Explore every episode of the podcast Workday Playdate
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 339: Innovation Without the Corporate Headache with Rich Braden & Tessa Forshaw | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:51:04 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin brings together innovation experts Rich Braden and Tessa Forshaw to challenge everything you thought you knew about creativity at work. This episode proves that innovation is not reserved for a select few, but something everyone can access through mindset, play, and small, intentional actions. If you’ve ever thought “I’m not the creative type,” this conversation will expand your definition of innovation and give you practical ways to bring more curiosity, experimentation, and whole-brained thinking into your day. About the Guests: Rich Braden is an innovation strategist, educator, and global speaker who helps organizations unlock creativity through human-centered design, play, and experimentation. With experience spanning corporate, startup, and academic environments, Rich is known for making innovation accessible, actionable, and energizing. Tessa Forshaw is a creativity and innovation expert, educator, and consultant focused on helping individuals and teams activate their innate creative capacity. Her work blends research, facilitation, and playful practice to challenge limiting beliefs and build cultures where innovation thrives. Inside This Episode:
What to Do Now:
Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll. To learn more visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Connect with Rich Braden and Tessa Forshaw
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 338: Your Energy at Work > Your To-Do List | 15 avr. 2026 | 00:20:45 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin flips the script on productivity culture and makes the case that your energy at work matters more than your to-do list. This episode is a wake-up call for high performers who’ve been measuring success in checkboxes instead of presence, connection, and impact. If you’ve been optimizing your calendar but still feeling off, this conversation will challenge how you define a “good day,” and give you a practical way to shift it. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge 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!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 337: Overachievers, Pause! Process Before You Push | 08 avr. 2026 | 00:41:25 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Jane Chen to challenge the “always-on” mindset and invite overachievers into something radically different: pause, process, and thrive. Jane is a best-selling author, leadership coach, and social entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Embrace Global. If you’ve been sprinting toward success at the cost of your well-being, this episode is your reminder that slowing down is exactly how you move forward with intention. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll. To learn more visit: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Connect with Jane Chen
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 336: It’s Not That Serious: Play More | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:21:59 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin flips the script on hustle culture with a bold reminder: it’s not that serious. If you’ve been stuck in overthinking, overworking, or over-perfecting, this episode is your permission slip to loosen your grip and lead with more play. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Playdate Practice Schedule 10 minutes of intentional play and watch what shifts in your mindset, creativity, and connection. Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge 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!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 335: AI Tools: When HR Should Say Yes or Nope | 25 mars 2026 | 00:38:44 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with AI expert and trainer John Rood to tackle how to actually implement AI at work without breaking trust, compliance, or culture. If you’ve been overwhelmed by AI hype or unsure where to start, this episode gives you a clear, actionable path forward. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. Connect with John Rood Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 334: Human Skills > AI: The Joy Advantage | 18 mars 2026 | 00:19:41 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin dives into a timely leadership truth: in a world obsessed with AI, your real competitive edge is your humanity. This episode unpacks why joy at work is fuel and how leaders who prioritize human connection, energy, and play are the ones building cultures that actually perform. If you’ve been wondering how to lead in an AI-driven workplace without losing the human spark, this episode is your playbook. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Playdate Practice Bring one moment of intentional joy into your work. Whether that means celebrating someone publicly, asking one curious question, or pausing before you react, choose joyful presence over speed. Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 333: Is Your Unconscious Making You Sick? Here’s How to Heal with Dr. Moshe | 11 mars 2026 | 00:44:30 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Moshe Frenkel to unpack a powerful truth many high-achieving leaders quietly wrestle with: the belief that their worth is conditional. Together, they explore how the emotional stories we form in childhood shape the way we show up at work, in relationships, and in leadership. Dr. Moshe shares a refreshing perspective on self-worth and the courage it takes to detach from limiting beliefs that no longer serve us. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to earn your value, this episode offers a liberating reframe. Because here’s the truth: who you are is already enough. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. Connect with Dr. Moshe
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 332: How to Build a Community that Builds You | 04 mars 2026 | 00:23:03 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin explores a leadership truth that’s impossible to ignore right now: leaders are more connected than ever and lonelier than ever. Erin shares practical frameworks and personal stories to help you cultivate authentic community that strengthens your leadership, boosts resilience, and fuels sustainable confidence. If leadership has felt isolating, this episode is your reminder: you were never meant to do this alone. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Playdate Practice First, write down the people who you interact with the most in professional settings. Second, ask yourself, “Do they challenge me? Do they support me? Do they inspire me?” Third, reach out to one leader and say something along the lines of, “Hey, how are you? I’m genuinely interested in your answer. Also, could you help me with X? I’m feeling like I need a little more help in this area.” Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 331: Stop Dodging Hard Talks with Henna Pryor | 25 févr. 2026 | 00:47:19 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin dives into the discomfort of “good awkward” with Henna Pryor. Henna is a workplace performance expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps teams build social fitness in a world that’s forgotten how to human. Together, they unpack why our social muscles have atrophied (thanks, tech + pandemic isolation) and how leaning into micro-discomfort can radically improve leadership, communication, and team cohesion. This episode is your permission slip to stop polishing and start connecting. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here. Connect with Henna Pryor
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 330: How to Not Suck at Being a Boss | 18 févr. 2026 | 00:29:18 | |
In this Workday Playdate episode, Erin delivers a no-fluff leadership reset in How to Not Suck at Being a Boss. Erin breaks down how reactive habits quietly erode trust (hello burnout and disengagement) and replaces them with a five-step framework rooted in emotional awareness and clear communication. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Playdate Practice The “Yes, And” Check-in: This week, when a team member comes to you with an issue, listen to understand, not to respond. Once they finish sharing, say, “Tell me more.” When they tell you more, say, “Yes I hear you, and here's how I can support you through this.” Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 329: The Power of Being Yourself at Work with Claude Silver | 11 févr. 2026 | 00:46:08 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin welcomes leadership trailblazer Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, for a conversation about authenticity, empathy, and emotional fluency at work. This episode is a heart-forward guide to showing up as your full self so you can build trust, spark creativity, and lead with courage in today’s complex workplace. Erin and Claude explore how emotional safety, vulnerability, and presence directly impact performance, innovation, and connection. At the heart of the episode is a call to expand at work. Through improv principles like “yes, and,” culture addition (not culture fit), Erin and Claude offer leaders real ways to create psychologically safe, high-trust environments where people actually thrive. Inside This Episode:
