improve it! Podcast – Professional Development Through Play, Improv & Experiential Learning Erin Diehl | Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Keynote Speaker

Is the only component to your evening routine scrolling mindlessly on your phone before your eyelids can’t stay open anymore?
You’re definitely not the only one. 😅
In today’s episode, Erin gives you the full rundown of the iDiehl Day—what it is and how you can use it to create the routine that the current season of your life is calling for. (Hint: it’s probably not more hours on the ‘Gram).
She also shares how most recently she’s paired the iDiehl Day with chronobiology and Ayurvedic concepts discussed in the book Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life.
Erin spills the tea on:
How an accountability partner helps you actually stick to your morning routine Working out as a working parent & how to balance workout classes with home workouts The minute-by-minute breakdown of going from CEO to Mom to Erin each day If your routine needs a little sprucey spruce—this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
The breakfast Erin has eaten for 15 years and why When she finds reading time and how it adds up ~strategic~ showering If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 242: Time Slipping Away? What's the Secret to Becoming a Time Management Pro? Show Links:
Check out the book referenced in this episode: Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life: How to Harness the Power of Clock Genes to Lose Weight, Optimize Your Workout, and Finally Get a Good Night's Sleep. Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, virtual improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top best virtual keynote speakers stops today. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here. Connect with Erin Diehl:
Erin’s Instagram Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s website improve it!’s Instagram improve it!’s website

Here to get TRASHED?! 😝
Kidding, kind of.
Founder & confidence sherpa, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host Nicole Kalil is here today to discuss how bringing her trash to the “transfer station” ie, dump, led her to interrogate the “trash” that was in her head or “head trash” and write her first book called Validation is for Parking.
In today’s episode, Nicole explains what “head trash” is and the 3 things you need to know about it to become more confident.
Nicole and Erin also talk about:
Nicole’s personal story of BECOMING confident when she was climbing the corporate ladder and why this is different from all of the other voices telling us how to BE confident 5 things that derail your confidence and how to be aware of them Why you’ve been lying to yourself with the affirmations you’re using and how to actually believe them and embrace them If you want to become more confident—this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
Why “fake it til you make it” is out and its better replacement Why Nicole’s plan B is to be a detective If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with: 
Episode 126: Want to Gain Confidence, Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable at Work? Try Chicken Dancing! (with Special Guest Cameron Roffey) Episode 121: Let Go of Your Leadership-Limiting Beliefs - How Improv Improves Your Confidence Show Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, virtual improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top best virtual keynote speakers stops today. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here. Connect with Nicole Kalil:
Nicole’s website Nicole’s book, Validation is for Parking Nicole’s freebie, My Year of Confidence Action Plan Nicole’s Instagram Connect with Erin Diehl:
Erin’s Instagram Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s website improve it!’s Instagram improve it!’s website

Sound too simple? It is, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. 😊
In today’s episode, Erin gives you her 5 steps to attaining personal and professional freedom on a daily basis. These steps are perfect to pull out at the beginning of the month to set yourself up for success (and with some room to breathe).
Erin shares:
How to set long-term goals to guide your actions + tell the universe how it can help you achieve them Why “clear is kind” and how you can practice effective communication as a leader who may also be a recovering people pleaser How to embrace the truth that you either adapt or get left behind If you feel like you should have more time than you do—this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode
“Batching” your life and how it will shoot your productivity through the roof Saying no to things that don’t meet your 4 P’s How to achieve personal freedom?
Letting Go Of Fear. Setting Boundaries. Cultivating Self-Compassion. Pursuing Passion And Purpose. Simplifying Life. Mindfulness And Presence. Building Resilience. Expressing Authenticity. -Brainz Magazine
What is personal freedom psychology?
Personal freedom is freedom of your mind from what determines your thoughts, feelings and behavior. It is based on our ability to exercise choice. Although some circumstances may be more favorable for acting autonomously, choice is always possible regardless of circumstances. -personalsynthesis.com
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with: 
Episode 238: Are You Ready to Use the Four-Step Checklist to Achieve Decision-Making Clarity? Episode 80: You CAN give feedback as a Leader, and it CANNOT be triggering with Kim Scott Show Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top virtual keynote speakers stops right now. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here. Check out Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business Check out Radical Candor Purchase a Passion Planner here Connect with Erin Diehl:
Erin’s Instagram Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s website improve it!’s Instagram improve it!’s website

Toxic leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, but there are common threads to look out for that can either help you exit and heal or empower your organization as a whole to make change.
Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work & career psychologist, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. She’s currently researching toxic bosses in the workplace and what this entails for psychological health.
Erin and Dr. Laura discuss:
Some of the telltale signs of toxic bosses in an organization “Hot spots” in toxic workplaces and how to take them seriously The healing phase after you leave a toxic boss

Dr. Laura shares her top methods for coping and processing when you have a toxic boss and aren’t able to exit the situation immediately.
If you’re experiencing a toxic boss, have in the past, or know someone who is/has--this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
How to actually put your ego aside Erin’s own experiences with a previous toxic boss

What are the traits of a toxic boss?
They come in many forms, but the most common traits of a bad boss are clear: grandiosity, micromanaging, demanding unrealistic expectations from employees, being too political, and not trusting their team. -Online Career Coaching Services


How do I protect myself from a toxic boss?
5 Effective Tactics to Handle a Toxic Boss
1.    Do Not Take Their Treatment Personally.
2.    Find Allies and Support.
3.    Take Time Off to Recharge.
4.    Document, Document, Document.
5.    Be Your Own Advocate.
-usnews.com


If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 104: No Job is Worth Your Mental Health - Why Attention to Your Intention Matters with Jasmine Francis  
Show Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top virtual keynote speakers stops right now. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here.

