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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 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 EpisodesThe 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 AudienceThis 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 NextLooking 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 ChallengeAs 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)
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 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.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!
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What if the seeds you plant today could transform the world tomorrow?
In today's episode, Justin Jones-Fosu challenges leaders to leave their "home base," embrace curiosity, and cultivate inclusion to create real impact—at work and beyond.
Justin Jones-Fosu, founder of Work. Meaningful., joins Erin to share powerful lessons about leadership, communication, and humanity.
Drawing from his personal story and years of experience, Justin teaches leaders how to navigate challenging conversations while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or someone looking to improve team dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies to create more meaningful, inclusive workplaces.
Here are the 5 main takeaways from Erin’s conversation with Justin:
1. Leave Your Home BaseJustin's mother taught him the importance of experiencing diverse perspectives. Leaders must step outside their comfort zones to understand and connect with others.
2. Plant Seeds That LastLeadership is a long-term investment. The actions you take and values you demonstrate today will impact people’s lives, even years down the road.
3. Embrace the Power of ThreeInstead of surface-level conversations, ask three probing questions to deepen understanding and help others feel truly heard and valued.
4. Challenge Your PerspectiveJustin introduced the "Circles of Grace Challenge," encouraging leaders to intentionally engage with ideas and people they might not align with to build empathy and broaden their worldview.
5. Lead with Curiosity, Not ConclusionsAvoid assumptions during difficult conversations. Approach with curiosity by asking questions and truly listening to uncover different perspectives.
ConclusionJustin's insights remind us that meaningful leadership goes beyond results—it’s about cultivating relationships, broadening perspectives, and creating a lasting impact. By stepping outside our comfort zones and practicing deep listening, leaders can foster teams where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.
If this episode spoke to you, we’d love for you to share it with someone who may benefit from its insights. Send the link to this episode in a text/email while you’re thinking about it. :)
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight from Justin 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 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.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 Justin Jones-Fosu
Justin’s LinkedIn Justin’s company website: Work. Meaningful. Justin’s personal websiteConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
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Did you know that you negotiate every single day—and not just in boardrooms or sales meetings?
From discussing PTO with your boss to deciding dinner plans with your partner, negotiation is everywhere.
But how often do we approach these conversations with strategy and confidence?
In this episode of the Improve It! Podcast, Erin uncovers the secrets to navigating everyday negotiations with expert Kwame Christian.
Kwame Christian is a renowned negotiation expert, speaker, and author, with years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate difficult conversations with confidence.
He is the Director of the American Negotiation Institute and the author of the acclaimed book Finding Confidence in Conflict.
Here are 5 of our favorite takeaways from the conversation:
1. Negotiation Is EverywhereKwame challenges listeners to recognize that negotiation happens far beyond formal boardroom settings. Whether asking for time off, resolving workplace conflicts, or navigating personal relationships, we negotiate daily. Becoming aware of these moments is the first step toward mastering them.
P.S. - If you’re interested in learning more about negotiation from top experts in the field, try this episode on for size: Episode 231: Ready to Negotiate Like a Pro in High-Stake Conversations? Tune in with FBI Insider Chris Voss
2. The Compassionate Curiosity FrameworkKwame introduces a simple yet effective three-step method for approaching challenging conversations:
1. Acknowledge and Validate Emotions: Lower emotional tension by recognizing the other person’s feelings.
2. Get Curious with Compassion: Ask open-ended questions to build trust and gather information.
3. Joint Problem Solving: Collaborate to find mutually beneficial solutions.
3. Emotion Management is KeyDuring the role-play, Kwame demonstrated how validating emotions helps de-escalate tension and fosters a more productive dialogue. For example, he acknowledged Erin’s hypothetical frustrations about PTO limits, which set the stage for a constructive discussion.
4. Curiosity Builds TrustBy asking open-ended questions with genuine curiosity, you gain valuable insights and strengthen relationships. Kwame’s approach emphasized the importance of tone and empathy to keep conversations on track and uncover win-win opportunities.
