Workday Playdate

By Erin Diehl - Workday PlaydateBusiness Education How To Careers Management

Workday Playdate episodes

December 17, 2025321: 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 FreebieYou’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 LinkedIn
Margaret’s website
Margaret’s book

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.
Loved this episode?
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.
39 min
December 10, 2025320: 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 Wilding
Episode 299: Want to Nail Employee Engagement? Here’s What Actually Works (No Gimmicks Needed) with Dr. Angela Jackson
Episode 307: Stop People-Pleasing: Lead with Clarity and Confidence with Amy Green Smith
Episode 303: Are We Settling Without Even Knowing It? Steffani Lefevour Spills the Truth and How to Break Free
Episode 80: You CAN give feedback as a Leader, and it CANNOT be triggering with Kim Scott
Episode 95: Building a Kick A$$ Culture of Inclusivity with Kim Scott + Trier Bryant
Episode 101: The Rise of the Empathetic Leader with Career Development Visionary, Ryan McCrea
Episode 268: How Can Top Corporate Leaders Use Negotiation to Drive Unstoppable Success? Unlocking Secrets with Kwame Christian
Episode 266: What Does It Take for Women to Gain Respect, Power, and Influence in the Workplace? Alison Fragale Spills the Tea
Episode 258: Is the Way You Think About Money Holding You Back? Dr. Darnyelle Reveals THE Million Dollar Mindset Secrets
Episode 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 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.
Loved this episode?
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.
23 min
December 03, 2025319: 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 LinkedIn
Nathan’s website
Nathan’s book: Your Real Life: Get Authentic, Be Resilient, and Make it Count

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.
Loved this episode?
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.
46 min
November 26, 2025318: 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 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.
Loved this episode?
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.
24 min
November 19, 2025317: 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 website
Michelle’s LinkedIn
Michelle’s Instagram

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.
Loved this episode?
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.
41 min
November 12, 2025316: 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 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.
Loved this episode?
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.
20 min
November 05, 2025315: 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 LinkedIn
Nada’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
🌟 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.
Loved this episode?
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.
36 min
October 29, 2025314: Confidence Hacks: Be Memorable in Any Presentation
In today’s episode of Workday Playdate, Erin unpacks one of the most game-changing skills in work and life: confidence. Whether you’re pitching a new idea, speaking on stage, or leading a meeting, Erin shares how to turn every presentation into a moment that sticks.Through humor, improv-infused insights, and real-life stories, Erin reveals the secrets to building self-trust, authenticity, and audience connection. She’ll show you how confidence is mostly about being present.If public speaking makes your palms sweat or you’ve ever blanked mid-pitch, this episode is your playbook for showing up and staying memorable.Inside This Episode:
The Truth About Confidence: Why it’s not the absence of nerves—it’s the presence of trust.
Prep Like You Play: How to make preparation fun, creative, and confidence-boosting (yes, improv helps!).
Authenticity Wins: Embrace your quirks—they’re your connection superpower.
Shift the Spotlight: Move your focus from self to service for unforgettable audience impact.
Presentation Energy Hacks: Simple ways to channel nerves into powerful presence.

Who This Episode Is For:
Leaders who want to command the room.
Professionals ready to turn fear into fuel.
Anyone who wants to speak with impact—and actually enjoy it.

Tune in to learn how confidence, trust, and a little play can make you magnetic in any presentation.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 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.
Loved this episode?
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.
25 min
October 22, 2025313: Put Down the To-Do List: The Power of Doing Nothing with Sabina Nawaz
In Episode 313 of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with global leadership coach Sabina Nawaz to unpack an idea that feels counterintuitive in a world obsessed with doing: the power of doing nothing.From radical presence to redefining productivity, this conversation explores how creating “blank space” can unlock creativity, clarity, and calm. Erin and Sabina dig into what it means to show up with every cell in your body, why pressure often corrupts our best intentions, and how stillness can be a bold leadership strategy.If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down or struggled to find space to think, this episode is your permission slip (and push) to pause.Inside This Episode:
Radical Presence: Why being fully engaged—body, mind, and spirit—changes how you lead and connect.
Blank Space as Strategy: How creating moments of “nothing” can spark creativity and better decisions.
Redefining Productivity: Moving from busyness to meaningful progress.
Managing Pressure: Recognizing when intensity turns habits destructive—and how to reset.
Reflection Culture: Practical ways to build team rhythms that value pausing, processing, and presence.

Who This Episode Is For:
Leaders craving calm in the chaos.
Teams tired of mistaking motion for momentum.
Anyone ready to replace burnout with balance and busyness with breakthroughs.

Tune in to learn why sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing at all.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 Sabina Nawaz
Sabina’s LinkedIn
Sabina’s website
Sabina’s book, You’re the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)

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.
Loved this episode?
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.
42 min
October 15, 2025312: Wanna Nail Your Keynote? Here’s How to Research Your Audience
In Episode 312 of Workday Playdate, Erin unpacks the not-so-secret sauce behind every unforgettable presentation: research. Whether you’re delivering a keynote, leading a team meeting, or pitching a new idea, understanding your audience is what turns a talk into a transformation.Erin walks you through her playbook for audience research — a repeatable process that helps you craft keynotes that actually land. You’ll learn how to decode your audience’s language, tailor your stories to their world, and design an experience that feels less like a lecture and more like a moment.If you’ve ever wondered why some presentations click while others fizzle, this episode is your roadmap to relevance, resonance, and results.Inside This Episode:
Research is Key: Why understanding your audience’s needs and challenges is the foundation of every great talk.
Speak Their Language: How mirroring your audience’s words builds instant rapport and credibility.
Tailor Your Stories: Tips for customizing examples that feel authentic and deeply relatable.
Interactive Formats: How to use improv-inspired techniques to read the room and adapt on the fly.
Close the Loop: End with actionable insights tied to what your audience actually cares about — their KPIs.

Who This Episode Is For:
Keynote speakers who want to move beyond cookie-cutter content.
Talent development pros crafting workshops that land with impact.
Leaders looking to make every presentation more engaging, relevant, and human.

Tune in to learn how doing your homework can turn any presentation from “fine” to phenomenal — and why audience research might just be the most generous thing you can do as a speaker.Blocked time, made lists, promised yourself this time will be different—and yet by 5 PM, the work that actually matters is still staring back at you.Enter The Ready-Made 90-Minute Focus Kit: your done-for-you reset for ditching distractions and finally making progress on what matters most. With this simple framework, you’ll reclaim your brainpower, protect your energy, and actually finish the work you care about. Download it now and turn “Where did the day go?” into “Wow, I crushed 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 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.
Loved this episode?
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.
29 min

About Workday Playdate

From the publisher's feed

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…