

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
Apr 6, 2023 • 16min
161: Ready to Evolve in Your Career and Your Life? TRY THIS
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes that it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” -Maya Angelou Think back to the past week, month, or year to a big win you achieved. Maybe it was the proposal you wrote that secured a huge client. Maybe it was hitting a PR in the gym (because we see you working on your fitness). Maybe it was noticing something you taught your child in action, without you needing to say anything. Whatever your win was, did you celebrate just the win or did you celebrate everything you did to achieve the win? For most of us, it’s the former. We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but don’t admit the changes it’s gone through to achieve that beauty. In this episode, Erin gives you a simple activity to set goals, achieve them, and celebrate everything you put into achieve them throughout your entire process. Not to mention, this episode will change how you think about goal-setting entirely. Press play for the twist! ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Click the link below and take the quiz to receive your free Wellness Workbook. Go to page 19 to complete the exercise Erin discusses in today’s episode. 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 5, 2023 • 22min
160: Feeling Creatively Blocked at Work? This Improv-Based Activity Will Help
The way you spend your days is the way you spend your life. It sounds overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. When you think about the way you spend your day - are you a “yes” for the actions that take up a small amount of time? A large amount of time? Do you incorporate something into your routine that someone else wouldn’t understand but it makes sense for you? Do you incorporate something into your routine that doesn’t make sense for you but does for someone else? In this episode, Erin gives you a simple improv-based activity to determine what actions you’re saying “yes” to that serve you, and also the flipside: what you’re saying “yes” to that really isn’t for you. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Send Erin a message telling her what you’re a “yes” for on LinkedIn or Instagram linked below. When you put what you’re a “yes” for out in the world, you're holding yourself accountable. If you’d prefer to spread your yeses in another way, tell a friend or post about it. Create a social post and share it with your network. When you start to put these yeses into the world, you'll be amazed at what comes into your life and what you can creatively bring to fruition. 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 4, 2023 • 20min
Special Episode: Feeling Helpless in the Midst of the Mass Shootings? Here’s How You Can Help
Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9 years old William Kinney, 9 years old Hallie Scruggs, 9 years old Katherine Koonce, 60 years old Cynthia Peak, 61 years old Mike Hill, 61 years old Today we say their names and honor all the names that came before them. Today we talk about the change that needs to happen in this country. Today we talk about how everything you do is contagious, how kindness and cruelty have equal ripple effects. Listen as Erin shares the message that she was called to give today. It starts with us. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Do one small act of kindness for someone you know or a stranger. Share this episode with someone who could benefit from its message. 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 :)
Mar 30, 2023 • 24min
159: The Missing Piece of Your Business Culture: Improv Comedy with Adi Clerman
When you tell your team they have a professional development day next Friday, what would come to their minds? If it’s “sitting through another training,” you might want to reconsider your approach. Think about it like this: Everyone you work with is smart. Everyone knows strategies to be more productive, to stay focused, and to do the things a hypothetical Employee of the Month would do. As a result, your team doesn’t need to “sit through another training.” Your team needs something different. Something that’s a challenge, not a bore. Something that’ll make them laugh, allow them to be themselves, and not explicitly be about work. Erin and Adi conclude their three-part series with a conversation about why Adi decided to make improv comedy workshops a focal point of the professional development calendar for 480 professionals she leads. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think about your biggest failure moment or when one of your worst fears came true. Think about how you got through it, because you're still here listening to this show. Allow this to serve as a reminder to you to keep getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Let it infiltrate into your culture. It will make a difference in how you show up, not only for the people around you, but more importantly for the most important person in your life – you. Connect with Adi Clerman: Adi’s LinkedIn 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 :)
Mar 29, 2023 • 18min
158: Five Reasons Why Humor is Key to Success at Work with Adi Clerman
Humor styles are just like personality styles - everyone has something a little different. Instead of shutting out humor entirely in your professional life, how can you use it to show up more authentically? In this episode, Adi describes her newest hobby: stand-up comedy. As a corporate professional by day, Adi explains why she included stand-up into her jam-packed schedule, how it’s impacted her work life, and what it’s taught her over the past 10 months. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Jot down your own five reasons about why humor is important to you. Not just how humor can help you show up to be a better person at work, but why humor is key to success. Why is it key to your success? Keep these five reasons somewhere that you can view them. It could be on the note section of your phone or on a Post-It next to your computer. Try to use it as a sign to bring more laughter, levity, and positivity into your workday, to add a little bit more fun to that spreadsheet, or to add a little bit more smiling to that Zoom meeting. Connect with Adi Clerman: Adi’s LinkedIn 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 :)
Mar 28, 2023 • 22min
157: Outside of the Box Professional Development for Emerging Leaders with Adi Clerman
Are you a leader or emerging leader wondering how to solve the professional development dilemma? On one hand, you can choose professional development that’s rigid, vigorous, but unenjoyable. Think lots of Powerpoint slides, note taking, and a quiz at the end. On the other hand, you can choose a professional development opportunity that your team will actually like. Think experiential learning, no right or wrong answers, and a slight bit of discomfort to propel you forward. In today’s episode Erin and Adi Clerman discuss what it means to choose professional development opportunities that help each team member feel included in a unique way. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think of one outside-the-box thing you have done recently. What's one thing that you have done in your day-to-day that's outside the norm? Write that thing down. Then challenge yourself to do one thing that is outside of the box this week. Connect with Adi Clerman: Adi’s LinkedIn 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 :)