Practical Takeaways:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here. Connect with Claude Silver Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 328: Showing Up as a Leader When the World Feels Heavy | 04 févr. 2026 | 00:25:40 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin tackles a leadership reality many people leaders are quietly carrying: when the world feels heavy, your team feels it too. This episode is a grounded guide for showing up with intention, presence, and care without pretending you have all the answers. Erin explores how global events, constant information overload, and emotional fatigue are showing up inside our workplaces, whether we acknowledge them or not. Drawing on research around psychological safety and belonging, she makes the case that empathy, kindness, and emotional awareness are core leadership strategies. At the heart of the episode is Erin’s practical LOVE framework, a four-step approach leaders can use immediately to create safer, more resilient, and more connected teams. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 327: Emotional Intelligence for the Overwhelmed with Lori Woodley-Langendorff | 28 janv. 2026 | 00:43:54 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Lori Woodley-Langendorff to unpack a leadership truth we don’t practice enough: emotional intelligence isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential. Lori is an acclaimed author, educator, and expert in social-emotional literacy (SEL) who co-founded the non-profit "All It Takes" with her daughter, actress Shailene Woodley. Drawing from Lori’s 30-year career as a school counselor (and her lived experience as a parent), this conversation bridges the gap between personal growth and professional leadership, reminding us that the workplace has officially changed… and our emotional skills need to catch up. Together, Erin and Lori explore emotional intelligence (EI) and social emotional literacy (SEL) as learnable, trainable skills, not personality traits you either have or don’t. Lori introduces her SEL Muscle framework, a practical, no-fluff approach to building emotional resilience, strengthening communication, and leading with both connection and accountability. The result? Healthier teams, better relationships, and leaders who can handle overwhelm without passing it down the chain. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You’ve tried the color-coded calendars, the habit apps, and the “this is the week I finally get it together” pep talk… and it still doesn’t stick. That’s because consistency comes from understanding why your routines keep falling apart in the first place. The 4-Step Consistency Planner helps you uncover the four real reasons consistency breaks down and walks you through four practical fixes so you can take back control of your week. Download it here. Connect with Lori Woodley-Langendorff Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 326: Teams Don’t Quit Leaders… They Quit This Mindset | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:15:09 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin breaks down a truth some leaders don’t want to hear: teams don’t leave because of the work, they leave because of how they’re led. Erin introduces 5D leadership, a more human, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent approach that goes beyond deliverables. She contrasts traditional 3D leadership—where output rules and humans come second—with 5D leadership, where intention, energy, and connection drive trust, creativity, and engagement. Erin shares a simple three-step shift that helps leaders stop managing roles and start leading humans. The result? Teams that stay, contribute, and actually want to collaborate. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You’ve tried the color-coded calendars, the habit apps, and the “this is the week I finally get it together” pep talk… and it still doesn’t stick. That’s because consistency comes from understanding why your routines keep falling apart in the first place. The 4-Step Consistency Planner helps you uncover the four real reasons consistency breaks down and walks you through four practical fixes so you can take back control of your week. Download it here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 325: Rewire for High Performance: Science-Based Self-Healing with Carrie Drinkwine | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:54:52 | |
In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Carrie Drinkwine to explore a radical (and deeply human) truth: real healing starts with feeling. Carrie shares her powerful journey through chronic illness, emotional reckoning, and life-threatening health challenges. She explains how regenerative practices helped her reconnect to her body, her intuition, and her vitality. Together, Erin and Carrie unpack the emotional–physical connection, why “pushing through” keeps us stuck, and how flow, self-love, and emotional release create lasting wellness at work and in life. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You’ve tried the emails, the all-hands rollout, and the polished decks, but the vision still isn’t landing. That’s because people don’t buy into a vision that’s presented to them; they buy into one they help shape. The 30-Minute Vision-Setting Meeting Template gives you a simple, human-centered way to create alignment, spark ownership, and build real momentum. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 324: Stop Setting Goals. Do This Instead. | 07 janv. 2026 | 00:20:59 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin explores a freeing idea that might just change how you approach your life and work: stop setting goals for the sake of setting goals and start setting intentions instead. Erin unpacks why traditional goal-setting often creates pressure, panic, and perpetual dissatisfaction. She shows how intention-setting brings us back to alignment, and introduces a simple five-step framework to help you shift from constant pursuit to purposeful presence. Your actions will actually reflect your core values, not just your to-do list. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You’ve tried the emails, the all-hands rollout, and the polished decks, but the vision still isn’t landing. That’s because people don’t buy into a vision that’s presented to them; they buy into one they help shape. The 30-Minute Vision-Setting Meeting Template gives you a simple, human-centered way to create alignment, spark ownership, and build real momentum. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 323: Why Imperfect Leaders Make the Biggest Difference with Neil Ghosh | 31 déc. 2025 | 00:44:24 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin welcomes Neil Ghosh—purpose-driven leader, social impact advocate, and author of Do More Good—to explore a relieving idea: you don’t need to be perfect to make a meaningful difference. Together, Erin and Neil unpack what purpose-driven leadership actually looks like in real life. They dig into why empathy is a practice, how imperfection builds trust and innovation, and why lasting change almost always starts smaller than we expect. Neil introduces his GEMSS model—Get Engaged, Empower Others, Micro Philanthropy, Show Up, Start Small—as a practical framework for proactive living and leadership. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You’ve tried the emails, the all-hands rollout, and the polished decks, but the vision still isn’t landing. That’s because people don’t buy into a vision that’s presented to them; they buy into one they help shape. The 30-Minute Vision-Setting Meeting Template gives you a simple, human-centered way to create alignment, spark ownership, and build real momentum. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 322: Words Are Wands: Why Your Inner Dialogue Shapes What's About to Happen | 24 déc. 2025 | 00:22:07 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin unpacks a simple idea: your words are wands. AKA, the way you talk to yourself is actively shaping what happens next. Erin introduces the concept of “Words Are Wands,” exploring how inner dialogue influences confidence, creativity, opportunity, and action. Drawing from improv, neuroscience, and real-life moments, she breaks down why most of us are stuck in negative, repetitive thought loops, and how to interrupt them on purpose. Through a five-step improv-based framework, Erin shows how reframing your thoughts isn’t “toxic positivity,” it’s a skill. One that helps you work with your brain (hello, Reticular Activating System) instead of against it. The big takeaway: when you change your language, you change what feels possible. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You’ve tried the emails, the all-hands rollout, and the polished decks, but the vision still isn’t landing. That’s because people don’t buy into a vision that’s presented to them; they buy into one they help shape. The 30-Minute Vision-Setting Meeting Template gives you a simple, human-centered way to create alignment, spark ownership, and build real momentum. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 321: Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Harvard’s #1 Leadership Class - And What You’ll Steal From It with Margaret Andrews | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:38:03 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin welcomes Margaret Andrews—Harvard professor, leadership expert, and architect behind Harvard’s #1 leadership course—to unpack why this class has everyone talking. Together, Erin and Margaret explore why the most effective leaders manage themselves first; how vision setting starts with exploring possibilities rather than forcing answers; and why play, creativity, and emotional awareness are non-negotiable leadership skills. Margaret shares stories from teaching executives at Amazon, Walmart, Citi, the UN, and beyond, plus lessons from her book Manage Yourself to Lead Others. The big takeaway? Leadership is about self-awareness, intention, and creating space for humans to be human at work. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Your Freebie You’ve tried the emails, the all-hands rollout, and the polished decks, but the vision still isn’t landing. That’s because people don’t buy into a vision that’s presented to them; they buy into one they help shape. The 30-Minute Vision-Setting Meeting Template gives you a simple, human-centered way to create alignment, spark ownership, and build real momentum. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 320: 5 Years Strong: The 10 Episodes You Loved Most | 10 déc. 2025 | 00:22:34 | |
In this milestone episode of Workday Playdate, Erin celebrates five years of learning, laughter, pivots, and powerful conversations. From the early days as “Failed It!” to today’s “Workday Playdate,” Erin reflects on how staying open to evolution have shaped the show and the community behind it. This special anniversary episode spotlights the Top 10 listener-favorite episodes of all time. These conversations sparked breakthroughs in leadership, empathy, financial mindset, well-being, team culture, emotional intelligence, and authentic communication. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re just joining the fun, this roundup reminds us why soft skills aren’t soft at all… they’re essential skills for the modern workplace. Erin unpacks how improv comedy continues to unlock creativity, why pivoting creates progress, and what the past five years have taught her about resilience and leading with play. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
You’ve tried the Slack hacks, rewriting the meeting agendas, and promised yourself you’d protect your team’s time. But somehow hybrid work still feels like an endless game of communication ping-pong. More messages, more overwhelm. Enter The Remote Leader’s Reset: your 5-step guide to lowering the noise, resetting expectations, and helping your team finally exhale. These simple, human-centered resets will help you reduce friction, create clarity, and make your people feel seen—no matter where they’re working from. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Top 10 Episodes of All Time
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| 319: Authenticity at Work: Building Resilient Teams with the REAL Model with Nathan Andres | 03 déc. 2025 | 00:45:04 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with well-being activist, global people leader, and resilience champion Nathan Andres. Together, they explore what it really takes to live and lead with authenticity. Known as “Nate the Great,” Nathan shares his personal journey toward purpose, presence, and proactive well-being. He introduces his powerful REAL Model for building resilience: Reality, Energy, Authenticity, and Love. Together, Erin and Nathan unpack why self-care is a leadership skill, how self-compassion fuels high performance, and why self-advocacy is the backbone of sustainable success—both at work and in life. This conversation blends mindset, mental health, and modern leadership into a practical roadmap for anyone ready to strengthen resilience without losing themselves in the process. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, recovering from adversity, or simply craving a more grounded way to show up each day, this episode gives you the tools, permission, and practices to return to your most authentic self and stay there. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
You’ve tried the Slack hacks, rewriting the meeting agendas, and promised yourself you’d protect your team’s time. But somehow hybrid work still feels like an endless game of communication ping-pong. More messages, more overwhelm. Enter The Remote Leader’s Reset: your 5-step guide to lowering the noise, resetting expectations, and helping your team finally exhale. These simple, human-centered resets will help you reduce friction, create clarity, and make your people feel seen—no matter where they’re working from. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 318: How to Talk to Your Boss About Burnout The Right Way | 26 nov. 2025 | 00:23:01 | |
In today’s solo episode of Workday Playdate, Erin unpacks one of the most quietly dangerous—and completely universal—experiences at work: burnout. Specifically, how to talk to your boss about burnout the right way with confidence, clarity, and zero shame. Through her own personal burnout stories, Erin breaks down why speaking up is an act of leadership, how self-awareness accelerates support, and why proactive conversations are the key to workplace wellness. This episode gives you the scripts, strategies, and psychology-backed steps to advocate for yourself without spiraling, stonewalling, or self-blame. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, resentful, or on the edge of shutting down—but had no idea how to bring it up—this conversation is your roadmap to connection, boundaries, and balance. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
You’ve tried the Slack hacks, rewriting the meeting agendas, and promised yourself you’d protect your team’s time. But somehow hybrid work still feels like an endless game of communication ping-pong. More messages, more overwhelm. Enter The Remote Leader’s Reset: your 5-step guide to lowering the noise, resetting expectations, and helping your team finally exhale. These simple, human-centered resets will help you reduce friction, create clarity, and make your people feel seen—no matter where they’re working from. Download it here. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
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| 317: A Fighter Pilot Shares how to Flip Your Fears—The Tiny Moves that Build Big Confidence with Michelle "Mace" Curran | 19 nov. 2025 | 00:40:51 | |
In today’s episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Michelle “Mace” Curran—a combat veteran, former fighter pilot, author, and only the second woman ever to fly Lead Solo for the Thunderbirds—to unpack how humor, perspective, and playfulness can transform the way we work and live. From high-stakes cockpit lessons to everyday team dynamics, Michelle shares why the stakes are usually not as high as we think, how finding humor in our mistakes turns them into fuel instead of fear, and why seeking silver linings is a leadership superpower. Together, Erin and Michelle explore the joy of incorporating playfulness into work, the underrated brilliance of cohesive personal branding, and yes—Michelle’s unapologetic love for true crime podcasts. If you’ve ever taken yourself way too seriously at work, wished you could see challenges through a lighter lens, or wanted to bring more authenticity and courage into your leadership, this episode flips your perspective. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
You’ve outlined your slides, practiced your intro, and told yourself this time you won’t wing it—but when it’s go time, your nerves still take the mic. Enter The 3-Step Presentation Guide: your go-to roadmap for crafting, practicing, and delivering a talk that lands. With this simple system, you’ll calm your nerves, sharpen your message, and step on stage (or into that conference room) with real confidence. Download it now and turn “I hope this goes well” into “I nailed that.” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 316: Let’s Talk Feedback: How to Give It, Get It, and Grow From It | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:19:02 | |
