Workday Playdate

Erin Diehl | Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Keynote Speaker
undefined
Mar 5, 2025 • 22min

280: Want Resilient Teams? Improv Is the Answer, Trust Me

Your team just hit a wall. A project derailed. A curveball out of nowhere. What happens next? If the answer is stress, scrambling, or radio silence, it’s time for a new approach. Enter improv—the secret weapon for building resilient teams that can roll with the punches and come back stronger. Inside This Episode: Why most teams struggle with resilience (and how to fix it) The four-step improv framework that turns setbacks into stepping stones Simple, high-energy activities you can steal for your next team meeting A personal story of resilience from Erin’s own business journey How to create a team culture where change isn’t scary—it’s fuel Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who want their teams to handle challenges with confidence instead of chaos. If you’re tired of watching your team freeze up when things go sideways, this one’s for you. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet, here. It’s a 3-part list of helpful phrases you can use before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Mar 3, 2025 • 8min

Snack 3: Build a Stronger Team with This Improv Move

It’s time for your Workday Playdate snack—just a quick bite of leadership wisdom before we go deeper on Wednesday. Today, we’re talking about empathy—the leadership skill that turns good teams into great ones.   Want a quick and easy way to help your team feel heard? Try this improv-inspired exercise:   “Last Word, First Word” One person starts with a simple sentence. Example: “Our team is growing fast.” The next person must start their sentence with the last word of the previous sentence. Example: “Fast changes require clear communication.” Keep going around, building off each other’s words. Notice how this forces people to really listen and build on what’s being said—just like in a strong, empathetic workplace. Why does this work? Because it shifts conversations from waiting to speak to actively responding. And that’s where trust starts.   Journal Prompt: Who on your team might be feeling unheard? What’s one small way you can make space for their voice this week? Write it down—and take action.   If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet here. Break out this 3-part list of helpful phrases before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Feb 26, 2025 • 31min

279: The DEI Dilemma: Why Cutting Diversity Programs is Hurting Companies & How Improv Training Can Help Fill in the Gaps

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have been a driving force behind innovation, employee retention, and workplace culture—but now, many companies are slashing these initiatives, leaving employees feeling unseen, unheard, and disconnected. In this solo episode of Workday Playdate, Erin dives into the corporate DEI backslide and the very real consequences of these cutbacks. But she’s not here to dwell on the problem—she’s here to talk solutions. And here’s the twist: one of the most effective (and unexpected) ways to rebuild belonging, inclusion, and collaboration might just come from the world of improv. From psychological safety to leadership development, Erin unpacks how improv training fosters trust, empathy, and innovation in the workplace—and why now, more than ever, companies need to rethink how they create cultures where people thrive. Here’s what’s inside: Why Cutting DEI is a Costly Mistake—Real data on how eliminating DEI initiatives is impacting businesses and employees. The Power of Psychological Safety—How companies with inclusive cultures see stronger performance, engagement, and retention. How Improv Training Fills in the Gaps—The science behind “Yes, And,” active listening, and collaboration as tools for belonging. Case Study: Improv in Action—A real-world success story of how improv training transformed workplace culture. Your Playful Challenge—A simple improv-inspired exercise to help foster more inclusion at work today. No, you hang up first… If this episode resonated with you, Erin wants to hear from you! Share your biggest takeaway, your own DEI experiences, or how you’re bringing more empathy and inclusion into your workplace. And if you’re ready to take the next step, grab a copy of I See You! or bring improv-based training to your team. Let’s create workplaces where people feel valued, seen, and empowered. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet, here. It’s a 3-part list of helpful phrases you can use before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call. Also, here's a link to the Kelly Scullin episode that Erin mentioned in today’s episode: Episode 96: How American Marketing Association Created a Company Culture Centered Around Yes, And with Kelly Scullin.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here.   Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Feb 24, 2025 • 9min

