#161 From Talk Show Dreams to Improv CEO: Erin Diehl’s Business of Joy — Part Two

Part Two. Meet Erin Diehl, a woman who turned “winging it” into a career strategy. She’s the founder and CEO of Improve It, a company that uses improv to help teams thrive. As a kid, Erin dreamed of being a talk show host. Instead, she became a top podcast host and business leader, blending humor and learning to help others grow. She calls herself a failfluencer —because, in her world, failure isn’t an end, it’s a punchline and a lesson. In this two-part series, we explore Erin’s journey, her philosophy on joy, and why failing might just be your best career move yet. Key Highlights of Our Interview: WTF: Worst Terrifying Failure “2020 was my crash course in failure. The pandemic forced our in-person business to pivot entirely online overnight. At the same time, I juggled new motherhood, supporting a recovering parent, and trying to keep my business afloat. It was my WTF moment: my Worst Terrifying Failure.” This breakdown captures the essence of the MOVE ON methodology: 1. Marinate: Sit With It, Not In It Failure isn’t something you can brush off overnight. Take the time to sit with your worst terrifying failure—your WTF story. Reflect deeply. Walk, journal, or simply allow yourself to process. It’s about feeling without rushing to fix. 2. Own It: Forgive and Face the Thought Worms “Own your part in the failure, but more importantly, forgive yourself. We repeat 80% of our negative thoughts daily, so break that cycle. Recognize those thought worms for what they are and stop letting them dictate your story.” 3. Verify the Lessons: What Will You Take With You? “Failure comes bearing lessons—two or three takeaways that you can carry forward. Identify what you’ve learned and how you’ll avoid the same pitfalls in the future. This step transforms failure into wisdom.” 4. Evaluate: What’s the Plan? 5. Observe the Growth: Prepare for the Next Chapter 6. Embrace Failure as Part of Change Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl -- Chief Change Officer -- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs, Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts. 6 Million+ All-Time Downloads. Reaching 80+ Countries Daily. Global Top 3% Podcast. Top 10 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>> 100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<< --Chief Change Officer-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep, Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts. EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist. 20 Million+ All-Time Downloads. 80+ Countries Reached Daily. Global Top 1% Podcast. Top 5 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<