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    About this Episode

    “You can turn this time of uncertainty into a time where one thing is certain: You are a leader and you are unstoppable.” - Erin Diehl

    The world has shifted and in a matter of just a few weeks, everything has changed. This episode, host Erin Diehl addresses how she and her company, improve it!, are adapting to the effects of Covid-19 and the most important things she learned as a leader during this time.

    Welcome to failed it!

    What a crazy world we live in right now. This pandemic has affected everyone in so many different ways. On this week’s episode, you’ll hear the “real Diehl” on how Covid-19 looks like a huge failure for a lot of businesses and teams. Erin invites you to think about how this “fail” can be the fuel you need to put you and your team into overdrive to create new revenue opportunities and scale in a different way.

    Today, Erin discusses her new norm during the quarantine and three main tips and tricks to help you lead your rockstar team during the pandemic.

    ●      [1:11] Day in the life of a small business leader

    ●      [2:45] The pivot from in-person to virtual

    ●      [3:33] Team zoom calls

    ●      [4:59] The brightside

    ●      [5:35] Gratitude

    ●      [6:32] Quarantine is hard

    ●      [7:59] “I was letting go of what once was, and making room for what is. A new normal, a new beginning for me, my business and for the world.”

    ●      [9:13] 3 things Erin learned

    ●      [9:26] Focus on what you can control; “Your attitude and the way you show up is controllable”

    ●      [14:34] Your effort is controllable; “you can show up, you can speak up and you can fail up”

    ●      [18:52] You can control your support channels - George Gerbner Cultivation Theory

    ●      [22:17] You can do hard things

    ●      [23:24] Improvise your butt off

    improve it!'s WFH Monthly Membership can be found: HERE

    Erin Diehl is the founder and Chief “Yes, And” officer of improve it! and host of the failed it! Podcast. She’s a performer, facilitator and professional risk-taker who lives by the mantra, “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin has created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn and grow. Her work with clients such as United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation earned her the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award and has nominated her for the 2015-2019 Chicago Innovations Award.

    This graduate from Clemson University is a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago, including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre.

    When she is not playing pretend or facilitating, she enjoys running by the lake and patio dinners with her husband and son, and their eight pound toy poodle, BIGG Diehl.

    You can follow the failed it! Podcast @learntoimproveit on Instagram and facebook, and you can follow Erin @keepinitrealdiehl on instagram. 

    Recent Episodes from improve it! Podcast – Professional Development Through Play, Improv & Experiential Learning

    228: Ever Wonder How to Master Storytelling? Ready for James Ontra’s Jaw-Dropping Presentation Tips?

    228: Ever Wonder How to Master Storytelling? Ready for James Ontra’s Jaw-Dropping Presentation Tips?

    James Ontra is the CEO and Co-Founder of Shufflrr. Shufflrr is AI Presentation Management, and gives users a fast, easy way to create and share a presentation.

    James joins Erin today to discuss the key components to every great presentation, why emotion is your most vital asset, and the difference between knowing the what of what you’re presenting and the why.

    If you’re looking for a refresh on your presentation style – this is the episode for you.

     

    Show Links:

    • Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
    • Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
    • Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here
    • Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us.
    • Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
    • Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
    • Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time!

    Connect with James Ontra:

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    "I love this podcast and I love Erin!!"

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    227: Imposter Syndrome Got You Down? Get On the Up with Jule Kim

    227: Imposter Syndrome Got You Down? Get On the Up with Jule Kim

    Jule Kim is an Executive Leadership Coach, imposter syndrome expert, and keynote speaker.

    Jule joins Erin today to discuss what we think imposter syndrome is versus what it actually is, the differences between imposter syndrome and people pleasing, and why her biggest lesson is to get your head on straight before you do anything.

    If you’re up for some hard truths to examine about yourself (and strategies to improve!) – this is the episode for you.

    Show Links:

    • Purchase Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy
    • Purchase the I See You Meditation Album
    • Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here
    • Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us.
    • Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.
    • Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.
    • Check out Harmony Insights, an organization led by Erich Kurschat. Using the DiSC model of behavior as a foundation since 2006, Erich focuses on natural behaviors and learned adaptability to create roadmaps for the relationships and connections that matter most to us. He facilitates a process of learning that is at once deeply introspective and highly interactive. Whether you’re learning how to navigate and manage personalities, seeking direction in your career, or simply looking to connect more successfully with the person directly in front of you, let Erich and Harmony Insights help you define your own path to achievement… one insight at a time!

    Connect with Jule Kim:

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    226: Want to Know My Author Story? Here’s How I Was Guided to Write My Book

    226: Want to Know My Author Story? Here’s How I Was Guided to Write My Book

    In today’s episode, Erin tells you about the three P’s (pivoting, people-pleasing, and pain) that she experienced as the pandemic began in 2020, and how the tools and strategies she developed in her healing cocoon led her to the message she received to write her first book.

    Erin explains how you can look to every external source you want to, but that the real healing begins with you.

    If you’re up for a story time and some healing inspiration – this is the episode for you.

     

    Show Links:

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    225: Want to Write a Book? Success Secrets from My Publisher & Editor Tess Newton

    225: Want to Write a Book? Success Secrets from My Publisher & Editor Tess Newton

    Tess Newton is an Editorial Lead at Greenleaf Book Group, where she uses her love of words to transform manuscripts from a wide variety of genres—business, self-help, memoir, fiction, health—into polished, professional books.

    In today’s episode, Tess joins Erin to talk about the publishing process for Erin’s book that’s launching on February 20th (!), what an editor’s role is vs. what it is not, and the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing.

    Tess describes what you actually need to send to publishers to write a book (hint: it’s not an entire manuscript) and how to build an audience that will support your book launch.

    If you've ever considered writing a book – this is the episode for you.

     

    Show Links:

     

    Connect with Tess Newton:

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    224: How Do You Get Struck with Your Own Passion? John Miles Tells All

    224: How Do You Get Struck with Your Own Passion? John Miles Tells All

    John Miles is the Founder & CEO of Passion Struck, Podcast Host, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Navy Veteran.

    In today’s episode, John joins Erin to talk about the differences between your actual self, ought self, and ideal self; why he felt numb when he was at the height of his career; and what it means to pursue your passion versus a profession.

    John shares about his near-death experience, how it shifted his life perspective forever, and how you can start playing big by picking one small element of your life and doubling down on it.

    If you want to start letting your passion lead you instead of your stress – this is the episode for you.

     

    Show Links:

     

    Connect with John Miles:

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!” 

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    223: How Do You Stand in Your Power to Draw Others In? Protect Your Vibes with Rita Buck

    223: How Do You Stand in Your Power to Draw Others In? Protect Your Vibes with Rita Buck

    Rita Buck is a certified sound bath instructor and brand ambassador for Erin Diehl.

    In today’s episode, improve it!’s Marketing Manager, Nicole Entzeroth, talks with Rita about how the only two things you can control are your attitude and your effort, the guilt we carry to “brighten each other up,” and why you should be asking for help as a leader.

    Rita gives you a physical exercise you can do to literally stand in your power and a morning routine to protect your energy all day long.

    If you’re looking for new ways to stand in your power so you can attract the right people at the right time – this is the episode for you.

     

    Show Links:

     

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    222: Are You Ready to Stop Playing Small? Discover these Game-Changing Strategies to Elevate Your Leadership Presence

    222: Are You Ready to Stop Playing Small? Discover these Game-Changing Strategies to Elevate Your Leadership Presence

    You know what limiting beliefs, not going after your dreams, and the fear of failure have in common?

    Playing small. Then maybe talking yourself out of it for a bit. And then playing small again.

    In today’s episode, Erin walks you two activities from one of her dear friends that will help you set the tone for the year, get specific about what it is you want, and literally burn away old habits.

    If you're looking for an extra umph into achieving your goals this year, this is the episode for you.

     

    Show Links:

    ·       Purchase the I See You Meditation Album

    ·       Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy

    ·       Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here

          Check out Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett's podcast, Where Work Meets Life

    ·       Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us.

    ·       Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.

    ·       Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.

     

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    ·       @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

    ·       Erin’s LinkedIn

    ·       improve it! TikTok

    ·       Improve it! Instagram

    ·       Improve it! Facebook

    ·       improve it! website

    ·       Book a Laugh Break

    ·       Book a Workshop

    ·       Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    221: Dissecting Perfectly Hidden Depression? Here Are the Secrets to Healing with Dr. Margaret Rutherford

    221: Dissecting Perfectly Hidden Depression? Here Are the Secrets to Healing with Dr. Margaret Rutherford

    Dr. Margaret Rutherford is celebrating her 30th year as a psychologist in a private clinical practice that she loves in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 2014, Dr. Margaret published an article on The Huffington Post that went viral. That article evolved into Perfectly Hidden Depression, Dr. Margaret’s debut novel which focuses on how destructive perfectionism can act as an unconscious camouflage for silent despair, loneliness, and even suicidal thoughts.

    Dr. Margaret joins Erin to discuss how we’ve learned to camouflage our emotional pain with accomplishments, what's underneath it all (the way we show up, our sense of humor, our personality, our energy) that needs attention, and the difference between constructive perfectionism and destructive perfectionism.

    Dr. Margaret explains why perfectionism is highly regarded in corporate culture and tools we can use to heal.

    If you’re looking for a science-backed understanding of perfectly hidden depression and perfectionism, this is the episode for you.

    ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Share this episode with a friend.

     

    Show Links:

    ·       Purchase the I See You Meditation Album

    ·       Pre-order Erin’s newest book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy

    ·       Get our free 4-Step Consistency Planner here

    ·       Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a review for a chance to win a self-care package from us.

    ·       Send a question/voice message on SpeakPipe here.

    ·       Want to book Erin to speak at your organization or large-scale event: Learn more here.

     

    Connect with Dr. Margaret Rutherfod:

    ·       Dr. Margaret’s website

    ·       Dr. Margaret’s podcast, The Selfwork Podcast

    ·       Dr. Margaret’s blog

    ·       Dr. Margaret’s LinkedIn

     

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    ·       @itserindiehl on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter

    ·       Erin’s LinkedIn

    ·       improve it! TikTok

    ·       Improve it! Instagram

    ·       Improve it! Facebook

    ·       improve it! website

    ·       Book a Laugh Break

    ·       Book a Workshop

    ·       Email Erin: info@learntoimproveit.com

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    220: Which Core Values Help You Hire and Retain Top Talent?

    220: Which Core Values Help You Hire and Retain Top Talent?

    As leaders we hear and think about core values more often than not, but do we actually know strategies to create the most aligned set of core values for ourselves and our teams?

    In today’s episode, Erin walks you through two activities from her newest book I See You!, to create your own set of core values solo and create your team’s set of core values collaboratively.

    If you're looking for a refresh on your core values at the start of a new year – this is the episode for you.

    ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Share this episode with a friend and check out Episode 110 of the improve it! Podcast for continued learning. :)

    Show Links:

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    "I love this podcast and I love Erin!!"

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people - just like you - move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won't miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)

    219: Crave Purpose in Your Life and Career? Rha Goddess Tells All

    219: Crave Purpose in Your Life and Career? Rha Goddess Tells All

    Rha Goddess is THE entrepreneurial soul coach behind hundreds of breakthrough changemakers, cultural visionaries, and social entrepreneurs. Rha is also the Founder & CEO of Move The Crowd, an entrepreneurial training company dedicated to creative and cultural entrepreneurs working at the intersection of values, profitability, and social impact.

    Rha joins Erin to discuss what magnetic cultures are really about and how to achieve them, her six-step framework for people to find their calling (and where people get stuck the most), and her four-step ritual for forgiving yourself and letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Rha explains that being present this year is where the revolution is and asks about the moments in our lives that force us to confront our own mortality - have we done everything that we’ve said we were going to do? Can we recognize that the ceiling really is limitless?

    If you’re looking for a launchpad into your best year yet, this is the episode for you.

    ICYMI – Your Post-Episode Homework: Share this episode with a friend. 

    Show Links:

    Connect with Rha Goddess:

    • Rha’s Instagram
    • Rha’s LinkedIn
    • Move the Crowd website
    • Rha’s book, The Calling: 3 Fundamentals to Stay True, Get Paid and Do Good

    Connect with Erin Diehl:

    “I love this podcast and I love Erin!!”

    If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this podcast! This helps Erin support more people – just like you – move toward the leader you want to be. Click here, click listen on Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let Erin know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. That way you won’t miss any juicy episodes! Thanks in advance, improve it! Peeps :)