Avsnitt
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin explores why speaking up at work has far less to do with competence and far more to do with confidence. If you've ever left a meeting thinking, "I should have said something," you're not alone—and you're probably more prepared than you think.
If you've ever had the perfect idea thirty seconds too late, watched someone else say what you were thinking, or struggled to find your voice in meetings, this conversation is for you. Using improv principles and practical strategies, Erin shares how to stop disappearing on the back line and start contributing with more confidence, more quickly, and more consistently.
Inside This Episode:
Speaking Up Is Usually a Confidence Issue, Not a Competence Issue: Most people already know what they want to say, they just hesitate when the moment arrives. Erin explores why the gap between thinking and speaking is often driven by fear, not ability. Silence Feels Safe, But It Can Make You Invisible: Staying quiet may protect you from saying the wrong thing, but it can also prevent others from seeing your ideas, expertise, and leadership potential. Early and frequent participation changes how people experience you. Confidence Is Built Through Reps, Not Perfection: The goal isn't to feel ready before you contribute. The goal is to contribute and let confidence catch up. Erin shares why speaking up is a skill built through practice, not personality. The SPEAK Framework Makes Participation Easier: Erin introduces the improv-inspired SPEAK framework to help you contribute more naturally in meetings: Set up the scene, Preload your line, Enter early, Anchor the room, and Keep building. Consistency Changes Your Identity: Speaking up once feels brave. Speaking up repeatedly changes how you see yourself and how others see you. Confidence isn't built in a single moment; it's built in patterns.What to Do Now:
Set Up the Scene: Before your next meeting, identify one idea, question, or perspective you want to contribute before the conversation begins. Preload Your Line: Prepare a simple opener such as, "One thing that stands out to me is..." or "I'd like to build on that idea..." so you're not starting from zero when the moment arrives. Enter Early: Challenge yourself to speak within the first ten minutes of your next meeting. Momentum is easier to maintain than it is to create. Anchor the Room: Remember that your contribution doesn't just help you—it creates permission for others to participate, ask questions, and share ideas too. Keep Building: Confidence is earned through repetition. Every time you speak up, you're collecting evidence that your voice belongs in the room.Your Freebie
You’re calm, capable, and composed… until things take an unexpected turn (as they tend to do)! This is exactly why we created The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Uncertain Situation.
It’s your go-to guide for staying grounded when it matters most. Download it here.
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Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership community Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s InstagramConnect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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“Sometimes you have to leave home to see home.”
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin takes listeners on a journey through Shanghai, Singapore, and Bali to unpack what a month abroad taught her about thinking on her feet and appreciating the life waiting back home.
What starts as an international travel adventure quickly becomes a masterclass in working parenthood, and the improv mindset required when every plan goes sideways.
If you've ever had to pivot quickly, parent imperfectly, navigate uncertainty, or figure it out as you go, this episode is a reminder that flexibility is a skill you can practice.
Inside This Episode:
The Plan Is Just a Suggestion: Delayed flights, closed restaurants, language barriers, and disappearing Wi-Fi become an unexpected lesson in adaptability. Erin shares why asking, "New scene, what's the move?" is often more useful than clinging to the original plan. How Discomfort Expands Your Capability: Whether it's navigating unfamiliar cities, managing food restrictions abroad, or solving problems without your usual routines, Erin explores why confidence often shows up after comfort leaves the room. The Truth About Good Enough Parenting: Forget perfect parenting. Erin reflects on what it means to be present, resourceful, and human while parenting on the road—and why that's more than enough. Why Your Village Matters More Than Ever: From family support to travel companions to the people who step in when life gets complicated, this episode is a celebration of the teams, communities, and ensembles that make hard things possible. Sometimes You Have to Leave Home to See Home: Distance has a funny way of creating clarity. Erin shares how stepping away from everyday life gave her a deeper appreciation for her routines, her community, and the life she built.What to Do Now:
Treat the Plan Like a Draft: The next time something changes unexpectedly, ask yourself: "What's possible now?" instead of "How do I get back to the original plan?" Collect Evidence of Your Capability: Keep track of moments when you handled something difficult, unfamiliar, or inconvenient. Your resilience deserves receipts. Strengthen Your Village: Reach out to someone who has supported you recently and let them know the difference they made. Gratitude is one of the fastest ways to strengthen community.Your Freebie
You’re calm, capable, and composed… until things take an unexpected turn (as they tend to do)! This is exactly why we created The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Uncertain Situation.
It’s your go-to guide for staying grounded when it matters most. Download it here.
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Join Leadership Playground Erin’s website Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok improve it!’s website improve it!’s InstagramConnect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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“Connection is the foundation of effective leadership.” -Dr. Rosalind Cohen
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Dr. Rosalind Cohen to explore why authentic human connection is the foundation of effective leadership. In a world filled with engagement surveys, Dr. Roz makes the case that what people truly want at work is something much simpler: to feel seen, valued, and like they belong.
If you've ever wondered why some workplace cultures thrive while others struggle, this conversation is for you. Using research and practical examples, Dr. Roz shares how leaders can create radically connected cultures where people feel safe, included, and inspired to do their best work.