Snack 2: The One Improv Trick to Build Inclusion in 5 Minutes

You care about your people, but leadership can feel like an uphill battle—burnout, disengagement, awkward silences. Sound familiar? Enter: Radical Empathy. In today’s Workday Playdate “Snack,” Erin gives you a quick-win improv activity that you can try in your next meeting: 1.     Pair up your team members (or do this in a group!). 2.     One person starts making simple movements—raising an arm, nodding, shifting posture. 3.     The other person mirrors those movements exactly, as if they were a reflection. 4.     Switch roles after a minute. 5.     Debrief with the question: “How did it feel to be fully seen and in sync with someone else?” Boom. Instant connection. Try it and watch what shifts. For more, grab Erin’s book I See You! or book our Empathetic Leader Keynote. Journal Prompt Who on your team might be feeling unseen? How can you acknowledge them today? If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet here. Break out this 3-part list of helpful phrases before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Feb 19, 2025 • 29min

278: Radical Empathy at Work: Stories from 'I See You!

Think empathy is just a “soft skill”? Think again. It’s your leadership superpower—one that builds trust, fuels innovation, and keeps teams engaged. But here’s the kicker: real empathy isn’t just about feeling—it’s about leading with it. In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin takes you beyond the pages of her book I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy to unpack the ripple effect it’s had on leaders, teams, and workplaces over the past year. From boardrooms to book clubs, keynote stages to personal breakthroughs, this book has sparked real change—and today, Erin’s sharing the stories that prove it. Here’s what’s inside: Why Empathy is a Leadership Game-Changer—According to Harvard Business Review, empathetic leaders drive higher trust, innovation, and employee satisfaction. The iDiehl Day Framework—One simple shift that increased a team’s productivity by 20%. From South Carolina to Tokyo—How I See You! made its way into the hands of thought leaders like Gabby Bernstein and global teams navigating burnout. How Writing This Book Changed Everything—From trusting her voice to realizing this message belongs to you—the leaders making an impact. A Practical Empathy Exercise—One small step to bring more radical empathy into your workday right now. A Quick Favor… If you’ve read I See You! or been inspired by this episode, Erin wants to hear from you! Send a note, share your story, and let’s keep the empathy ripple effect going. And if you haven’t grabbed your copy yet—what are you waiting for? It’s time to put empathy into action. So, grab your coffee, tea, or whatever fuels your inner rockstar, and let’s dive in. Because every workday is a playdate waiting to happen! Listen now to start leading with radical empathy. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet, here. It’s a 3-part list of helpful phrases you can use before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Feb 17, 2025 • 10min

Snack 1: How to Let Empathy Shape Your Leadership Style

Welcome to Workday Playdate—new name, same mission, more fun! If you're a leader looking to energize your team, you're in the right place.   You care about your people, but leadership can feel like an uphill battle—burnout, disengagement, awkward silences. Sound familiar? Enter: Radical Empathy.   In today’s Workday Playdate “Snack,” Erin gives you a quick win improv activity that you can try in your next meeting:   1. Ask: “What’s been your biggest challenge this week?” 2. Listen. Repeat back what they said in your own words. 3. Say: “If I were in your shoes, I might feel… Does that resonate?”   Boom. Instant connection. Try it and watch what shifts.   For more, grab Erin’s book I See You! or book our Empathetic Leader Keynote at learntoimproveit.com.   Journal Prompt Who on your team works hard but may not feel seen? How can you acknowledge them today?   If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet here. Break out this 3-part list of helpful phrases before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call.  No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram  
undefined
Feb 12, 2025 • 43min

277: Why Wendy Gonzalez Fires Herself Every Year, and Why You Should Too!

