Workday Playdate – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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

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”

1. One person starts with a simple sentence. Example: “Our team is growing fast.”
2. The next person must start their sentence with the last word of the previous sentence. Example: “Fast changes require clear communication.”
3. Keep going around, building off each other’s words.
4. Notice how this forces people to really listen and build on what’s being said—just like in a strong, empathetic workplace.

Why does this work? Because it shifts conversations from waiting to speak to actively responding. And that’s where trust starts.

Journal Prompt: Who on your team might be feeling unheard? What’s one small way you can make space for their voice this week? Write it down—and take action.

If you’re interested in taking one small action right now, you can check out our newest freebie, The Empathy Cheat Sheet here. Break out this 3-part list of helpful phrases before heading into any conversation or meeting, responding to an email, or hosting a one-on-one call.

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy.
• Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.
• Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.”
• Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back.
• Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here.

Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!

• Erin’s website
• Erin’s Instagram
• Erin’s TikTok
• Erin’s LinkedIn
• improve it!’s website
• improve it!’s Instagram

Are you stuck in the endless loop of overthinking?

Maybe you’ve rewritten the same email five times, hesitated to act on a great idea, or turned your to-do list into a novel.

Overthinking doesn’t just waste time—it keeps you from living fully. In today’s episode, Erin tackles how to break free from the analysis paralysis and take intentional, meaningful steps forward.

Here’s what you need to know:

Overthinking might feel like preparation, but it often paralyzes us instead. As Erin discusses in the episode, overthinking shows up as rehearsing perfect outcomes, hesitating to act, and losing momentum.

It’s like being in an improv scene where second-guessing kills the energy. For leaders, this habit can hold back both personal progress and team performance. Life, like improv, doesn’t follow a script, and trying to control every detail often leads to frustration rather than fulfillment.

The first step in simplifying your intentions is finding your purpose. Erin compares this to an improv game where you identify the core idea driving the scene.

By clarifying what truly matters to you, you can focus on meaningful goals. Try this exercise: If your life were a play, what would the main character (you!) want to accomplish in this act? By anchoring your goals in purpose, you’ll cut through distractions and stay aligned with what’s most important.

3. Focus on 1–3 Key Areas

One major takeaway from the episode is the power of focus. Just as too many ideas on stage can ruin an improv scene, too many goals can dilute your energy.

Erin recommends choosing 1–3 focus areas that align with your “why.” For example, you might prioritize improving relationships, advancing professionally, or nurturing self-care. By narrowing your focus, you’ll achieve clarity and make meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Big goals can feel daunting, but breaking them into micro-actions makes them manageable. In improv, scenes are built line by line—and your goals should work the same way.

If your intention is better self-care, start with small, actionable steps, like setting aside five minutes daily to stretch or meditate. Progress builds momentum, and every small win moves you closer to your larger vision.

Finally, embrace the improv mindset of progress over perfection. No one delivers the perfect scene every time, and no one achieves their goals without a few missteps.

Celebrate small wins along the way and view challenges as opportunities to pivot. In the episode, Erin shares an exercise to overcome mental blocks: shout out the first word that comes to mind to break the cycle of overthinking. It’s a simple, effective way to get unstuck and take action.

Final Thoughts

Overthinking keeps us in our heads, but action moves us forward. Simplifying your intentions is about doing what matters most. Today, take one intention you’ve been overthinking and break it into the simplest, smallest action you can take. Whether it’s sending an email, jotting down your goals, or taking a five-minute breather, start now. Remember, the magic happens when you leap.

What’s your first step? Share your intention with Erin by tagging her on Instagram (@itserindiehl) or sending an email (info@learntoimproveit.com). Let’s keep each other accountable as we make 2025 the year of progress over perfection. If you’re interested in a bank of free resources to set intentions and work towards your goals on a daily basis this year – you can check out our freebies here.

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.

Show Links

• Purchase I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy here and the Resource Guidebook that was built in conjunction with it 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

Picture this: the reel you posted of your Kourtney Kardashian impression of ordering an iced matcha goes viral...now what?