5. Practice Makes PerfectRole-playing challenging scenarios, as Erin and Kwame did, is a practical way to build confidence and refine your negotiation skills. Kwame’s advice? Push yourself to handle even the most unreasonable counterpart with calmness and clarity.
ConclusionThis episode is a masterclass in handling difficult conversations with grace and effectiveness. Kwame Christian’s Compassionate Curiosity framework is a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills, whether at work or home.
If you loved this episode and know someone who might benefit from it, please share it by copying the link and sending them a quick text/email. Sharing is caring!
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight from Kwame 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 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.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 Kwame Christian
Kwame’s company website Kwame’s LinkedIn Kwame’s podcast: Negotiate Anything Kwame’s books: How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond & Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best LifeConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
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What if the success of your team hinged on a single, powerful choice: which wolf you feed? Inside every leader lies the potential to cultivate either chaos and confusion or unity and inspiration. The secret? A clear, compelling vision that your team not only understands but wholeheartedly embraces.
In this episode of the improve it! Podcast, Erin delves into the transformative power of vision-setting for leaders.
Borrowing wisdom from the story of the Two Wolves, she explores how leaders can shape their team’s trajectory by fostering a vision rooted in hope and purpose.
Whether you’re leading a small group or steering an entire organization, this episode equips you with actionable steps to craft a vision that inspires action, fuels alignment, and drives long-term success.
Below, are five key takeaways from the episode if reading is more your jam than listening—it can act as your roadmap to feeding the right wolf and unlocking the full potential of your team:
1. Start with the ‘Why’Every compelling vision starts with a purpose. Erin discusses how a strong vision isn’t just motivational; it’s a strategic foundation for success. Using real-life examples, Erin illustrates how top-down, uninspiring visions (think jargon-filled monologues from “Chad the Boss”) fail to connect with teams. By contrast, involving your team in the vision-setting process ensures alignment and fosters enthusiasm. When leaders invite collaboration, they empower their teams to co-create a vision that resonates deeply and inspires action.
2. Define What Makes a Vision GreatNot all visions are created equal. Erin breaks down what separates a vague, uninspiring statement from a clear, actionable vision. For example, Google’s mission to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” stands out because it’s specific and aspirational. Leaders can use similar principles to ensure their visions are not only ambitious but also meaningful and aligned with their team's purpose and values. The clearer the vision, the stronger the rallying point for your team.
3. Engage Your Team in the ProcessCollaboration is the secret sauce for creating a vision that sticks. Whether through interactive workshops, brainstorming sessions, or even fun activities like sketching vision boards, engaging your team fosters ownership and excitement. Erin highlights the “yes, and” brainstorming method to generate ideas and refine them collectively. By involving your team, you’re not just setting a vision—you’re building trust and driving alignment.
4. Communicate the Vision EffectivelyEven the most inspiring vision won’t resonate if it’s poorly communicated. Erin shares practical strategies for making your vision memorable, including storytelling, emotional connection, and creative delivery methods like campaigns or fun memes. The goal is to ensure that every team member feels the vision in their core and understands their role in bringing it to life. Passionate, clear communication transforms your vision into a unifying force.
5. Keep the Vision Alive and EvolvingA vision isn’t static—it’s dynamic and should grow with your team. Erin emphasizes the importance of embedding your vision into daily operations and regularly revisiting it. By setting quarterly goals (or “rocks”), celebrating small wins, and adapting as needed, leaders can ensure the vision remains relevant and inspiring. This ongoing focus keeps your team aligned and motivated, even as challenges and opportunities evolve.
Conclusion: Feed the Right WolfAs leaders, the vision we choose to feed determines the future we create. By crafting a clear, inspiring vision and involving your team in the process, you set the stage for alignment, motivation, and success. Ready to take the next step? Our Vision Setting Workshop is the perfect opportunity to feed the right wolf with your team. Whether in 2024 or 2025, let’s create a vision that inspires action and transforms your work culture.
Learn more and book a Vision Setting workshop for your team here: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/curriculum
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite vision setting hack 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 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.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!