In today’s solo episode of Workday Playdate, Erin dives head-first into one of the most catalytic leadership levers we have at work (and honestly, in life): feedback—how to give it, how to get it, and how to grow from it. From improv-infused communication strategies to mindset shifts that build resilience, this episode breaks down why feedback is your greatest growth tool, how clarity accelerates trust, and how adopting a “yes, and” mindset can transform even the toughest conversations. Erin shares personal stories and actionable frameworks to help you communicate with confidence. If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up, spiraled after receiving constructive notes, or wondered how world-class leaders use feedback to fuel development, this episode is your playbook for elevating your influence and emotional intelligence. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how clarity, curiosity, and a “yes, and” mindset can turn feedback into your most powerful engine for development. You’ve outlined your slides, practiced your intro, and told yourself this time you won’t wing it—but when it’s go time, your nerves still take the mic. Enter The 3-Step Presentation Guide: your go-to roadmap for crafting, practicing, and delivering a talk that lands. With this simple system, you’ll calm your nerves, sharpen your message, and step on stage (or into that conference room) with real confidence. Download it now and turn “I hope this goes well” into “I nailed that.” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 315: Broke to Boss: The Mindset Shifts That Turn Struggles into Success with Nada Nasserdeen | 05 nov. 2025 | 00:35:33 | |
In today’s episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with powerhouse communicator and leadership expert Nada Nasserdeen to unpack one of the most underrated success superpowers: effective communication. From self-confidence to emotional intelligence, this episode dives into how influence, mindset, and “soft skills” (or as Nada calls them, success skills) shape the way we show up at work and in life. Through inspiring stories—like how Nada built her global company from just $100—and actionable advice, you’ll learn how to shift your mindset, strengthen your influence, and communicate with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how great leaders connect effortlessly, or how to turn challenges into growth moments, this conversation is your masterclass in human connection and personal development. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how mindset, self-confidence, and emotional intelligence can unlock your next level of influence. You’ve outlined your slides, practiced your intro, and told yourself this time you won’t wing it—but when it’s go time, your nerves still take the mic. Enter The 3-Step Presentation Guide: your go-to roadmap for crafting, practicing, and delivering a talk that lands. With this simple system, you’ll calm your nerves, sharpen your message, and step on stage (or into that conference room) with real confidence. Download it now and turn “I hope this goes well” into “I nailed that.” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 314: Confidence Hacks: Be Memorable in Any Presentation | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:24:11 | |
In today’s episode of Workday Playdate, Erin unpacks one of the most game-changing skills in work and life: confidence. Whether you’re pitching a new idea, speaking on stage, or leading a meeting, Erin shares how to turn every presentation into a moment that sticks. Through humor, improv-infused insights, and real-life stories, Erin reveals the secrets to building self-trust, authenticity, and audience connection. She’ll show you how confidence is mostly about being present. If public speaking makes your palms sweat or you’ve ever blanked mid-pitch, this episode is your playbook for showing up and staying memorable. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how confidence, trust, and a little play can make you magnetic in any presentation. You’ve outlined your slides, practiced your intro, and told yourself this time you won’t wing it—but when it’s go time, your nerves still take the mic. Enter The 3-Step Presentation Guide: your go-to roadmap for crafting, practicing, and delivering a talk that lands. With this simple system, you’ll calm your nerves, sharpen your message, and step on stage (or into that conference room) with real confidence. Download it now and turn “I hope this goes well” into “I nailed that.” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 313: Put Down the To-Do List: The Power of Doing Nothing with Sabina Nawaz | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:41:39 | |
In Episode 313 of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with global leadership coach Sabina Nawaz to unpack an idea that feels counterintuitive in a world obsessed with doing: the power of doing nothing. From radical presence to redefining productivity, this conversation explores how creating “blank space” can unlock creativity, clarity, and calm. Erin and Sabina dig into what it means to show up with every cell in your body, why pressure often corrupts our best intentions, and how stillness can be a bold leadership strategy. If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down or struggled to find space to think, this episode is your permission slip (and push) to pause. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn why sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing at all. You’ve outlined your slides, practiced your intro, and told yourself this time you won’t wing it—but when it’s go time, your nerves still take the mic. Enter The 3-Step Presentation Guide: your go-to roadmap for crafting, practicing, and delivering a talk that lands. With this simple system, you’ll calm your nerves, sharpen your message, and step on stage (or into that conference room) with real confidence. Download it now and turn “I hope this goes well” into “I nailed that.” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 312: Wanna Nail Your Keynote? Here’s How to Research Your Audience | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:28:35 | |
In Episode 312 of Workday Playdate, Erin unpacks the not-so-secret sauce behind every unforgettable presentation: research. Whether you’re delivering a keynote, leading a team meeting, or pitching a new idea, understanding your audience is what turns a talk into a transformation. Erin walks you through her playbook for audience research — a repeatable process that helps you craft keynotes that actually land. You’ll learn how to decode your audience’s language, tailor your stories to their world, and design an experience that feels less like a lecture and more like a moment. If you’ve ever wondered why some presentations click while others fizzle, this episode is your roadmap to relevance, resonance, and results. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how doing your homework can turn any presentation from “fine” to phenomenal — and why audience research might just be the most generous thing you can do as a speaker. Blocked time, made lists, promised yourself this time will be different—and yet by 5 PM, the work that actually matters is still staring back at you. Enter The Ready-Made 90-Minute Focus Kit: your done-for-you reset for ditching distractions and finally making progress on what matters most. With this simple framework, you’ll reclaim your brainpower, protect your energy, and actually finish the work you care about. Download it now and turn “Where did the day go?” into “Wow, I crushed that.” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 311: Leading Like You Give a Damn: Building Teams That Thrive with Paula Davis | 08 oct. 2025 | 00:44:59 | |
In Episode 311 of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Paula Davis — former lawyer, author of Beating Burnout at Work, and founder of the Stress and Resilience Institute — to unpack why burnout isn’t an individual failure, it’s a team dynamic. Together, they explore how leaders can prevent burnout by fostering empathy, connection, and intrinsic motivation. Paula introduces her powerful concept of TNTs (Tiny Noticeable Things) — small, intentional actions that spark trust, boost morale, and improve workload management across teams. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a culture where people actually thrive, this episode is your blueprint for leading with empathy and resilience — and creating a workplace that energizes rather than exhausts. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how to lead like you give a damn — and build teams that are calm, connected, and resilient enough to handle whatever the workday throws their way. Blocked time, made lists, promised yourself this time will be different—and yet by 5 PM, the work that actually matters is still staring back at you. Enter The Ready-Made 90-Minute Focus Kit: your done-for-you reset for ditching distractions and finally making progress on what matters most. With this simple framework, you’ll reclaim your brainpower, protect your energy, and actually finish the work you care about. Download it now and turn “Where did the day go?” into “Wow, I crushed that.”