Inside This Episode:
Engagement and Belonging Are Not the Same Thing: Dr. Roz unpacks the critical difference between employee engagement and belonging, explaining why participation alone isn't enough. True belonging happens when people genuinely feel seen, valued, and included. Why Perks Can't Replace Connection: Free snacks, flexible work policies, and office perks have their place—but they cannot substitute for authentic relationships. Dr. Roz explores why meaningful conversations remain the heart of strong workplace culture. Small Moments Create Big Culture Shifts: Culture isn't built during annual retreats alone. Dr. Roz shares how simple practices like coffee chats, intentional check-ins, and curiosity-driven conversations can strengthen trust and connection every day. Inclusive Leadership Is Built Through Behavior: Creating a connected culture requires more than mission statements and slogans. Dr. Roz discusses the leadership behaviors that foster psychological safety, including curiosity, thoughtful responses, and a "yes, and" mindset. Belonging Is a Leadership Strategy: Dr. Roz explains how intentional rituals, leadership habits, and human-centered communication create stronger teams and higher-performing organizations.What to Do Now:
Schedule One Connection Conversation: Reach out to a colleague for a coffee chat or informal check-in with no agenda other than getting to know them better. Create a Ritual of Belonging: Introduce a simple team ritual, such as personal check-ins or moments of appreciation, to strengthen connection and trust. Remember That Culture Happens in Small Moments: Every interaction is an opportunity to build belonging. Notice how the everyday conversations you have shape the culture around you.About the Guest
Dr. Rosalind Cohen is an organizational psychologist, speaker, researcher, and workplace culture strategist dedicated to helping organizations build more inclusive, connected, and human-centered workplaces. Dr. Roz specializes in employee belonging, engagement, and leadership development, partnering with leaders and organizations to create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Through her research, consulting, and thought leadership, she challenges organizations to move beyond surface-level engagement efforts and intentionally cultivate cultures rooted in trust, inclusion, and authentic connection.
Your Freebie
You’re calm, capable, and composed… until things take an unexpected turn (as they tend to do)! This is exactly why we created The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Uncertain Situation.
It’s your go-to guide for staying grounded when it matters most. Download it here.
Connect with Dr. Rosalind Cohen
Dr. Rosalind’s LinkedIn Dr. Rosalind’s websiteConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership community Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s InstagramConnect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Phylicia McLeod to explore why thinking on your feet has less to do with having the right answer and more to do with trusting yourself. As an improviser, facilitator, teacher, and performer with the The Second City National Touring Company, Phylicia has built a career around navigating uncertainty in real time.
If you've ever found yourself overthinking a decision, freezing under pressure, or wishing you trusted your instincts more, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and an unexpected case for tarot cards.
Inside This Episode:
Why Intuition Deserves a Seat at the Table: Phylicia and Erin discuss how intuition, reflective practices, and self-trust can help us make faster, more confident decisions when uncertainty strikes. How Improv Trains You to Think on Your Feet: Performing improv for a living means making thousands of decisions in real time. Phylicia shares the biggest lessons improv has taught her about trust, adaptability, and moving forward without a script. Tarot Cards, Creativity, and Decision-Making: Before you roll your eyes, hear us out. Phylicia explains how tarot serves as a powerful reflective tool that helps people access intuition, uncover blind spots, and make meaning during uncertain moments. Helping People Move Through the Freeze Response: As a longtime improve it! facilitator, Phylicia has helped countless participants navigate those deer-in-headlights moments. Learn how creating psychological safety and lowering the stakes can help anyone think more clearly under pressure. Unlearning the Need for Certainty: Through her work as co-host of the podcast Unlearning, Phylicia explores what it means to let go of old stories, trust yourself more deeply, and embrace uncertainty as part of growth.What to Do Now:
Listen to Your Gut First: The next time you're facing a difficult decision, give yourself five uninterrupted minutes to write down what your intuition is telling you before seeking outside opinions. Practice Imperfect Action: Thinking on your feet isn't about certainty. It's about making the next move with the information you have and trusting yourself to adjust along the way. Get Curious About Your Patterns: Notice where you tend to overthink, freeze, or seek external validation. Awareness is the first step toward building greater self-trust.About the Guest
Phylicia McLeod is a Chicago-based improviser, writer, voice actor, and educator. She currently tours with The Second City National Touring Company and has been a beloved improve it! facilitator since 2018. In addition to performing and teaching, Phylicia co-hosts the podcast Unlearning, where she explores growth, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. Whether she's on stage, in the classroom, or reading tarot cards, Phylicia is passionate about helping people trust themselves, embrace uncertainty, and lead with curiosity.
Your Freebie
You’re calm, capable, and composed… until things take an unexpected turn (as they tend to do)! This is exactly why we created The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Uncertain Situation.
It’s your go-to guide for staying grounded when it matters most. Download it here.
Connect with Phylicia McLeod
Phylicia’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership community Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s InstagramConnect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this solo episode of Workday Playdate, Erin explores why your intuition might be the most underutilized leadership skill you have. In a world obsessed with data and overthinking, Erin makes the case for trusting the wisdom you've already earned through experience. If you've ever ignored a gut feeling only to say, "I knew it," two weeks later, this episode is for you.
Using cognitive science to practical exercises for better decision-making, Erin shares how to stop outsourcing your knowing and start using your intuition as a career superpower.
