

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
Dec 22, 2021 • 51min
86. The Number One Way to Network and Own Your Career with Andy Storch
Are you the type of person who shies away from networking? Do you think about networking internally with senior leadership so you can learn what they do and how to get to their level? Or perhaps you’ve thought about networking with someone in the same role at a different organization to share best practices, but you automatically clam up when it comes to making that first connection? If so, tune today's episode is for you. Today we have an amazing guest that will help you improve and grow in the new year. Andy Storch is an author, speaker, consultant, coach, and connector as well as the host of two podcasts including The Talent Development Hot Seat and Own Your Career Own Your Life Show. Andy is also the founder and host of the Talent Development Think Tank conference and community. Andy is passionate about helping people fulfill their true potential and his book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, is designed to help people stop drifting and take control of their futures. Most importantly, Andy is a husband, father and friend who is on a mission to get the absolute most out of life and inspire others to do the same. Grab your notebook, this one has some juicy nuggets! Enjoy. Show Links: Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Andy Storch: Website: com Email: andy@andystorch.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/ Instagram: @andy_storch Twitter: @andystorch 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 :)

Dec 15, 2021 • 50min
85. Neuro Biology of Team Culture & Epigenetic Play-Circuit Coaching! With Awesome-Sauce Alchemist, Rajkumari Neogy
Leaders, are you... Looking for ways to build better team culture? Interested in the science behind it? Wondering how a positive AND negative work culture can affect your team’s brain? This week on the improve it! Podcast, we’re sitting down to talk with Rajkumari Neogy, Awesome-Sauce Alchemist and expert in epigenetic coaching (you’ll find out what that is in today’s episode). Rajkumari's passion is found deep in the intersections of interpersonal neurobiology, technology culture, and empathic language for business. Sounds pretty cool right? Tune in, listen, and don’t forget to leave us a review! Show Links: The Epigenetics of Teams - Rajkumari The Neuroscience of Trust Your Resonant Self Book Affective Neuroscience Book Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Rajkumari Neogy: com 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 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 :)
Dec 8, 2021 • 45min
84. Not SHRM Approved: A Safe Online Community for HR Professionals to Say EXACTLY What They're Thinking with Jan Janerson
Welcome back, improve it! Fam and happy Wednesday! Today, we have an anonymous guest on, Jan Janerson, the avatar of Not SHRM Approved community, who has so many nuggets of wisdom regarding the HR professional life. Not in HR? Don’t worry! This episode will benefit any professional leader. During this episode, you’ll learn more about... What inspired Jan to create the Not SHRM approved community Why HR can be a lonely position Being understood and how to find your people Jan’s content creation process and why she chose HR as a career Tune in for some wonderful advice not only for HR leaders, but for anyone who leads a team. Get your notebooks out for this one and enjoy improve it! Fam! Show Links: Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Jan Janerson: Twitter Instagram TikTok ClubHouse 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 :)
Dec 1, 2021 • 27min
83. Power Skills for Leaders: Five Ways to Train Your Mind to Focus
Welcome back, improve it! Fam and happy Wednesday! Hope you enjoyed some well deserved time off and are enjoying the holiday season. The holidays tend to be hectic, which is why it’s so important to train your mind to focus to accomplish ALL the things. In today’s episode, Erin will provide you five different ways on how to train your mind to zero in, focus and get the work done, so you can enjoy all the holidays bring. Get your pen and paper, and let’s improve your focus! Show Links: Hybrid Hype Worksheet Radical Candor Book High Five Habit Book Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Hybrid Hype Worksheet 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 :)
Nov 24, 2021 • 28min
82. Change Fatigue Framework: How to Battle & Mitigate Your Ever Changing Work Environment & Constant Uncertainty
Welcome back, improve it! Fam and happy Wednesday! The past two years have brought about changes in our day to day, and changes in the way we do work. Today’s show is going to give you a framework for how you can mitigate fatigue and look at change in a positive way! Erin will provide you an acronym to help change your fatigue framework. Listen in and don’t forget to take some notes! Show Links: Hybrid Hype Worksheet Minisode 1 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 :)
Nov 17, 2021 • 23min
81. Make 2022 Your Most Successful Year: Vision Setting
Welcome back, improve it! Fam and happy Wednesday! This year is going by fast and we have a perfect episode for you on creating a great next year. Listen in on how to make 2022 a success by using these vision setting techniques to make it your best year yet. Erin will provide you the steps it takes to help you achieve next year’s goals! Show Links: Hybrid Hype Worksheet Kim Magnus’ Episode Episode 66: Ice Breakers 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 :)
Nov 10, 2021 • 56min
80. You CAN give feedback as a Leader, and it CANNOT be triggering with Kim Scott.
Are you struggling with providing feedback to your team in this new hybrid world? Are you wondering how to ask for feedback for yourself, in a way that will solicit the best response? If this sounds like you – then improve it! fam – We. Have. An. Episode. For. You. Today’s guest is the one and only Kim Scott! Not only is she the brains behind Radical Candor, she’s also one of Erin’s favorite authors on the planet! You’ll listen in on this world renowned author’s writing process, her take on Radical Candor, parenting, books she’s reading, but most importantly, feedback and soliciting feedback as a leader. Grab your notebook, iPad, tablet, or whatever you take notes on, because this episode is full of juicy chicken nuggets. Let’s get to improvin’ it! Show Links: Radical Candor – Kim Scott’s Book Just Work – Kim Scott’s New Book After On Book A Swim in a Pond in the Rain Book Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Kim Scott: Kim Scott is the author of Just Work: Get *t Done Fast and Fair as well as Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity. She co-founded two companies that help organizations put the ideas in her books into practice. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. Kim previously held leadership roles at Apple and Google. Earlier in her career Kim managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo and started a diamond-cutting factory in Moscow. Kim's LinkedIn 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 :)

