#272 Erin Diehl: Talk Show Dreams, Improv Realities — Part Two

Part Two.

Erin Diehl dreamed of being the next Oprah but ended up becoming the queen of corporate improv instead. Now the founder and CEO of Improve It, she helps teams laugh their way to better performance. A self-declared “failfluencer,” Erin turns every faceplant into a feature. In this two-part series, we dig into her journey, her joy-first philosophy, and why bombing on stage—or in life—might be the best thing that ever happened to you.

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--
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