Workday Playdate

Latest Episodes:

296: Hybrid Headaches? Here’s How to Make the Office Return Less Awkward & More Awesome Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

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:

The secret to getting buy-in on hybrid? Define purpose, not policy.
Why empathy beats mandates every time.
How to spot (and respond to) those “awkward but honest” moments like a pro.
Flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s the new standard.
Why spontaneous hallway convos still matter (and how to make them happen).
How modeling wellness creates psychological safety.
Training teams for change so the next curveball doesn’t throw them.
Rituals, celebrations, and why your team actually wants them—even if they roll their eyes.

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)

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

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.

Snack 19: Hybrid Work is Hard, But This Trick Will Make Office Returns Smooth Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In today’s Workday Playdate Snack, we’re tackling the hybrid work headache—and no, we’re not talking about the flickering office lights or the ancient coffee machine no one remembers how to clean. We’re talking about the emotional fog that creeps in when your team is half-on-Zoom, half-in-person, and 100% disconnected. The Problem: You’ve asked your team to return to the office a few days a week. Some show up with smiles. Others show up with...resentment. And some just show up for the snacks. Hybrid work isn’t just a scheduling issue—it’s a culture shift. And if you’re the one coordinating who’s in, who’s out, and whether “Taco Tuesday” counts as strategy… we see you. Why It Matters: According to Gallup, only 28% of employees feel connected in hybrid environments. Connection isn’t a luxury—it’s the glue. Without it, collaboration and morale fall flat. The Improv Hack to Try: The Wrong Name Game In your next meeting, have everyone make up a goofy name and fake job title.

“Hi, I’m Tater McSnazzle, Chief Glitter Strategist.”
“I’m Rufus Bucket, Senior Cloud Fluffer.”

Yes, it’s weird. But it works. Play cuts through awkwardness and builds connection fast—whether you’re face-to-face or floating in the Zoomverse. Why it works:

Breaks the ice in a low-stakes, high-fun way
Sparks laughter and lowers tension
Creates a sense of shared experience—even virtually

Coming up Wednesday: Ready to go deeper? Don’t miss Episode 296: Hybrid Headaches? Here’s How to Make the Office Return Less Awkward & More Awesome. You’ll get practical tools to rehumanize your hybrid culture, one joyful moment at a time. Because rebuilding connection isn’t about forcing people back to desks—it’s about helping them find each other again. 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)

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

For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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295: Play More, Fight Less: The Secret to Happier Relationships with Greg Tavares and Amber Nash Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin explores what every team—at work and at home—needs more of: play. Joined by real-life partners and improv powerhouses Greg Tavares and Amber Nash, this episode dives into how playful communication can defuse tension, deepen connection, and make conflict feel a whole lot less... combative. Greg, an improv teacher and facilitator with decades of experience helping teams collaborate more creatively, joins forces with Amber, a voiceover actor best known as Pam on Archer, to unpack how the tools of improv aren’t just for the stage—they’re for the conference room, the kitchen, and everywhere in between. From mismatched communication styles to stuck-in-a-rut dynamics, this episode is a fresh take on resolving conflict without losing your cool—or your connection. Whether you're managing workplace drama or relationship tension, this one’s packed with practical wisdom and plenty of laughs. Inside This Episode:

Why “Yes, And” is more than an improv cliché—it’s a relationship game-changer
How to argue less by listening more (and differently)
The science behind play and its impact on emotional regulation
Spotting your partner’s “bids” for connection—and not missing them
How to fight in ways that are productive, not punitive
Real-world exercises to bring more curiosity and humor into conflict
Why improv-trained teams collaborate better—and how to borrow their tricks
Why laughter really is the best medicine for tension
What makes couples and coworkers more resilient together

Who This Episode Is For: This one’s for anyone tired of the same old arguments—whether with your partner, your teammate, or your boss. If you want to replace reactivity with creativity, and tension with trust, tune in. Whether you’re leading a team or living with one, this episode is your permission slip to play more, fight less—and have way more fun doing it. Take a break from your emails, slam your laptop shut for 30ish minutes, 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)

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 Greg Tavares and Amber Nash

Connect with them at improvforcouples@gmail.com
Greg’s LinkedIn

Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!