Inside This Episode:
Your Gut Is Smarter Than You Think: Erin unpacks the science behind intuition and explains why gut feelings aren't "woo-woo"—they're actually your brain processing years of experience, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence at lightning speed. Why We Stop Trusting Ourselves: Somewhere between spreadsheets, stakeholder meetings, and requests for "more data," many of us learn to ignore our instincts. Erin explores how workplace culture often trains us out of self-trust—and why it's time to relearn it. Introducing the G.U.T.S. Framework: When you're stuck, uncertain, or under pressure, Erin shares her four-step framework for making better decisions by combining intuition with action: Get Quiet: Create enough space to hear what your intuition is trying to tell you. Uncover the Signal: Learn how to distinguish intuition from fear, anxiety, or overthinking. Trust the Move: Stop waiting for perfect certainty and commit to the next right step. Speak It Out: Turn internal knowing into visible leadership by confidently sharing your instincts with others. Intuition Is Thinking Quickly on Your Feet: Great improvisers don't succeed because they overthink. They succeed because they trust their first instinct, commit, and build from there. Erin explains why the same principle applies to leadership, communication, and decision-making at work.What to Do Now:
Do a Gut Check: Identify three decisions or situations where you feel stuck. Ask yourself, "What does my gut already know?" and write down the first answer that appears. Practice the G.U.T.S. Framework: The next time you're facing uncertainty, walk through Get Quiet, Uncover the Signal, Trust the Move, and Speak It Out. Take One Intuitive Action: Choose one decision this week where your intuition serves as the primary input. Commit to the choice and notice what happens.Your Freebie
You’re calm, capable, and composed… until things take an unexpected turn (as they tend to do)! This is exactly why we created The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Uncertain Situation.
It’s your go-to guide for staying grounded when it matters most. Download it here.
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership community Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s InstagramConnect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with John Ulrich and Olga Flores to explore how improvisation can help teams think faster without panicking. As leaders at Antunes, John and Olga have spent the last three years partnering with improve it! to build a culture of adaptability, communication, and creativity across their organization.
If you've ever wondered how to help your team respond instead of react under pressure, this conversation is packed with practical insights and one unforgettable story involving something called Antunes Night Live.
Inside This Episode:
Why Thinking on Your Feet Is a Trainable Skill: John, Olga, and Erin discuss why the ability to stay calm and respond under pressure is a skill that can be practiced and strengthened over time. The Story Behind Antunes Night Live: Discover how John and Olga partnered with improve it! to create one of the most creative leadership development experiences imaginable, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can have a lasting impact on team culture. How Improv Builds Better Sales Teams: In sales, curveballs are inevitable. John and Olga share how improv training has helped their team navigate uncertainty, communicate more effectively, and handle unexpected customer situations with greater confidence. Building a Culture That Embraces Change: From workshops to team events, learn how Antunes has used improv to create stronger relationships, foster psychological safety, and encourage employees to experiment, learn, and grow together. Getting Team Buy-In for Something New: Bringing improv into the workplace can feel like a leap. John and Olga offer advice for leaders who want to introduce new approaches to learning and development but worry their teams might resist.What to Do Now:
Pause Before You Panic: The next time you're caught off guard at work, take one breath before responding. Creating even two seconds of space can help you move from reaction to intention. Lead With Curiosity: When uncertainty shows up, replace the urge to control with a question. Curiosity creates connection, unlocks new possibilities, and helps teams think more clearly. Practice "Yes, And": Instead of shutting down ideas or immediately looking for problems, challenge yourself to build on what's possible. Small shifts in language can create big shifts in collaboration.About the Guests
John Ulrich is the Vice President of Sales, North America at Antunes, where he leads high-performing sales teams focused on unified growth, collaboration, and customer success. With more than twenty-five years of foodservice industry experience, John is passionate about developing people and creating cultures where teams can thrive.
Olga Flores is a Regional Sales Manager at Antunes, where she drives both results and relationships across her territory. Together, John and Olga have been instrumental in championing the partnership between Antunes and improve it!, helping bring innovative, improv-based learning experiences to their teams and proving that play and performance can go hand in hand.
Your Freebie
You’re calm, capable, and composed… until things take an unexpected turn (as they tend to do)! This is exactly why we created The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit: What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Uncertain Situation.
It’s your go-to guide for staying grounded when it matters most. Download it here.
Connect with John Ulrich and Olga Flores
John’s LinkedIn Olga’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership community Erin’s website Erin’s Instagram Erin’s TikTok Erin’s LinkedIn improve it!’s website improve it!’s InstagramConnect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Anne Libera to explore how improvisation can unlock stronger leadership. From flow states and vulnerability to humor and human behavior, Anne shares why improv is about discovering what's possible. If you've ever wanted to lead with more creativity, communicate with more confidence, or simply become more yourself at work, this episode is for you.
