270: Lessons, Laughs & Leadership: improve it! Podcast Year in Review
Release Date: 12/25/2024
278: Radical Empathy at Work: Stories from 'I See You!
Workday Playdate
Think empathy is just a “soft skill”? Think again. It’s your leadership superpower—one that builds trust, fuels innovation, and keeps teams engaged. But here’s the kicker: real empathy isn’t just about feeling—it’s about leading with it. In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin takes you beyond the pages of her book I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy to unpack the ripple effect it’s had on leaders, teams, and workplaces over the past year. From boardrooms to book clubs, keynote stages to personal breakthroughs, this book has...
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Snack 1: How to Let Empathy Shape Your Leadership Style
Workday Playdate
Welcome to Workday Playdate—new name, same mission, more fun! If you're a leader looking to energize your team, you're in the right place. You care about your people, but leadership can feel like an uphill battle—burnout, disengagement, awkward silences. Sound familiar? Enter: Radical Empathy. In today’s Workday Playdate “Snack,” Erin gives you a quick win improv activity that you can try in your next meeting: 1. Ask: “What’s been your biggest challenge this week?” 2. Listen. Repeat back what they said in your own words. 3. Say: “If I...
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277: Why Wendy Gonzalez Fires Herself Every Year, and Why You Should Too!
Workday Playdate
Radical empathy in leadership isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. But practicing it? That takes intention, self-awareness, and a willingness to evolve. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Erin sits down with Wendy Gonzalez to dive deep into what it truly means to lead with radical empathy. Wendy is the CEO at Sama and is passionate about building high-performing, high-functioning teams that develop and scale innovative, impactful technology. Wendy shares her bold philosophy of "firing yourself" annually—a practice that keeps leaders accountable to the ever-changing...
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276: Lead with Empathy in 2025: The 2-Step Shortcut
Workday Playdate
Empathy at work (and outside of work) is simpler than you think, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In Episode 276 of the improve it! Podcast, Erin discusses why mastering empathy will unlock deeper connections, increase employee engagement, and give you more meaningful results. Erin gives you her 2-step shortcut for leading with empathy that you can bring to work tomorrow. She also gives you the deets on the improv game that you can play 100% of the time in your head to help you be more empathetic. If you’re working on training your empathy muscles this year—this is the episode for...
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275: From Hot Mess to Goal-Getter: Real Talk on Intentions
Workday Playdate
What if the secret to empowering your team and reclaiming your day wasn’t about setting more goals, but about leading with intention? Imagine turning your 'hot mess' moments into clear, purpose-driven leadership—this framework will show you how. 1. Self-Reflection: Know Your "Hot Mess" Moments Before you can set meaningful intentions, you need to identify where you are today. Effective leadership begins with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on your strengths, blind spots, and the patterns that hold you back. For instance, imagine a manager overwhelmed by endless meetings and...
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274: Step Into Their Shoes: Intentional Empathy with Virtual Reality with Vivian Acquah
Workday Playdate
Vivian Acquah is paving the way for more inclusive and equitable workplaces. She’s not just a DEI consultant; she’s a force of nature dedicated to helping leaders like you create cultures where everyone belongs. As the founder of Amplify DEI, Vivian combines innovation, empathy, and practical tools to inspire lasting change. You can connect with her on LinkedIn at the link below and get ready to feel inspired. In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Vivian and Erin get real about how to show up for your team and for yourself. They dive into everything from intention setting to the...
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273: Hey, Overthinkers! Let’s Simplify Your Intentions
Workday Playdate
Are you stuck in the endless loop of overthinking? Maybe you’ve rewritten the same email five times, hesitated to act on a great idea, or turned your to-do list into a novel. Overthinking doesn’t just waste time—it keeps you from living fully. In today’s episode, Erin tackles how to break free from the analysis paralysis and take intentional, meaningful steps forward. Here’s what you need to know: 1. The Problem with Overthinking Overthinking might feel like preparation, but it often paralyzes us instead. As Erin discusses in the episode, overthinking shows up as rehearsing perfect...
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272: How Can You Eliminate Imposter Syndrome to Optimize Your Performance with Victoria Jenn Rodriguez
Workday Playdate
Imposter syndrome—two words that can stop even the most ambitious professionals in their tracks. But what if we told you that it’s not a roadblock, but a signal of growth? In today's episode, Erin sits down with the inspiring Victoria Jenn Rodriguez to flip the script on imposter syndrome. Victoria reveals why feeling like an imposter can actually be a good thing, and shares powerful strategies for overcoming self-doubt while leveling up in life and work. Here are five standout lessons from Erin's convo with Victoria: 1. Imposter Syndrome is a Sign of Growth Victoria Jenn reframes...
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271: Spark Joy, Set Goals: Intentional Leadership Tips that Work
Workday Playdate
What if the key to thriving under pressure was simpler than you thought? In today’s episode, Erin tackles one of the toughest challenges leaders face: staying positive and intentional during high-pressure situations. Whether you're leading a team through tight deadlines or navigating unpredictable circumstances, this episode offers actionable insights to help you lead with clarity and joy. Below are five key takeaways from the episode, giving you the tools to transform stress into an opportunity for intentional leadership: 1. Set the Stage: Define Your Leadership "Why" Intentional...
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270: Lessons, Laughs & Leadership: improve it! Podcast Year in Review
Workday Playdate
2024 was a year of radical insights, heartfelt stories, and transformative lessons in leadership—and we’re wrapping it all up with a bang! If you’re ready to relive the top moments that took your leadership game from ‘meh’ to magnificent, buckle up because this isn’t just a recap; it’s your ultimate guide to starting 2025 stronger, more inspired, and more intentional than ever before. In this post, we’re summarizing the five most impactful takeaways from our top episodes, as shared by the incredible improve it! team. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom or in your...
info_outline2024 was a year of radical insights, heartfelt stories, and transformative lessons in leadership—and we’re wrapping it all up with a bang!
If you’re ready to relive the top moments that took your leadership game from ‘meh’ to magnificent, buckle up because this isn’t just a recap; it’s your ultimate guide to starting 2025 stronger, more inspired, and more intentional than ever before.
In this post, we’re summarizing the five most impactful takeaways from our top episodes, as shared by the incredible improve it! team. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom or in your day-to-day life, these insights will equip you with tools to approach 2025 with confidence, clarity, and, of course, a dash of joy. Let’s dive in!
1. Top Takeaways from Our Favorite Episodes
The improve it! team shared their favorite episodes of 2024, each packed with wisdom and heart.
Marketing Manager Nicole loved Episode 219 with Rha Goddess, where we explored purpose and career fulfillment. VP of Client Experience Jenna highlighted the inspiring Episode 236 with Jaime Raines, sharing insights on navigating the workplace as a transgender individual. Podcast Manager Rachel praised Episode 254 with Dr. Romie, whose mindfulness techniques helped us tackle stress with clarity and calm.
As for Erin, her heart belongs to Episode 258 with Dr. Darnyell Jervey Harmon, whose abundance mindset advice reignited her confidence and purpose. These episodes reminded us to lead with empathy, authenticity, and joy.
2. Lessons from 52 Episodes and a Global Audience
This year, we produced 52 episodes—12 solo shows and conversations with nine authors, nine podcast hosts, and even a sketch character (yours truly)! Our podcast also helped launch Erin’s book, I See You!, and expanded our Spotify presence by an incredible 145%. With listeners in 28 countries, we’re grateful to remain in the top 1% of podcasts globally. These milestones prove the power of investing in personal growth and connection.
3. Listener Engagement: The Heart of improve it!
Our listeners—yes, you—are the lifeblood of this community. From your heartfelt Speakpipe messages to the thoughtful questions and goals you share, your engagement inspires every episode. The improve it! newsletter also became a hub for deeper connection. If you haven’t joined yet, sign up here to stay in the loop and keep the conversation going!
4. Big Wins and What’s Next
Looking back, our year was defined by growth and intention. We gained clarity on our mission to help leaders thrive and introduced monthly themes inspired by I See You!. Looking ahead, we’re bringing in more amazing guests, live interviews, and stories close to my heart—all with an improv twist. Plus, our involvement with meaningful charities will amplify our mission to lead with purpose.
5. Your 2025 Leadership Challenge
As we gear up for the new year, Erin challenges you to embrace an intentional leadership practice. Whether it’s starting meetings with gratitude, setting SMART goals, or reflecting daily on your growth, small steps lead to big changes. Let’s make 2025 a year of abundance, connection, and joy—together.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of learning, laughing, and leading—improve it! style. Don’t forget to check out the full episode, and let’s keep improving, one improv-inspired insight at a time!
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
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Show Links
- Purchase I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy here and the Resource Guidebook that was built in conjunction with it here.
Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!