Workday Playdate

Erin Diehl | Passion Struck Network
  • 5.0 (203)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

TOP 1% GLOBAL PODCAST for People-First Leaders Formerly the "improve it! Podcast." #9 in BEST 100 SELF LEADERSHIP PODCASTS. I’m Erin Diehl, keynote speaker, business improv edutainer, and founder of improve it! (AKA your work bestie). Every Wednesday, Workday Playdate with improve it! helps HR professionals, people leaders, and culture-driven humans bring more laughter, levity, and purpose to their workdays. Because work is better when you play. This is not your average leadership podcast. You’ll get research-backed strategies, improv-inspired tools, and candid conversations with top leaders, speakers, improvisers and authors who are rethinking how we work and lead. Our promise is to give you tangible takeaways you can use immediately, plus a few laughs along the way. Interested in partnering with us? Workday Playdate reaches thousands of people-first leaders who care about workplace culture, leadership, and team development. Contact info@learntoimproveit.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. We promise laughs, impact, and zero awkward small talk. Think ROI with a side of LOL’s. Let’s make it happen!

  1. 322: Words Are Wands: Why Your Inner Dialogue Shapes What's About to Happen

    16H AGO

    322: Words Are Wands: Why Your Inner Dialogue Shapes What's About to Happen

    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: Words Are Wands: How your inner dialogue quietly dictates your future.The Thought Loop Problem: Why 80% of our thoughts are negative, 95% are repetitive, and what that means for confidence and burnout.Reframing Without the Eye Roll: How to shift thoughts in a way that actually unlocks creativity and forward motion.The Brain on Focus (RAS Explained): How your Reticular Activating System filters reality, and how to train it to spot opportunities instead of threats.An Improv Framework for Mindset Shifts: A five-step approach for noticing thoughts, reframing language, and choosing aligned action.Small Actions, Big Shifts: Why tiny, intentional moves matter more than dramatic mindset overhauls. Who This Episode Is For: High performers stuck in negative self-talk or overthinking loopsLeaders, creatives, and humans who want more confidence and clarityAnyone craving a mindset shift that’s practical, playful, and grounded Fans of improv, personal growth, and brain-friendly self-improvement 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) 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 websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    22 min
  2. 321: Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Harvard’s #1 Leadership Class - And What You’ll Steal From It with Margaret Andrews

    DEC 17

    321: Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Harvard’s #1 Leadership Class - And What You’ll Steal From It with Margaret Andrews

    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: Why Harvard’s #1 Leadership Class Works: The self-management framework that helps leaders lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.Vision Setting, Reimagined: Why great vision starts with exploring possibilities before setting intentions.Self-Awareness = Career Insurance: The small daily practices that prevent burnout, derailment, and leadership misfires.Play + Creativity at Work: How joy, laughter, and improv-adjacent thinking unlock better ideas and stronger teams.Manage Yourself First: The core leadership skill most people skip—and why it changes everything.Questions > Answers: How better questions lead to better leadership, decisions, and cultures. Who This Episode Is For: People leaders who want to lead with empathy, clarity, and confidence.High performers feeling burnt out, stuck, or pressured to “be a certain kind of leader.”Anyone curious about why Harvard’s top leadership class is so popular—and how to apply its lessons at work today. 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) 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 Margaret Andrews Margaret’s LinkedInMargaret’s websiteMargaret’s book Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    38 min
  3. 320: 5 Years Strong: The 10 Episodes You Loved Most

