

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
Oct 20, 2021 • 46min
77. The Great Resignation or The Great Re-engagement? How to Make Sure ALL of Your Employees Feel SEEN, HEARD, and VALUED with Cassandra Rose
Happy Wednesday, Improve it! Fam! How can you reconnect with the people in your organization? How can you not only make their lives more meaningful, but match that meaning to their work? In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Human Resource expert, Cassandra Rose, who will guide you through these questions and provide tangible, actionable answers. She’s going to talk about how to turn this great resignation into the great re-engagement and what success looks like when you’re there. We hope your notebook is ready and your coffee is hot – this show is packed with all the re-engagement goodies! Show Links: Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Wanting a specific topic or guest on the show? Leave us a voicemail and tell us! Connect with Cassandra Rose: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mscassandrarose Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mscassandrarose Twitter - https://twitter.com/MsCassandraRose Website - www.meritarc.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 :)
Oct 18, 2021 • 19min
Minisode #8: Using Improv to Drive Creativity
Need help spurring innovation, seeing things with a new set of eyes, or looking at the way you work differently? Then we’ve got a quick show for you. On today’s minisode, one of our improve it! facilitators, Shadee Vossoughi, is here to talk to us about how improv is a great tool for spurring creativity in the workplace. About the Guest: Shadee Vossoughi is an Iranian American actor, writer, and veteran improviser based in Chicago, IL. After receiving her BFA in Acting from Southern Oregon University, Shadee moved to Chicago to study comedy. Shadee has trained, performed, and coached at some of the top comedy institutions in Chicago, including The Annoyance Theatre, iO Theater, and The Second City. Shadee was a recipient of the NBCUniversal Second City Bob Curry Fellowship in 2018. Shadee is represented by Stewart Talent Chicago. Connect with Shadee Vossoughi: Instagram: @shadeev Twitter: @shadee_v 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 13, 2021 • 29min
76. F Words at Work – The F Words Human Resources Should Want to Hear
Welcome back, Improve it! Fam. Today’s episode includes the good type of F-bombs (and we’re not talking swear words!). What does that mean? Our host, Erin Diehl deep dives into reframing this “F-word” and how senior leaders, women's groups, associations, emerging leaders, corporations, teams, entrepreneurs, and more can use it as a tool for success! Listen in to hear what these F words could be and how it can help you in the workplace! We hope your notebook is ready and your coffee is hot – this show is packed with everything you didn’t know you needed today! Show Links: SEND US A VOICE MESSAGE: SpeakPipe Us! Episode 64: From Failed it! To Improve it! 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 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 6, 2021 • 45min
75. The #1 Thing You Must Do as a Human Resources Professional or HR Leader in 2021
Happy Wednesday, improve it! Fam. On today’s episode you’ll hear from Career Coach, Podcast Host, and HR enthusiast, Ricklyn Woods, to talk about the number one thing you must do as a leader in 2021. If you're looking at the title and you're saying, oh my gosh, I'm not in human resources, but I am a leader. This applies to you. If you are not in human resources at all, and you are not a leader stay tuned because this applies to you. And also if you aren't either of these things, but know someone who is, this show is going to give you so much appreciation for the people that you know - who are the heartbeat of our organizations, HR leaders. In today’s episode you will hear Ricklyn discuss: The challenges HR leaders go through today The steps on how to overcome these challenges The number one thing you can do as an HR leader What success looks like in 2021 for a HR leader We hope your notebook is ready and your coffee is hot – this show is packed with goods! Show Links: Side Hustle Pro Podcast Own Your Career Book Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Ricklyn Woods: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklynwoods/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 :)
Sep 29, 2021 • 49min
74. Help! My Organization Feels Divisive! Navigating Trying Times as a Leader with Vivian Blade
Welcome back, Improve it! Fam. On today’s episode you’ll hear from one of Engagedly's top 100 Global HR influencers of 2021, Vivian Blade who’s ready to bring those question to life as well as share some insightful snippets on... The five stages of internal crises and the ways we respond Three action items on how to handle trying times as a leader What successful leadership looks like during crisis How to focus on your human capital We hope your notebook is ready and your coffee is hot – you're not going to want to miss this episode! Show Links: Dare to Lead by Brene Brown Atomic Habits by James Clear Radical Candor Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Vivian Blade: https://vivianblade.com https://ResilienceReady.today https://InfluenceWithScale.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianblade/ https://twitter.com/VivianBlade Email: vivian@vivianblade.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 :)