Inside This Episode:
Discovery Is the Real Superpower: Anne unpacks why the heart of improv—and great leadership—is discovery. Learn how staying curious, present, and open can lead to stronger teams and better decisions.Flow Isn't Just for Artists: Discover what flow feels like for improvisers and leaders alike, and why creating the conditions for flow can boost creativity, innovation, and performance.Improv Is More Than Comedy: Anne busts common myths about improv and explains how these practices help us build new behaviors, embrace vulnerability, and connect more authentically.Try "Thank You Because": Learn one of Anne's favorite improv exercises for strengthening communication, navigating conflict, and creating warmer conversations at work and home.Yes, You Can Be Funnier: Drawing from insights in her new book, Funnier: A New Theory for the Practice of Comedy, Anne explains why humor is a skill, and how anyone can develop it.What to Do Now:
Practice Discovery: In your next meeting or conversation, focus less on performing and more on noticing what emerges when you're fully present.Use "Thank You Because": The next time you're in conflict or giving feedback, begin with gratitude to create a more constructive conversation.Experiment With Humor: Try sharing a story, observation, or moment of recognition rather than aiming for the perfect joke.About the Guest
Anne Libera is the Director of Comedy Studies at Columbia College Chicago and one of the country's leading voices at the intersection of improvisation, comedy, and education. She has spent decades training performers, leaders, and professionals to use improvisation as a tool for creativity, communication, and human connection. Anne has worked extensively with renowned improv institutions and organizations, helping people discover new ways of thinking, collaborating, and leading. She is also the author of Funnier: A New Theory for the Practice of Comedy, a groundbreaking exploration of how humor works and how anyone can develop it.
Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Anne Libera
Anne’s LinkedInAnne’s Columbia College Chicago website pageAnne’s book: Funnier: A New Theory for the Practice of Comedy
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Catharine Savage to explore why failure might not be something to avoid after all. As an improviser, facilitator, educator, and performer, Catharine has spent years helping people discover that growth often lives on the other side of discomfort.
If you've ever avoided taking a chance because you were afraid to fail, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on why mistakes can actually be fun.
Inside This Episode:
Why We Fear Failure So Much: Catharine and Erin unpack the stories we tell ourselves about failure and explore why so many high achievers struggle to take risks in the first place.How Improv Changes Our Relationship with Mistakes: Drawing on her experience with The Second City and years of facilitating workplace workshops, Catharine shares how improvisation helps people build resilience, adaptability, and confidence through experimentation.The Surprising Joy of Failing: Failure doesn't have to mean defeat. Catharine explains how reframing mistakes as data, stories, and opportunities can transform both our careers and our lives.Building Psychological Safety Through Play: Erin and Catharine discuss why teams that normalize mistakes are often the most innovative, collaborative, and successful.Taking Yourself Less Seriously: Some of the best learning happens when we let go of perfectionism. Catharine shares practical ways leaders can create space for humor, curiosity, and growth even in high-pressure environments.What to Do Now:
Try Something You're Bad At: Pick one small activity this week that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Give yourself permission to be a beginner and notice what you learn.Celebrate a Recent Mistake: Reflect on a recent failure or setback. What did it teach you? Share the lesson with a colleague or friend.Practice "Yes, And" Thinking: The next time something doesn't go according to plan, challenge yourself to ask, "Yes, this happened...and what might be possible now?"About the Guest
Catharine Savage is a facilitator, educator, improviser, and performer with extensive experience helping individuals and teams build communication, adaptability, and leadership skills through the principles of improv. She performs with The Second City National Touring Company and facilitates professional development experiences through The Second City Works, bringing humor and humanity into workplaces across industries. In addition to her performance work, Catharine teaches and coaches others to embrace experimentation, navigate uncertainty, and find growth through failure. Before pursuing improv professionally, she worked in consulting and sales enablement, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges leaders face in today's workplace. Catharine is passionate about helping people become more resilient, collaborative, and willing to take risks—both on stage and at work.
Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Catharine Savage
Catharine’s InstagramCatharine’s LinkedInCatharine’s website
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin dives into the exhausting tango between burnout and overthinking, and why these two troublemakers love to keep us stuck in our heads. Erin shares tips for how to stop performing a one-person show in your life and work.
Inside This Episode:
The Scene Reset Framework: Learn Erin's five-step improv-inspired reset for moving from mental chaos to present-moment action: Drop the Script, Play the Scene You're In, Yes-And Yourself First, Edit the Scene, and Trust the Ensemble.Stop Competing in the Overthinking Olympics: Through interactive exercises like the Scene Sweep practice, Erin shares simple ways to clear mental clutter, interrupt anxious thought spirals, and create space for what matters most.Self-Compassion Is a Productivity Strategy: Discover why saying "yes, and" to yourself reduces internal friction, builds resilience, and helps you navigate uncertainty with more ease.You Weren't Meant to Perform Solo: Erin discusses the power of delegation, trust, and community—and why asking for help may be the most productive thing you do all week.What to Do Now:
Try a Scene Sweep: Spend five minutes writing down every thought competing for your attention, then identify what needs action, delegation, or release.Practice the Scene Reset: The next time you catch yourself spiraling, walk through the five-step framework to reconnect with the present moment.Ask for Backup: Identify one task, decision, or worry you don't need to carry alone and invite someone else into the scene.Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
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📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Laurie Jadick to explore what it really takes to lead people through change in today's rapidly evolving workplace. With decades of experience in human resources, leadership development, and executive onboarding, Laurie shares why successful transformation is about people first.
If you've ever struggled to help your team embrace new ways of working, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a refreshing reminder that human connection remains at the center of great leadership.