Connect with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett:
Dr. Laura’s website Dr. Laura’s LinkedIn Dr. Laura’s podcast

Connect with Erin Diehl:
Erin’s Instagram Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s website improve it!’s Instagram improve it!’s website

What does planning your week around a McDonald’s lunch date with your daughter have to do with top leadership qualities?
More than you think. And Erin’s dad, Fred Holbrook, is here to tell the tale.
Fred worked in accounting, operations management, and owned his own appliance services business. He’s now retired—but does consulting on the side—and loves being a grandpa.
Erin and Fred discuss:
How being the parent of a strong-willed child (Erin, lol) helped him become a better leader How to balance being a leader and a parent Why negative feedback is just as essential as positive feedback & how to give it gracefully

Fred shares the top three leadership lessons he’s learned from parenting a strong-willed child and how you can apply them today.
If you’re a working parent or you know a working parent – this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
Erin’s not-so-hot grades freshman year of college What it means to set parameters for your team

Does parenting have anything to do with leadership?
Parents are the first people children interact with, which is why they play such an important role in the development of an individual's leadership skills. For many of my clients, if they're facing a particular challenge when it comes to leadership, I can trace it back to a parenting style they experienced as a kid.
-Christine Laperriere


What leaders can learn from kids?
If you observe kids closely, you will notice that they can teach us a lot about leadership.
1.    Thirst for knowledge.
2.    Every day is a new one.
3.    Being creative and innovative.
4.    Collaboration.
5.    Persistence but with adaptability and resilience.
6.    Get moving.
-plopdo.com


If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 113: 5 Easy Time Management Hacks: My Weekly Schedule Breakdown as Full-Time Leader, Facilitator, Content Creator and Working Mom  
Show Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Ever thought about using improv workshops for business development? Check out our offerings here. Virtual employee engagement just got a whole lot easier. Learn about our virtual workshop options here.

Connect with Fred Holbrook:
Email info@learntoimproveit.com and Erin will get you in touch with him!

Connect with Erin Diehl:
Erin’s Instagram Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s website improve it!’s Instagram improve it!’s website

You came into this world knowing exactly who you’re here to be, but the world gets to you as you grow older–weighing you down with other peoples’ opinions, paying your taxes, and 9 to 5s–and the actual purpose of your life is to remember what you came here for?
Interestinggg. And if you think about how overcoming perfectionism plays a role in this idea...wowee.
Human Potential Coach, Speaker, and Podcast Host Kamini Wood joins Erin on the pod today to discuss:
Her own personal relationships with people-pleasing and perfectionism that began at a young age and how she’s working through them How to meet someone where they are, not try to get them to fit into the box you have for them What a values-based action is and how to start taking more of them

Kamini shares her concrete method for calling out your perfectionism and recalibrating in order to avoid perfectionism paralysis.
If you’re a recovering perfectionist and/or people-pleaser – this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
Why it’s not about not caring what others’ think, it’s about not making their reaction dictate what you choose to do Kindness > judgment

How to get rid of perfectionism?
Celebrate your successes. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Set reasonable expectations. Break tasks into smaller steps and start simple. Remind yourself that perfection is not necessary. Limit your time on tasks. -calm.com


What is the root cause of perfectionism?
Perfectionism can be caused by conditions like Generalized Anxiety and OCD, as well as family, cultural, and workplace expectations. I often see perfectionism in people with a trauma history, as it can come from a desire to control things or avoid any potential negative consequences from mistakes.
-choosingtherapy.com


If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 149: Why Perfectionism is Harmful for Leaders with Jess Joswick  
Show Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes Happy Mammoth, the company that created Hormone Harmony, is dedicated to making women’s lives easier. And that means using only science-backed ingredients that have been proven to work for women. They make NO compromise when it comes to quality – and it shows. For a limited time, you can get 15% off on your entire first order at happymammoth.com with the code PEEP at checkout. Picture this: delicious, chef-curated meals delivered right to your doorstep, with all the ingredients pre-measured and ready to go. Go to HelloFresh.com/peepapps for FREE appetizers for life! One appetizer item per box while subscription is active. Ever thought about using improv training for business development? Check out our offerings here. Virtual keynote speakers just got a side of failure and self-love. Learn about our two keynote offerings here.

Connect with Kamini Wood:
Kamini’s website Kamini’s LinkedIn Kamini’s Instagram Kamini’s Facebook

Connect with Erin Diehl:
Erin’s Instagram Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s website improve it!’s Instagram improve it!’s website