    DEC 10

    320: 5 Years Strong: The 10 Episodes You Loved Most

    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: Pivoting Is Progress: How changing the show’s name, format, and focus led to deeper alignment and higher impact.The Power of Improv Comedy: Why improv is one of the most effective development tools for communication, adaptability, listening, and soft skills. Your Favorite Conversations (Ranked!): A countdown of the 10 most streamed, shared, and talked-about episodes + the big lessons from each one. Radical Candor + Empathy: Why caring personally and challenging directly builds trust, psychological safety, and high-performing cultures.Your Money Mindset Matters: How shifting your relationship with finances can expand abundance, reduce stress, and reshape decision-making. Who This Episode Is For: People leaders building cultures rooted in empathy, candor, and psychological safety.Professionals craving growth, clarity, and workplace skills that actually matter.Anyone who loves learning, laughter, leadership, and a good pivot chapter. 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) 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. Top 10 Episodes of All Time Episode 301: Real Talk: How to Stop Guessing What Your Boss Wants and Start Managing Up with Confidence with Melody WildingEpisode 299: Want to Nail Employee Engagement? Here’s What Actually Works (No Gimmicks Needed) with Dr. Angela JacksonEpisode 307: Stop People-Pleasing: Lead with Clarity and Confidence with Amy Green SmithEpisode 303: Are We Settling Without Even Knowing It? Steffani Lefevour Spills the Truth and How to Break FreeEpisode 80: You CAN give feedback as a Leader, and it CANNOT be triggering with Kim ScottEpisode 95: Building a Kick A$$ Culture of Inclusivity with Kim Scott + Trier BryantEpisode 101: The Rise of the Empathetic Leader with Career Development Visionary, Ryan McCreaEpisode 268: How Can Top Corporate Leaders Use Negotiation to Drive Unstoppable Success? Unlocking Secrets with Kwame ChristianEpisode 266: What Does It Take for Women to Gain Respect, Power, and Influence in the Workplace? Alison Fragale Spills the TeaEpisode 258: Is the Way You Think About Money Holding You Back? Dr. Darnyelle Reveals THE Million Dollar Mindset SecretsEpisode 234: Tiffany Sauder on Dual Career Families: Can You Really Have it All Without Sacrificing What Matters Most? Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    23 min
  4. 319: Authenticity at Work: Building Resilient Teams with the REAL Model with Nathan Andres

    DEC 3

    319: Authenticity at Work: Building Resilient Teams with the REAL Model with Nathan Andres

    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: Authenticity Is Your Advantage: Why showing up as your whole, true self creates deeper trust, stronger teams, and more sustainable well-being.Resilience Starts With Reality: How naming your truth—and seeing situations clearly—becomes the first step to taking back control.Energy, Not Exhaustion: How to redirect your emotional, mental, and physical energy toward what fuels you, not drains you. Self-Care, Self-Compassion, Self-Advocacy: Why these three practices are essential to resilience, confidence, and performance. Love Is a Leadership Skill: How love—for yourself, for others, and for the work—creates cultures where people can actually thrive.Mental Health as a Competitive Advantage: Why workplaces that prioritize psychological safety and well-being win in innovation, retention, and trust. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who want to build cultures grounded in authenticity, empathy, and psychological safety.Professionals seeking practical tools for resilience, mental health, and personal well-being.Anyone craving a clear, compassionate framework for navigating life’s roller coasters without losing themselves. 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) 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 Nathan Andres Nathan’s LinkedInNathan’s websiteNathan’s book: Your Real Life: Get Authentic, Be Resilient, and Make it Count Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    45 min
  5. 318: How to Talk to Your Boss About Burnout The Right Way

    NOV 26

    318: How to Talk to Your Boss About Burnout The Right Way

    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: Burnout Is a Signal, Not a Badge: Understanding how your body, brain, and emotions tell you it’s time for change.Silence Breeds Misunderstanding: Why hiding your burnout erodes trust—and how transparency builds it back.Own It, Don’t Over-Apologize: How to express what you’re experiencing with specificity, self-awareness, and honesty.Propose Solutions, Not Just Problems: Scripts and prompts to help you communicate needs + offer proactive, collaborative fixes.Boundaries Are the Tool, Not the Enemy: How to set limits that protect your energy and your performance.Communication That Builds Trust: How empathy, clarity, and a “yes, and” mindset reduce defensiveness and open the door to real support. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders seeking to create a culture of psychological safety and employee support.Professionals craving healthier work-life balance, mental health awareness, and burnout prevention tools.Anyone who wants clear, compassionate scripts for tough conversations—without fear, guilt, or guesswork. 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) 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 websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    23 min
  6. 317: A Fighter Pilot Shares how to Flip Your Fears—The Tiny Moves that Build Big Confidence with Michelle "Mace" Curran