Radical empathy in leadership isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. But practicing it? That takes intention, self-awareness, and a willingness to evolve. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Erin sits down with Wendy Gonzalez to dive deep into what it truly means to lead with radical empathy. Wendy is the CEO at Sama and is passionate about building high-performing, high-functioning teams that develop and scale innovative, impactful technology. Wendy shares her bold philosophy of "firing yourself" annually—a practice that keeps leaders accountable to the ever-changing needs of their organizations. They break down the power of vulnerability, the necessity of introspection, and why stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away. Wendy also reveals why natural curiosity is a superpower and how surrounding yourself with passionate people leads to greater impact. And in a moment of pure inspiration, she shares her personal purpose—raising good humans. If you're ready to rethink leadership, embrace change, and lead with more heart—this episode is for you. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Tomorrow Ready Checklist, here. Use this checklist to remember who you are, what you stand for, and what you actually want to spend your time doing.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Wendy Gonzalez Wendy’s LinkedIn Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Feb 5, 2025 • 20min

276: Lead with Empathy in 2025: The 2-Step Shortcut

Empathy at work (and outside of work) is simpler than you think, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In Episode 276 of the improve it! Podcast, Erin discusses why mastering empathy will unlock deeper connections, increase employee engagement, and give you more meaningful results. Erin gives you her 2-step shortcut for leading with empathy that you can bring to work tomorrow. She also gives you the deets on the improv game that you can play 100% of the time in your head to help you be more empathetic. If you’re working on training your empathy muscles this year—this is the episode for you. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Tomorrow Ready Checklist, here. Use this checklist to remember who you are, what you stand for, and what you actually want to spend your time doing.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Jan 29, 2025 • 36min

275: From Hot Mess to Goal-Getter: Real Talk on Intentions

What if the secret to empowering your team and reclaiming your day wasn’t about setting more goals, but about leading with intention? Imagine turning your 'hot mess' moments into clear, purpose-driven leadership—this framework will show you how.   1. Self-Reflection: Know Your "Hot Mess" Moments Before you can set meaningful intentions, you need to identify where you are today. Effective leadership begins with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on your strengths, blind spots, and the patterns that hold you back. For instance, imagine a manager overwhelmed by endless meetings and tasks, only to end the day feeling unproductive. This "hot mess" state often stems from unclear priorities, not time management. To help uncover these habits, try the "Mirror, Mirror" improv exercise, where leaders mirror each other’s actions to build awareness of how their behaviors impact their teams. Authentic leadership begins with understanding yourself—and research supports this, showing that self-aware leaders build trust and reduce employee turnover. 2. Define Clear and Purposeful Intentions Goals focus on what you want to achieve, but intentions emphasize how you want to show up along the way. Instead of setting a goal to "increase team communication," focus on an intention like "fostering a safe space where everyone feels heard." This shift to intention-driven leadership makes goals more sustainable. Use the "Yes, And" improv exercise to layer intentions onto your leadership goals. For example, if your goal is to improve one-on-one meetings, your intention could be to "build deeper trust during those conversations." Studies from Gallup reveal that leaders with a clear sense of purpose are significantly more effective at engaging their teams. 3. Turn Intentions into Actionable Plans Intentions are only impactful when paired with concrete steps. If your intention is to "lead with empathy," plan to check in with each team member weekly for 15 minutes. The "Obstacle Course" improv exercise is a playful way to practice this, as participants map out their intentions while navigating unexpected challenges. This highlights the importance of creating triggers—such as calendar reminders—to stay consistent. Studies on implementation intentions show that linking actions to specific cues boosts follow-through by 91%. When intentions translate into daily habits, leadership growth becomes inevitable. 4. Maintain Flexibility and Adaptability Leadership rarely goes as planned, so adaptability is key. When unexpected challenges arise—like a project derailing due to budget cuts—a flexible leader adjusts the execution while staying anchored in the original intention. The "New Choice" improv exercise demonstrates how to pivot in real-time while preserving your core purpose. Leaders who model resilience not only solve problems more effectively but also inspire innovation within their teams. Harvard Business Review reports that adaptable leadership leads to 30% higher innovation rates. 5. Reflect and Iterate: Progress, Not Perfection Finally, remember that intentions aren’t "set it and forget it." Consistent reflection allows you to refine your approach. For example, a manager who struggles to mentor staff regularly may pivot to bi-weekly group mentoring sessions instead. Celebrate lessons learned with the "Failure Celebration" improv exercise, where leaders share moments of missed intentions, reframing them as growth opportunities. This iterative approach to intention setting boosts long-term leadership efficacy by normalizing progress over perfection, as highlighted by the Center for Creative Leadership. Final Thoughts By applying this five-step framework, you can unlock a new level of mindful leadership that empowers both yourself and your team. Pick one intention to focus on this week, and reflect each evening on how well you honored it. Share your progress on social media or within our improve it! community to inspire others. Intentional leaders create empowered teams—and this year, that leader can be you. If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Tomorrow Ready Checklist here. Use this checklist to remember who you are, what you stand for, and what you actually want to spend your time doing.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here.   Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram
undefined
Jan 22, 2025 • 40min