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 310: Nervous While Presenting? How to Calm Nerves in the Moment | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:19:25 | |
In this solo episode of Workday Playdate, Erin breaks down a five-step, improv-inspired framework to help you calm your nerves in real time whether you’re stepping on stage, leading a meeting, or speaking up in front of a room. From understanding how your amygdala triggers fight-or-flight to learning simple techniques that regulate your nervous system, Erin shares practical tools to transform performance anxiety into focused, confident energy. If public speaking makes your heart race or your mind go blank, this episode proves that calming nerves is a skill you can build with the right mindset and methods. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how to regulate your nervous system, reframe your mindset, and show up as the most confident version of yourself — no matter how big the room. Blocked time, made lists, promised yourself this time will be different—and yet by 5 PM, the work that actually matters is still staring back at you. Enter The Ready-Made 90-Minute Focus Kit: your done-for-you reset for ditching distractions and finally making progress on what matters most. With this simple framework, you’ll reclaim your brainpower, protect your energy, and actually finish the work you care about. Download it now and turn “Where did the day go?” into “Wow, I crushed that.” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 309: Closing the Tech Gap: How Women Can Lead in AI & Beyond with Lareina Yee | 24 sept. 2025 | 00:47:42 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Lareina Yee, Director at McKinsey Global Institute, to explore how women can thrive at the intersection of time management, technology, and radical empathy. From the promise of AI to the power of experience capital, Lareina shares data-driven insights and practical strategies for navigating the barriers women face in tech and beyond. Whether you’re wrestling with the “broken rung” in career advancement or wondering how AI can open new doors, this conversation is packed with both inspiration and actionable takeaways. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn why AI is an opportunity, why experience capital is crucial, and how radical empathy can change the game for women in leadership.
More about Lareina Yee: Lareina Yee is a McKinsey Global Institute director leading the technology agenda and the global head of Tech Alliances. Based in San Francisco, she is a senior partner whose client works focus on technology and AI. She served as McKinsey's first Chief Diversity Officer and, in 2015, co-founded Women in the Workplace, an annual research study that has worked with more than 1,000 companies and surveyed nearly half a million employees to understand the barriers to women's advancement in corporate America. She is the author of THE BROKEN RUNG: When the Career Ladder Breaks for Women--and How They Can Succeed in Spite of It with fellow McKinsey senior partners Kweilin Ellingrud and María del Mar Martínez. Blocked time, made lists, promised yourself this time will be different—and yet by 5 PM, the work that actually matters is still staring back at you. Enter The Ready-Made 90-Minute Focus Kit: your done-for-you reset for ditching distractions and finally making progress on what matters most. With this simple framework, you’ll reclaim your brainpower, protect your energy, and actually finish the work you care about. Download it now and turn “Where did the day go?” into “Wow, I crushed that.”
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 308: Feeling Overwhelmed? Try My 10‑Minute Time Reset Hack | 17 sept. 2025 | 00:17:09 | |
In this solo episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles one of today’s biggest workplace challenges: overwhelm. With 66% of employees reporting burnout, it’s clear we’re all carrying too much and running on empty. But here’s the good news: a reset doesn’t have to be complicated. Erin shares her simple, science-backed 10-Minute Time Reset Hack to help you recharge your energy, sharpen your focus, and calm your nervous system without overhauling your entire schedule. Through real talk and practical strategies, Erin shows you how just 10 intentional minutes a day can shift your mindset from frazzled to focused. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how to give yourself a reset in just 10 minutes—and if you know someone stuck in the overwhelm cycle, share this episode with them. Feeling awkward, overthinking your small talk, or wondering if you should’ve just stayed home? Grab our free Networking Without Feeling Weird toolkit. It’s your two-part confidence boost for before and during the event, packed with simple, human strategies that help you walk in clear, grounded, and ready to connect. Download it now and turn “Ugh, networking…” into “That was actually… fun?” No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 307: Stop People-Pleasing: Lead with Clarity and Confidence with Amy Green Smith | 10 sept. 2025 | 00:44:59 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Amy Green Smith—life coach, hypnotherapist, and boundary-setting powerhouse—to explore the fine line between being kind and being a doormat. If you’ve ever found yourself saying “yes” when every cell in your body was screaming “no,” this conversation is your wake-up call to stop people-pleasing and start leading with self-worth. Through raw insights and actionable strategies, Amy reveals how to reclaim your personal power, communicate with confidence, and finally set the boundaries you’ve been avoiding without burning bridges. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how to swap people-pleasing for powerful communication—and if you know someone who needs this nudge, share this episode with them. Feeling awkward, overthinking your small talk, or wondering if you should’ve just stayed home? Grab our free Networking Without Feeling Weird toolkit. It’s your two-part confidence boost for before and during the event, packed with simple, human strategies that help you walk in clear, grounded, and ready to connect. Download it now and turn “Ugh, networking…” into “That was actually… fun?”