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What if the key to unlocking your full potential wasn’t just about working harder or climbing the ladder, but about understanding the invisible forces that shape how others see you?
In today's episode, Erin dives into a transformative conversation with Alison Fragale, an expert on power, status, and the subtle art of influence.
Her groundbreaking insights from her book, Likeable Badass, offer a powerful roadmap for navigating life’s unspoken rules with authenticity, strategy, and even a little bit of fun.
In this episode, Erin and Alison unpack the dynamics of power and status, revealing why they’re more than just workplace buzzwords—they’re the foundation of how we’re perceived and what opportunities come our way.
Alison explains why respect is the true currency of influence, how life can be approached like a game, and why caring about what others think of you is not just normal but essential.
Whether you’re navigating office politics, tackling imposter syndrome, or simply striving to show up as your best self, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom you can use to level up.
Here are 5 big takeaways to chew on:
1. The Essence of Power and Status
Alison began by distinguishing power from status:
Power: Control over resources that others value (e.g., a boss deciding promotions or a parent holding car keys).
Status: The respect and value others assign to you.
She explained that while power is significant, status often precedes it. Respect and value lay the foundation for obtaining resources and authority. Without respect, people hesitate to entrust others with power, even if they technically qualify for it.
Key Takeaway: "Resources follow respect." Gaining power often starts with earning the respect of others.
2. Status as a Playful Game
Alison introduced the concept of status as a "game" using an insightful definition:
“A game is a problem-solving activity approached with a playful attitude.”
She encouraged adopting this mindset when tackling unfair or challenging situations. Though life's "games" (e.g., gaining status or respect) can be unjust, they can also be approached with creativity and enjoyment. By doing so, we can reclaim agency and find joy even in adversity.
Key Takeaway: Life may not always be fair, but embracing a playful approach can make navigating status challenges more manageable—and even enjoyable.
3. Challenging the “Don’t Care What Others Think” Mentality
Alison debunked the common advice to "not care what others think," labeling it as misleading and counterproductive.
Humans are inherently social beings, reliant on their "audience" for validation and interaction.
Instead of ignoring feedback, she encouraged understanding and influencing your audience.
This nuanced perspective bridges authenticity with strategy: staying true to yourself while recognizing how others perceive you influences your outcomes.
Key Takeaway: Don't obsess over others' opinions, but don’t dismiss them either. Learn to influence perceptions strategically while maintaining authenticity.
If you’re curious to learn more about external validation vs. Internal confidence, check out this episode, too: Episode 247: Validation vs. Confidence: What's the Real Difference? A Chat with Nicole Kalil
4. The Likable Badass Framework
Alison introduced the concept behind her book title, Likable Badass, rooted in the two critical dimensions of status:
Capability (Y-Axis): Competence, decisiveness, and the ability to get things done.
Caring (X-Axis): Warmth, sincerity, and consideration for others.
Everyone aspires to be seen as both capable and caring, and those who embody both traits earn the highest respect. The title encapsulates this balance in a catchy, empowering way.
Key Takeaway: Strive to be both capable and caring. This sweet spot not only aligns with authenticity but also enhances how others perceive and respect you.
5. Overcoming People-Pleasing Tendencies
Alison tackled people-pleasing behaviors, which often stem from a skewed emphasis on caring at the expense of assertiveness.
People pleasers prioritize others’ happiness, often sacrificing their own. She emphasized that true status requires balancing caring with self-assertion, ensuring mutual respect rather than one-sided compromise.
Key Takeaway: To overcome people-pleasing, assert your needs alongside your care for others. Authenticity paired with assertiveness builds respect without self-sacrifice.
Closing Thoughts
Alison’s insights offer a fresh lens on navigating the complexities of status and power. By blending authenticity with strategic action, we can shape how others perceive us and create the outcomes we desire. Whether you aim to become a "likable badass" or simply want to navigate life's "games" with more joy, these principles can guide your journey.
How will you use these strategies to elevate your status and unlock new opportunities? Let us know in the comments below!
