Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Diehl. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erin , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
In 2022, I went through a self-healing journey that completely transformed how I see myself and my life. I was physically, emotionally, and mentally burnt out, living with chronic pain that I didn’t realize was connected to years of unprocessed emotions. I had never fully grieved or processed the cumulative pain of IVF treatments, postpartum struggles, the challenges of new motherhood, the pandemic, and my mother’s near-death experience from a stroke. As I sought to heal my physical pain, I discovered that no doctor, surgery, or medicine could fix it—I had to heal myself from the inside out. I explored Reiki, chiropractic work, somatic therapy, and craniosacral therapy to help me peel back the layers. Ultimately, I uncovered the truth that I was stuck in a chronic cycle of people-pleasing and overgiving, putting everyone ahead of myself while neglecting my own needs. This realization was the catalyst for putting my mental health first—because I knew it would also affect my physical health and, in turn, how I could show up for those around me.
As I continued to heal, I received a powerful download from the universe to write my first book, I See You: A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy. Just as I was about to turn in the manuscript, the universe handed me another challenge—a concussion that left me with post-concussion syndrome for five months. That period was incredibly tough; it brought on deep depression and anxiety, pushing me even further inward to confront why I had always put work first and neglected my own well-being. I now have a supportive team of practitioners—I go to therapy twice a month and have built a circle of healers around me. I take care of my body through movement and nourishing food every day, and I prioritize my mental health as the foundation for everything else. This healing journey took time, patience, and courage, but I can finally say that I’m in a place of true happiness and alignment, ready to show up fully for myself and others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi friends! I’m Erin “Big” Diehl—Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, Professional Zoombie, and the founder of improve it!, where we use the power of improv and play to develop leaders who are confident, compassionate, and wildly authentic.
At improve it!, we help professionals ditch perfection, embrace failure, and reconnect with their humanity at work. I like to say we’re not your typical leadership development company—we’re here to shake things up, make you laugh, and leave you better than we found you. From keynote stages to workshop rooms, everything we do is rooted in radical empathy, intentionality, and fun.
One of the most exciting parts of my work right now is our podcast, *Workday Playdate with improve it!*—we’re currently ranked #13 on the Top 100 Inspirational Leadership Podcasts! It’s a space where we blend real talk with real play, and I’m over-the-moon proud of the community we’re building around it.
This year, we’re launching FOUR new workshops:
– Intention Setting (perfect for teams looking to align on values and vision),
– Radical Empathy (based on my best-selling book *I See You!*),
– Working Through Uncertainty**, and
– Time Management
We’re also expanding my keynote *The Empathetic Leader*, which uses the book as a guide to help people return to themselves—because when we lead from who we truly are, everyone wins.
AND I couldn’t be more proud to share that Cristy von, our brilliant Senior Director of Talent, is making her keynote debut this year with *The Introverted Leader*. She’s a quiet powerhouse, and her message is going to change the game for so many thoughtful leaders out there.
At the end of the day, we believe leadership should feel like something you *want* to do—not something you *have* to do. So if you’re looking to energize your people and create real, human connections in the workplace—we’re here for it, chicken dances and all.
Let’s play!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful skills on my journey have been kindness, my spiritual practice, and a commitment to service. First, kindness has been a guiding light in every interaction. I live by Mother Teresa’s words: “Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness—kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” I aim to bring that energy to every conversation and relationship. Second, my spiritual practice keeps me deeply connected to my purpose. Once I understood my life’s assignment and how I was meant to serve, everything aligned more clearly. And third, I believe that we must prioritize self-service—filling our own cup first—so we can then pour into others with love, strength, and compassion. These three qualities have been the foundation for everything I’ve built and the person I’ve become.
For anyone early on their journey, I’d say this: Start with kindness. Be kind to everyone around you, but also remember to be kind to yourself. Take time to understand what you’re here to do—find your assignment. What lights you up? What is your soul calling you to share? Finally, lead with service. When you approach life from a place of giving, you’ll find more meaning, purpose, and joy. These three skills—kindness, spiritual connection, and service—will help you live a life that feels intentional and fulfilling.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
If I only had a decade of life left, I would spend that time making sure that every single day had joy in it. And to be honest, I’ve created a life that I truly love, so I’d continue living in alignment with that. My work brings me so much fulfillment—I’d keep speaking, connecting with people on stages, in podcasts, and in intimate rooms. Those conversations and moments of connection light me up in ways nothing else can. And when I’m not in service, I’d focus on filling my own cup with my family and friends—being near the water, on the water. Living in Charleston, South Carolina, the ocean has a profound grounding effect on me, and I’d soak in every moment of it.
I’d travel to as many places as possible, continuing to explore the world with my family and experience new cultures, foods, and ways of living. I’d also make sure to intentionally connect with people who fill me up—mutual relationships that nourish and inspire me. I feel like I’ve spent years creating this life of balance, purpose, and joy, and now I’m finally living it. So if I only had a decade left, I’d keep doing exactly what I’m doing—living in deep alignment with what matters most and finding joy in every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.learntoimproveit.com & www.itserindiehl.com
- Instagram: @itserindiehl
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/erindiehl
Image Credits
Hungry Ghost Photography – Lauren McDuffie
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