Inside This Episode:
Why Change Starts with Trust: Laurie shares why trust is the foundation of any successful transformation effort and how leaders can build credibility during times of uncertainty.The Human Side of Change Management: Organizational change often focuses on systems and strategy, but Laurie explains why understanding emotions, resistance, and individual experiences is equally important.Creating Meaningful Onboarding Experiences: Drawing from her extensive work in executive onboarding, Laurie discusses how intentional onboarding experiences can accelerate impact, strengthen culture, and set leaders up for long-term success.Leading Through Uncertainty: Erin and Laurie explore what leaders can do when they don't have all the answers and why transparency, curiosity, and adaptability matter more than ever.Why Learning Never Stops: The conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, reinvention, and staying open to new ideas throughout every stage of your career.What to Do Now:
Assess Your Change Communication: Think about a current change happening on your team. Are you communicating only the "what," or are you also addressing the "why" and the emotional impact?Schedule a Connection Conversation: Set aside time this week to check in with a colleague or team member not to discuss tasks, but simply to understand how they're doing and what support they need.Reflect on Your Learning Edge: Identify one new skill, mindset, or area of growth you'd like to develop over the next month and take one small step toward it this week.About the Guest
Laurie Jadick is a seasoned human resources and talent leader with more than two decades of experience helping organizations navigate transformation, leadership development, and employee experience. Throughout her career, Laurie has led global learning, leadership, and onboarding initiatives for large organizations, with a particular passion for creating people-centered experiences that drive both business results and human connection. She currently serves as a leader at Publicis Sapient, where she focuses on executive onboarding and leadership integration, helping leaders thrive from day one. Laurie is known for her thoughtful approach to change, commitment to continuous learning, and belief that people are at the heart of every successful organization.
Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Laurie Jadick
Laurie’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with workplace researcher, organizational psychologist, and meeting culture expert Rebecca Hinds to tackle one of the biggest drains on modern work: bad meetings. If you've ever stared at a packed calendar or wished collaboration felt more energizing, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you reclaim your time and redesign how your team connects.
Inside This Episode:
Meeting Doomsday Is Coming: Rebecca introduces the concept of "meeting doomsday" and explains how a simple 48-hour calendar cleanse can help organizations break free from unnecessary meetings and reset workplace norms.Why We're Meeting More Than Ever: Learn how meeting hours have exploded over the past several decades, why calendars became the default communication tool, and the hidden costs of constant collaboration.The 4D CEO Test: Before scheduling your next meeting, Rebecca shares her simple framework to determine whether the goal is to Decide, Debate, Discuss, or Develop—and whether a meeting is actually necessary.The Visibility Trap: Discover how visibility bias keeps unnecessary meetings alive and why being busy isn't always the same as being productive.Design Meetings People Actually Want to Attend: From intentional titles to clear outcomes, Rebecca shares practical ways to create meetings that foster connection, collaboration, and momentum. What to Do Now:
Audit Your Calendar: Review your recurring meetings and ask: "Does this truly need to happen, or could it be handled another way?"Use the 4D Test: Before scheduling a meeting, identify whether the goal is to Decide, Debate, Discuss, or Develop.Title Meetings with Intention: Replace vague meeting names with clear, outcome-driven titles that tell attendees exactly why they're there. Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
About the Guest
Rebecca Hinds is an organizational psychologist, workplace researcher, and leadership strategist who helps organizations create healthier, more effective ways of working. She serves as the Head of Asana's Work Innovation Lab, where she studies collaboration, productivity, workplace culture, and the future of work. Rebecca's research has been featured in major publications and helps leaders rethink how teams communicate, meet, and thrive. Her work focuses on helping organizations reduce friction, improve collaboration, and build work environments where both performance and wellbeing can flourish.
Connect with Rebecca Hinds
Rebecca’s LinkedInRebecca’s websiteRebecca’s book: Your Best Meeting EverConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Meredith Stepien to explore how small moments of joy can become anchors during life's most chaotic seasons. Known for her work as a performer, writer, musician, improviser, and creative leader, Meredith shares why chasing massive life-changing moments isn't always the answer, and how cultivating sparks of delight can help us stay grounded.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of work or simply being human, this conversation is a reminder that joy doesn't have to be earned. Sometimes it's found in the smallest moments hiding in plain sight.
Inside This Episode:
Why Small Joys Matter More Than We Think: Meredith shares how tiny moments of delight can help regulate our nervous systems, shift our perspective, and create steadiness during difficult times.The Myth of Waiting for Happiness: Many of us postpone joy until we hit a milestone, solve a problem, or achieve a goal. Meredith discusses why joy is something we can practice now—not something we have to wait for.Creativity as a Survival Tool: Drawing from her background in performance, music, and improv, Meredith explains how creativity helps us navigate uncertainty and stay connected to what makes us feel alive.Finding Presence in the Everyday: The conversation explores how paying attention to ordinary moments can create extraordinary meaning, even when life feels overwhelming.The Connection Between Play and Resilience: Erin and Meredith discuss why play is a critical tool for maintaining energy, perspective, and emotional well-being.What to Do Now:
Create a Tiny Joy List: Write down five small things that consistently bring you joy. Keep the list somewhere visible and intentionally seek out one of them each day this week.Practice Noticing: Throughout your day, pause and identify one moment that makes you smile, laugh, feel curious, or experience gratitude. The goal is to increase awareness of the good that is already here.Schedule Play on Purpose: Block out 15 minutes this week for something that feels playful, creative, or energizing with no productivity goal attached.About the Guest
Meredith Stepien is a Chicago-based comedian, musician, writer, producer, and improviser best known for her work with the musical theater company Team StarKid. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a BFA in Acting, Meredith has performed in numerous StarKid productions and co-wrote the music and lyrics for the cult-favorite musical Firebringer. She is also a creative producer, podcast host, and longtime improviser who brings humor to everything she does. In addition to her performance and creative work, Meredith serves as a facilitator for improve it! workshops, helping individuals and teams build stronger confidence through the power of improv.
Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Meredith Stepien
Meredith’s InstagramMeredith’s YouTubeMeredith’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles AI anxiety and how to address it on your own and with your team at work. If you've ever wondered whether AI is coming for your job, felt overwhelmed by new technology, or weren't sure where to begin, this episode offers a practical, human-centered approach to navigating AI with confidence. Erin shares a simple framework to help leaders and teams embrace AI without losing the creativity, connection, and humanity that make work meaningful.
Inside This Episode:
Why AI Feels So Scary Right Now: Erin breaks down the most common fears surrounding AI, from job displacement to information overload, and explains why uncertainty (rather than technology itself) is often what makes change feel uncomfortable.Leadership's Role in the AI Era: Every major workplace shift requires leaders who can guide people through ambiguity. Learn why curiosity, transparency, and empathy are essential leadership skills in the age of AI.The Four-Step "AI Scene" Framework: Inspired by improv, this practical approach helps leaders and teams navigate AI adoption with less fear and more confidence:Accept the Scene: Acknowledge that AI is here and part of the workplace conversation.Improvise Your Entry Point: Start small by choosing one task where AI can support your work.Build the Scene with Your Team: Create shared learning experiences and normalize experimentation.Take Your Encore: Integrate AI intentionally in ways that enhance human creativity and impact.How to Create an AI Playground at Work: Discover how low-stakes experimentation can reduce fear and build confidence. Erin shares ideas for creating safe spaces where teams can learn, test, and explore together.Small Experiments Create Big Confidence: Forget mastering AI overnight. Learn how simple 15-minute AI labs can help you build skills, uncover opportunities, and reduce overwhelm one step at a time.What to Do Now:
Start With One Task: Identify a single repetitive task you do each week and explore how AI could support or streamline it.Create a 15-Minute AI Lab: Set aside fifteen minutes this week to experiment with an AI tool. Just for curiosity and play!Build an AI Playground: Invite your team to share wins, lessons learned, and questions about AI in a judgment-free environment focused on learning rather than perfection.Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Kelly Burlage, Chief Human Resources Officer at Lineage, to explore how our relationship with failure changes as we grow in our careers. From early-career mistakes that feel world-ending to high-stakes leadership decisions that impact entire organizations, Kelly shares why failure is something to learn from.
If you've ever found yourself replaying a professional setback or questioning whether you're ready for the next level, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on resilience and leading through uncertainty.
Inside This Episode:
Why Failure Evolves as Your Career Grows: Kelly shares how her definition of failure has shifted throughout her career and why the challenges that once felt devastating often become the foundation for future success.The Leadership Lessons Hidden Inside Setbacks: Not every failure feels productive in the moment. Kelly reflects on how some of her most difficult professional experiences ultimately accelerated her growth and strengthened her leadership.How to Lead Through High-Stakes Misses: As leaders advance, mistakes become more visible and carry greater consequences. Kelly discusses how to navigate setbacks without losing trust, momentum, or confidence.Balancing Innovation with Smart Risk-Taking: Growth requires experimentation, and experimentation comes with the possibility of failure. Kelly explains how data, curiosity, and calculated risks help organizations move forward without becoming paralyzed by fear.Creating a Culture Where People Can Learn from Failure: In industries where precision matters, psychological safety still matters. Kelly shares how leaders can create environments where people feel empowered to take ownership, learn, and improve.What to Do Now:
Revisit an Old Failure: Think about a professional setback from earlier in your career that still makes you cringe. What lessons did it teach you that success couldn't have?Audit Your Current Response to Failure: Ask yourself whether you're approaching today's challenges with outdated fears or limiting beliefs that no longer serve you.Look for the Lesson, Not the Label: The next time something doesn't go as planned, resist the urge to immediately call it a failure. Instead, ask: "What is this experience teaching me?"About the Guest
Kelly Burlage is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Lineage, the world's largest and most innovative temperature-controlled logistics provider. She leads enterprise-wide people strategies that align business growth with operational excellence while fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and high performance. With more than two decades of global HR and talent leadership experience, Kelly has built and scaled high-performing teams across complex, high-growth organizations. She is known for delivering innovative, data-driven people strategies that drive meaningful business results. Kelly is a Korn Ferry Certified Coach, a Leading Women Executives alumna, and has been recognized among TAtech's Top 100 Most Influential Talent Acquisition Thought Leaders.
Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Kelly Burlage
Kelly’s LinkedInLineage’s websiteConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with wellness expert, bestselling author, and intuitive healer Inna Segal to explore the powerful connection between emotional wellbeing and physical health. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation offers practical tools to help you unlock your body's innate ability to heal.
