In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin throws out the five-year plan, the “dream job” myth, and that tired advice to just “follow your passion.” Instead, she’s joined by creative powerhouse and Mighty Forces founder Amanda Hirsch to help you rethink what career ownership actually looks like today.

From office misfit to author, storyteller, and mom, Amanda shares the real talk behind taking back your path when no one else is handing you a roadmap. This episode is for anyone stuck in career limbo, burnt out on job titles, or wondering what’s next (without needing a full reinvention).

Whether you're pivoting, plateauing, or plotting your next move, Erin and Amanda remind us: life is more improv than plan, and you're more ready than you think.

Inside This Episode:

• Why waiting for “clarity” might be keeping you stuck
• The high cost of chasing the perfect job
• How to take action even when you don’t have it all figured out
• The power of storytelling in reclaiming your career narrative
• What Amanda learned from being a misfit—and why that might be your superpower
• One small step you can take this week to start owning your path

Who This Episode Is For:

Anyone navigating a pivot, questioning what’s next, or tired of pretending their LinkedIn headline tells the whole story. If you’re ready to choose your career—not just chase it—this episode is for you.

So pause the inbox scroll, close that half-written cover letter, 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 Amanda Hirsch

• Amanda’s website
• Amanda’s LinkedIn
• Mighty Forces website
• Amanda’s Instagram
• Amanda’s TikTok

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