274: Step Into Their Shoes: Intentional Empathy with Virtual Reality with Vivian Acquah

Vivian Acquah is paving the way for more inclusive and equitable workplaces. She’s not just a DEI consultant; she’s a force of nature dedicated to helping leaders like you create cultures where everyone belongs. As the founder of Amplify DEI, Vivian combines innovation, empathy, and practical tools to inspire lasting change. You can connect with her on LinkedIn at the link below and get ready to feel inspired. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Vivian and Erin get real about how to show up for your team and for yourself. They dive into everything from intention setting to the game-changing role of empathy in leadership. Vivian shares her journey of overcoming workplace discrimination—a story that’s both heartbreaking and empowering—and how it fuels her mission to make DEI accessible and actionable. Erin and Vivian also explore how cutting-edge tools like virtual reality can enhance DEI training, plus practical ways you can foster inclusion right now. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. But first, here are five nuggets of wisdom to take with you. 1. Start with Alignment Let’s face it: leadership without alignment is like a GPS without a destination. Vivian stressed the importance of knowing your values and setting clear intentions. When your actions match your mission, you’re not just leading—you’re inspiring. This is your reminder to check in with yourself: Are your actions in sync with your why? 2. Empathy: Your Leadership Superpower Empathy isn’t fluff—it’s the glue that holds inclusive teams together. Vivian shared how putting yourself in someone else’s shoes builds trust and connection. It’s about listening, validating, and creating space for others to thrive. If you’re not leaning into empathy, you’re missing the secret sauce of great leadership. 3. Think Outside the Box with Virtual Reality Imagine walking in someone else’s shoes—literally. Vivian blew my mind with how virtual reality can immerse people in diverse experiences, making DEI concepts hit home on a deeper level. This isn’t just tech for tech’s sake; it’s a tool to spark real understanding and action. 4. Mistakes Are the Price of Progress Here’s the truth: you’re going to mess up. And that’s okay. Vivian reminded us that mistakes are opportunities to grow, not reasons to stop. When you create a safe space for open dialogue, you empower your team to tackle tough topics head-on. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. 5. DEI is Everyone’s Job DEI isn’t just a box to check or something for HR to handle. It’s a collective responsibility. Vivian’s practical tools—like conversation cards—make it easier to engage your team in meaningful discussions. The future of DEI is about showing up, staying committed, and adapting as we learn. Final Thoughts This episode is packed with tools, tips, and truth bombs to help you lead with more intention and impact. Vivian’s insights remind us that creating inclusive workplaces isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. By embracing alignment, empathy, and innovation, you can inspire your team and make real change happen. If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Tomorrow Ready Checklist here. Use this checklist to remember who you are, what you stand for, and what you actually want to spend your time doing.   No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Vivian Acquah Vivian’s LinkedIn Vivian’s Amplify DEI Cards. Use promo code AMP2025MK10 for a 10% off discount at checkout. Vivian’s website Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s Instagram

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app