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite insight from Alison 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 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.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 Alison Fragale
Alison’s LinkedIn Alison’s websiteConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
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What if the secret to conquering chaos, leading with confidence, and transforming stress into ease was as simple as your next breath?
This week on the podcast, I sat down with breathwork expert Samantha Skelly to uncover the transformative power of intentional breathing.
As the Founder of Pause Breathwork, Samantha Skelly is on a mission to help others unlock their infinite potential though breathwork. And her next big focus is making breathwork accessible & affordable to humanity, worldwide.
From hilariously relatable mishaps (like sending a 10-year-old email to thousands) to life-changing strategies for managing energy and embracing joy, Samantha shared tools that could shift how we approach work, leadership, and even self-healing.
Here were some of my favorite topics that we covered in the episode:
1. Managing Emotions Through Breathwork
Samantha introduces the concept of consciously choosing your breath pattern to influence how you feel. Instead of letting anxiety take control, she suggests asking yourself what you want to feel, like confidence or clarity, and then adjusting your breath accordingly.
By using deep, intentional breaths, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” state), helping you feel grounded, even in high-stress moments.
Btw, if you’re looking for another breathwork expert on the pod, I think you’ll love this one with Erin Telford: The Art of Breathwork: Mastering Self-Love and Living Fully with Erin Telford
2. Real-Life Example of Breathwork
Samantha recounts an intense experience right before recording this episode, where an old, out-of-date email was accidentally sent to her entire mailing list. She describes feeling an initial surge of rage, then using breathwork to regain her composure and approach the situation with clarity.
By taking two deep breaths and extending the exhale, she shifted from a “fight-or-flight” response to a calmer, problem-solving mindset.
3. Shifting Mindsets from Stress to Ease
I reflect on my own experience with stress in building my company, improve it!, sharing how I used to view stress as a badge of hard work. In response, Samantha offers a framework called LIFE: Lucrative, Impactful, Fun, and Easy.
She encourages business owners to allow success to feel easy and fulfilling instead of always hard-earned, emphasizing the importance of self-love and creating a business model that sustains rather than drains energy.
For all things breathwork and how to start incorporating it into your daily routine (and why you should!), listen to the full episode. It'll blow your mind with how simple it is + the impacts it can have.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite breathwork 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 about breathwork that we can answer, or a question about something else? 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 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.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 Samantha Skelly
Samantha’s LinkedIn Samantha’s website Pause Breathwork websiteConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!
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What if five minutes could change everything about how you lead, connect, and thrive?
In today's episode, I reveal the powerful daily gratitude practice that shifted my mindset from scarcity to abundance—fueling not only my own growth, but transforming my team dynamics and leadership resilience.
If you’re ready for a simple, impactful habit to elevate your life and work, this post is for you! Here’s a quick look at how gratitude can revolutionize your life and leadership, just as it did for me.
1. Gratitude Enhances Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Gratitude has profound effects on mental health, reducing anxiety and depression while boosting overall mood. In this episode, I begin by sharing how this practice helped me refocus from a scarcity mindset—where stress and fear of “not enough” clouded my vision—to one of abundance and peace.
Listing just a few daily “wins” and things I’m grateful for gives my mind a positive focal point and sets the tone for my day. Practicing gratitude helps you focus on what you have, rather than what you lack, cultivating a mindset that energizes and uplifts both you and your team.
And if you’re looking for more info on forming an abundance mindset, I think you’ll love this ep: Episode 202: Self Worth = Net Worth: How to Live in Abundance
2. Fostering Team Relationships through Gratitude
Integrating gratitude in a team setting doesn’t just enhance your day, but strengthens your team dynamics. I found that a simple habit of sharing appreciation with my team, both in private conversations and during meetings, lifted our collective spirit.
This genuine acknowledgment brought cohesion and positivity to our interactions, boosting communication and morale. With everyone aligned and motivated, our work flowed better, and the energy shifted toward collaborative success, building a work environment that supports growth and achievement.
3. Building Resilience as a Leader
With gratitude as a grounding practice, I noticed an increased resilience to daily challenges. For instance, when obstacles like travel delays or sudden issues arose, my gratitude practice allowed me to pause, reframe, and face these situations with a calmer, more adaptive mindset.