Erin’s website
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Erin’s TikTok
Erin’s LinkedIn
improve it!’s website
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For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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Snack 18: How Playfulness Can Save Your Relationships Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

In today’s Workday Playdate Snack, we’re talking about the kind of conflict resolution that doesn’t involve a six-part text thread or passive-aggressive dishwasher loading. We’re diving into how playfulness—yes, even mid-fight—can be your secret weapon for stronger, happier relationships. Whether it’s your partner, roommate, or that one family member who treats the group chat like a TED Talk… this snack is for you. The Problem: You’re crushing deadlines at work—but stuck in a weird silence at home. Maybe it was about socks. Or the dishes. Or nothing at all. And now you’re trying to lead a team while low-key simmering with resentment. Spoiler: unresolved tension doesn’t stay home. It follows you to Zoom. Why It Matters: Research shows emotional residue from personal relationships impacts performance, presence, and psychological safety at work. You can't be fully present in the boardroom if you're still replaying last night’s kitchen argument. The Improv Hack to Try: The Silent Scene Yes, it’s as ridiculous—and effective—as it sounds. Next time things get tense with your partner, skip the serious convo and act out a mundane task (like folding laundry) with exaggerated mime and facial expressions. No words. Just play. Why it works:

Interrupts the fight-or-flight cycle
Sparks laughter and connection
Rebuilds rhythm and sync—without a 45-minute processing session
It's improv for intimacy. Lucille Ball meets couple’s therapy.

Coming up Wednesday: Ready to take this playful practice even deeper? Don’t miss Episode 295 — Play More, Fight Less: The Secret to Happier Relationships featuring improv power couple Greg Tavares and Amber Nash (yep, Pam from Archer). 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)

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

For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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294: Layoffs Ahead? Here’s How to Stay Human (and Keep Your Team’s Trust) Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles one of the toughest parts of leadership: layoffs. When budgets shrink and change feels unavoidable, how do you show up with empathy, clarity, and integrity? Spoiler: it’s not just about delivering the news—it's about leading through uncertainty with heart. From the emotional toll of workforce reductions to the ripple effects on culture and trust, Erin shares what leaders often get wrong—and how to get it right. With seven actionable tips, this episode is a masterclass in human-first leadership during hard times. Whether you're facing tough decisions, navigating team transitions, or simply want to lead with more care and clarity, this conversation is a must-listen reset for today’s evolving workplace. Inside This Episode:

Why layoffs require more than just logistics—they require emotional intelligence
The power of early, frequent, and honest communication
How to acknowledge emotions without losing momentum
Why direct managers need to be involved (not just HR)
The lasting impact of how you treat employees on the way out
How to retain trust and morale in the wake of change
Why team check-ins matter more than ever during uncertainty
How to empower your team to co-create what’s next
Why self-care is a leadership strategy, not a luxury

Who This Episode Is For: This one’s for the leaders in transition, the HR pros in the hot seat, and anyone who’s had to make the hard calls. If you’re navigating layoffs, reorgs, or any kind of change—and you want to do it without losing your team’s trust or your own sense of self—this episode is your guide to leading with empathy, communication, and courage. Take a break from your emails, slam your laptop shut for 30ish minutes, 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)

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

For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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Snack 17: Trust Falls, But Not Like That — Keeping It Real During Reorgs Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In today’s Workday Playdate Snack, we’re talking about the kind of trust fall that doesn’t involve closing your eyes and hoping Linda from Accounting catches you. Nope—we’re talking about the invisible, emotional kind. The one that happens during reorgs, layoffs, and those delightfully vague “strategic shifts” when your team is quietly wondering, “Are we safe? Can we trust you? Or should I start updating my LinkedIn headline to ‘Open to Work’?” If you're leading through change (or just trying to survive it)—this snack is for you. The Problem: Here’s the situation: Your company is “reimagining,” “realigning,” or “restructuring”—aka, no one knows what’s actually happening. And while the all-hands slides say “exciting opportunities ahead,” your team is refreshing their résumés and watching your every move. Why? Because trust doesn’t disappear in a reorg—it falls. And someone’s gotta catch it. That someone? You. Trust isn’t built through promises—it’s built through presence. Through honesty. Through leaders who are willing to say: “Here’s what I know. Here’s what I don’t. And here’s what I do know—we’ll figure it out together.” The Improv Hack to Try: The “Yes, And… But Also” Technique Here’s how to lead when everything’s unclear—without pretending to have all the answers.Use this structure when delivering change or uncertainty:

“Yes, and…” to validate what’s real and open space for what’s possible
“But also…” to acknowledge fears and bring humanity into the room

Try this: “Yes, we’re going through changes, and I know that can feel unsettling. But also—I believe in this team’s ability to stay connected and support one another.” It’s not spin. It’s not sugarcoating. It’s leadership that’s rooted in reality and hope. Try it at your next team meeting. Watch what happens when trust stops falling—and starts rising. Coming up Wednesday: If this snack hit home, don’t miss Wednesday’s full-length episode: Episode 294 — Layoffs Ahead? Here’s How to Stay Human (and Keep Your Team’s Trust). 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)

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

For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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293: PAY UP! Why Women Deserve More & How to Get It – with Reshma Saujani Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Reshma Saujani—founder of Girls Who Code, CEO of Moms First, and author of Pay Up—for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really takes to thrive as a woman in today’s workplace. Spoiler: it's not just about negotiating harder or leaning in. It's about rewriting the entire playbook. From the impossible pressures of pandemic parenting to the unspoken challenges of midlife, Reshma and Erin talk truth about uncertainty, burnout, and the myth of “having it all.” This episode is equal parts validation, empowerment, and a rally cry for change. Whether you’re a working mom, a leader in transition, or someone searching for more meaning at work, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, fired up, and ready to reclaim your power—with purpose and play. Inside This Episode:

Why “having it all” is a trap—and what to pursue instead
How the pandemic exposed cracks in how we treat working moms
The truth about aging, ambition, and midlife power
Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic
How imposter syndrome steals your voice (and how to get it back)
What men can do to support real gender equity at work
Why presence matters more than perfection
The role of purpose in career clarity and fulfillment
How to lead with empathy, advocacy, and aligned communication

Who This Episode Is For: This one’s for the moms, the mentors, the midlifers, and anyone feeling stuck between burnout and big dreams. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled to speak up, or wondered whether you’re allowed to want more—this episode is your permission slip. And if you’ve been searching for new ways to lead, live, and rise? Reshma’s wisdom is the reset button your soul’s been waiting for. Take a break from your emails, slam your laptop shut for 30ish minutes, 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)

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 Reshma Saujani

Reshma’s LinkedIn
Reshma’s website

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

For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

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Snack 16: Tired of Settling? Here’s How Women Can Start Earning What They Deserve at Work Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

In today’s Workday Playdate Snack, we’re serving up some truth for anyone who’s ever screamed into their steering wheel after a one-on-one like, “How does Brad STILL make more than me?” If you’ve ever been underpaid, undervalued, or under-celebrated—this snack is for you. The Problem: Here’s the tea: Women are doing the absolute most. More emotional labor. More coordinating. More everything. And yet—less recognition, less pay, and fewer opportunities. We’ve been fed a narrative that if we just negotiate better or manifest harder, things will change. But let’s be honest: the system wasn’t built for us. So, we end up overachieving and under-receiving—and wondering why we’re so exhausted. Here’s a stat to file under “rage fuel”: Women still earn 82 cents to every dollar a man makes. And for women of color? The gap only grows. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel so hard?”—you’re not imagining it. You’re experiencing a system designed to burn you out and keep you quiet. But here’s the good news: We may not have built the system—but we sure as hell can break it. And rebuild it in our image. The Improv Hack to Try: The Reverse Résumé Game Here’s how it works: Partner up with a trusted friend, or just hit record solo. Pretend you’re your own agent. You’ve got 60 seconds to pitch yourself for a dream gig. The twist? You can’t mention anything from your actual résumé. No titles. No companies. Just the real you. Think:

The time you calmed a furious client with zero drama.
How you led a team through layoffs with compassion.
That week you juggled three deadlines while your kid had the flu—and still delivered.