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 306: Time Batching for Baddies - More Focus, Less Burnout | 03 sept. 2025 | 00:25:09 | |
In today's solo episode, Erin pulls back the curtain on how she went from chaotic multitasking to a calmer, more productive workday without adding more hours to her week. If your calendar feels like a game of Tetris you never signed up for, this episode is your permission slip to stop the scramble and start managing your time with intention. Through real-talk stories and proven strategies, Erin shares the exact methods that helped her reclaim her focus, prevent burnout, and design a schedule that works for her (not the other way around). Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how to batch your time like a baddie—and if you know someone whose workweek could use a serious glow-up, share this episode with them. Feeling awkward, overthinking your small talk, or wondering if you should’ve just stayed home? Grab our free Networking Without Feeling Weird toolkit. It’s your two-part confidence boost for before and during the event, packed with simple, human strategies that help you walk in clear, grounded, and ready to connect. Download it now and turn “Ugh, networking…” into “That was actually… fun?”
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| 305: Anti-Mattering Is a Thing (And Leaders Like You Can Help End It) with Zach Mercurio | 27 août 2025 | 00:45:09 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Dr. Zach Mercurio—researcher, author, and leading voice on meaningful work—to unpack a quiet crisis in today’s workplaces: anti-mattering. If you’ve ever felt invisible at work or noticed your team going through the motions, this episode will give you the language and tools to change that. Instead of brushing past the small moments, Dr. Mercurio shows how everyday interactions shape whether people feel seen, valued, and significant. With research-backed insights and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to build psychological safety, boost employee engagement, and create a culture where everyone knows they matter. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how to make mattering a leadership habit. And if you know someone who’s ready to shift their culture from invisible to invaluable, share this episode with them. Feeling awkward, overthinking your small talk, or wondering if you should’ve just stayed home? Grab our free Networking Without Feeling Weird toolkit. It’s your two-part confidence boost for before and during the event, packed with simple, human strategies that help you walk in clear, grounded, and ready to connect. Download it now and turn “Ugh, networking…” into “That was actually… fun?”
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 304: How to Actually Enjoy Networking (Yes, It’s Possible) | 20 août 2025 | 00:18:39 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin shares her five-step play process that flips networking from “ugh” to actually fun. If the thought of walking into a room full of strangers makes you want to hide by the snack table, this is your permission slip to try networking a whole new way. Instead of dreading it, Erin shows you how to treat networking like an improv game: playful, curiosity-driven, and connection-first. With tips that blend practical strategy and improv magic, you’ll learn to leave a lasting impression without feeling salesy, stiff, or stuck in small talk. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Tune in to learn how to network with curiosity, creativity, and confidence—and if you know someone who dreads networking, send this their way. Let’s make connection playful again. Feeling awkward, overthinking your small talk, or wondering if you should’ve just stayed home? Grab our free Networking Without Feeling Weird toolkit. It’s your two-part confidence boost for before and during the event, packed with simple, human strategies that help you walk in clear, grounded, and ready to connect. Download it now and turn “Ugh, networking…” into “That was actually… fun?”
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| 303: Are We Settling Without Even Knowing It? Steffani LeFevour Spills the Truth and How to Break Free | 13 août 2025 | 00:47:53 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Steffani LeFevour—speaker, coach, and conscious creation educator—to unpack the surprisingly radical act of living on purpose. If you've ever felt like you're coasting through your days, stuck in default mode, or quietly settling in a career, relationship, or mindset that no longer fits, you’re not alone and you’re not stuck. This episode is your permission slip to snap out of autopilot and into alignment. From rewiring your inner dialogue to redefining networking as a tool for service, Erin and Steffani deliver soul-deep insights with zero fluff and all the realness. Inside This Episode:
This one’s equal parts mindset, motivation, and meaningful strategy, and it’s your sign to live less on default and more by design. Who This Episode Is For:
Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 302: Your New Networking Rule: Simple, Sticky & Stress-Free | 06 août 2025 | 00:19:12 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles the career skill most of us dread but desperately need: networking. If you break into a cold sweat at the words “elevator pitch” or feel like networking is just performance in business casual, this one’s for you. Forget awkward small talk and robotic intros. Erin’s here to flip the script with her Simple, Sticky, Stress-Free Networking Rule that makes connecting with people feel more like improv night and less like a corporate casting call. Inside This Episode:
This episode is packed with practical tips, playful energy, and permission to be your full, human self, because people don’t connect with perfect. They connect with real. Who This Episode Is For:
Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
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| 301: Real Talk: How to Stop Guessing What Your Boss Wants and Start Managing Up with Confidence with Melody Wilding | 30 juil. 2025 | 00:38:29 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin gets real about one of the toughest career skills no one really teaches you: managing up with confidence. Because let’s be honest, trying to figure out what your boss actually wants can feel like decoding emoji hieroglyphics at 11 PM. Enter Melody Wilding: therapist-turned-career-coach, emotions researcher, and author of Managing Up. Named one of Insider’s “most innovative career coaches,” Melody is here to help you stop overthinking every Slack message and start building a relationship with your boss that’s rooted in clarity, confidence, and collaboration. Whether you’re a new grad navigating your first 1:1, an early-career professional trying to stand out without burning out, or a sensitive striver who struggles to speak up, this episode will help you transform anxiety into action and guesswork into game plans. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For: Early-career rockstars. Career changers. Anyone tired of reading between the lines of vague emails and ready to build real, human, mutually beneficial relationships at work. Stop guessing what your boss wants. Start showing up like the leader you’re meant to be. Listen now and share this episode with a friend who’s stuck in the “do they hate me?” spiral. Let’s make managing up feel less like a guessing game and more like a playdate. Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
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 Melody Wilding Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
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| Workday Playdate Trailer | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:01:06 | |
| Snack 24: How to Make Managing Up Feel Natural (Not Cringey) | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:08:05 | |
