandhya Sudhakar discuss how she first became interested in Enneagram, why taking a sabbatical was the best decision she could’ve made, and how Enneagram helps us to understand how our core motivations can help us develop as leaders. Sandhya Sudhakar created a company called Self at Work where she takes a trauma-informed, inclusive approach to leadership, development, and wellbeing in the professional sphere. Sandhya’s main goal is to help leaders build meaningful connections with themselves, their teams, and their work so they can achieve breakthrough business results without burning out their employees or themselves. If you are a leader who wants to understand yourself so that you can understand your teams on a deeper, meaningful, tangible level, then this three-part series is for you. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Take the Enneagram test here to gain a deeper understanding of your core motivations. Show Links: Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here! Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Erin’s LinkedIn improve it! TikTok improve it! Instagram improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

Apr 20, 2023 • 16min
167: Setting Boundaries – An Improvisor’s Guide to Saying No
In a world where we fear disappointing others no matter what the cost is – your job is to go through life disappointing as many people as it takes to prevent disappointing one person... Yourself. As a recovering people-pleaser and improvisor who’s reflex is to say, “Yes, and...” Erin gives you her #1 tip for setting boundaries and sticking to them – zero guilt included. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Send Erin a message (contact info below) about who/what you’re saying “no” to. Download the Wellness Workbook by taking the quiz (below) to create your own Wall of Nay like Erin mentioned in today’s show. Show Links: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here! Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Erin’s LinkedIn improve it! TikTok improve it! Instagram improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 19, 2023 • 20min
166: Your Q’s Answered: How to Build Your Side Hustle While Working a 9 to 5!
Whether something pops into your mind immediately when you hear “side hustle” or not, here’s the deal: doing things that fuel your soul and allow you to pursue your passion outside of work is only going to make you better at your job, or make someone on your team better at their job if side hustle aren’t your cup of tea. There are a lot of courses out there. A lot of podcasts. A lot of interactive workbooks. Leave your nine to five, make your side hustle make you money, do this, do this. But building your side hustle truly boils down to five simple steps, and that's what Erin is here to give you today. Get a pen and paper out or your most prized Google Drive folder. To all the creative 9-to-5ers out there, this one’s for you. *bursts into song* ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Use the link below to ask Erin a question on SpeakPipe that she’ll answer in her next Q&A episode! Show Links: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here! Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter Erin’s LinkedIn improve it! TikTok improve it! Instagram improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 18, 2023 • 20min
165: Big News! improve it! Pod Turns 3 & I’m Writing a Book! Here’s Why!
“Skydiving was a crash course in entrepreneurship. You can plan and prepare and then you just have to jump.” On the improve it! Podcast’s third birthday, Erin dives (pun intended) into how planning for her first skydive and planning for her career as an entrepreneur have more similarities than you might think. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, writing a book, or just taking the leap – this is the episode for you. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Listen to some of the past episodes of the Failed It! Podcast/improve it! Podcast that Erin mentioned in today’s show. Check out some of the guests that we've had and the recent Self-Healing Series. Most importantly, give yourself the gift of investing in you. Show Links: Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 13, 2023 • 18min
164: A Case Study in Evolution with Pioneer & Keynote Speaker Gaby Natale - Part 3
When you picture your future self – who are they? What do they value? What are they leaving behind? What are they taking with them? In this final episode with Gaby Natale, you’ll see how past Gaby, current Gaby, and future Gaby connect and create a full picture that will help you reflect on your past, current, and future versions of yourself. Erin and Gaby discuss how to surrender and trust the universe to lead you to the right space. And if you’ve noticed folks around you telling you about a superpower that you have that you’re working up the courage to put out into the world – this is the episode for you. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Picture your future self. What does future you do compared to current you? How can you start putting energy towards that future version of you right now? Connect with Gaby Natale: Gaby’s Instagram Gaby’s LinkedIn Gaby’s Youtube Gaby’s website Gaby’s bestselling book, The Virtuous Circle: Restore Your Confidence, Bounce Back, and Emerge Stronger Show Links: Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 12, 2023 • 22min
163: A Case Study in Evolution with Pioneer & Keynote Speaker Gaby Natale - Part 2
Inner voice > outer noise This is the message 3-time EMMY award winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur Gaby Natale shares on today’s episode. The screen you're reading this on, the clothing you wear, the experiences that have shaped your life - these were all ideas in someone’s head before they became real. They trusted these ideas enough to make them real, will you trust yours? In part two of Erin's conversation with Gaby, you’ll hear the mindset shifts that ultimately led to Gaby’s success, going with what comes naturally in an age of over-the-top wellness, and how to be an instrument for what the people around you need at that point in their journey. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Get still this week and listen to what your inner voice is saying. Maybe it's telling you to go back to those things that brought you joy as a child. Maybe it's telling you to listen, refresh, change jobs. Maybe it's telling you to enhance where you're currently at and the role that you have. Get still this week and listen to your inner voice. Stop listening to the outside noise. Connect with Gaby Natale: Gaby’s Instagram Gaby’s LinkedIn Gaby’s Youtube Gaby’s website Gaby’s bestselling book, The Virtuous Circle: Restore Your Confidence, Bounce Back, and Emerge Stronger Show Links: Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)
Apr 11, 2023 • 24min
162: A Case Study in Evolution with Pioneer & Keynote Speaker Gaby Natale - Part 1
In this episode, Erin is joined by Gaby Natale, 3-time EMMY award winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. Gaby is on a mission to awaken the pioneer spirit in each of us, no matter your gender, race, religion, or upbringing. Throughout the conversation, Gaby shares about the beginning of her career and its ties to her five-year-old self. She emphasizes how finding moments of clarity throughout her life helped bring her to where she is today. This episode is a must-listen for anyone lost in a world of accelerated change and looking to find clarity through discomfort. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think back to your younger self. Is there something in your younger life that pops up as a core memory and brings you joy? For Gabby, it was standing on stage at her kindergarten graduation, really not wanting to leave that stage. That moment for you might be working on a project with your hands. It might be helping in the garden with your grandmother. It might be playing Double Dare as the television host in your living room. Think back to younger you. We'll bring this forward in the next two episodes as we continue with our theme of evolution. Connect with Gaby Natale: Gaby’s Instagram Gaby’s LinkedIn Gaby’s Youtube Gaby’s website Gaby’s bestselling book, The Virtuous Circle: Restore Your Confidence, Bounce Back, and Emerge Stronger Show Links: Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here! Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us! Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook! Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)