

Workday Playdate
Erin Diehl | Passion Struck Network
TOP 1% GLOBAL PODCAST for People-First Leaders
Formerly the "improve it! Podcast." #9 in BEST 100 SELF LEADERSHIP PODCASTS.
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." #9 in BEST 100 SELF LEADERSHIP PODCASTS.
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

Mar 27, 2024 • 46min
231: Ready to Negotiate Like a Pro in High-Stake Conversations? Tune in with FBI Insider Chris Voss
Chris Voss worked as a Supervisory Special Agent for the FBI, specializing in negotiation. Now Chris is the World's #1 Negotiation Coach, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author of Never Split The Difference, and CEO at The Black Swan Group, Ltd. In today’s episode, Erin and Chris discuss identification versus feeling when it comes to empathy, the power of the pause in high-stake conversations, and why tactical empathy is the key to collaboration. If you’re looking for tangible strategies for improving your communication skills – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You! Happening on April 17th Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here. Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Chris Voss: Chris’s LinkedIn
Chris’s company website
Chris’s Tuesday newsletter, The Edge
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 20, 2024 • 52min
230: Ready to Land Your Dream Job? Matthew Sorensen Shares Insider Tips
Matthew Sorensen is the Creator/Host of The Job Interview Experience podcast. An expert in his field, Matthew is going to share everything you need to know from the perspective of the next person who’s recruiting you for your dream job. In today’s episode, Erin and Matthew discuss how to say no at the right times because you know what you’re worth, the ONE game changer you haven’t been including in your cover letters until now, and why offering a solution is the most effective way to catapult yourself to the top of the candidate pool. If you’re looking for foolproof ways to improve your job search experience – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You!
Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Matthew Sorensen: Matthew’s LinkedIn
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 13, 2024 • 20min
229: Can a Leadership Book Change Your Team's Culture? A Sneak Peek into Our Virtual Book Club
As leaders, what if we thought about hitting key life metrics as much as we think about hitting key performance metrics? Sure, we want sales and production to increase, but we also want to see our teammates going to that pottery class after work because they have the capacity to do so, and because they want to do it. In today’s episode, Erin gives you the 411 on how to create a work culture that honors human beings, not human doings and the inside scoop on one of improve it!’s newest offerings: virtual book club. If you’re looking for a change at work but you’re not sure what it is yet – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Sign up for the FREE virtual public book club for I See You!
Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time! Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 6, 2024 • 43min
228: Ever Wonder How to Master Storytelling? Ready for James Ontra’s Jaw-Dropping Presentation Tips?
James Ontra is the CEO and Co-Founder of Shufflrr. Shufflrr is AI Presentation Management, and gives users a fast, easy way to create and share a presentation. James joins Erin today to discuss the key components to every great presentation, why emotion is your most vital asset, and the difference between knowing the what of what you’re presenting and the why. If you’re looking for a refresh on your presentation style – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time! Connect with James Ontra: James’ LinkedIn
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
"I love this podcast and I love Erin!!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 28, 2024 • 48min
227: Imposter Syndrome Got You Down? Get On the Up with Jule Kim
Jule Kim is an Executive Leadership Coach, imposter syndrome expert, and keynote speaker. Jule joins Erin today to discuss what we think imposter syndrome is versus what it actually is, the differences between imposter syndrome and people pleasing, and why her biggest lesson is to get your head on straight before you do anything. If you’re up for some hard truths to examine about yourself (and strategies to improve!) – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time! Connect with Jule Kim: Jule’s LinkedIn
Jule’s Instagram
Jule’s Tik Tok
Jule’s website
Jule’s Self-Love Affirmations & Reflections card deck
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 21, 2024 • 28min
226: Want to Know My Author Story? Here’s How I Was Guided to Write My Book
In today’s episode, Erin tells you about the three P’s (pivoting, people-pleasing, and pain) that she experienced as the pandemic began in 2020, and how the tools and strategies she developed in her healing cocoon led her to the message she received to write her first book. Erin explains how you can look to every external source you want to, but that the real healing begins with you. If you’re up for a story time and some healing inspiration – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Check out Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s podcast, Where Work Meets Life
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 14, 2024 • 41min
225: Want to Write a Book? Success Secrets from My Publisher & Editor Tess Newton
Tess Newton is an Editorial Lead at Greenleaf Book Group, where she uses her love of words to transform manuscripts from a wide variety of genres—business, self-help, memoir, fiction, health—into polished, professional books. In today’s episode, Tess joins Erin to talk about the publishing process for Erin’s book that’s launching on February 20th (!), what an editor’s role is vs. what it is not, and the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. Tess describes what you actually need to send to publishers to write a book (hint: it’s not an entire manuscript) and how to build an audience that will support your book launch. If you've ever considered writing a book – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Check out Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s podcast, Where Work Meets Life
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Tess Newton: Tess’s LinkedIn
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 7, 2024 • 52min
224: How Do You Get Struck with Your Own Passion? John Miles Tells All
John Miles is the Founder & CEO of Passion Struck, Podcast Host, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Navy Veteran. In today’s episode, John joins Erin to talk about the differences between your actual self, ought self, and ideal self; why he felt numb when he was at the height of his career; and what it means to pursue your passion versus a profession. John shares about his near-death experience, how it shifted his life perspective forever, and how you can start playing big by picking one small element of your life and doubling down on it. If you want to start letting your passion lead you instead of your stress – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Check out Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s podcast, Where Work Meets Life
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with John Miles: John’s LinkedIn
John’s Podcast
John’s Instagram
John’s website
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 31, 2024 • 44min
223: How Do You Stand in Your Power to Draw Others In? Protect Your Vibes with Rita Buck
Rita Buck is a certified sound bath instructor and brand ambassador for Erin Diehl. In today’s episode, improve it!’s Marketing Manager, Nicole Entzeroth, talks with Rita about how the only two things you can control are your attitude and your effort, the guilt we carry to “brighten each other up,” and why you should be asking for help as a leader. Rita gives you a physical exercise you can do to literally stand in your power and a morning routine to protect your energy all day long. If you’re looking for new ways to stand in your power so you can attract the right people at the right time – this is the episode for you. Show Links: Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Check out Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s podcast, Where Work Meets Life
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
Connect with Erin Diehl: @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it! TikTok Improve it! Instagram Improve it! Facebook improve it! website Book a Laugh Break Book a Workshop Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com
“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 24, 2024 • 25min
222: Are You Ready to Stop Playing Small? Discover these Game-Changing Strategies to Elevate Your Leadership Presence
You know what limiting beliefs, not going after your dreams, and the fear of failure have in common? Playing small. Then maybe talking yourself out of it for a bit. And then playing small again. In today’s episode, Erin walks you two activities from one of her dear friends that will help you set the tone for the year, get specific about what it is you want, and literally burn away old habits. If you're looking for an extra umph into achieving your goals this year, this is the episode for you. Show Links: · Purchase the I See You Meditation Album · Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy · Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here Check out Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett's podcast, Where Work Meets Life · Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us. · Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here. · Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here. Connect with Erin Diehl: · @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter · Erin’s LinkedIn · improve it! TikTok · Improve it! Instagram · Improve it! Facebook · improve it! website · Book a Laugh Break · Book a Workshop · Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