In today’s snack-sized dose of Workday Playdate, Erin’s flipping the “fear your boss” script and serving up an improv-inspired reframe that’ll help you manage up with confidence, not chaos. Spoiler: It starts with a Slack message and ends with you owning your power. The Problem: You get a vague “Let’s chat” from your boss and spiral. Are you getting fired? Forgotten something? Turns out, you’re not alone. Gallup says 70% of team engagement depends on your manager... but only 30% of early-career pros feel confident talking to theirs. Most of us are winging it. Badly. The Improv Hack to Try: Play the Status Shift In improv, every scene has a status dynamic, and you can shift it. So instead of acting like a nervous squirrel asking for approval, show up like a grounded scene partner. Sit tall. Pause before you speak. Lead with thoughtful questions like: “Does this align with your priorities?” You’re not pretending to be the boss. You’re showing you’re a partner in progress. That small shift builds trust, signals self-assurance, and makes managing up feel human. Wednesday Tease: Episode 301 — “Real Talk: How to Stop Guessing What Your Boss Wants” Get ready for a career-changing convo with Melody Wilding: human behavior expert, executive coach, and author of Managing Up. She’s bringing real talk, hilarious insights, and zero fluff to help you navigate tough convos and lead from where you are. Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
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| 300: You Found a Mentor - Now Here’s How to Keep the Relationship Thriving | 23 juil. 2025 | 00:18:05 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles one of the trickiest parts of professional growth: keeping your mentor relationship alive and thriving. Finding a mentor is like landing the perfect avocado - rare, precious, and you don’t want it to spoil. This episode is packed with improv-inspired strategies to help you nurture that connection, create a two-way relationship, and turn “one coffee chat” into long-term mentorship magic. Whether you’re a new grad navigating your first job, a career changer looking for guidance, or a freshly promoted manager wondering how to level up, this conversation is your roadmap for building relationships that last, without awkwardness or ghosting. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For: Mentees. Mentor-seekers. Professional growth enthusiasts. Anyone ready to stop treating mentorship like a one-off event and start building meaningful, thriving relationships. Listen in and share this one with your fellow mentee MVPs. Let’s make mentorship feel less like a chore and more like a playdate. Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| Snack 23: How to Be a Mentee They’ll Want to Root For | 21 juil. 2025 | 00:06:47 | |
In today’s snack-sized dose of Workday Playdate, Erin’s flipping the mentorship script and serving up a strategy that’ll make your mentor want to shout your name from the rooftops. Spoiler: It’s not about being the smartest in the room. It’s about showing up with intention. The Problem: We all say mentorship matters, but too often mentees treat it like a vending machine: insert question, get answer, disappear. That’s not how real relationships (or career growth) happen. The truth? Mentees who bring energy, curiosity, and follow-through are the ones who win every time. The Improv Hack to Try: The Callback Technique Ready to become a mentee your mentor brags about? Start here: Call. Back. Something. The next time you meet, reference a tip or insight your mentor gave you and share what you did with it. Show you were listening and taking action. This tiny move builds massive trust and shows you're not just in it for advice, you’re in it for growth. Why it works: Improv callbacks create connection and continuity, and the same is true in mentorship. When you “call back” something from a past interaction, you’re not just remembering, you’re reinforcing. This keeps mentors invested and mentees unforgettable. Wednesday Tease: Episode 300: “You Found a Mentor—Now Here’s How to Keep the Relationship Thriving.” Your next step? Don’t miss this milestone episode! Erin goes deep on how to nurture the mentorship beyond the first coffee, with more improv-inspired tips to keep the momentum going. Because mentorship is a relationship, not a transaction. Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 299: Want to Nail Employee Engagement? Here’s What Actually Works (No Gimmicks Needed) with Dr. Angela Jackson | 16 juil. 2025 | 00:36:09 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin unpacks what employee engagement really looks like in today’s world with Dr. Angela Jackson, founder of Future Forward Strategies. Forget the ping pong tables and perk-loaded culture decks. This is about centering worker voice, listening with intention, and designing workplaces that actually work, for everyone. Whether you’re leading a team, managing up, or trying to make your 9–5 feel more like a “want to,” this conversation delivers bold, strategic insights for building motivated, mission-aligned teams in the modern workplace. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For: People leaders. Culture builders. Curious employees. Anyone who’s ready to leave behind surface-level engagement and create work that feels worth showing up for. Listen in and then share it with your team. Let’s turn every workday into a playdate. Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| Snack 22: The Real Secret to Employee Engagement (Hint: It’s Not Ping-Pong or Pizza Parties) | 14 juil. 2025 | 00:08:37 | |
In today’s snack-sized dose of Workday Playdate, Erin’s serving up a spicy truth: no amount of kombucha or karaoke can fix what’s really broken when it comes to employee engagement. The Problem: Only 33% of U.S. employees are engaged at work. And, spoiler alert: swag won’t save us. Connection is the missing link, not cold brew on tap. The Improv Hack to Try: The Scene Partner Swap Flip the script. Instead of waiting for someone else to boost morale, ask: If I were my boss or teammate… how would I help ME feel more engaged? Then act from that mindset for one week. Engagement isn’t entertainment, it’s a feedback loop. Start it. Why it works: Improv teaches us to make our scene partner look good. This mindset shift invites ownership, empathy, and action from any seat in the org chart. Wednesday Tease: Episode 299 — “Want to Nail Employee Engagement? Here’s What Actually Works (No Gimmicks Needed)” featuring Dr. Angela Jackson. Get the real drivers of motivation, leadership, and growth path design, no pizza party required. Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) · Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight and we’ll send you a free signed copy of I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. · Have another question that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. · Don’t want to miss another episode? If you’re a Spotify listener, find our show here and click “Follow.” If you’re an Apple Podcast listener, click here and make sure to hit “+Follow.” · Want access to a bunch of free resources for your work life? This is your personal jackpot that gives you access to the frameworks that help us thrive both personally and professionally. Whether you’re trying to improve your daily routine, flesh out an idea that you’ve had for quite some time, or want to add more play into your day - these resources have got your back. · Want 2 emails a week from us? One with a quick tip you can implement right away to enhance your personal and/or professional lives & one of our famous F.A.I.L. Fourward Friday newsletters? Subscribe here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! · Erin’s website · Erin’s Instagram · Erin’s TikTok · Erin’s LinkedIn · improve it!’s website · improve it!’s Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||