Inside This Episode:
Your Body Is Talking: Inna explains how physical symptoms often carry emotional messages and why learning your body's language can lead to greater self-awareness, resilience, and healing.The Hidden Link Between Emotions and Health: Discover how stress, grief, trauma, and unresolved emotions can manifest physically, and what you can do to release what's been weighing you down.Healing Starts with Connection: From visualization and color work to movement and breath, Inna shares simple practices to help you reconnect with yourself and access your body's wisdom.Why Slowing Down Is a Superpower: For leaders, parents, and high achievers, Inna reveals why creating moments of stillness can unlock clarity, energy, and emotional balance.The Stages of Healing Explained: Learn how healing evolves over time, why discomfort is sometimes part of the process, and how to navigate change with more trust and self-compassion.What to Do Now:
Pause Before You Push Through: The next time you feel stressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed, ask yourself: "What is my body trying to tell me?"Create Five Minutes of Stillness: Take a few intentional breaths, slow down, and notice what thoughts, emotions, or sensations are asking for your attention.Experiment with Color and Visualization: Try using color, movement, or imagery to shift your emotional state and release tension.
Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Inna Segal
Inna’s websiteInna’s booksInna’s LinkedIn
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Rosie Moan to talk about one of the most challenging combinations many women face: becoming a new mom while navigating uncertainty in work, identity, and life. If you've ever felt like you're simultaneously capable and completely overwhelmed, this conversation offers a refreshing reminder that confidence is about trusting yourself through the unknown.
Inside This Episode:
Why Confidence and Uncertainty Often Arrive Together: Rosie shares how some of life's biggest growth moments happen when we feel both competent and terrified at the same time, and why that tension is often a sign we're expanding into something new.The Identity Shift of New Motherhood: Becoming a parent can reshape how we see ourselves. Erin and Rosie discuss the emotional and professional adjustments that come with this transition and how to navigate them with more self-compassion.Improvisation as a Tool for Real Life: Drawing from her background in improv, Rosie explains how embracing a "yes, and" mindset can help us respond to unexpected challenges, uncertainty, and change with greater flexibility.Learning to Trust Yourself Again: The conversation explores why confidence isn't about having every answer. It's about building trust in your ability to figure things out as you go.The Power of Letting Go of Perfection: Rosie shares insights on releasing unrealistic expectations and creating space for growth, learning, and grace during demanding seasons of life.What to Do Now:
Ask Yourself a Better Question: Instead of asking, "What if I fail?" try asking, "What if I can handle whatever comes next?"Practice "Yes, And" This Week: When something unexpected happens, look for one way to accept reality and build forward rather than resist it.Celebrate Evidence of Your Resilience: Take a few minutes to write down three challenges you've already navigated successfully. Use them as reminders that you've handled uncertainty before and can do it again.About the Guest
Rosie Moan is a Chicago-based actor, improv performer, coach, and acting coach who has spent more than 15 years helping people build confidence, take creative risks, and trust themselves on and off camera. A graduate of Emerson College, she performs, teaches, and coaches within Chicago's renowned improv community and facilitates workshops designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and personal growth. Her work centers on helping people move past self-doubt and step more fully into their potential. She is also a lead facilitator for improve it!
Your Freebie
How do you lead through failure and uncertainty?
Today’s workplace demands adaptability, creative problem-solving, and leaders who can navigate uncertainty without freezing in perfectionism.
This quick quiz will reveal your unique approach to failure and uncertainty, plus give you simple ways to strengthen your adaptability muscles and help your team thrive when things don’t go according to plan.
Connect with Rosie Moan
Rosie’s websiteRosie’s InstagramRosie’s LinkedIn
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin explores why the best leaders are the ones creating connection, recognition, and growth for the people around them. If you’ve ever wondered how to become a more impactful leader without forcing authority, this episode is your reminder that leadership is built in small moments of recognition.
Inside This Episode:
Why Titles Don’t Create Great Leaders: Employees rarely remember your title. They remember how you made them feel. Erin breaks down why connection-based leadership creates stronger teams and better workplace culture.Recognition Is a Retention Strategy: With 66% of employees leaving jobs without feeling appreciated, Erin explains why genuine recognition directly impacts employee engagement, retention, morale, and performance.The Lyft Method Makes Leadership Actionable: Erin introduces her four-step, improv-inspired leadership framework to help leaders create more collaborative and human-centered workplaces: Look for the good, Initiate the scene, Follow their lead, Tag them in.Leadership Happens in Small Moments: Learn how everyday interactions shape trust, psychological safety, and team culture.Empowering Others Creates Better Teams: Erin shares practical ways leaders can spotlight strengths, share opportunities, and help team members grow into leadership themselves.What to Do Now:
Practice the Spotlight Swap: Choose three people on your team this week and intentionally recognize something specific they contributed.Customize Recognition: Pay attention to how each person prefers to receive appreciation instead of using one-size-fits-all praise.Share the Mic: Find one opportunity this week to invite someone else into visibility, ownership, or leadership.Your Freebie
What’s your leadership style and next business move? Find out by taking a fun little quiz here.
And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll.
To learn more visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Lily Zheng to unpack why traditional DEI efforts keep falling flat. Lily and Erin discuss what leaders can do instead to create workplaces that are actually fair, inclusive, and built to last.
