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!

Episodes

Mentioned books

Aug 18, 2021 • 34min

68. Hybrid Work Series: Engaging and Cultivating Company Culture in this New Hybrid World

Happy Wednesday, improve it! Fam! We’re here with a series you don’t want to miss. Erin, your hybrid hype woman, is excited to share four weeks of awesome tips and tricks as you enter the new and improved world of hybrid work. Listen in to week 1 of this series and learn the why and how on creating an engaging and cultivating company culture as you work from home and in 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! Rocket Fuel Book Get your Hybrid Hype Handout – follow along with us in the series! 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 11, 2021 • 51min

67. Your Permission Slip To Break the Mold of Old School Leadership with Madison Butler

It’s that time of week, improve it! Fam! New episode Wednesday with inspirational guest, Madison Butler! Authenticity is at the root of this episode, and today you’ll hear about... What it means to be a recovering recruiter Madison’s views on conventional leadership and how she broke the mold and became the blue haired unicorn How to show up more authentically to your team and to yourself! Enjoy and don’t forget to leave us a review! Connect with Madison Butler: Madison Butler is a New Englander at heart but moved to Austin in 2017. Her work is focused around creating equitable spaces and creating scalable strategies to achieve psychological safety. She is an outspoken advocate for mental health, destigmatizing trauma, DEI and the ability to be "human at work". She is passionate about facilitating hard conversations through storytelling, data and tough empathy. Madison is committed to deconstructing the status quo and rebuilding corporate America, one organization at a time. Her mission is to ensure that no one ever feels like corporate spaces were not made for them, and they can live, work, and exist out loud. She is a start-up enthusiast and is passionate about building inclusive teams from the ground up with early stage companies. Madison is committed to helping change the narrative around what it looks like to be “human at work”, and hoping to help alleviate unconscious bias in corporate America. LinkedIn Website Twitter Instagram Pronoun LinkedIn Post 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 4, 2021 • 26min

63. A Failed It! Review: Fails in Racial Injustice, Empathy, Authenticity and Creating Safe Spaces

Failed it! Fam, you’re in for a special treat. In today’s episode, we’re sharing some of the highlights of our greatest moments we’ve had on the show thus far. Tune in and listen as we celebrate the fails past and those to come with Erin! Links from show discussions: Episode 11 with Jai Brown Episode 42 with Rich Robles Episode 43 with Ravyn Miller Episode 58 with Betsy McCann About the Host: Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running and beach dates with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! podcast on Instagram @learntoimproveit and facebook, and you can follow Erin personally on Instagram @keepinitrealdiehl here. You can also check out improve it! and how we can help your organization at www.learntoimproveit.com. We can’t wait to connect with you online! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 12, 2021 • 17min

MINISODE #6: How to Fast Track Yourself for Career Growth with Rachel Oliveros

Failed it! Fam – Are you trying to grow swiftly in your career? On today’s minisode, our Podcast Manager, Rachel Oliveros, is back again to talk to us about how she was able to set herself up for growth in her career using the yes, and mentality. Listen in to hear the steps it takes to really help you climb the ladder quickly! About the Guest: Rachel Oliveros is a Loyola University Chicago alumni where she majored in Marketing and studied abroad in Rome. Rachel has had a history with improve it! prior to working on the podcast, starting as an intern to a Client Services Associate. And now, as the Podcast Manager of failed it!, she works closely with Erin to do all things podcast and help listeners understand that you must fail in order to improve. On top of being creative with show graphics and communicating with inspiring podcast guests, she also enjoys working in Digital Advertising Sales with ViacomCBS. Reach out to her if you're interested in being a guest on The failed it! Podcast! About the Host: Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running and beach dates with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! podcast on Instagram @learntoimproveit and facebook, and you can follow Erin personally on Instagram @keepinitrealdiehl here. You can also check out improve it! and how we can help your organization at www.learntoimproveit.com. We can’t wait to connect with you online!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 7, 2021 • 49min

