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