Chief Change Officer Podcast - Episode #390: Erin Diehl - From Talk Show Dreams to a Business Built on Bombing (Part Two)

Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Erin Diehl, Founder and CEO of Improve It

Introduction

In Episode #390 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in a profound and heartfelt conversation with Erin Diehl, the founder and CEO of Improve It. Erin, a passionate advocate for embracing failure as a pathway to success, shares her transformative journey of overcoming personal and professional challenges. This two-part series delves deep into Erin's unique approach to joy, failure, growth, and learning, offering listeners invaluable insights and practical tools for their own transformational journeys.

Erin Diehl’s Personal Journey with Failure

Erin opens up about her tumultuous experience during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, which she refers to as the "three Ps" of her life:

1. Pivoting:

   • Timestamp [03:30]: Erin describes the abrupt shift from an in-person professional development model to a fully virtual one as the pandemic struck. "We had to pivot everything overnight to survive," she explains, highlighting the relentless adaptability required to keep her business afloat.

2. People Pleasing:

   • Timestamp [05:00]: Growing up frequently moving, Erin developed a deep-seated pattern of people pleasing to earn acceptance. "I was the clown, the giver, always trying to make others happy," she shares, acknowledging how this trait led her to neglect her own needs during the crisis.

3. Pain:

   • Timestamp [07:20]: The culmination of excessive pivoting and people pleasing resulted in chronic back and shoulder pain. Erin details, "This wasn't just physical pain; it was a manifestation of unprocessed emotions from years of infertility struggles and the anger towards the pandemic." This period marked her "WTF story" – her worst, most terrifying failure.

Healing and Transformation

Erin candidly discusses her journey to healing, emphasizing the mind-body connection in overcoming adversity:

• Self-Healing Journey:

  • Timestamp [10:05]: Without resorting to surgery or medication, Erin embarked on a rigorous self-healing process. "I had to set off on a self-healing journey because I was giving to everyone except myself," she reflects, illustrating the importance of self-care in the face of relentless giving.

• Three Ps Robo Brimmer:

  • Timestamp [11:50]: Post-healing, Erin introduces "three Ps Robo Brimmer," a framework that transformed her life from one dominated by pivoting, people pleasing, and pain to a purpose-driven existence focused on helping others navigate their failures.

• Authorship:

  • Timestamp [08:45]: Erin's healing journey inspired her to pen a book released in February 2024, encapsulating her experiences and methodologies to aid others in living purposeful lives.

Move On Methodology

A centerpiece of Erin's approach is her Move On methodology, a practical tool designed to help individuals process and overcome failure:

1. Marinate (M):

   • Timestamp [13:15]: Erin urges listeners to take time to sit with their failures. "Marinating isn't like a steak; it doesn't happen overnight. You need days, weeks, maybe even months to process," she advises, emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to fully experience and understand the failure.

2. Own It (O):

   • Timestamp [14:20]: Acknowledging one's role in the failure without assigning blame is crucial. Erin states, "Own it doesn't mean giving full responsibility to anyone. It's about recognizing your part and forgiving yourself for negative thoughts."

3. Verify the Lessons (V):

   • Timestamp [15:05]: Extracting meaningful lessons from the experience is vital for growth. "What are the two to three things you'll take with you from this experience?" Erin prompts, encouraging listeners to identify actionable insights.

4. Evaluate the Next Steps (E):

   • Timestamp [15:45]: Formulating an action plan based on the lessons learned helps in moving forward. Erin emphasizes the importance of concrete steps to ensure progress beyond the failure.

5. Next Failure (N):

   • Timestamp [16:30]: Preparing for future setbacks by adding resilience tools to one's toolkit ensures continued growth. "The next failure is coming, and now you have the tools to handle it," Erin assures.

Notable Quote:
"Failure isn't the end. It's opening you up to something greater," — Erin Diehl [02:59]

The Connection Between Resilience and Failure

Host Vince Chan draws parallels between Erin's experiences and those of other resilient individuals, underscoring the value of transforming setbacks into growth opportunities:

• Lifting Human Intelligence:

  • Timestamp [09:17]: Vince highlights the concept of "lifting human intelligence" — the capacity to reflect deeply and convert setbacks into meaningful insights. He states, "Developing that level of clarity, true real experience is far from easy," acknowledging the depth of resilience required.

• Transformation Through Pain:

  • Timestamp [10:45]: The discussion emphasizes that enduring and understanding pain can lead to profound personal and professional transformations.

Practical Tools for Listeners

Erin provides actionable strategies for listeners to apply in their own lives:

1. Move On Methodology:

   • Timestamp [12:51]: Erin breaks down each step of the methodology, offering a structured approach to handling failure. She encourages listeners to practice each component deliberately to foster resilience.

2. Affirmations List:

   • Timestamp [19:00]: Erin offers a free affirmations list comprising 50 powerful statements designed to uplift and motivate. "These aren't cheesy; they're really good affirmations that you can use to pull yourself out of a funk," she explains.

Notable Quote:
"Make yourself feel good today and then pass that joy on," — Erin Diehl [19:30]

The Importance of Small Acts of Kindness

The episode underscores how minor positive actions can create significant ripple effects:

• Ripple Effect of Generosity:

  • Timestamp [20:41]: Vince references a previous guest's insights on generosity, drawing a parallel to Erin's philosophy. "A single generous action creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to replicate it," he notes, highlighting the profound impact of simple acts like smiling.

• Acts of Kindness:

  • Timestamp [21:10]: Erin echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that even a smile can brighten someone's day and contribute to a more positive environment.

Conclusion

Erin Diehl's candid narrative and practical methodologies offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap for those grappling with failure and seeking transformation. Through the Move On methodology and her emphasis on self-care and resilience, Erin empowers listeners to navigate their own challenges with grace and determination.

Closing Remarks from Erin Diehl:
"If today made you laugh, it made you smile, it gave you food for thought, and it gave you a positive piece of energy, my only ask is that you pay it forward to somebody else today." — Erin Diehl [19:50]

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This summary captures the essence of Episode #390, providing a comprehensive overview of Erin Diehl's insights on failure, resilience, and personal growth. Whether you're navigating career transitions, personal challenges, or seeking to outgrow yourself, this episode offers valuable lessons and practical tools to propel you forward.