Nov 8, 2021 • 15min
Minisode #9: Using Improv in Your Virtual Holiday Party
Leaders, do you need a fun and unique idea for your virtual holiday party? How about a little HA-liday cheer? On today’s minisode, one of our improve it! improvisers, Andy Junk, is here to talk all about how you can use laughter and improv to spark joy this holiday season. Listen in on this fun and insightful conversation. Want to see a Laugh Break in action? Join us for our Laugh Break Live on 11.16 at 12 pm CST. Join here: LAUGH BREAK LIVE Use the promo code "laughwithus" for discounted tickets! About the Guest: Andy Junk is an improviser, actor, and teacher who hails from Chicago, where he is a member of the Improvised Shakespeare Company. He studied at both the iO Theater and the Second City Conservatory, and was an instructor at the iO. His work is primarily on the stage, but his television credits include roles on "Joe Pera Talks with You", "Chicago PD," "Shameless," and more. 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 :)
Nov 3, 2021 • 50min
79. Expand Your Network Using LinkedIn. Three Must Have's to Create Content that Connects with Leah Neaderthal
Welcome back, improve it! Fam and Happy Wednesday! How have you been using LinkedIn lately? If you’re trying to figure out how to connect successfully via this networking platform, then this is the perfect episode for you! Using this social outlet earlier in your career is a great way to help others. Listen in and hear from an amazing Sales Coach and LinkedIn expert, Leah Neaderthal, on how to keep a consistent mindset and expand your network using the one and only, LinkedIn! Show Links: Send us a voice message here! Want to get Hybrid Hype? Download your free worksheet here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Leah Neaderthal: Website: Smart Gets Paid Podcast: The Smart Gets Paid Podcast Facebook LinkedIn 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 :)

Oct 27, 2021 • 36min
78. Five Hacks to Have Highly Engaged Zoom Meetings
Happy Wednesday, improve it! Fam! Let’s take a minute to reflect and take a quick assessment on how you’re currently showing up for your team: Are they engaged? How do you engage with them during virtual meetings? Do you give them the time and opportunity to take some space? In today’s episode, we’re exploring the answers to these questions and providing tangible action steps to better team engagement. And, lucky for you, Erin is going to let you in on a little secret. Listen now to hear five hacks on how to have a highly engaged Zoom meeting! Show Links: Need a Ring Light? Send us a voice message here! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Want to get Hybrid Hype – Download your free Hybrid Hype Worksheet Here! 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 :)