| 298: Stop Waiting for a Mentor to Magically Appear—Start Here Instead | 09 juil. 2025 | 00:15:57 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin flips the mentorship script. No more waiting for a career fairy godparent to swoop in with the perfect job offer—this is about building real relationships that actually move the needle. Whether you're fresh out of school, mid-pivot, or just tired of one-sided networking coffee dates, Erin delivers a refreshingly practical (and improv-inspired) five-step framework to help you find the right mentor and become the kind of mentee they want to invest in. From staying close to your current circle to building your own career Avengers-style “board of advisors,” this episode is packed with tools to help you stop wishing for mentorship magic and start building it. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For: If you're craving career guidance, but don’t know who to ask (or how) this episode is for you. Perfect for early career pros, mid-level pivoteers, or anyone ready to stop networking and start connecting. So close the LinkedIn tab, put down that awkward DM, and come have a Workday Playdate with us. Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off. No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| Snack 21: Finding a Mentor That Gets You (Without the Awkward Ask) | 07 juil. 2025 | 00:08:57 | |
In today’s snack, Erin’s busting the myth that a mentor is just going to magically appear and fix everything. The Problem: We’ve all heard it—“You need a mentor!” But asking for one feels like proposing after two dates. We freeze, wait, and convince ourselves no one has time for us. The Improv Hack to Try: The Spotlight Flip Instead of waiting for someone to spotlight you, flip the light on THEM. Next time you meet someone you admire, ask: "I love how you [specific thing]. If you were giving a TED Talk to your younger self, what would it be about?" No pressure, just pure curiosity. Why it works: In improv, making others look good builds trust. Spotlighting someone makes them more likely to engage with you, so mentorship might follow naturally. Bonus Tip: Mentorship isn’t always formal. Keep a list of “unofficial mentors” to learn from passively. Wednesday Tease: Catch Episode 298 this Wednesday: Stop Waiting for a Mentor to Magically Appear—Start Here Instead. Don’t miss it! Feeling overwhelmed in high-stakes moments? Download our latest free resource—The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit—a concise guide to navigating uncertainty with poise. In just five minutes, you'll learn how to center yourself, assess the situation, and respond with confidence. This actionable toolkit equips you with the tools to stay grounded and make clear decisions when it matters most.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 297: The Perfect Job Doesn't Exist: How to Stop Waiting and Start Choosing Your Path with Amanda Hirsch | 02 juil. 2025 | 00:47:58 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin throws out the five-year plan, the “dream job” myth, and that tired advice to just “follow your passion.” Instead, she’s joined by creative powerhouse and Mighty Forces founder Amanda Hirsch to help you rethink what career ownership actually looks like today. From office misfit to author, storyteller, and mom, Amanda shares the real talk behind taking back your path when no one else is handing you a roadmap. This episode is for anyone stuck in career limbo, burnt out on job titles, or wondering what’s next (without needing a full reinvention). Whether you're pivoting, plateauing, or plotting your next move, Erin and Amanda remind us: life is more improv than plan, and you're more ready than you think. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For: Anyone navigating a pivot, questioning what’s next, or tired of pretending their LinkedIn headline tells the whole story. If you’re ready to choose your career—not just chase it—this episode is for you. So pause the inbox scroll, close that half-written cover letter, and come have a Workday Playdate with us. Ready to take one small step toward showing up with more clarity and confidence? Download our newest freebie—The Confident Leader’s Toolkit—a 4-step guide to crafting a professional persona that actually feels like you. This plug-and-play resource helps you define how you want to be seen, align your presence with your purpose, and lead with authenticity (not performance).
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| Snack 20: Your Career, Your Move: Stop Waiting and Start Choosing What’s Next | 30 juin 2025 | 00:08:46 | |
In today’s Workday Playdate Snack, Erin's busting one of the biggest myths in the career playbook: that the “perfect job” will just... show up and fix everything. Spoiler: It won’t. And waiting for it? That can keep you stuck. The Problem: 52% of workers are eyeing a career change. 70% feel disengaged. Why? Because they’re waiting. For the dream job. For clarity. For permission. But it's important to remember one crucial truth: you are the plan. The Improv Hack to Try: Tag Yourself In When improv scenes stall, someone jumps in and shifts the energy. In your career? That someone is you.
Apply. Pitch. Rewrite your bio. Start the damn thing. Why it works:
Coming up Wednesday: Don’t miss Episode 297: The Perfect Job Doesn’t Exist: How to Stop Waiting and Start Choosing Your Path featuring writer/performer Amanda Hirsch. Get real talk, big laughs, and a permission slip to choose yourself. Because the best career move is the one you actually make. Feeling overwhelmed in high-stakes moments? Download our latest free resource—The Clarity Under Pressure Toolkit—a concise guide to navigating uncertainty with poise. In just five minutes, you'll learn how to center yourself, assess the situation, and respond with confidence. This actionable toolkit equips you with the tools to stay grounded and make clear decisions when it matters most.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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| 296: Hybrid Headaches? Here’s How to Make the Office Return Less Awkward & More Awesome | 25 juin 2025 | 00:22:47 | |
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles the awkward elevator small talk, the lukewarm return-to-office bagels, and the actual leadership challenges of hybrid work. From re-establishing team rituals to defining the “why” behind your office days, this episode is a field guide for anyone trying to rebuild connection in a flexible work world without burning out. Whether you're managing Zoom fatigue, leading a team that’s half-in, half-out, or just trying to make Tuesdays feel less like a ghost town, Erin’s giving you 10 practical, human-first ways to lead with empathy, adaptability, and a little playfulness. Because team culture doesn’t build itself, and your people notice when it’s missing. Inside This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For: People leaders, HR pros, team managers—or anyone navigating the weird, wonderful world of hybrid work. If you want your people to show up (and stay), this episode is your blueprint for building trust, boosting engagement, and creating a workplace that feels good to be in. Take a break from your emails, slam your laptop shut for 30ish minutes, and come have a Workday Playdate with us. Here is your link to download the free 100 Non-Cheesy Icebreakers that Erin mentioned in the episode. Ready to take one small step toward showing up with more clarity and confidence? Download our newest freebie—The Confident Leader’s Toolkit—a 4-step guide to crafting a professional persona that actually feels like you. This plug-and-play resource helps you define how you want to be seen, align your presence with your purpose, and lead with authenticity (not performance).
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | |||