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In this Workday Playdate, Erin brings together innovation experts Rich Braden and Tessa Forshaw to challenge everything you thought you knew about creativity at work. This episode proves that innovation is not reserved for a select few, but something everyone can access through mindset, play, and small, intentional actions. If you’ve ever thought “I’m not the creative type,” this conversation will expand your definition of innovation and give you practical ways to bring more curiosity, experimentation, and whole-brained thinking into your day. About the Guests: Rich Braden is an innovation strategist, educator, and global speaker who helps organizations unlock creativity through human-centered design, play, and experimentation. With experience spanning corporate, startup, and academic environments, Rich is known for making innovation accessible, actionable, and energizing. Tessa Forshaw is a creativity and innovation expert, educator, and consultant focused on helping individuals and teams activate their innate creative capacity. Her work blends research, facilitation, and playful practice to challenge limiting beliefs and build cultures where innovation thrives. Inside This Episode: Innovation Isn’t Exclusive: Why the biggest barrier to creativity is the myth that only certain people (or roles) are “allowed” to innovate.Whole-Brained Thinking Wins: How blending analytical rigor with creative exploration leads to better problem-solving, smarter decisions, and more innovative outcomes.The Play Advantage: Why improvisation, curiosity, and experimentation aren’t “nice to have”—they’re essential tools for unlocking new ideas and embracing failure.Mindset > Talent: How small, intentional mindset shifts can reignite creativity and help you move from “right vs. wrong” to “what’s possible?”Diverge, Then Converge: The airplane metaphor for brainstorming that helps you generate bold ideas and actually land them.Innovation in Action: Practical ways leaders can lower the bar, model experimentation, and create cultures where risk-taking is rewarded (not punished).Small Moves, Big Impact: Why innovation isn’t about big breakthroughs—it’s about consistent, everyday experimentation. What to Do Now: Try “Yes, And” Today: In your next meeting, build on someone’s idea before critiquing it. Watch how quickly energy and creativity shift.Run a 10-Minute Diverge/Converge Sprint: Set a timer. Generate as many ideas as possible (no judgment), then switch modes and narrow to your top 1–2 actions.Lower the Bar for Innovation: Pick one small experiment you can run this week.Model the Behavior You Want: As a leader (or future leader), openly share a risk you took or a failure you learned from to create psychological safety for others. Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll. To learn more visit:  https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Connect with Rich Braden and Tessa Forshaw Rich’s LinkedInTessa’s LinkedInRich and Tessa’s book, innovation-ish Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin flips the script on productivity culture and makes the case that your energy at work matters more than your to-do list. This episode is a wake-up call for high performers who’ve been measuring success in checkboxes instead of presence, connection, and impact. If you’ve been optimizing your calendar but still feeling off, this conversation will challenge how you define a “good day,” and give you a practical way to shift it. Inside This Episode: Energy > Activity: Why your internal state is the real driver of performance, influence, and outcomes.Your Energy Is Contagious: How your mood, presence, and mindset shape team dynamics, client relationships, and workplace culture (whether you realize it or not).Science of Better Thinking: What research says about positive emotional states and their impact on innovation and decision-making.The 5-Step Energy Shift Framework: A simple, repeatable process to reset your energy and lead your day with intention.Lead With One Word: How choosing a daily intention anchors your mindset and guides your actions.Measure What Matters: Why ending your day by reflecting on your energy—not your output—leads to more fulfillment and long-term success.Presence As a Power Skill: Especially early in your career, curiosity, intention, and how you show up matter more than having all the answers. Who This Episode Is For: High achievers tired of living by their to-do listsLeaders who want more impact without more burnoutHR and people leaders rethinking performance and engagementEarly-career professionals who want to stand out (without burning out)Teams craving more connection, creativity, and motivationAnyone ready to feel better and perform better at work Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll. To learn more visit:  https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Jane Chen to challenge the “always-on” mindset and invite overachievers into something radically different: pause, process, and thrive. Jane is a best-selling author, leadership coach, and social entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Embrace Global. If you’ve been sprinting toward success at the cost of your well-being, this episode is your reminder that slowing down is exactly how you move forward with intention. Inside This Episode: Pause Before You Push: Why high achievers need to interrupt the cycle of constant doing to reconnect with themselves and avoid burnout.The Hidden Cost of Achievement: How chasing impact, success, and validation can quietly deplete your energy, identity, and joy.From Impact to Inner Work: Jane’s journey from building a global health company to finding healing through surfing, stillness, and self-reflection.Compassion Over Grit: Why resilience isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about practicing self-compassion and emotional awareness.Healing Is a Strategy: Exploring powerful modalities like internal family systems (IFS), therapy, and slowing down as tools for sustainable leadership.Letting Go of External Validation: Why chasing approval is a losing game—and how anchoring in your values creates lasting fulfillment.Ride the Wave: The ocean as a metaphor for life, timing, surrender, and trusting what you can’t control.Vulnerability = Strength: How embracing imperfection, fear, and faith can unlock confidence in leadership and public speaking.From Burnout to Breakthrough: Why moments of crisis or failure might actually be invitations to realign with your purpose.Joy Is Not Optional: How play, nature, and small daily moments of joy are essential for thriving at work and in life. Who This Episode Is For: Overachievers who are tired of running on emptyLeaders ready to trade burnout for sustainable successHR and people leaders focused on well-being and human-centered performanceHigh-performing parents and professionals seeking balance without guiltAnyone navigating burnout, identity shifts, or a season of rebuildingHumans who want to achieve and feel whole while doing it Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll. To learn more visit:   https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Connect with Jane Chen Jane’s LinkedInJane’s websiteJane’s book, Like a Wave We Break: A Memoir of Falling Apart and Finding Myself  Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin flips the script on hustle culture with a bold reminder: it’s not that serious. If you’ve been stuck in overthinking, overworking, or over-perfecting, this episode is your permission slip to loosen your grip and lead with more play. Inside This Episode: Play is Strategic: Why true play fuels creativity, innovation, and better problem-solving at work.The Cost of Taking Work Too Seriously: How rigidity kills connection, limits ideas, and keeps teams stuck.Loosen Up to Level Up: Practical ways to bring more lightness, curiosity, and flexibility into your leadership style.Celebrate the Ridiculous: How “bad” or wild ideas often lead to breakthrough innovation.From Perfection to Experimentation: Letting go of fear and embracing messy, imperfect starts.The Daily Fun Check: One simple question—“Did I have fun today?”—that can transform your energy and performance.5 Ways to Play More (Starting Today): Notice, say yes, lower the stakes, invite others, celebrate ridiculousness. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who want to boost creativity, engagement, and innovationHR and people leaders focused on human-centered workplacesHigh achievers ready to ditch perfectionism and unlock more joyTeams craving stronger connection and collaborationAnyone feeling stuck, burned out, or taking work way too seriouslyHumans who want to work better by playing more Your Playdate Practice Schedule 10 minutes of intentional play and watch what shifts in your mindset, creativity, and connection. Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. And thank you to our sponsors Intuit Quickbooks Payroll. To learn more visit:   https://quickbooks.intuit.com/workforce/ Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with AI expert and trainer John Rood to tackle how to actually implement AI at work without breaking trust, compliance, or culture. If you’ve been overwhelmed by AI hype or unsure where to start, this episode gives you a clear, actionable path forward. Inside This Episode: AI at Work, the Reality Check: What organizations are actually doing with AI today and where most are getting it wrong.HR as AI Gatekeeper: How HR can lead the charge in building smart, scalable AI policies that fit your organization.Adopt Too Fast or Too Slow: The hidden risks on both ends of AI adoption and how to find the sweet spot.AI Literacy for Everyone: Why AI skills aren’t optional anymore and how to train teams from beginner to advanced.From Prompts to Productivity: How structured prompting unlocks real business value even for non-technical teams.Everyday AI Use Cases: From building PowerPoints to automating onboarding and internal research – what AI can actually offer you.Culture > Tools: Why experimentation, collaboration, and psychological safety determine whether AI succeeds or fails.The 3 AI Archetypes: How to engage early adopters, skeptics, and everyone in between.Red Flags to Watch: Shadow AI, data security risks, and governance gaps that can derail your strategy fast.Your First Steps: How to assess current AI usage, gather insights, and build a baseline policy that actually works. Who This Episode Is For: HR leaders navigating AI policy, compliance, and cultureSmall business owners ready to implement AI without the chaosPeople leaders balancing innovation with responsibilityTeams looking to boost productivity with practical AI useOrganizations that want to adopt AI without losing trustHumans who know AI is here and want to use it wisely Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. Connect with John Rood John’s LinkedInJohn’s website Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin dives into a timely leadership truth: in a world obsessed with AI, your real competitive edge is your humanity. This episode unpacks why joy at work is fuel and how leaders who prioritize human connection, energy, and play are the ones building cultures that actually perform. If you’ve been wondering how to lead in an AI-driven workplace without losing the human spark, this episode is your playbook. Inside This Episode: Joy as a Performance Strategy: Why joy is a catalyst for productivity, creativity, and team engagement.Psychological Safety = Innovation: How feeling safe, seen, and energized unlocks experimentation, speaking up, and bold thinking.AI’s Role (and Limits): Where AI enhances efficiency and why it will never replace culture, connection, or leadership presence.The Joy Advantage: A fresh leadership framework for building high-performing, human-centered workplaces.Human Skills > AI Skills: Why communication, empathy, adaptability, and presence are becoming the ultimate power skills.Leadership Playground: The value of practicing leadership in real time through community, feedback, and play.Irreplaceably Human: How to stand out in a tech-saturated world by doubling down on what machines can’t replicate. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders navigating the rise of AI while protecting team cultureHigh performers who want to lead with energyPeople leaders focused on engagement, innovation, and retentionCoaches, facilitators, and culture builders shaping human-first workplacesHumans who want to future-proof their careers by becoming more human Your Playdate Practice Bring one moment of intentional joy into your work. Whether that means celebrating someone publicly, asking one curious question, or pausing before you react, choose joyful presence over speed. Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! Leadership Playground online membership communityErin’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Moshe Frenkel to unpack a powerful truth many high-achieving leaders quietly wrestle with: the belief that their worth is conditional. Together, they explore how the emotional stories we form in childhood shape the way we show up at work, in relationships, and in leadership. Dr. Moshe shares a refreshing perspective on self-worth and the courage it takes to detach from limiting beliefs that no longer serve us. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to earn your value, this episode offers a liberating reframe. Because here’s the truth: who you are is already enough. Inside This Episode: Unconditional Self-Worth: Why your value is something you recognize rather than achieve. Dr. Moshe reframes the idea that we must prove our worth to feel loved, respected, or successful.The Childhood Blueprint: How early experiences of feeling unheard, unseen, or not fully loved shape the beliefs we carry into adulthood, leadership, and relationships.Conditional Love vs. Real Acceptance: The illusion many of us internalize—that love, approval, or belonging must be earned through performance.Limiting Beliefs in Leadership: How subconscious childhood narratives show up in the workplace as perfectionism, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome, and overachievement.Detach From Old Stories: Practical ways to identify and separate from the beliefs you absorbed growing up so they stop driving your adult decisions.Inner Healing as Leadership Work: Why self-awareness and emotional healing aren’t “soft skills”—they’re foundational leadership capabilities.Rewriting the Narrative: How recognizing your inherent worth can transform confidence, relationships, and the way you lead.From Proving to Being: What changes when leaders stop striving for validation and start operating from a place of internal security. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders working to untangle their relationship with self-worthHigh achievers who feel the pressure to constantly prove themselvesPeople navigating perfectionism, people-pleasing, or imposter syndromeCoaches, facilitators, and consultants who guide others through personal growthHumans ready to lead from authenticity rather than approval Your Freebie You already have strengths that make you a powerful leader. But chances are, one of them is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. Enter your free resource: The Human Leadership Edge Quiz. In just 10 quick questions, you’ll discover the leadership strength that sets you apart in the age of AI and how to use it more intentionally with your team. Take the Human Leadership Edge Quiz here. Connect with Dr. Moshe Dr. Moshe’s LinkedInDr. Moshe’s websiteThe Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer 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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin explores a leadership truth that’s impossible to ignore right now: leaders are more connected than ever and lonelier than ever. Erin shares practical frameworks and personal stories to help you cultivate authentic community that strengthens your leadership, boosts resilience, and fuels sustainable confidence. If leadership has felt isolating, this episode is your reminder: you were never meant to do this alone. Inside This Episode: The Loneliness Paradox in Leadership: Why high achievers often feel the most isolated—and how social connection reduces burnout, increases engagement, and strengthens resilience.Leadership Is a Team Sport: The “buddy bench” metaphor that reframes leadership growth as something you practice with others, not in silos.The 4-Step Community Framework: A clear, actionable process to build a community that aligns with who you’re becoming.From Spectator to Participant: Why passive membership doesn’t build confidence and how contribution, visibility, and real-time sharing accelerate growth.Normalize Honest Feedback: How vulnerability + peer coaching deepen trust, psychological safety, and real leadership skill-building.Audit Your Energy: The simplest question to curate stronger relationships: Do I feel energized or drained after this interaction?Treadmill Friends vs. Couch Friends: Why some relationships stretch you and others soothe you, and why you need both (but in the right balance).Intentional Community > Accidental Proximity: Why mutual investment is the foundation of meaningful leadership support.Practice in Public: How spaces like Leadership Playground give leaders a monthly rep to test ideas, receive feedback, and build social confidence.Confidence Is a Community Byproduct: Why resilient leaders focus less on doing it alone and more on surrounding themselves with people who reflect their growth back to them. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders tired of carrying growth alonePeople managers craving deeper connectionHigh achievers who secretly feel isolatedEntrepreneurs and founders building something boldHumans ready to move from polished to present Your Playdate Practice First, write down the people who you interact with the most in professional settings. Second, ask yourself, “Do they challenge me? Do they support me? Do they inspire me?” Third, reach out to one leader and say something along the lines of, “Hey, how are you? I’m genuinely interested in your answer. Also, could you help me with X? I’m feeling like I need a little more help in this area.” Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook 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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin dives into the discomfort of “good awkward” with Henna Pryor. Henna is a workplace performance expert, keynote speaker, and author who helps teams build social fitness in a world that’s forgotten how to human. Together, they unpack why our social muscles have atrophied (thanks, tech + pandemic isolation) and how leaning into micro-discomfort can radically improve leadership, communication, and team cohesion. This episode is your permission slip to stop polishing and start connecting. Inside This Episode: Social Muscles Are Flabby: Why hyper-connectivity is sabotaging real connection—and what it’s doing to workplace communication and confidence.Micro-Disagreements, Major Growth: How low-stakes conflict and social repetition build trust, resilience, and stronger teams.Asking for Help Without Spiraling: The surprising stat: 1 in 3 employees would rather clean a toilet than ask for help. Let’s fix that.The Neuroscience of Shared Moments: Why laughter, eye contact, and shared awkwardness boost psychological safety and belonging.Normalize the Awkward: How naming “good awkward” in real time reduces fear and strengthens authentic leadership.Language Builds Safety: Practical scripts to express discomfort, validate emotions, and create space for real dialogue.Humor as a Leadership Strategy: Why playfulness lowers defensiveness, reduces conflict anxiety, and makes feedback easier to hear.Good Enough > Perfect: Ditching perfectionism to build faster recovery and stronger comeback rates in tough moments.Recovery Rate > Failure Rate: Why resilient leaders focus less on avoiding discomfort and more on how quickly they bounce back.Make Work a Playground Again: Micro-exercises and small social reps teams can use immediately to rebuild connection and confidence. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who want to build psychological safety without the corporate fluffPeople managers craving stronger team connection and communicationHigh achievers unlearning perfectionismRemote and hybrid teams rebuilding social confidenceHumans ready to trade polished for present Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here. Connect with Henna Pryor Henna’s LinkedInHenna’s websiteHenna’s InstagramHenna’s book, Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You 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.

In this Workday Playdate episode, Erin delivers a no-fluff leadership reset in How to Not Suck at Being a Boss. Erin breaks down how reactive habits quietly erode trust (hello burnout and disengagement) and replaces them with a five-step framework rooted in emotional awareness and clear communication. Inside This Episode: Autopilot Leadership: Why reactionary management drains morale and how to interrupt itEnergy Sets the Tone: How your emotional state shapes culture, creativity, and resultsListen to Understand: Stop fixing. Start hearing. (Yes, it changes everything.)Clear Expectations: Saying it out loud + writing it down = fewer misunderstandingsPsychological Safety: Celebrating effort, learning, and growth to build real trustLead Yourself First: Self-awareness, reflection, and owning mistakes like a proThe Five-Step Framework: Erin’s simple roadmap to becoming a more effective bossImprov at Work: Why “blocking the scene” kills connection—and what to do insteadYes-And Check-In: A practical exercise to deepen presence in daily team momentsEmbrace Imperfection: Leading with humanity beats leading with control Who This Episode Is For: New managers and seasoned leaders who want to level upPeople leaders building emotionally safe, high-performing teamsHumans navigating burnout, disengagement, or workplace uncertaintyRemote and hybrid leaders craving deeper connectionAnyone ready to lead with more empathy, clarity, and play Your Playdate Practice The “Yes, And” Check-in: This week, when a team member comes to you with an issue, listen to understand, not to respond. Once they finish sharing, say, “Tell me more.” When they tell you more, say, “Yes I hear you, and here's how I can support you through this.” Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook 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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin welcomes leadership trailblazer Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, for a conversation about authenticity, empathy, and emotional fluency at work. This episode is a heart-forward guide to showing up as your full self so you can build trust, spark creativity, and lead with courage in today’s complex workplace. Erin and Claude explore how emotional safety, vulnerability, and presence directly impact performance, innovation, and connection. At the heart of the episode is a call to expand at work. Through improv principles like “yes, and,” culture addition (not culture fit), Erin and Claude offer leaders real ways to create psychologically safe, high-trust environments where people actually thrive. Inside This Episode: Authentic Leadership: Why being yourself at work is strategicEmotional Safety at Work: How trust and psychological safety unlock creativity, loyalty, and performanceClaude’s Journey: From surf instructor to Chief Heart OfficerWater as Wisdom: Flow, movement, and calm as leadership metaphorsImprov at Work: Using “yes, and” to build collaboration, presence, and connectionCulture Addition: Moving beyond exclusionary culture fit to build stronger, more inclusive teamsEmotional Fluency: Learning to “speak human” and release outdated professionalism normsTrusting the Long Game: Patience, vulnerability, and leadership lessons from Gary VaynerchukPurpose & Joyful Service: Choosing love over fear to create real impact Practical Takeaways: Discover your authentic self through values, triggers, and feedbackPractice grounded presence and emotional regulationExpand instead of shrink in moments of discomfortLead with love, clarity, and courage Who This Episode Is For: Leaders ready to show up more authenticallyPeople managers building emotionally safe, high-performing culturesAnyone navigating burnout, disengagement, or uncertaintyRemote and hybrid leaders creating connection without proximityHumans who want to lead with more empathy, purpose, and play Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook here. Connect with Claude Silver Claude’s LinkedInClaude’s InstagramClaude’s websiteClaude’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin tackles a leadership reality many people leaders are quietly carrying: when the world feels heavy, your team feels it too. This episode is a grounded guide for showing up with intention, presence, and care without pretending you have all the answers. Erin explores how global events, constant information overload, and emotional fatigue are showing up inside our workplaces, whether we acknowledge them or not. Drawing on research around psychological safety and belonging, she makes the case that empathy, kindness, and emotional awareness are core leadership strategies. At the heart of the episode is Erin’s practical LOVE framework, a four-step approach leaders can use immediately to create safer, more resilient, and more connected teams. Inside This Episode: Leadership in Heavy Times: How world events impact decision-making, morale, and team dynamicsPsychological Safety & Belonging: Why safety and trust are performance multipliers, not perksThe LOVE Framework: 1. Listen for what’s said (and unsaid), 2. Openly ask questions without needing all the answers, 3. Value core values as decision-making anchors, 4. Energize your team with intentional, positive energyRemote Leadership Presence: Simple ways to set the tone through daily messages and routinesEnergy at Work: Why your energy is the culture—and how to manage it intentionallyValues Alignment: Turning belonging, acceptance, and community into lived practicesLeading with Love: How kindness, compassion, and contribution create real impact Who This Episode Is For: Leaders carrying the emotional weight of their roleManagers navigating uncertainty, burnout, or disengagementPeople leaders building culture during challenging world momentsRemote and hybrid leaders setting tone without physical presenceAnyone who wants to lead with more humanity, clarity, and care Your Freebie You want to support your people the same way you want to be supported—but in fast, emotionally charged moments, the right words can be hard to find. Enter, your free resource - Human Leadership in the Age of AI: An Empathy Playbook. It gives you a simple, 3-part list of human-first phrases you can use in meetings, emails, and one-on-ones. Empathy isn’t extra anymore. It’s essential. Download your Empathy Playbook 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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Lori Woodley-Langendorff to unpack a leadership truth we don’t practice enough: emotional intelligence isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential. Lori is an acclaimed author, educator, and expert in social-emotional literacy (SEL) who co-founded the non-profit "All It Takes" with her daughter, actress Shailene Woodley. Drawing from Lori’s 30-year career as a school counselor (and her lived experience as a parent), this conversation bridges the gap between personal growth and professional leadership, reminding us that the workplace has officially changed… and our emotional skills need to catch up. Together, Erin and Lori explore emotional intelligence (EI) and social emotional literacy (SEL) as learnable, trainable skills, not personality traits you either have or don’t. Lori introduces her SEL Muscle framework, a practical, no-fluff approach to building emotional resilience, strengthening communication, and leading with both connection and accountability. The result? Healthier teams, better relationships, and leaders who can handle overwhelm without passing it down the chain. Inside This Episode: Emotional Intelligence at Work: Why EI is foundational to modern leadership and personal growthSEL Is a Muscle: How social emotional literacy strengthens with intentional practiceConnection + Accountability: Why you need both to build trust and credibilityEmotional Awareness: How noticing feelings early prevents stress, burnout, and breakdownsThe SEL Muscle Framework: Practical tools for emotional resilience and clearer communicationModeling the Way: Why leaders must “walk the talk” emotionally, not just strategicallyCuriosity Without Judgment: How this one shift transforms relationships at work and home Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who feel the emotional weight of their roleManagers navigating overwhelm, conflict, or disengagementParents and professionals juggling accountability with compassionPeople leaders ready to strengthen emotional resilience and communicationAnyone who wants to lead with more awareness and connection Your Freebie You’ve tried the color-coded calendars, the habit apps, and the “this is the week I finally get it together” pep talk… and it still doesn’t stick. That’s because consistency comes from understanding why your routines keep falling apart in the first place. The 4-Step Consistency Planner helps you uncover the four real reasons consistency breaks down and walks you through four practical fixes so you can take back control of your week. Download it here. Connect with Lori Woodley-Langendorff Lori’s LinkedInLori’s company websiteLori’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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin breaks down a truth some leaders don’t want to hear: teams don’t leave because of the work, they leave because of how they’re led. Erin introduces 5D leadership, a more human, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent approach that goes beyond deliverables. She contrasts traditional 3D leadership—where output rules and humans come second—with 5D leadership, where intention, energy, and connection drive trust, creativity, and engagement. Erin shares a simple three-step shift that helps leaders stop managing roles and start leading humans. The result? Teams that stay, contribute, and actually want to collaborate. Inside This Episode: 3D vs. 5D Leadership: Why task-only leadership quietly disengages your teamIntend the Energy: How setting intention (not just outcomes) changes everythingLead the Human: Why seeing people beyond their role builds loyalty and trustIntuition at Work: How emotional intelligence fuels better decisions and creativityCo-Creation Over Control: Why the best leaders stop dictating and start designing with their teamsEnergetic Leadership: How presence, not pressure, drives performanceThe Improv Connection: What “yes, and” can teach leaders about collaboration Who This Episode Is For: Leaders frustrated by disengaged or burned-out teamsManagers stuck in task mode who want more trust and creativityHigh-performers ready to lead with intuition and emotional intelligencePeople leaders curious about energetic leadership and intention settingAnyone who wants teams that don’t just comply, but commit Your Freebie You’ve tried the color-coded calendars, the habit apps, and the “this is the week I finally get it together” pep talk… and it still doesn’t stick. That’s because consistency comes from understanding why your routines keep falling apart in the first place. The 4-Step Consistency Planner helps you uncover the four real reasons consistency breaks down and walks you through four practical fixes so you can take back control of your week. Download it 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.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Carrie Drinkwine to explore a radical (and deeply human) truth: real healing starts with feeling. Carrie shares her powerful journey through chronic illness, emotional reckoning, and life-threatening health challenges. She explains how regenerative practices helped her reconnect to her body, her intuition, and her vitality. Together, Erin and Carrie unpack the emotional–physical connection, why “pushing through” keeps us stuck, and how flow, self-love, and emotional release create lasting wellness at work and in life. Inside This Episode: Flow Over Force: Why flow is essential for overcoming obstacles and supporting long-term health.Issues in the Tissues: How repressed emotions live in the body—and show up as physical symptoms.Healing from Within: Carrie’s journey through chronic illness and emotional healing.The Emotional–Physical Link: Why you can’t separate wellness at work from wellness in your body.Self-Love as Medicine: How acceptance, compassion, and nervous system safety unlock vitality.Listen to the Body: Why intuition—not optimization—is the most powerful health tool you have.Holistic, Not Hustle: How regenerative health practices lead to real, sustainable transformation. Who This Episode Is For: Humans navigating burnout, chronic stress, or chronic illnessLeaders curious about emotional wellness and embodied leadershipHigh-achievers ready to stop overriding their bodiesAnyone exploring self-healing, holistic health, or regenerative practicesFans of flow, intuition, self-love, and healing that actually sticks 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 a 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 1 email a week from us? Our well-loved Fail Fourward Friday gives you 4 Fails, 3 Awakenings, 2 Ideas, and 1 Laugh from the week that reminded us what being human is all about: to make failure a habit, be a lifelong learner, explore more, and never pass up an opportunity to laugh. Subscribe here. Connect with Carrie Drinkwine Carrie’s LinkedInCarrie’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.