

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

Apr 2, 2025 • 26min
284: From Quiet Dreamer to Bold Leader: Her Make-A-Wish Story
What if one wish could change everything? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Dana and her family to talk about the incredible journey of how a single wish turned a shy, quiet dreamer into a bold, confident leader. Through the power of Make-A-Wish, Dana found her voice—and a love for beluga whales along the way. We dive into the emotional and unexpected ways a wish can transform not just a moment, but a lifetime. From overcoming fears to finding confidence in the little things—like paying for groceries or speaking in front of a crowd—Dana’s story is proof that sometimes, the biggest waves come from the smallest voices. Inside This Episode: How an eight-year-old’s wish to visit the Georgia Aquarium became a turning point in her life. The surprising confidence boost that came after petting a beluga whale’s tongue (yes, really). Why small steps—like asking for help in a grocery store—can lead to big personal growth. The ripple effect of a wish: how one moment of courage can change an entire mindset. What Dana’s parents learned about pushing past comfort zones and embracing new challenges. Who This Episode Is For: Anyone who has ever felt too small, too quiet, or too afraid to step outside their comfort zone. Parents looking for ways to empower their kids. And anyone who needs a reminder that courage isn’t always about being fearless—it’s about taking that first step, even when it’s scary. Get ready for a story that will warm your heart, make you laugh, and just might inspire you to take a bold step of your own. If you’re interested in donating to Erin’s Make-A-Wish fundraiser to help bring hope, joy, and strength to children facing critical illnesses—click here. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The 5-Minute Team Commitment Reset, here. It’s a plug-and-play exercise that will get your team mentally present, engaged, and committed before any meeting. 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
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Erin’s TikTok
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 31, 2025 • 10min
Snack 7: How to Turn Dreams into Team Wins: The Leadership Glow-Up You Need
Today, we’re talking about something anyone could use at any given time: a leadership sprucey spruce. If you want to turn team dreams into company wins, you’re in the right place. The Problem: Why Teams Are Not Engaged Ever feel like your team is running on autopilot? Like they’re doing just enough but not really bringing their A-game? It’s not because they don’t care—it’s because they don’t feel like their ideas matter. They’re waiting for permission to be bold. And guess what? You can give it to them. The Solution: The Out-of-the-Box Improv Hack You Need In today’s Snack, we’re shaking things up with a little game called The Fortune Teller Brainstorm. Here’s how it works: Have each team member write down a big, wild dream they have for the team—think moonshot ideas with no limits. Fold them up, toss them in a bowl, and randomly pull one out. As a group, pretend it’s five years in the future and this dream has already happened. How did you get there? What steps did you take? Just like that, you’ve turned a dream into a game plan. Try this in your next meeting and watch how quickly your team starts thinking big. Journal Prompts to chew on: What’s the wildest dream I have for my team’s success? How can I create a fun way to encourage new ideas? Who on my team needs a confidence boost today, and how can I give it to them? And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The 5-Minute Team Commitment Reset here. Use this plug-and-play exercise at the start of any meeting to get your team mentally present, engaged, and committed. 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
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 26, 2025 • 40min
283: From Mistakes to Mastery: Career Tips for Bold, Courageous Leaders
What does it take to leave a prestigious job at Google to chase your true passion? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Jenny Wood, the visionary behind Google's Own Your Career program. Jenny candidly shares her transformative journey from a high-powered corporate role to embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. She delves into the challenges of imposter syndrome, the courage required to be unapologetically selfish in pursuing personal goals, and the art of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Jenny also introduces her innovative goal-setting framework, 'Rock, Chalk, Talk, Walk,' designed to help individuals clearly define and achieve their aspirations. Inside This Episode: The pivotal moments that led Jenny to leave Google and follow her passion. Understanding and overcoming imposter syndrome in professional transitions. The role of 'wild courage' in embracing one's unique traits and ambitions. Strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries to protect personal time. An introduction to the 'Rock, Chalk, Talk, Walk' goal-setting framework. Who This Episode Is For: Aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals contemplating a career change, and anyone seeking to overcome self-doubt to pursue their true passions. If you're looking for actionable insights on personal growth, boundary setting, and effective goal planning, this episode is a must-listen. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The 5-Minute Team Commitment Reset, here. It’s a plug-and-play exercise that will get your team mentally present, engaged, and committed before any meeting. 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 Jenny Wood Jenny’s LinkedIn
Jenny’s website
Jenny’s book, Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It
Jenny’s newsletter
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s website
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 24, 2025 • 8min
Snack 6: How to Turn Career Mistakes into Growth
Hey, hey, Workday Playdate peeps! It’s time for your quick bite of leadership wisdom—a little boost of inspiration, energy, and playfulness to brighten your workday. Today, we’re talking about something we ALL have in common: mistakes. Yep, those cringe-worthy, face-palm moments that keep us up at night. But guess what? Your mistakes aren’t just embarrassing bloopers; they’re your greatest career growth hacks. So, what do we do? We improvise, using the The "Next Line, Please" Hack. What it is: In improv, when a scene stalls or someone blanks out, we use a simple trick: we ask for the next line. Instead of panicking, we literally turn to our scene partner and say, "Next line, please?" and they feed us something to work with. How to use it in real life: Ever been in a meeting where you completely blank on what to say? Or maybe you’re giving a presentation and your brain just short-circuits mid-sentence? Instead of freezing or rambling, do this: Pause. (Silence feels longer to you than it does to them.) Take a breath. (Gives your brain time to reset.) Ask for the ‘next line.’ This can be as simple as: "Can you repeat the question?" (Buys time and refocuses.) "Let me gather my thoughts for a second." (Gives permission to pause.) "That’s a great point—can you expand on that while I process?" (Keeps the conversation flowing.) This breaks the pressure of perfection and allows you to regroup without the awkwardness. Try it today! When you get stuck, don’t force it—just ask for the next line. If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The 5-Minute Team Commitment Reset here. Use this plug-and-play exercise at the start of any meeting to get your team mentally present, engaged, and committed. 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
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 19, 2025 • 13min
282: Why Leaders Are Obsessed with Improv for Team Growth
What if the secret to high-performing teams wasn’t another strategy session—but an improv game? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin dives into how improvisation is transforming team dynamics, leadership, and workplace culture. From LinkedIn to Amazon, top companies are embracing improv as a tool for boosting psychological safety, engagement, and creativity. If you’ve ever struggled with silent meetings, hesitant team members, or a lack of collaboration, this episode is for you. Inside This Episode: Why improv isn’t just for comedians—it’s a powerful leadership tool. The surprising stats that show why most teams are set up for stagnation, not growth. How companies like Uber Freight and The Obama Foundation are using improv to build thriving teams. A simple, actionable improv game (“Last Word, First Word”) you can try in your next meeting. How playfulness fuels productivity (without turning work into a joke). Who This Episode Is For: Leaders, managers, and team members who want to create a culture where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and collaborate at their best. If your meetings feel stale or your team plays it too safe, this episode will show you how to shake things up—with fun that leads to real results. And if you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The 5-Minute Team Commitment Reset, here. It’s a plug-and-play exercise that will get your team mentally present, engaged, and committed before any meeting. 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
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improve it!’s website
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 17, 2025 • 10min
Snack 5: Why Playing Pretend Can Save Your Team (No, Seriously, Steal this Hack)
