336: It’s Not That Serious: Play More

336: It’s Not That Serious: Play More

From Workday Playdate by Erin Diehl | Passion Struck Network

April 1, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 336

About this episode

Erin Diehl challenges hustle culture by emphasizing the importance of play in the workplace.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin flips the script on hustle culture with a bold reminder: it’s not that serious. If you’ve been stuck in overthinking, overworking, or over-perfecting, this episode is your permission slip to loosen your grip and lead with more play. Inside This Episode: Play is Strategic: Why true play fuels creativity, innovation, and better problem-solving at work. The Cost of Taking Work Too Seriously: How rigidity kills connection, limits ideas, and keeps teams stuck. Loosen Up to Level Up: Practical ways to bring more lightness, curiosity, and flexibility into your leadership style. Celebrate the Ridiculous: How “bad” or wild ideas often lead to breakthrough innovation. From Perfection to Experimentation: Letting go of fear and embracing messy, imperfect starts. The Daily Fun Check: One simple question—“Did I have fun today?”—that can transform your energy and performance. 5 Ways to Play More (Starting Today): Notice, say yes, lower the stakes, invite others, celebrate ridiculousness. Who This Episode Is For: Leaders who want to boost creativity, engagement, and innovation HR and people leaders focused on human-centered workplaces High achievers ready to ditch…

People in this episode

Host: Erin Diehl

Topics covered

  • hustle culture
  • creativity
  • innovation
  • leadership
  • play
  • work-life balance

Keywords

  • play
  • creativity
  • leadership
  • innovation
  • work
  • overthinking
  • perfectionism
  • team connection

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