Contagious Culture

In this episode of Contagious Culture, Kyle S. King sits down with Claire Masikewich, founder of the Strong Like Sloan Foundation, for a powerful conversation about purpose, adversity, storytelling, community, and turning pain into impact. After her daughter Sloan was diagnosed with stage four cancer at five and a half years old, Claire’s life and work shifted. What started as a way to cope became a foundation raising money, awareness, and advocacy for pediatric cancer research. Claire shares how her family navigated treatment, relapse, remission, and hope while building a nonprofit that has raised nearly $400,000 in less than three years. This episode is for nonprofit leaders, parents, founders, and changemakers who are trying to build something meaningful while carrying the weight of real life. Episode Highlights 00:00 — Welcome to the Contagious Culture Podcast 01:00 — Claire Masikewich’s background in marketing and communications 02:30 — Sloan’s diagnosis and the start of Strong Like Sloan 05:00 — Finding purpose without forcing purpose 07:00 — The vision: a world where pediatric cancer is cured 09:30 — Why nonprofits should focus on solving root problems 12:00 — The challenge of funding pediatric cancer research 14:30 — Raising nearly $400,000 through community and storytelling 17:00 — How to tell powerful stories when the story is not your own 19:00 — Turning adversity into action 21:00 — “What if it all works out?” 23:00 — What kept Claire going during the hardest seasons 25:00 — The lesson of capability: we are stronger than we think 27:00 — The role of community in survival and impact 29:00 — Letting go of what you cannot control 30:30 — Boundaries, balance, and learning to say no 31:30 — Claire’s message to leaders and changemakers 32:00 — Closing: What type of culture are you spreading? Connect with Claire Strong Like Sloan Foundation Instagram: @stronglikesloane Claire Masikewich Instagram: @therealclairem -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Lauren Riley, Executive Director of Gratitude Network, to talk about nonprofit leadership, culture, sustainability, and scaling impact. Lauren shares why passion alone is not enough to grow an organization. Nonprofits need clear systems, aligned messaging, strong leadership, and a value proposition that everyone on the team can communicate. Kyle and Lauren also discuss why values are not culture, why organizations cannot scale what is not sustainable, and how nonprofit leaders can build systems that outlast the founder or executive director. Episode Highlights 00:00 — Introduction 01:16 — What keeps Lauren’s fire burning 02:00 — What Gratitude Network does 03:10 — What nonprofits often get wrong 04:44 — Building systems beyond the leader 06:18 — Why behaviors define culture 10:32 — Coaching, mentorship, and performance 13:15 — Recovering from disruption and defeat 15:48 — Moving beyond grants and donor dependency 18:26 — Training your team to communicate value 28:36 — Product, distribution, and financial sustainability 30:03 — Closing reflections -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Peggy Doherty DeLong, Psy.D., a psychologist, speaker, and educator who teaches practical tools for gratitude, well-being, and personal fulfillment. Peggy shares how gratitude helped her through deep grief after losing her fiancé and father within weeks of each other. She explains the science behind gratitude, why it is most powerful on our hardest days, and how simple daily practices can improve our mental health, relationships, and sense of meaning.   Kyle and Peggy also discuss the power of handwritten notes, awe, nature, human connection, the PEACE Method, and how high achievers can redefine success without burning out. Episode Highlights 00:00 — Introduction 00:55 — Peggy’s story and work with gratitude 02:35 — The science behind gratitude 04:29 — Daily gratitude practices 06:20 — The power of handwritten letters 08:00 — Gratitude, simplicity, and emotional blocks 10:21 — Starting the day with simple practices 11:21 — Finding awe in everyday life 13:14 — Nature, healing, and mental health 15:00 — Man’s Search for Meaning and resilience 16:48 — Defining meaning through connection 17:16 — The PEACE Method 20:08 — Redefining achievement 21:36 — The three P’s: pleasure, present, purpose -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this episode of Contagious Culture, Kyle sits down with nonprofit technology expert Christine Robertson to explore a topic that often gets overlooked, but quietly drives everything: data and systems. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit space, Christine shares how organizations can better align their mission with the way they manage information, relationships, and internal processes. From her early days as a database manager to her work as a consultant, she’s seen firsthand how clean data isn’t just about organization it’s about trust, stewardship, and impact. Together, they unpack what it really means to build a healthy data culture, why messy systems can hold organizations back, and how leaders can begin making simple shifts that lead to stronger relationships with supporters and more sustainable growth. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your systems, unsure about your data, or curious how technology can better serve your mission, this conversation will challenge and equip you. Because at the end of the day, behind every data point is a person and how you manage that information says everything about your culture. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, we sit down with Lina AbiRafeh, a global women’s rights leader, author, and humanitarian who has spent over 30 years working across more than 20 countries to advance equity, safety, and dignity for women. This is a powerful and unfiltered conversation about what’s really happening in the world and what too many leaders are unwilling to say out loud. Lina challenges the idea that progress is happening fast enough and reframes the conversation around women’s rights by asking a deeper question: before we talk about equality, are women even safe? We explore the realities of power, accountability, and systemic inequity, from conflict zones to corporate spaces and what it truly takes to move from awareness to action. Lina brings both urgency and clarity, pushing leaders to move beyond performative support and toward meaningful, sustained change. This episode will challenge your perspective, stretch your thinking, and remind you that building a better world doesn’t start “out there” it starts exactly where you stand. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Caregiving is one of the most universal and least understood, leadership experiences in our lives. And few people have shaped this space like Denise Brown. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Denise shares her 30+ year journey supporting family caregivers, from launching one of the first online caregiving communities in 1996 to building The Caregiving Years Training Academy. What started as personal experience has grown into a global movement to train, equip, and empower caregivers, coaches, and professionals to better support those doing the critical work of caring. We explore the reality behind caregiving—the emotional weight, the systems people must navigate, and the truth that you can’t fix everything. Denise introduces her frameworks, including the Six Caregiving Stages, the Twelve Caregiving Fatigues, and the Nineteen Caregiving Systems, offering a new lens on what caregivers truly experience. This episode also challenges leaders and organizations to rethink the workplace. With nearly 40% of employees serving as caregivers, Denise unpacks why caregiving is not just a personal issue, but a leadership, culture, and business priority. At its core, this conversation is about presence, acceptance, and the power of listening. It’s about showing up when things are hard, leading with empathy, and creating systems that actually support people through life’s most demanding seasons. If you’ve ever cared for someone, worked with someone who has, or led people through real-life challenges, this episode will stay with you. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