    NOV 19

    317: A Fighter Pilot Shares how to Flip Your Fears—The Tiny Moves that Build Big Confidence with Michelle "Mace" Curran

    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: High Stakes, Big Perspective: What flying fighter jets teaches you about pressure, perception, and courage.Humor as a Power Tool: How laughing at mistakes transforms them into memorable, growth-filled stories.Silver Linings 101: Why reframing setbacks builds resilience and joy.Playfulness at Work: How small moments of levity can boost morale, creativity, and productivity.True Crime & Branding: What Michelle’s personal passions teach us about cohesive, authentic personal branding.The Flipside in Action: How to invert your perspective and turn fear into your superpower. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders craving lightness, resilience, and more human connection.Professionals looking to integrate play, humor, and authenticity into their workday.Anyone eager to learn from a world-class pilot about courage, perspective, and storytelling.Listeners seeking practical tools for reframing fear and finding joy at work. 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) 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 Michelle "Mace" Curran Michelle's websiteMichelle’s LinkedInMichelle’s Instagram Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    41 min
  7. 316: Let’s Talk Feedback: How to Give It, Get It, and Grow From It

    NOV 12

    316: Let’s Talk Feedback: How to Give It, Get It, and Grow From It

    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: The Power of Feedback: Why it’s the fastest way to grow as a leader and teammate.Clear Is Kind: How specificity strengthens trust, communication, and performance.“Yes, And” in Action: Using improv principles to encourage improvement rather than defensiveness.Real-Time vs. Resentment-Time Feedback: The timing rule that changes everything.Feedback as Data: How separating feedback from identity builds resilience and self-awareness. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who want to level up their communication and coaching skills.Professionals eager to improve their confidence, adaptability, and self-awareness.Anyone craving practical, psychology-backed tools for personal and professional growth. 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) 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 websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    19 min
  8. 315: Broke to Boss: The Mindset Shifts That Turn Struggles into Success with Nada Nasserdeen

    NOV 5

    315: Broke to Boss: The Mindset Shifts That Turn Struggles into Success with Nada Nasserdeen

    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: The Power of Influence: How every conversation shapes your leadership presence.Confidence in Action: Why believing in yourself is the foundation of effective communication.Success Skills > Soft Skills: Reframing emotional intelligence and adaptability as the real career accelerators.Mindset Matters: How small mental shifts can turn obstacles into opportunities.Words Create Worlds: The language of leadership that inspires trust and transformation. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders ready to elevate their influence and communication impact.Professionals who want to grow their confidence and emotional intelligence.Anyone craving practical tools for personal and professional growth. 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) 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 Nada Nasserdeen Nada’s LinkedInNada’s website Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Erin’s websiteErin’s InstagramErin’s TikTokErin’s LinkedInimprove it!’s websiteimprove it!’s InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    36 min
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203 Ratings

About

TOP 1% GLOBAL PODCAST for People-First Leaders Formerly the "improve it! Podcast." #9 in BEST 100 SELF LEADERSHIP PODCASTS. I’m Erin Diehl, keynote speaker, business improv edutainer, and founder of improve it! (AKA your work bestie). Every Wednesday, Workday Playdate with improve it! helps HR professionals, people leaders, and culture-driven humans bring more laughter, levity, and purpose to their workdays. Because work is better when you play. This is not your average leadership podcast. You’ll get research-backed strategies, improv-inspired tools, and candid conversations with top leaders, speakers, improvisers and authors who are rethinking how we work and lead. Our promise is to give you tangible takeaways you can use immediately, plus a few laughs along the way. Interested in partnering with us? Workday Playdate reaches thousands of people-first leaders who care about workplace culture, leadership, and team development. Contact info@learntoimproveit.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. We promise laughs, impact, and zero awkward small talk. Think ROI with a side of LOL’s. Let’s make it happen!

Information

  • Creator
    Erin Diehl | Passion Struck Network
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    369
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Workday Playdate

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