Workday Playdate

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17. “Baby Zoomers:" 5 Tips on How to Create Collaboration in Today’s Virtual World Aug 19, 2020

Show notes

“It’s time my failed it! fam to get those “PITS UP.” In a world where we can easily allow ourselves to get down in the dumps, it’s also easy to remember that we are not alone. In fact, SO many people, leaders and teams are struggling with keeping not only their morale high- but keeping the morale and collaboration of their teams raised in a time in our world where there seem to be fall after fall.” -Erin Diehl Question Failed It! Fam: As you continue to work from home - how do you make your zoom time count toward creating a culture of collaboration, creativity and connection?! Well, if you’re unsure how to answer that, then push play to hear our host Erin provide five tangible tips on how to effectively collaborate with your teams in this virtual environment. Links from show discussion:

Slack
Goat2Meeting
Skillpop
Aaptiv App - The app to help you fill your kettle so you can fill others’ cups!
Book a Laugh Break for your team
Calendly
Asana

Failed it! Fam: If you liked today’s episode, please head over to iTunes to rate us and give us a review. Your review helps us share the #fails of the world, so we can all learn from these “gifts.” Week by week, we unwrap the stories of fails’ past and present, and we’ve got a lot more “giving” to do! Your support means the world. About Erin Diehl: Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

🌟 Learn more about Workday Playdate: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast-page
🎤 Book Erin to speak: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/keynote-speaker
📚 Workshops & Team Experiences: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/experiential-training
💌 Learn more about Erin: https://www.itserindiehl.com/meet-erin
📱 For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

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If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.

16. Your Mental Health Matters: Lessons in Mindfulness with Ashley Beaudin of Imperfect Boss Aug 12, 2020

Show notes

“My real encouragement would be just to simply start practicing checking in with yourself.” -Ashley Beaudin, The Imperfect Boss In this episode, host Erin Diehl chats with the boss of The Imperfect Boss, Ashley Beaudin. Feeling like the weight of 2020 has got you down? Ashley’s main goal is to provide women with the opportunity to move to self sabotage to self confidence and shift imperfections into superpowers. Listen to this amazing entrepreneur provide insights as to what helps her and her clients feel empowered, inspired and rejuvenated. Links from show discussions:

The 3 Questions

How do I want to feel today? What do I need in order to feel that way? What boundaries do I need to set to make sure these things get met?

improve it! Laugh Break
Aaptiv App - The app to help you fill your kettle so you can fill others’ cups!
DM Ashley and/or take a personality quiz on her Instagram or website!

Ashley Beaudin is a speaker, mindset coach and heart encourager who helps people move from self-sabotage to self-confidence. She is the visionary behind The Imperfect Boss; an international movement that shifts imperfections into superpowers and helps women lead with their whole selves. Ashley’s campaigns of empowerment and vulnerability have reached hundreds of thousands of people over three years and she has been featured in publications and events across North America. The easiest way to her heart is through soul talk, hugs and donuts. You can find more about her through her website and Instagram. Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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15. My Failed It! Resume (and why you should create one too!) Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

“I want you to look at the opportunities that once felt like failures, and like Beyonce, I want you to see those lemons as lemonade...because without those #fails, we wouldn't get to where we are supposed to be today!” -Erin Diehl On this episode, host Erin Diehl gets REAL with you and discusses her life’s #fails through her own failure resume. Follow along, and create your own using our template here. This exercise if vital if you want to reframe your perspective during this hard season. Remember that failures always lead to some greater opportunity, and always have some “gift” of wisdom. Listen to this episode for some uncensored resume lessons! Links from show discussion:

Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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14. Your Priorities Take Precedence: Lessons in Failure with Rosanna Canonigo - Global TV and Digital Distribution Executive at Entertainme Jul 29, 2020

Show notes

“Don't lose sight of the priorities; you can't control everything. You just can't.” -Rosanna Canonigo On this episode, host Erin Diehl chats with Global TV and Digital Distribution Executive at EntertainmentOne, Rosanna Canonigo. How did she get to where she is now? What struggles occurred along the way? Learn from her inspiring story and why priorities take precedence by listening to this episode! Links from show discussions:

Rosanna is a native of Chicago, graduating with honors from Northern Illinois University and began her professional career as a CPA at the global accounting firm, KPMG. In a career pivot, Rosanna then moved to NYC splitting time between building a career as an actress while also maintaining footholds in both the accounting and small business worlds. After a relocation to Los Angeles, Rosanna establishes her career in global feature film and TV series sales, financing and distribution over a 12 year tenure at Lionsgate leading to her current role at Entertainment One, as Hasbro Company. She has served on the board of F.E.M.E, a nonprofit women's networking organization dedicated to helping connect women executives in media and entertainment. Rosanna currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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13. The Roller Coaster that is 2020: 3 Tips on How to Stay Mindful Through All of the Ups and Downs Jul 22, 2020

Show notes

“Whatever your feelings, I do know one thing for sure – we have to stay mindful in this madness. That is a must. If we don’t take care of ourselves and put on our own “oxygen masks,” we cannot put on someone else’s.” -Erin Diehl Host Erin Diehl reminisces on the roller coaster ride that is 2020. In this episode, she provides three tangible tips on how to be mindful during this crazy year. Listening to this is a must to help gain some control in your life, especially if you’re in the low part of the ride. Remember, we fall only to rise up again! Links from show discussions:

Connect with Erin Diehl

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12. Channeling Your Inner Beyonce - How Maysoon Zayid Made Her Own Lemonade Jul 15, 2020

Show notes

"I very quickly realized that people that looked like me were not on TV. I didn't see disabled people who were visibly disabled. And if I did see a disabled person, they were white and were men." -Maysoon Zayid On this failed it! episode, host Erin Diehl has an impressive and comedic conversation with actress, comedian, writer, and disability advocate, Maysoon Zayid. You might’ve seen her on Don’t Mess with the Zohan or her #1 TED talk in 2014. If you want some laughs, listen to this episode on how Maysoon doesn’t let her the fact she has cerebral palsy stop her from achieving her lifelong dreams. Links from show discussions:

Maysoon Zayid is an actress, comedian, writer, and disability advocate. She is a graduate of and a Guest Comedian in Residence at Arizona State University. Maysoon is the co-founder/co-executive producer of the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. She was a full-time On Air Contributor to Countdown with Keith Olbermann and a columnist for The Daily Beast. She has most recently appeared on Oprah Winfrey Networks In Deep Shift, 60 Minutes, and CNN. Maysoon had the number one TED Talk of 2014 and was named 1 of 100 Women of 2015 by BBC. As a professional comedian, Maysoon has performed in top New York clubs and has toured extensively at home and abroad. She was a headliner on the Arabs Gone Wild Comedy Tour and The Muslims Are Coming Tour. Maysoon appeared alongside Adam Sandler in You Don’t Mess with the the Zohan and limped in New York Fashion Week. She is a recurring character on General Hospital and the author & narrator of Find Another Dream. You can find her through her website, Twitter, and/or Instagram. Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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11. Crucial Conversations about Racial Injustice in Corporate America: J’ai Brown, Human Resources Director at HUB International Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

“It starts with reflection, seeking to understand, so listening, and then engaging in conversations understanding that you may not have the perfect words.” On this failed it! episode, host Erin Diehl has a crucial conversation with a dear friend, J’ai Brown. She is the HR Director for HUB International and Executive Sponsor for the Midwest-West Diversity & Inclusion Council. Erin and J’ai talk about the importance of addressing racial injustice and how we can adequately discuss the topic with others. Listen in on how you can help make a difference. Links from show discussions:

The Monopoly Analogy (explicit language)
My Block My Hood My City Organization
From Awareness to Action: The Path Toward a Meaningful Allyship - Dr. Evelyn Carter
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Robin DiAngelo on the Family Action Network (FAN)
Other good book sources that Jai’s currently reading
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

J’ai Brown serves as the HR Director for HUB International, leading the HR function for the Midwest-West division. In her role, J’ai is a member of the executive management team providing strategic insight and support across the Midwest-West division on all aspects of HR including employee relations, diversity & inclusion, talent acquisition, compensation, performance management, organizational design and career development. Additionally, she is the Executive Sponsor for the Midwest-West Diversity & Inclusion Council and a member of the organizing team for the HUB Women Network ERG. Prior to joining HUB, J’ai worked in roles of increasing responsibility in claims administration and human resources at Allstate Insurance Company before continuing her career in human resources at BMO Financial Group. J’ai received an MBA and B.S. degrees in HR Management and General Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and has her PHR and SHRM-CP designations. She is the Education Chair for Chicago SHRM and mentors youth with Posse Chicago and Chicago Scholars. She is a 2020 Chicago Urban League IMPACT Leadership Development Fellow, 2019 Black Queens of Chicago, 2018 Wall Street in the Black Future Leader and 2016 Chicago Scholars 35 under 35 honoree. J’ai resides in Bronzeville with her husband, Frank, and daughter, Kylee. You can find her on LinkedIn and Instagram where she highlights her adoption story and journey. Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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10. No More Morning #Fails - 5 Tips On How to Rock your AM’S! Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