If you’ve ever wondered why diversity trainings, performative culture initiatives, and “quick fix” belonging strategies rarely create real change, this episode is your invitation to rethink workplace equity through a practical, people-first lens.
Inside This Episode:
Why DEI Efforts Keep Missing the Mark: Despite decades of workplace initiatives, discrimination rates remain shockingly high, and many solutions are still surface-level.The FAIR Framework Changes the Conversation: Lily shares a practical, problem-solving approach to building inclusion that focuses on fixing real workplace barriers.Belonging Is Measurable: Learn how employee experience connects directly to retention, engagement, performance, and long-term business success.Middle Managers Have More Power Than They Think: Practical ways to influence leadership, advocate for change, and create safer workplaces from any level.Human-Centered Leadership Creates Lasting Change: Why authentic leadership, psychological safety, and consistent action outperform performative workplace culture efforts every time.What to Do Now:
Audit Your Workplace Culture: Ask whether your organization is solving real employee problems or simply signaling values externally.Translate Human Issues Into Business Metrics: Use turnover, burnout, retention, and engagement data to advocate for meaningful workplace change.Create One Honest Conversation This Week: Invite feedback without defensiveness and focus on listening before fixing.Your Freebie
What’s your leadership style and next business move? Find out by taking a fun little quiz here.
And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll.
To learn more visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/
About the Guest:
Lily Zheng is a DEI strategist, consultant, speaker, and the author of Fixing Fairness: A Framework for Equity and Organizational Change. Lily works with organizations to move beyond performative diversity efforts and build measurable, sustainable systems for fairness, inclusion, and accountability. Their work focuses on practical, problem-solving approaches that help leaders create healthier workplace cultures rooted in trust, transparency, and real human impact.
Connect with Lily Zheng
Lily’s LinkedInLily’s websiteLily’s book Fixing Fairness: 4 Tenets to Transform Diversity Backlash into Progress for AllConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this Workday Playdate, Erin explores what human-first leadership actually looks like in a workplace shaped by AI, uncertainty, and nonstop change.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lead when technology is evolving faster than your team can adapt, this episode is your reminder that human skills are the future-proof skills.
Inside This Episode:
Human-First Leadership Isn’t Soft, It’s Strategic: Why leaders who prioritize connection, curiosity, and psychological safety are outperforming those who rely on authority alone.AI Can’t Replace Human Trust: As automation increases, employees are craving authenticity, communication, and leaders who know how to create belonging.The Best Leaders Create Space, Not Pressure: Why innovation happens when teams feel safe enough to experiment, fail, and speak honestly.People Support What They Help Build: Collaborative leadership creates stronger buy-in, better ideas, and more resilient teams.Adaptability Is the New Leadership Superpower: The leaders who thrive aren’t the ones pretending to have all the answers — they’re the ones willing to evolve in real time.Burnout Doesn’t Build Better Teams: Sustainable performance comes from leaders who understand energy, trust, and human motivation — not constant hustle.What to Do Now:
Audit Your Leadership Style: Ask yourself whether your team feels managed or genuinely supported.Create One Moment of Psychological Safety: Invite honest feedback this week without defensiveness or fixing.Prioritize Human Connection: Schedule one conversation this week that isn’t about productivity, but about the person behind the role.Your Freebie
What’s your leadership style and next business move? Find out by taking a fun little quiz here.
And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll.
To learn more visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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In this Workday Playdate, Erin tackles leadership in the age of AI with talent expert, Steve Cadigan.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Will AI replace leaders?” or felt the pressure to have all the answers in a rapidly changing workplace, this episode is your reality check.
About the Guest:
Steve Cadigan is a globally recognized talent strategist, keynote speaker, and former Chief HR Officer at LinkedIn. He’s known for helping organizations rethink leadership, talent, and the future of work in a world defined by constant change. Steve brings decades of experience advising leaders on how to build cultures rooted in trust, agility, and continuous learning.
Inside This Episode:
AI Won’t Replace Great Leaders, It Will Expose Weak Ones: Why human skills like trust, empathy, and adaptability are becoming the ultimate competitive advantage.Ditch the Control Model: Outdated command-and-control leadership is slowing teams down; today’s best leaders prioritize autonomy and ownership.Trust Is the New Currency: Letting go of control is required to unlock innovation, speed, and engagement.Growth > Loyalty: Employees are looking for lifelong learning. Leaders who invest in development win.Agility Is Everything: What companies like Tesla teach us about rapid iteration, continuous improvement, and staying relevant in constant change.
What to Do Now:
Challenge One Leadership Belief: Identify one assumption you have about control, productivity, or trust and question if it still works in today’s environment.Practice Trust in Real Time: Fully delegate one task this week. Provide clear ownership and space for the other person to deliver.Have a Growth Conversation: Ask one team member what skill they want to build next and how you can support it.Your Freebie
What’s your leadership style and next business move? Find out by taking a fun little quiz here.
And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll.
To learn more visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/
Connect with Steve Cadigan
Steve’s LinkedInSteve’s bookSteve’s podcast Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s Instagram
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.Connect with Erin Diehl
🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
Loved this episode?
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://passionstruckspeakers.com/speakers/erin-diehl/
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
- Visa fler
