

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
Jun 8, 2022 • 46min
110: Are You Hiring? How a Clear Set of Core Values Can Help You Hire and Retain Top Talent with Special Guest Jenna McDonnell
Does your organization have core values? Do you need help developing or refining them? Did you know you can use these to attract and retain top talent within your company or team? So many questions, and so many answers. Today we are spilling ALL the beans on how our internal core values were developed, and how we use them to hire, retain and develop top talent. Listen in on this conversation with our Director of Client Experience, Jenna McDonnell, and apply to your team or organization today. Creating team culture starts here. Hit play! Show Links: Episode 28 Want to get your team Hybrid Hyped? Check out this free download Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! 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! Fam :)
Jun 6, 2022 • 19min
Minisode 15: The Chicken Dance Origin Story & A New Name For Our Community
It all started with episode 102 of this show. One of the most charismatic and genius guests, Chris Do, mentioned that we needed a new name for our community. A name that made us laugh. A name that connected us all. A name that was more than just the ‘improve it! fam.” A name does not define us, but it does connect us to who we are at our core. Hit “play” to hear our new name, the origin story of the chicken dance, and how it all plays into our core values as a community. If you are a new or long-time listener of this show – this is an episode not to miss. 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! Fam :)
Jun 1, 2022 • 42min
109: Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Creativity
Are you feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? Does the content you are consuming daily cause creative blocks and stifle your innovation? Erin has been feeling stagnant in her creative process too, and realized she had the tools in her tool belt to pull herself out of this creative rut. (Spoiler alert – burn out and creative ruts go hand in hand, so if you are feeling the BURN, give this one a go)! This episode give you TEN super easy, tangible, and FREE ideas that you can do to improve your creativity when it feels like it’s lost at sea. Tune in, this is filled with takeaways you won’t want to miss! Show Links: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Want to get your team Hybrid Hyped? Check out this free download Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! 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! Fam :)
May 25, 2022 • 56min
108: SHHH – Don’t Tell HR: The Truth About Human Resources Professionals in Your Organization with Traci Chernoff
SHHH… We have a secret inside scoop on human resources and the perfect guest to spill all the beans. Have you ever been confused on the importance of human resources in your organization? If so, today’s episode is for you! In today’s episode you’ll hear all about: Human Resources: what it means, and why it is the heartbeat of any organization How you can be an advocate for HR leaders within your own company How to best convey the importance of your work to leadership and the collective company How to allow the people who care in your organization to step forward and lead More about Traci: Traci Chernoff is the Director of Employee Engagement at Legion Technologies and an experienced HR leader. Prior to joining Legion, Traci spent nearly a decade in key HR leadership roles for both Big-Box and Luxury retailers directly supporting retail management and hourly teams across North America; most recently, Traci worked as a Director of Human Resources for a Global Luxury Retailer. Traci is the Host and Creator of the podcast, “Bringing the Human back to Human Resources” where she destigmatizes HR by uniting employee demands and business needs while simultaneously challenging the perceptions and stigmas surrounding HR. LinkedIn, Instagram, Website, Podcast Tune in, this is an episode filled with takeaways you won’t want to miss! Show Links: Want to get your team Hybrid Hyped? Check out this free download Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebooko 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! Fam :)
May 18, 2022 • 43min
107: How to Create Connection in a Fast Paced Culture with Emily McCann
Improve it! Fam, welcome back to another episode. So many of us are working in a fast-paced culture. With everything moving so quickly, how are you able to create connection and build and scale your team? We have a fantastic guest that’ll help you incorporate connection and a sense of belonging in your day to day! In today’s episode you’ll hear all about: How to create connection with multiple personality types Creating a strong sense of team when your environment is always changing How to foster a sense of connection when working both in person and virtually More about Emily: Emily McCann is the Director, People and Culture at C.A. Fortune Sales & Marketing. She is passionate about connecting business strategy with people programs to drive employee engagement. She believes vulnerability and connection are key ingredients to creating meaningful relationships. She's proud to have played a part in building positive cultures and developing talent in a variety of industries and roles. Emily focuses on bringing her whole self to work which includes being a mom to a two year old, a partner to her husband, and a set of legs to her running shoes! Tune in, and get ready to connect with your team on another level. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! Show Links: Want to get your team Hybrid Hyped? Check out this free download Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Erin Diehl: Instagram LinkedIn improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebooko 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! Fam :)
May 11, 2022 • 40min
Episode 106: Priorities, Mental Health, and Being a Working Parent: A Conversation with My Mother