In Episode 179 of the Contagious Culture Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh, known as the Disengagement Doctor, an award-winning educator and curriculum strategist who challenges how we think about learning, leadership, and belonging. This conversation goes deeper than engagement strategies and gets to the root of the issue: disengagement isn’t a motivation problem, it’s often a design problem. Dr. Singh shares how many systems unintentionally push people into autopilot and survival mode, where compliance is rewarded, silence is normalized, and identity is left out of the learning experience. Together, we explore how curriculum shapes culture, why voice and belonging matter more than ever, and what it takes to design environments that honor humanity while driving real impact. If you lead people in any capacity, this episode will challenge what you’ve accepted and invite you to build something better. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Charlotte runs on relationships, and few people understand that better than Maddie Myers, SVP and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC. In this energizing conversation, Maddie shares how she blends corporate strategy with authentic community impact across Charlotte and the Western Carolinas. From arts and culture to early childhood literacy, and from economic development to nonprofit leadership, she operates at the intersection of business growth and community good. We explore the human side of corporate leadership and what meaningful sponsorship and partnership really look like. Maddie breaks down why early childhood and literacy are not just social priorities but economic ones, and how trust is built across corporate, civic, and nonprofit spaces. She also reflects on what it means to show up fully as a leader, a mom, and a neighbor. Maddie’s journey from nonprofit fundraising to executive banking leadership proves that community work is business work, and that the strongest brands are built through service, presence, and purpose. If you care about leadership, civic impact, or the future of Charlotte, this episode is for you. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

What happens when clinical expertise meets creativity and calling? In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Charlotte-based changemaker Leanna Calvin, Founder and Executive Director of Exposure Project. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with degrees from Tuskegee University and Fordham University, Leanna has worked with youth across the country. But her proudest achievement isn’t a title,  it’s impact. After years in mental health and youth development, she noticed a pattern: young people lacked exposure to career possibilities and struggled to see the value in their own uniqueness. So she built the solution. Exposure Project is now transforming lives across Charlotte through hands-on career exploration and character development, serving 124 students, engaging 80 families, delivering 277 hours of programming, and introducing youth to 70 career fields. This conversation explores purpose, leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build something that changes lives. If you care about culture, youth empowerment, and legacy-driven leadership, this one is for you. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

What does it really take to lead with confidence and build a culture where people can thrive? In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Lisa Tarkington, keynote speaker, leadership coach, and founder of the nonprofit Lead. Lisa has spent more than a decade helping leaders overcome self-doubt, discover their zone of genius, and create environments where people feel empowered to grow. Lisa shares her journey from corporate communications at Dow to becoming a nationally recognized coach and speaker. Together, Kyle and Lisa explore the connection between confidence and culture, why many high performers feel stuck in the wrong “zone,” and how leaders can align their strengths, behaviors, and environment for sustainable success. This conversation is filled with practical insights for leaders who want to stop performing leadership and start truly living it. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with leadership expert Tracy Solarek to explore one of the most important and often overlooked, skills in leadership: emotional intelligence. While many leaders focus on strategy, execution, and results, Tracy explains why the ability to understand emotions, both your own and others’, is what truly separates good leaders from great ones. Kyle and Tracy discuss how emotional intelligence shapes team culture, improves communication, and helps leaders navigate difficult conversations with confidence and clarity. They also dive into practical ways leaders can strengthen their self-awareness, build stronger relationships with their teams, and create workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to perform at their best. If you want to lead with greater awareness, strengthen trust with your team, and build a culture where people thrive, this conversation will give you the insights to start today. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Building relationships in the nonprofit world is often treated like a necessary evil, awkward networking events, forced conversations, and transactional asks. But what if it didn’t have to feel that way? In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle breaks down why nonprofit relationship building doesn’t have to suck and why the most successful leaders approach it completely differently. Instead of chasing donations or trying to “work the room,” Kyle shares how authentic connection, shared purpose, and genuine curiosity create stronger partnerships and more sustainable impact. From community leaders and donors to volunteers and board members, the most powerful nonprofit relationships are built on trust, not transactions. You’ll learn practical ways to shift your mindset around networking, create meaningful connections that last, and build a culture where people actually want to support the work you’re doing. If you’re tired of forced networking and ready to build relationships that truly matter, this episode is for you. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

In this powerful episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with keynote speaker, construction industry leader, and bestselling author Erika Rothenberger to talk about resilience, leadership, and what it truly means to live with audacity. Erika’s story took a dramatic turn in 2022 when she survived a brutal assault that forced her to confront fear, vulnerability, and the fragility of life. Instead of retreating, she made the bold decision to expand. In her new book, Audacious Expansion, Erika shares how adversity can become the catalyst for growth, purpose, and leadership. Together, Kyle and Erika explore the mindset behind her BOLD Leadership Framework, the power of meaningful connections, and why the strongest leaders choose courage over comfort. Erika also shares how community, resilience, and authenticity can transform even the most difficult moments into opportunities for impact. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest struggles often hold the potential for our greatest breakthroughs. If you’ve ever felt stuck, underestimated, or ready for your next level, this episode will challenge you to step forward with courage and expand boldly. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

What does it really take to become the kind of leader people choose to follow? In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King explores the difference between leadership that is assigned and leadership that is earned. Titles may give someone authority, but influence, trust, and credibility are what inspire people to truly follow. Kyle breaks down the key behaviors that define impactful leaders, leaders who create clarity, build strong relationships, and cultivate cultures where people feel motivated to contribute their best work. He also challenges common leadership myths and explains why leadership is less about control and more about consistency, character, and connection. If you want to grow your influence, strengthen your leadership presence, and build a culture where people feel inspired to move the mission forward, this episode will give you practical insights on how to become the leader others willingly follow. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

What if the secret to thriving at work and in life, wasn’t just strategy or skill, but courage, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the messy middle? On this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, I talk with Dr. Caroline Brookfield, veterinarian, entrepreneur, researcher, stand-up comic, and self-proclaimed “Professional Cat Herder.” Caroline has spent nearly 30 years making high-stakes decisions in unpredictable environments, from saving animals in the ER to running businesses and speaking on global stages. She shares her personal journey of leaning into uncertainty, finding joy in failure, and cultivating creativity in herself and her teams. In this episode, Caroline opens up about: Her “messy middle” moments that shaped her resilience and perspective How her childhood curiosities and quirks influenced her career path The personal habits and mindsets that help her thrive in ambiguity Why letting your inner “Todd” (your inner critic) take a break is key to growth The moments she’s laughed, failed, and learned, sometimes all at once Whether you’re leading a team, facing uncertainty, or just trying to get through your day with your creativity intact, Caroline’s stories will inspire you to embrace your originality, trust yourself, and laugh along the way. Links & Resources Mentioned: The Reluctant Creative – https://lnkd.in/g-8wKrWp Creative Breakthrough Workbook – https://lnkd.in/gW6jp33P Connect with Caroline – Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest misconceptions in professional growth: networking is not a competition. Too often, people approach networking like a race for attention, influence, or opportunity. But the most impactful relationships are built through curiosity, generosity, and genuine connection, not comparison. Kyle King explores why many professionals struggle with networking, how the wrong mindset can create unnecessary pressure, and what it looks like to approach relationship-building in a more authentic and strategic way. You’ll learn how to shift from transactional interactions to meaningful conversations, build trust within your network, and create opportunities through collaboration rather than competition. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with networking events, unsure how to follow up with new connections, or like you’re “doing networking wrong,” this episode will help you rethink the entire approach and start building relationships that truly matter. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with organizational psychologist, executive coach, and Harvard Business Review contributor Irina Cozma to explore the power of Possibility Thinking and how expanding our options can transform careers, leadership, and workplace culture. With more than 20 years of global consulting experience across startups and Fortune 100 companies, Irina has coached hundreds of professionals to move from feeling stuck to becoming more confident, decisive, and impactful leaders. Together, Kyle and Irina discuss why so many professionals dread Monday mornings, how leaders unintentionally shrink or expand the possibilities for their teams, and why confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about trusting your ability to figure things out. Irina also shares insights from her upcoming book on Possibility Thinking, explains why workplaces should operate more like training environments rather than constant performance arenas, and offers practical strategies for leaders who want to create cultures where people grow, experiment, and thrive. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, educator, or professional who wants to expand your thinking and create more options for yourself and your team, this episode will give you powerful tools to rethink how growth and success actually happen. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