In Erin’s final episode with Andrea Lopez, you’ll learn what it’s like for your content to go viral, what to do as a result, and how to continue to build your online community.

If you’re interested in building your social media presence—or using laughter to change the course of your day—then this episode is for you.

ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Share joy with someone else today. Whether that’s sharing this episode with someone, watching one of Andrea’s Tik Toks and sending it in your group chat, or creating something of your own and sharing it with a friend—it’s up to you. But know that the joy you share will find its way back to you.

Connect with Andrea:

• Follow Andrea on Instagram
• Follow Andrea on Tik Tok
• Listen to Andrea’s podcast, Big Wigs
• Check out Andrea’s website

Show Links:

• Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here!
• Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here!
• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us!
• Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook!

Connect with Erin Diehl:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• improve it! TikTok
• Improve it! Instagram
• Improve it! Facebook
• improve it! website
• Book a Laugh Break
• Book a Workshop
• Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

Ever thought about using social media to advance your career and then thought...nah.

In Erin’s second episode with Andrea Lopez—comedian, impressionist, and all around excellent human—you'll learn what it means to use social media as a playground for trying different things; how to create content around what’s funny, what’s relevant, and what’s relatable for your industry; and the fact that you don’t always have to put something out there.

Listen to make Instagram casual (and boost your career) again.

ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Click here to subscribe to the improve it! Podcast on iTunes so you never miss an episode. And did we mention that when you leave a five-star review of the improve it! Podcast, an actual team of humans does a happy dance? Mm-hmm, that's right. So, leave a review for us on iTunes, screenshot it, and send us an email at info@learntoimproveit.com. Erin will send you a personalized video back as a thank you.

Connect with Andrea:

• Follow Andrea on Instagram
• Follow Andrea on Tik Tok
• Listen to Andrea’s podcast, Big Wigs
• Check out Andrea’s website

Show Links:

• Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here!
• Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here!
• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us!
• Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook!

Connect with Erin Diehl:

• @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter 
• Erin’s LinkedIn 
• improve it! TikTok 
• improve it! Instagram 
• improve it! Facebook 
• improve it! website 
• Book a Laugh Break 
• Book a Workshop 
• Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

If you weren’t looking for exclusive clips of Kourt’s favorite tv show, Sophia’s must-have self-care products, and Jennifer’s favorite comedian on the rise – now you are.

In this episode, Erin and comedian impressionist Andrea Lopez talk about what it means to release, make fun of yourself in a health way, and reconnect to your inner child.

Press play to make your cheeks hurt from laughing too much, which is just the right amount.

About Andrea Lopez: “Comedian Impressionist, Actress, Sketch performer and former radio personality, Andrea Lopez embraces all areas of entertainment. She participated in CBS's 2021 Comedy Showcase with other rising comedians and is currently a writer and actress for Comedy Central Digital. She is the Friday Co-host on The Taylor Strecker Streaming Radio Show and oversees the show's social channels.

In 2019, Andrea competed on NBC's comedy series 'Bring The Funny' with judges Chrissy Teigen, Kenan Thompson and Jeff Foxworthy. She's featured on E! News 'Pop Of The Morning,' FOX LA's segment 'Tik Tok Tuesday's and BuzzFeed's Digital Show 'Did You See This.' She's found success for her impressions on Tik Tok where she's garnered over 600K followers.

Her viral Kourtney Kardashian Tik Tok viewed over 13 million times captured the attention of multiple media outlets and inspires Lopez to continue growing her voice repertoire.”

ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Click here to subscribe to the improve it! Podcast on iTunes so you never miss an episode. And did we mention that when you leave a five-star review of the improve it! Podcast, an actual team of humans does a happy dance? Mm-hmm, that's right. So, leave a review for us on iTunes, screenshot it, and send us an email at info@learntoimproveit.com. Erin will send you a personalized video back as a thank you.

Connect with Andrea:

• Follow Andrea on Instagram
• Follow Andrea on Tik Tok
• Listen to Andrea’s podcast, Big Wigs
• Check out Andrea’s website

Show Links:

• Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here!
• Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here!
• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us!
• Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook!