Those stories? They’re your power. This improv hack rewires your brain from “Do I deserve this?” to “Damn right I do—and here’s why.” Coming up Wednesday: Feeling fired up? Then don’t miss Wednesday’s full episode—Episode 293: Pay Up with Reshma Saujani (yes, the founder of Girls Who Code + CEO of Moms First). If you're tired of overworking and under-earning, this episode is your invitation to burn the old rules and build new ones. 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)

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

For more information on improve it! visit www.learntoimproveit.com.

Connect with Erin Diehl

Loved this episode?

292: 5 Improv Leadership Tips to Bring Out the Best in Your Quiet Teammates May 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin flips the script on traditional leadership by spotlighting the power of the quiet ones. Through a playful and practical lens, she explores how introverted teammates can be supported, celebrated, and set up to thrive—not just survive—in today’s fast-paced work environments. Erin shares five improv-inspired leadership strategies that help draw out the brilliance of quieter team members without forcing them to be louder. From private validation to the power of the pause, she breaks down actionable ways to lead with intention, empathy, and inclusivity. This episode is a love letter to the introverted leaders, the behind-the-scenes rockstars, and anyone who’s ever felt overlooked in a brainstorm. Because leadership isn’t about who talks the most—it’s about who listens well and creates space for others to rise. Inside This Episode:

Why introverted leaders are often underestimated—and how to change that
Five improv leadership tips that uplift quieter teammates
The value of validating ideas in private vs. public praise
How to structure meetings with pause points that promote deeper thinking
Using smaller, more intimate settings to encourage input
Matching roles to individual strengths, not just personalities
Why vulnerability starts with you—and how it impacts team safety
Creating cultures where quiet voices feel heard, not hidden

Who This Episode Is For: If you're a leader who wants to make space for every voice at the table—or if you are the quiet voice that’s ready to be heard—this episode is for you. Whether you’re managing a team, facilitating a workshop, or just trying to survive your fifth meeting of the day, Erin offers strategies to help you lead with more compassion, clarity, and confidence. Especially if you're an introvert (or love one), this one’s not to be missed. Take a break from your emails, slam your laptop shut for 30ish minutes, 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 15: Yes, And...for Introverts: Leadership Tweaks That Actually Work May 26, 2025

Show notes

In today’s Workday Playdate Snack, we’re sending a leadership love letter to the quiet ones—the deep thinkers, the spreadsheet whisperers, the back-row observers who see everything. Because if you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, “Why didn’t they speak up?” or “I wish I’d said that…”—this snack’s for you. The Problem: Okay, picture this: You’re in a team meeting. The extroverts are riffing, the whiteboard is filling up, and you notice someone hasn’t said a word. You know they’ve got gold in their head, but they haven’t chimed in. Or maybe... that person is you. Too many workplaces reward the loudest voice in the room. But when we only value volume, we silence vision. And let’s be real—your quiet teammates? They’re not zoned out. They’re tuned in. The Improv Hack to Try: The Character Swap Hack What can you do to make space for that quiet brilliance? Here’s a leadership tweak I’ve never shared before—and it’s straight from the improv stage. Before your next meeting, mentally pick a quieter teammate. (No need to tell them—it’s your secret leadership lab.) Then ask: How would they run this meeting? What would they focus on? How would they pace it? Now the fun part: Kick off the meeting as if you were them. Use their tone, their cadence, their intentionality. In improv, we step into other characters to explore new perspectives. And when you do this in leadership? You build empathy, highlight hidden genius, and create meetings that feel less like a race—and more like a rhythm. Bonus: You might just change your whole team vibe for the better. Coming Up Wednesday: Loved this Snack? Don’t miss Wednesday’s full episode: Episode 292: 5 Improv Leadership Tips to Bring Out the Best in Your Quiet Teammates. It’s jam-packed with research, real stories, and tools you can use immediately to turn down the noise—and turn up the impact. 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)

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.