Instead of letting stressful moments dictate my mood, I embraced each challenge as a lesson, focusing on what was still within my control. This approach not only supported my emotional regulation but also set a positive example for my team, showing them how to navigate challenges effectively.
4. Long-Term Leadership Impact
Sticking to my gratitude practice has had a long-lasting impact on my leadership style, making me a more empathetic, balanced, and approachable leader. The effects extended beyond my professional life, enhancing my relationships as a parent, spouse, and friend.
Embedding gratitude into your routine has a ripple effect—it supports personal growth and allows you to lead from a place of compassion and joy, ultimately making a positive impact on your entire team and community.
5. Start Your Own 5-Minute Gratitude Practice
The episode outlines a straightforward gratitude practice: reflecting on past wins, listing things you’re grateful for now, and setting intentions for the day. This five-minute habit can be done verbally, digitally, or in a journal and serves as a daily reset, focusing your energy on the positives. By committing to this practice, you’ll find shifts in mindset and improved emotional regulation that benefit your leadership style, relationships, and personal growth.
To dive deeper, listen to the full episode, and discover how gratitude can transform your leadership and inspire those around you.
And if you remember nothing else from this gratitude practice, remember this: what you focus on grows. Start each day by honoring the good, and watch how it attracts more positivity, resilience, and connection into your life and leadership.
No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite gratitude practice detail 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 about gratitude that we can answer, or a question about something else? 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 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? Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, and we’ll meet you in your inbox. :)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!
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If you don’t take the time for yourself, the time will take itself and go elsewhere.
Sound familiar, especially during the holidays?
Yup, you’re not the only one.
In today’s episode, Erin shares her 4-step strategy for finding balance between giving to yourself and giving to others during the holiday season.
Erin also shares:
What a “Bliss List” is and why you need to make one Why you should start making connections between the times you get sick to what’s going on in your personal and professional lives How to give yourself rewards (and actually schedule them) that contribute to your health holisticallyIf you’re looking for a new way to schedule self care—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 256: How Can Leaders Embrace Career Curves? Insights from 'No Straight Path' Host Ashley Menzies BabatundeShow Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite self care strategy 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 about self care that we can answer, or a question about something else? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode. 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!:
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Does your job search feel like it’s its own full-time job that’s not leading anywhere and also not paying you?
You’re not alone.
In response to this Q, Daisy Auger-Domínguez--a cross-sector global leader, speaker, author, and advisor on future readying workplaces, fostering inclusion, and addressing burnout at work—joins Erin today to discuss 4 strategies to avoid burnout while you’re in the heat of the job search.
Daisy also shares:
How to make your networking smarter, more focused, and consistent towards what you’re trying to accomplish in your career How to recognize burnout when it does occur as you’re job searching and what to do about it Why remembering what excites you about the job search is crucial to preventing burnout and actually getting the job you wantIf you’re looking for a fresh perspective on the job search—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 256: How Can Leaders Embrace Career Curves? Insights from 'No Straight Path' Host Ashley Menzies BabatundeShow Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite strategy that Daisy shared 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 about job searching or burnout that we can answer, or a question about something else? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.Connect with Daisy Auger-Domínguez:
Daisy’s website Daisy’s books Daisy’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!:
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When you're building inclusion for those around you at work, but you yourself are not feeling included, what do you do about that?
This question from a listener really begs us to consider what’s within the locus of our control vs. what's not when it comes to inclusion at work.
In response to this Q, Erin gives you 5 ways to go from excluded by others to including yourself and 5 ways to cope if leadership is excluding you, not necessarily your team/coworkers.