Sep 27, 2021 • 16min
MINISODE #7: Using Improv to Team Build
Improve it! fam, are you looking for a tangible team building exercise that can help your team show up for each other in a more meaningful way? We’ve got your back. On today’s minisode, our improve it! Director of Talent, Cristy Mercier, is here to talk to us about how improv is a great teaching tool for team building and how she’s witnessed it transform teams time and time again. About the Guest: Empirical evidence has shown that improvisational training has the ability to improve an employee’s trust, teamwork, communication, presentation skills, creative problem solving, and can improve a company’s overall corporate culture. No one knows that better than Cristy Mercier, she’s studied and performed this amazing art form at many institutions, some of which are The Second City, the iO Training Center, the Annoyance, and Comedy Sportz . As the Director of Talent for improve it!, Cristy has conducted workshops across the country, leveraging improvisational techniques to improve employees’ skills in corporate settings, facilitating sessions for clients such as Exelon, Motorola Solutions, Groupon, Elkay Manufacturing, Accenture, The PrivateBank, Quicken Loans, Milhouse Engineering, Crowe Horwath, and many 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 :)
Sep 22, 2021 • 46min
73. Burnout Battle Plan for Talent Development Leaders with Erin Coupe
Welcome back, Improve it! Fam. We have some questions for you to ponder: How do you work? What is it that makes you tick? What is it that sets you off or brings you down? Are you mindful of this? On today’s episode you’ll be hearing double! We have a guest whose name is also Erin and she’s going to rock your socks when it comes to battling burnout. Get ready to hear some juicy insight on... Setting boundaries in your business Respecting and honoring yourself at work Protecting your mindset, and more! Take out your notes, press play, and jot down three action items you can implement to create a burnout battle plan for yourself. Enjoy! Show Links: Send your morning routine to info@learntoimproveit.com or DM Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram! Join our public workshop - September 21st @ 11a CST Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Year of Yes Book Connect with Erin Coupe: Website: http://www.erincoupe.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-coupe Instagram: @authenticallyEC Email: erin@erincoupe.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 :)

Sep 15, 2021 • 31min
72. Why You Should Still Have Candid Conversations In A Virtual World
Happy Wednesday, improve it! Fam! Thanks for tuning back in for another packed episode. How do you feel when someone gives you feedback? Are you still having those candid conversations in this virtual world? Listen in on while Erin gives you three reasons (inspired by improv, of course!) why candid conversations should still exist in a virtual world. Show Links: Send your morning routine to info@learntoimproveit.com or DM Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram! Join our public workshop - September 21st @ 11a CST Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Erin: 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 :)
Sep 8, 2021 • 34min
71. Hybrid Work Series: Virtual vs. In Person Work Culture: The Great Debate with Matthew Confer
Happy Wednesday, improve it! Fam! It’s the final episode of our hybrid work series, and lucky for you, you get to hear from special guest, Matthew Confer. As you enter the new and improved world of hybrid work, this inspirational leader talks to us about: How you can make hybrid work effective for your employees The pros and cons of virtual and in-person work How to guide your team to go back into office. Enjoy and let us know what you think! Show Links: Send a screenshot of your review to info@learntoimproveit.com to receive a free gift from Erin! Get your Hybrid Hype Handout – follow along with us in the series! Connect with Matt Confer: Matthew Confer is the Vice President of Strategy at Abilitie, a Leadership Development company based in Austin, Texas that provides immersive business simulations to a global client base that includes over 50 members of the Fortune 500. In the past three years alone Abilitie’s leadership programs have been delivered to over 20,000 corporate professionals in more than 30 countries. Matthew has spoken on the topic of decision making at the TEDx Conference and he osts the Learn To Lead Podcast where he speaks with authors, professors, creatives, and business leaders about their leadership journey and how they are working to develop the leaders of tomorrow. LinkedIn Learn to Lead Podcast Twitter TedX Talk Connect with Erin: 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 :)
Sep 1, 2021 • 33min
70. Hybrid Work Series: Three Secrets to Self Care for Leaders of Hybrid Teams
Happy Wednesday, improve it! Fam! We’re back with a series you don’t want to miss. Erin, your hybrid hype woman, is sharing four weeks of awesome tips and tricks as you enter the new and improved world of hybrid work. Listen in to week two of this series because improve it! Fam, this one is All. About. You. Tune in to the secrets of self-care as you work from home and/or in office during uncertain times. Show Links: Send your morning routine to info@learntoimproveit.com or DM Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram! Get your Hybrid Hype Handout – follow along with us in the series! Join our public workshop - September 21st @ 11a CST Episode 10 - Morning Routine Holy Basil Leaf Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review! Connect with Erin: 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 :)