Hey, hey, Workday Playdate peeps! It’s time for your quick bite of leadership wisdom—a little boost of inspiration, energy, and playfulness to brighten your workday.Today, we’re talking about the power of play. When was the last time you truly played pretend? Not just faking enthusiasm for Bob’s homemade cookies at the office potluck—but really letting your imagination run wild like you did as a kid.That same playful energy can transform your team. Too many teams are stuck in “work mode” 24/7. They’re afraid of looking silly, stressed, overwhelmed, and holding back ideas. The stats don’t lie:Only 32% of employees are engaged at work. (Gallup)76% of employees don’t feel psychologically safe to take risks. (Harvard Business Review)Your team is playing it safe instead of playing to win. But today, we’re changing that with a simple improv hack: The Superhero Power Exercise.How it works:At the start of your next meeting, tell your team: “Today, you’re a superhero with a power that makes you unstoppable at work.”Give them 30 seconds to think of their superhero name and work superpower.Captain Collaboration—uniting teams in a single boundDeadline Destroyer—crushing timelines before they even startGo around the room (or Zoom) and have each person introduce themselves in character.Bonus points for striking a superhero pose.Why this works:Breaks the ice and makes people comfortableTaps into creativity and shifts thinkingInstantly changes the energy in the roomTry it out and watch your team loosen up and engage. If you liked this, don’t miss our next full episode, where we’ll dive into why leaders at LinkedIn, Amazon, and Uber Freight use improv for team growth.Journal Prompts:When was the last time I allowed myself to play at work?How can I bring more creativity to my team this week?What work superpower would I give myself, and how can I use it more often?Until next time, keep playing, keep leading, and remember—the world needs the special IT that only you can bring.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 websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 12, 2025 • 42min
281: Leadership with a Laugh: Inspiring Teams Through Humor and Play with JaMarr John Johnson
What if the key to stronger leadership, deeper team connections, and a more engaged workplace wasn’t another corporate training—but a well-timed joke? In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with comedian, speaker, and leadership coach JaMarr John Johnson to explore how humor, storytelling, and community can transform the way we work and lead. From his journey in the military to the comedy stage—and even learning from legends like Dave Chappelle—JaMarr shares powerful insights on how to balance playfulness with professionalism, inject laughter into leadership, and build teams that thrive on connection. Inside This Episode: Why humor isn’t just about being funny—it’s about connection, engagement, and trust. The lessons JaMarr learned from Dave Chappelle about values, ethics, and leadership. How storytelling can turn workplace challenges into opportunities for growth. Light roasting: When playful humor enhances team culture (and when it doesn’t). The key to creating a workplace where laughter fuels productivity instead of being a distraction. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who want to build teams that thrive in uncertainty, handle challenges with ease, and stay engaged—even when things don’t go as planned. If you’re tired of stiff, disengaged meetings and want to inject some energy, connection, and creativity into your workplace, 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 JaMarr John Johnson JaMarr’s website
JaMarr’s LinkedIn
JaMarr’s LinkedIn course
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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 10, 2025 • 9min
Snack 4: How to Use Humor to Inspire Your Team
Hey, hey, Workday Playdate peeps! It’s time for your quick bite of leadership wisdom—a little boost of inspiration, energy, and of course, playfulness to brighten your workday. Today, we’re talking about one of the most underrated leadership tools: humor. That’s right—if you want to build connection, trust, and motivation within your team, you don’t need a corporate retreat or a 100-slide deck. Sometimes, all it takes is a well-placed joke, a moment of levity, or the courage to not take yourself too seriously. Want to add more fun to your leadership style? Try this improv-inspired game: The Mis-Translation Game Pick a ‘translator’ and a ‘speaker.’ The ‘speaker’ delivers a serious workplace announcement—but in complete gibberish. Example: “Gloobity blop floo fandango periwinkle!” The ‘translator’ must confidently ‘interpret’ what was just said. Example: “Ah yes, that means today’s meeting will be catered by an army of penguins!” Rotate roles and let the laughter flow. Why does this work? Because it helps teams embrace the unknown, think on their feet, and find joy in the unexpected. And a team that laughs together? That’s a team that trusts each other. Take it further: Reflect on a leader who used humor to inspire you. What did they do? What’s one way you can bring more humor into your leadership style this week? How can you create an environment where your team feels safe to have fun? And don’t forget—next up, we’re going even deeper with JaMarr Johnson, the "Entrepremedian" who helps leaders use humor to build stronger workplace cultures. You don’t want to miss it! 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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.
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