Erin also shares:
How to take situations that hurt your feelings and transform them into opportunities for empathy Why changing your environment could be the secret to feeling more included How to change your status in low stakes situations to lead to higher levels of brainstorming, connection, and consideration by your leadership teamIf you’re looking for a fresh perspective on inclusion—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 249: Demystifying Diversity with Daralyse Lyons: How Can Embracing Biracial Identity Lead to a More Inclusive Workplace Culture?Show Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing your favorite coping mechanism that Erin shared 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 about inclusion that we can answer, or a question about something else? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!:
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Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider are hosts of the Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast—a project geared towards breaking barriers, fostering resilience, promoting peace, and developing a new masculine. Jon is a retired Navy SEAL and leadership consultant, and Will is a wellness consultant and teacher.
In today’s episode, Jon and Will join Erin to discuss all things mindfulness in response to a listener question—particularly about how men can practice mindfulness inside and outside of work.
Jon and Will share one important strategy that you can implement today to help create psychological safety for men at work.
Jon and Will also share:
Mindfulness practices you can start incorporating today An acronym for F.L.O.W. that you need to know A simple breathwork technique you can use anywhere, anytimeIf you’re looking for a fresh perspective on mindfulness—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 254: Busy Brain? Dr. Romie Shares Her Top Mindfulness Techniques for Stress ManagementShow Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing something about this episode that you’re going to utilize 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 about mindfulness and how it plays out at work that we can answer? Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.Connect with Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider:
Jon’s LinkedIn Will’s LinkedIn Men Talking Mindfulness podcastConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!:
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In today’s episode, Erin answers a question from a listener about what to do when you start to outperform your boss. It’s juicy, it’s complicated, and...it’s manageable.
Erin gives you a six-step strategy for how to handle a situation like this, especially if you’re overperforming and underappreciated.
Erin also shares:
The differences between Upset U and Upward U How to be the leader you want to be led by How to offer solutions when you receive criticismIf you’re looking for an answer to a tricky situation for now, for the future, or to share with a friend who’s going through this—this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
How loglines can work in businesses and not just moviesIf you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 257: What Are the Secrets to Transforming Siloed Teams into Collaborative Powerhouses?Show Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing something about this episode that you’re going to utilize 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 about leadership dynamics this month that we can answer? (ie, “What should I do if I don’t feel like I can be honest with my boss?”) Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it!:
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Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon is a business consultant, keynote speaker, and corporate trainer whose “it” in life is to demystify money so that people can walk into their wealth in abundance.
In today’s episode, Dr. Darnyelle shares her Million Dollar Mindset ways of thinking to get you unstuck, paid for your true value, and detached from what’s not meant for you in the long-run.
Dr. Darnyelle also shares:
Her journey to trust herself again Why the way you see money is a reflection of the way you see yourself One easy way to get money to “move” when it is not flowing to youIf you’re looking for a fresh perspective on your financial world—this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
Why purple is Dr. Darnyelle’s safe haven The power of setting alarms on your phone throughout the day that say, “What would abundance do?”If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 202: Self Worth = Net Worth: How to Live in AbundanceShow Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing something Dr. Darnyelle said that’s sticking with you 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 about trust this month that we can answer? (ie, “How can I actually trust in what’s meant for me in order to be more successful in my career?”) Leave us a Speakpipe audio clip and we’ll answer it in an upcoming episode.Connect with Dr. Darnyelle:
Dr. Darnyelle’s personal website Dr. Darnyelle’s company website Dr. Darnyelle’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!:
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Ever inherited a team that has a different work culture than what you’re used to? You’re definitely not the only one.
In today’s episode, Erin gives you her 6-step process to create a fully-realized team environment whether you’re an emerging leader, new leader, or experienced leader.
Erin also shares:
Why having one-on-one conversations with your team members is essential (and what 4 questions to give them to think about before you have the convo) How to create a vision with your team, not for your team How to develop leadership opportunities within your team that don’t exist yetIf you’re craving more collaboration within your team but you’re not sure where to start—this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
Collaborating in virtual environments - and adding some music to the mix!If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 220: Which Core Values Help You Hire and Retain Top Talent?Show Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing something that Ashley said that stuck with you.Connect with Ashley Menzies Babatunde:
Ashley’s podcast No Straight Path Ashley’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!:
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Ashley Menzies Babatunde is a lawyer, storyteller, founder, and DEIB strategist passionate about work at the intersection of humanity and career. She cares deeply about centering our humanity in conversations about work.