“You cannot fill someone else’s teacup unless your tea kettle is full.” - Erin Diehl Not a morning person? Can you not even open your eyes without a jolt of your morning java? Well friends, today’s failed it! episode gives you the very best tips and tricks on how to manage your mornings to become the daybreak diva you are. Listen in on how Erin uses these 5 tips to help you get going right when you wake up - so you can be the rockstar you were meant to be ALL day long. Welcome to failed it! Links from show discussions:

Connect with Erin Diehl

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9. Pivot Isn’t a Bad Word with Brad Chandler, VP of Business Strategy & Development at The Hollis Co Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

“Nothing is permanent; everything is temporary; everything is changing. Just hang on because as long as you’re breathing, you will be okay.” - Brad Chandler Happy Pride Month! Today’s failed it! episode features guest Brad Chandler from The Hollis Co! This therapeutic conversation will help you realize that life is not a straight line, and that you are not alone. Listen to Erin interview Brad on some life lessons and insights as he pivoted along his life’s journey. Welcome to failed it! Links from show discussions:

Brad Chandler is the VP of Business Strategy and Development at The Hollis Co. He has decades of hands-on experience in trend-based businesses- in the music industry, as an Influencer Marketer, Brand Manager, Product Developer, Entrepreneur, and in Business Development. My instincts are honed on developing sticky concepts that drive revenue. Currently, I strategize both forward-thinking developments and internal business structures to effectively build the vision of our CEO, Ms. Hollis. The Hollis Company produces business conferences, women's conferences, athletic runs, full-featured media projects, lifestyle media, digital education courses, and is moving fiercely into the health and wellness space in 2020/2021. You can find him on his website, his LinkedIn, and/or his Instagram! Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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8. How to Lead with Empathy - A Guide to Allyship at Work with Kelly Fair Jun 17, 2020

Show notes

“The rule of thumb is you don’t have to not approach, and you don’t have to not say anything. I think you just have to think about being empathetic and how would you want to be approached in such a situation. We need to be our best selves in trying times like these.” - Kelly Fair On today’s failed it! episode, host Erin Diehl has an impactful conversation with a dear friend, Kelly Fair, founder of Polished Pebbles - a mentoring program that has helped 3,000+ girls find their voices, improve their communication skills, and build their skills for future careers. Listen in to educate yourself on how to be a better ally to the Black Community and how to take action. Welcome to failed it! Links from show discussions:

Kelly Fair is the Founder of Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program. Founded ten years ago, Polished Pebbles has helped more than 3,000 girls in Illinois, Indiana, and Texas find their voice, improve their communication skills, and build their skills for future careers. Kelly is a sought-after speaker for mentoring, communication skills, girls’ development and job readiness, professional leadership development, and social entrepreneurship. She’s a dynamic storyteller, communications expert, and relatable voice with the keen ability to penetrate the hearts of women with her honesty and expertise. Through her authentic conversational speaking style, she connects across socioeconomic statuses, intergenerationally, and cross-culturally—making her a phenomenal speaker or training facilitator in a conference setting. Her ability to “polish pebbles”, helping young women and girls shine, has brought her recognition from Bank of America, ComEd, Verizon, Google, Duke University, Du Sable Museum of African American History, Social Enterprise Alliance, and more. Since launching Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, Kelly’s signature communications and job readiness programming has expanded from elementary age girls to include high school, college programs, families, prominent women leaders, and to sites in Northwest Indiana, Dallas, Texas, and North Carolina. Kelly has been featured in Ebony magazine, The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, The Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Woman magazine. You can learn more about Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program here. Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award. This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre. When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl. You can follow the failed it! Podcast on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin here on Instagram. We can’t wait to connect with you online!
For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.