Connect with Erin Diehl:

• @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter 
• Erin’s LinkedIn 
• improve it! TikTok 
• improve it! Instagram 
• improve it! Facebook 
• improve it! website 
• Book a Laugh Break 
• Book a Workshop 
• Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

Red light. Green light. Yellow light.

Bring back some playground memories? Us too.

In today’s episode, Erin gives you the productivity hack that’ll help you use your time in a way that lights you up, boosts your productivity, and prevents burnout.

If you feel like you’re constantly drowning in work but not really getting anything done – this episode is for you.

ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Take the quiz and download your free Wellness Workbook by clicking the link below!

Show Links:

• Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here!
• Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here!
• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us!
• Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook!

Connect with Erin Diehl:

• @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter 
• Erin’s LinkedIn 
• improve it! TikTok 
• improve it! Instagram 
• improve it! Facebook 
• improve it! website 
• Book a Laugh Break 
• Book a Workshop 
• Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

Think of all of the current roles you’ve had as pieces to a puzzle that is your life.

Each piece comprises an experience you’ve had that no one else has, precisely because you completed that role in such a way that no one else could’ve.

In her Q&A episodes, Erin answers a question that you’ve been waiting on the edge of your seat for. Today’s answer shows you how to use your professional skills to change industries by using a 6-step method you can apply no matter what your experience is.

Here’s to calling soft skills power skills and not selling yourself short any longer.

ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Ask a question for Erin’s next Q&A episode by using the SpeakPipe.

Show Links:

• Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here!
• Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here!
• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us!
• Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook!

Connect with Erin Diehl:

• @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter 
• Erin’s LinkedIn 
• improve it! TikTok 
• improve it! Instagram 
• improve it! Facebook 
• improve it! website 
• Book a Laugh Break 
• Book a Workshop 
• Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

Hello? It’s your next failure.

I'm calling just in time to tell you something I wish I’d told you sooner: Today may be the day that you make the mistake that will save you.

In today’s episode, Erin and improve it! Podcast Manager Rachel Oliveros discuss a call-in failure left by improve it! peep Shelly.

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on why you should make failure a habit, this is the episode for you.

ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Think of a tiny fail that you might’ve had today, this week, this month, or this year. Redirect this fail with a, “Fail yeah!” Like, actually say it out loud and add a fist bump when you do.

Connect with Rachel Oliveros:

• Rachel’s Instagram
• Rachel’s LinkedIn

Show Links:

• Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here!
• Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here!
• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us!
• Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook!

Connect with Erin Diehl:

• @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter 
• Erin’s LinkedIn 
• improve it! TikTok 
• improve it! Instagram 
• improve it! Facebook 
• improve it! website 
• Book a Laugh Break 
• Book a Workshop 
• Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

Allowing yourself to be a beginner isn’t just a phrase, it’s a life-altering freedom.

Anna Oaks is a change agent focused on restoring humanity into both our work and workplaces. Raised by hippies, she’s always had a natural inclination to leave the world better than we found it. She brought this proclivity from her childhood into over two decades of work in small, mid-sized, and large companies focusing on strategy, growth, and culture.

In this episode, Erin and Anna discuss why it’s not just important—but essential—to try something you’ve never done before and how it acts as a catalyst for your growth as a leader and a human being.

ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: What is that thing that's been on your heart but you have been too afraid to pursue it? Think about your one thing and give yourself permission to do it. Second piece of your homework: If this series blew your mind, please consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts.

Connect with Anna Oakes:

• Anna’s Instagram
• Anna’s LinkedIn

Show Links:

• Tell us about your fails and/or send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here!
• Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here!
• Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us!
• Take the quiz to download your free Wellness Workbook!

Connect with Erin Diehl:

• @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter 
• Erin’s LinkedIn 
• improve it! TikTok 
• improve it! Instagram 
• improve it! Facebook 
• improve it! website 
• Book a Laugh Break 
• Book a Workshop 
• Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

“I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)