62. Leading with Conviction with Amena Karim

“So my goal is, my parents have always taught me, that whatever you want for yourself and your family, you need to also want the same for your friends and for your coworkers and for your community.” - Amena Karim Failed it! Fam, we'd like to introduce you to our guest, Amena Karim, an award-winning health equity activist who truly leads with conviction when it comes to what she believes in and supports. She has worked with startups and tech companies to raise money for BIPOC communities. In today’s episode, Amena talks to us about: Her role in helping BIPOC communities Creating Feeding South Shore/Chicago Families Using tech companies to help disenfranchised communities Putting implementation and action into what you support Links from show discussions: Amena’s Accomplishment Contact improve it! To Drop Some F-Bombs About the Guest: Amena is an award-winning health equity activist, a master relationship builder in Brazil oriented leader with an evidence-based orientation with more than 15 years of experience at technology marketing and community engagement, she has demonstrated experience working with startups and enterprise technology organizations, where she is accustomed to wearing many hats. Now in 2020, she raised more than $500,000 to support food insecure, BIPOC communities. About the Host: Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running and beach dates with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! podcast on Instagram @learntoimproveit and facebook, and you can follow Erin personally on Instagram @keepinitrealdiehl here. You can also check out improve it! and how we can help your organization at www.learntoimproveit.com. We can’t wait to connect with you online! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 30, 2021 • 26min

61. How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Leaders

“We compare the worst of ourselves to the best of others. We are so much tougher on ourselves than we are on our friends." - Erin Diehl Failed it! Fam, are you a leader who constantly compares yourself to someone else? Well, leading is a mental game. We are only as strong as our weakest thought, and you have other eyes and ears looking to you for guidance. And if your weakest thoughts are the loudest thoughts in your ear, how are you going to lead your peeps? How are you going to build up your team? In today’s episode, Erin talks to us about: The comparison spiral Triggers and how to quiet your mind when they show up unannounced Exercises to help overcome “comparisonitis” Links from show discussions: Book a Workshop with improve it! About the Host: Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running and beach dates with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! podcast on Instagram @learntoimproveit and facebook, and you can follow Erin personally on Instagram @keepinitrealdiehl here. You can also check out improve it! and how we can help your organization at www.learntoimproveit.com. We can’t wait to connect with you online! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 28, 2021 • 16min

MINISODE #5: How to Create a Safe Space for your Team Using “Yes, And” - with Rosie Moan

Failed it! Fam – Have you heard of Yes, And? On today’s minisode, our improve it! Lead Facilitator- Rosie Moan, is here to talk to us about the importance of Yes, And within your team. Listen in to hear how it can open up a safe space for your team to explore new ideas, boost creativity and enhance morale. Yes it works, AND we are here to spill the beans on how! 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 Rosie Moan, a North Carolina native with a Midwest heart. She has lived in Chicago since 2011 and in that time has trained at Second City, iO (formerly Improv Olympic), and the Annoyance theater. On top of regularly performing and teaching at all three, she is also an on-camera coach and actor mentor. Outside of the stage, she has 7 years of Corporate experience, 5 of which are in recruiting. Rosie has trained thousands of corporate professionals all over the country and can say with confidence, she is a master of the chicken dance. Rosie has conducted workshops with improve it! across the country leveraging improvisational techniques to improve employees’ soft skills in corporate settings, including PepsiCo and American Marketing Association. improve it! has worked with clients such as United Airlines, Motorola Solutions, Groupon, Deloitte, The PrivateBank and the Illinois CPA Society. improve it! earned the Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award in 2014 and has been nominated for the Chicago Innovation Award for the past four consecutive years. Rosie will be sharing her thoughts on how to effectively communicate by using the methodologies of improvisation. We invite you to join us for this unforgettable experiential learning opportunity! Favorite improv quote: “Change is the only constant. Learn to surf your life instead of planting your feet.” - Amy Poehler About the Host: Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running and beach dates with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! podcast on Instagram @learntoimproveit and facebook, and you can follow Erin personally on Instagram @keepinitrealdiehl here. You can also check out improve it! and how we can help your organization at www.learntoimproveit.com. We can’t wait to connect with you online!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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