Mar 23, 2023 • 16min
156: Starting a Gratitude Practice with Heather Vickery
If today all you have to give is 15% and you give 15%, then that’s 100%. Math isn’t our strong suit but we’re pretty sure that tracks. Be honest with yourself on the days you can give 15% and the days you can give 100%. Only you know, and only you can show up based off of what you can give. No one else can make those calls besides you. The point here is this: You can’t do incredible, badass things unless you can build from what’s already working and what’s already good. What’s already working? The percentage you can give today. The habits you’ve implemented to fill up your cup before you try to fill anyone else’s. Your unique “IT” factor only you can give. What’s already good? The pockets of joy tucked into everyday that you notice and celebrate. The way that your best friend would describe you to a stranger. Everything you’ve achieved but never really let sink in. Listen as Erin and Heather conclude this three-part series on bravery, exploring what it means to build from what’s already working and what’s already good. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think of 10 things right now that you are grateful for. 10 things that you can see, touch, feel, hear, see, I said see, but you know what I'm talking about. Find 10 things, say them out loud right now. Feel the energy in your body shift and commit to a practice of gratitude in your life. Connect with Heather Vickery: Heather’s Instagram Heather’s LinkedIn The Brave Files Podcast Was it Chance? Podcast 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 :)
Mar 22, 2023 • 17min
155: How Self-Love Will Make You a Better Leader with Heather Vickery
What happens when you don’t treat yourself with kindness before trying to be kind to others? You’re hurt. You stay small. You allow yourself to be hurt more often by others because you don’t value yourself. You lack a sense of worthiness. You are not as kind as you’d like to be or maybe as you think you are towards other people around you, because when you cannot be kind to yourself, you don’t have the foundation to be kind to other people. You burnout. You don’t have the energy resources to give to other people you may really, deeply want to because your cup is empty. Kindness is an inside job that eventually overflows into how you show up for others. Listen as Erin and Heather give you the how-to on living a kinder, braver life starting with the small things (that really aren’t small). ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think about the percentage that you are going to give to yourself today. How are you going to show up for you in this moment? Is it 10%? Is it 50%? Are you going to give one hundred percent today? Make that decision. And then I want you to actually give that percentage to yourself at the end of the day. At the end of the day, reflect: did I give myself what I promised myself? And if you did, find some way to celebrate. Maybe it's a bubble bath. Maybe it's one of those masks that you put on your face that make you look like Jason from those Halloween movies that are actually doing great things for your pores. I don't know. Do something that makes you feel good because you deserve it. Connect with Heather Vickery: Heather’s Instagram Heather’s LinkedIn The Brave Files Podcast Was it Chance? Podcast 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 :)
Mar 21, 2023 • 24min
154: Making the Brave Leap with Heather Vickery
Today we’re busting bravery myths, starting with the idea that we can like and trust ourselves when we get “there.” “There” meaning that dream job, selling X number of copies of your book, or moving into your dream home. The truth is, the future isn’t real. We can’t touch it, hear it, see it, smell it, or feel it. We can access it only through our imagination, which is a dangerous water to tread. And because the future isn’t real, telling ourselves that we’re going to like and trust ourselves in the future is, to the truest meaning of the word, pointless. On the contrary, when we practice liking and trusting ourselves right now, we start showing up in new ways. We take our “IT” factors to the highest power. We form lifetime connections. We take intentional creative risks. We propel ourselves to our next best thing. Your future self doesn’t need your bravery, your right now self does. Listen to Erin and guest Heather Vickery discuss what it means to make the brave leap in your everyday life. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think about your own story with bravery. What is a time that you have shown up for yourself? You felt strong, you felt empowered, and you did something that you did not think that you could do. You got comfortable with the uncomfortable. Think about that story today. Then give yourself a big high five or a hug because my friends, bravery is boss. Bravery is leading the way for our teams, our families, our friends. Bravery is showing up for you. Connect with Heather Vickery: Heather’s Instagram Heather’s LinkedIn The Brave Files Podcast Was it Chance? Podcast 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 :)
Mar 16, 2023 • 16min
Minisode 23: The FailFluencer Files with Nicole Entzeroth
Absolutely post your vacay pics, your girls night outings, and your latest promotions. You never needed anyone’s permission to share your wins. At the same time, think about this: when you view someone else’s wins on social media, you may share in their joy, send them congratulations or well wishes. You may be jealous. You may compare yourself. And the most important question to ask yourself… Did you learn anything from seeing their win? Sometimes a little bit. Maybe you now understand what it takes to earn that type of promotion or where you want to schedule your next flight. Now ask yourself this: when you read about someone’s demotion, embarrassing moment, or W.T.F. (Worst Terrifying Fail), what did you learn? Most of the time it’s A TON. You learned perhaps what not to do, what actions to take instead, or simply how to move on from that occurrence. The point? Folks learn more when we share our fails than when we share our wins. Hence, why we started The Failfluencer Files on The improve it! Podcast. Listen as Erin and improve it!’s very own Client Experience Associate Nicole Entzeroth discuss the failure of a mystery call-in guest. ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think of your own failure story. What is a story that has happened to you and given you a lesson in life that you want to share? Use the link here to send us a voice message with your Failfluencer File story. We'll use this audio clip in a future episode to talk through it through the lens of failure in order to teach all of the improve it! Peeps a lesson that wouldn’t exist without you. Connect with Nicole Entzeroth: · Nicole’s Instagram · Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn 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 :)