As Justin Timberlake says… “It’s Gonna be May.” Now that we’re NSYNC, this month not only represents one of the most famous boy band lyrics of all time, but it also represents Mother’s Day, Mental Health Awareness, spring, and rebirth. And what better way to celebrate the month by chatting with the woman who gave birth to Erin…. Her mother! Janice Holbrook is a mom, grandmother, stroke survivor, mental health advocate, and positive force of nature. In this insightful conversation between mother and daughter you’ll hear all about being a working parent, overcoming setbacks, setting and maintaining your priorities, and raising a Type A recovering perfectionist, turned #failfluencer (aka Erin). This is an episode you cannot miss! More about Janice Holbrook: Janice Holbrook has had a long list of jobs throughout her life. Her very first job was a proofreader for the local newspaper. She tried sales jobs and discovered that her was not her gift in life. She tried her hand at secretarial work, but that wasn't her cup of tea, either. Janice was a music major in college. When she became a mother, she decided to begin a music studio (an entrepreneur!!). As she moved from one town to another (husband's job), she became involved in preschool education. Janice got her certification in music education (while raising two children and working at a preschool!). She was director of a preschool in MI, and became the music teacher at two preschools in SC. Janice has been involved in community theater, and is involved with her church through various committees, choirs, and children's activities. She is currently retired and enjoying time with her children and grandson. Show Links: Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! 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! Fam :)
May 9, 2022 • 19min
Minisode 14: Need a Positivity Boost at Work? Three Ways Improv Improves Your Mental Health
Do you need a positivity boost at work? In today’s minisode, Erin brings on our very own improve it! Facilitator and hype man, Blake Edwards, to teach you the ways improv improves your mental health and can add positivity to even the most challenging work day. Blake is a talented and award-winning Director, Writer, Actor (and one of those people who brightens a room by simply walking into it). Around here, we all believe he is the real life Ted Lasso. His in-depth knowledge of the multi-faceted world of entertainment, nurturing communication style and genuine positivity, brings out the very best in the people and projects he works on. Blake is especially masterful at creating humorous and whimsical short-form video content for broadcast, web, and social platforms. His 10 years of live improvisational comedy performance, and appreciation of play both in front of and behind the camera, make him uniquely qualified for both the messaging and execution of commercial campaign that provide tons of laughs. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earning a Communications degree in Media Production, he had various stints abroad and in Los Angeles, before returning home to the South. Today, his comedic work as a Director and On-Screen Talent has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival and featured on viewers screens regionally and nationally. And Blake has had zero trouble finding humor in his own personal life! He is recently (and happily!) married to his wife Hilary, a visual artist, whom he met during a hurricane and married during a pandemic! Enjoy this episode with the one, the only, Blake Edwards. Links from show: Blake’s wife’s painting Instagram Julia Cameron books hblakeedwards.com 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 Sign up for Daily 5 Challenge 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! Fam :)

May 4, 2022 • 34min
105: Happy (Working) Mother's Day - Three Improv Activities You Can Use on Your Kids
improve it! Fam – You know what’s coming up? Mother’s Day! Which calls for an episode on improv activities you can use on your kids (or partner or friends!). This episode is truly beneficial for anyone, because we can’t be amazing leaders/parents without parenting ourselves! Hit play to hear this tangible & relatable episode! Show Links: Episode 102 with Chris Do Episode 100 – Love Letter to the improve it! Fam Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! 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! Fam :)
Apr 27, 2022 • 57min
104: No Job is Worth Your Mental Health - Why Attention to Your Intention Matters with Jasmine Francis
Do you know what today is? A new episode drops with a very special guest, Jasmine Francis, who is kicking off our Mental Health Awareness month. Jasmine is a dynamic People Leader with almost 15 years of experience working in both corporate and start-up environments. Best known for her human-first philosophy and unique hands-on approach, she is passionate about building and implementing inclusive strategies that focus on creating a values-driven culture and delivering a world-class employee experience. Currently, she is the Vice President of People + Culture at Thinx and is responsible for synergizing business goals and people strategy. She is also the Co-Founder of Humanconnexion, a boutique HR consulting practice, that provides customized solutions and advisory services for organizations’ specific needs. She shares her impactful story that I’m sure many of you can relate to and focuses on the importance of working for an organization that sees you, believes in your mental health, and finds value in surrounding you with resources that can help with your mental health. Jasmine reminds you that when you feel burnt out - you are not alone. improve it! Fam – hit play to hear this amazing, relatable episode! Show Links: Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Jasmine Francis: LinkedIn Human Connexion 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! Fam :)
Apr 20, 2022 • 35min
103. How To Stop People Pleasing & Accelerate Your Career On Your Own Terms
Calling all recovering people pleasers! As a woman who spent 30 years of her life people pleasing, Erin will take you on a mindfulness journey to rid you of the people pleasing paradigm she (accidentally) built for herself. In today’s episode, you’ll hear reasons WHY we people please, HOW we people please, and then she will provide you with three ways to STOP doing it. Spoiler alert: these are tangible tips so have a pen and paper ready. Show Links: First ever improve it! Virtual Mastermind application Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! 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! Fam :)