In today’s episode, Ashely tells you how to normalize the “unsteadiness” of a career curve and gives you some tangible strategies for doing so.
Ashley also shares:
Why she started a podcast after her first big failure in her legal career How keeping a journaling practice allowed her to make career changes that wouldn’t have been possible without that level of reflection The quickest way to figure out what you want to do nextIf you’ve been mulling over a career shift or wondering what to do professionally—this is the episode for you.
Special sprinkles on top of this episode:
The “evidentiary record” of your thoughts and what you really wantIf you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 250: Want to Unlock Your Infinite Potential and Remember Who You Are? Discovering 'The Light Work' with Jessica ZweigShow Links:
Did today’s episode resonate with you? Leave us a review sharing something that Ashley said that stuck with you.Connect with Ashley Menzies Babatunde:
Ashley’s podcast No Straight Path Ashley’s LinkedInConnect with Erin Diehl x improve it!:
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In today’s episode, Erin shares some her favorite + easiest ways for adding a little spice to your teams’ daily routine when you feel like you need to switch something up.
If you’re pressed for ideas to get your team laughing again (and working happier, not harder)—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 255: How Can You 'Yes, And' Transform Your Team's Brainstorming Sessions?Show Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, virtual improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top best virtual keynote speakers stops today. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here.Connect with Erin Diehl:
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In today’s episode, Dr. Romie Mushtaq joins Erin to discuss her definition of a “busy brain” and how it can help you mitigate stress in your life and still achieve your most ambitious goals. Dr. Romie is a physician, workplace wellness keynote speaker, and best-selling author.
If you’re feeling stressed—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 242: Time Slipping Away? What's the Secret to Becoming a Time Management Pro?Show Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, virtual improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top best virtual keynote speakers stops today. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here.Connect with Dr. Romie Mushtaq:
Dr. Romie’s LinkedIn Dr. Romie’s websiteConnect with Erin Diehl:
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"Yes, and” is a central tenet of improv—and our favorite buzzword. It means to postpone judgement on what someone just said, and then add your own thought to it. For example, “Yes I think what you just said is so important, and I think _________.” It’s the exact opposite of saying, “Yes, but.”
In today’s episode, Erin answers a question from a listener about how to make brainstorming sessions more impactful. She gives you a foolproof exercise you can do with your team right now that incorporate lots of “yes, and.”
If your team’s brainstorming sessions could use a little oomph—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 178: The Productivity Hack You Need to Tell You What to Stop and Start Doing as a LeaderShow Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, virtual improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top best virtual keynote speakers stops today. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here.Connect with Erin Diehl:
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Self-care—we hear it all the time to the point that it’s a buzz word everyone likes to throw around. And yes, we know that it has tons of mental and physical health benefits, but thinking about how it can lead to professional abundance isn’t the norm.
In today’s episode, Taylor Elyse Morrison joins Erin to discuss all things “inner workout,” ie, self-care in its truest form. Taylor is the founder & award-winning author of Inner Workout, well-being and leadership development speaker, and facilitator & coach.
If you’re feeling like your self-care routine could use an upgrade—this is the episode for you.
If you liked this episode, you can keep the party going with:
Episode 206: Love Yourself First: 7 Ways to Invest in You TodayShow Links:
Purchase Erin’s book, I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team through Radical Empathy. Get our free Book Club timeline and checklist here. Did today’s episode resonate with you? Please leave us a 5-star review and drop us any Qs you want answered in upcoming episodes. Boring professional development is out, virtual improv team building is in. Learn more about our offerings here. Your hunt for the top best virtual keynote speakers stops today. Learn more about our F Words at Work & Empathetic Leader keynotes here.Connect with Taylor Elyse Morrison:
Taylor’s LinkedIn Taylor’s website Taylor’s company websiteConnect with Erin Diehl:
Erin’s Instagram Erin’s LinkedIn Erin’s website improve it!’s Instagram improve it!’s website - Näytä enemmän