This episode dives into the power of leading with intention and moving with thoughtfulness in a world that rewards speed over substance. Real leadership is not just about making moves, it’s about making the right moves, with clarity, purpose, and alignment. We explore how intentional leaders build stronger cultures, make better decisions, and create impact that lasts far beyond the moment. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

In this episode, we unpack how reactive leadership quietly destroys innovation, slows momentum, and keeps teams stuck in survival mode. If every challenge feels like a fire drill, creativity suffers, trust erodes, and real progress becomes harder to sustain. This conversation explores why the best leaders don’t just respond quickly, they respond strategically, creating the space, stability, and vision innovation actually needs to thrive. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

On this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Amy Aussieker, Executive Director of Envision Charlotte, sustainability strategist, partnership builder, and one of the bold voices helping Charlotte rethink what’s possible. Amy has spent years turning big ideas into practical action — leading fundraising, building cross-sector partnerships, launching innovative zero-waste and circular economy initiatives, and helping transform Charlotte into a living lab for sustainability. Through Envision Charlotte and the Innovation Barn, she is showing what it looks like to move beyond conversations and create systems that actually work for people, cities, and the planet. In this conversation, Amy shares how she has raised millions for climate-focused initiatives, what it takes to bring public and private partners together around a shared vision, why innovation often requires iteration and discomfort, and how sustainability connects to leadership, equity, education, and community impact. This episode is for leaders, changemakers, and builders who want to create solutions that are not just inspiring in theory, but measurable in practice. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

On this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Patricia Bravo, leadership development consultant, speaker, author, and founder of Bravo For You, to explore the real power of empathetic leadership in today’s workplace. Patricia shares why empathy is often misunderstood, how leaders can balance care with accountability, and why understanding people is essential to building trust, strengthening culture, and improving performance. They also discuss the hidden dynamics that shape teams, why so-called soft skills matter more than ever, and what leadership must look like in an increasingly AI-driven world. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Join hosts Kyle King and Daniel Freeman in this insightful episode of "Contagious Culture" as they dive into the essential steps for building and nurturing a robust network of donors for your nonprofit organization. You'll learn strategies for identifying potential donors, creating meaningful connections, and maintaining engagement. The hosts share best practices for effective communication, conveying your nonprofit's story and impact to inspire generosity.  They also discuss how to cultivate a donor-centric culture that prioritizes relationships and leverage technology to enhance outreach efforts. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you expand your donor network and amplify your impact. Tune in and discover how to turn your passion into a movement that inspires lasting support! -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Catalina Parker, Co-Founder & CEO of Relatable Nonprofit, joins the Contagious Culture Podcast to talk about a gap so many mission-driven professionals face: nonprofit jobs teach you how to do the work, but not how to run a business. After leaving a senior foundation role in 2021, Catalina and her business partner Julia learned firsthand that consulting requires more than expertise. It requires clear positioning, practical pricing, steady client acquisition, and healthy boundaries. Once they built the right foundation, they scaled their consulting firm to $300,000 in annual revenue and created a business that felt structured, sustainable, and aligned with real life. In this conversation, Catalina shares the mindset shift from nonprofit employee to business owner, why referrals feel good but can’t be your whole plan, the most common pricing and boundary mistakes consultants make, how nonprofit consultants can build a predictable pipeline, and what “support that actually supports you” looks like in coaching and mentorship. If you’re a nonprofit professional thinking about consulting or already consulting and tired of inconsistency, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real talk. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Most fundraising doesn’t fail because the mission isn’t strong, it fails because leaders don’t know how to navigate the conversation. In this Power Session, Kyle and Dan break down how to lead donor conversations with clarity and confidence, how to handle hesitation without getting awkward, and how to move from relationship-building to a real close. We cover simple language you can use, what to listen for, how to make the ask feel natural, and the follow-up rhythm that increases yeses. If closing gifts feels intimidating, this episode will shift the way you lead. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Events can be a fundraising powerhouse or an expensive stress fest. In this Power Session, Kyle and Dan break down what it looks like to run events done well and how to scale them without losing the human-centered experience. We share key insights from a recent Charlotte Rescue Mission event that raised the bar in storytelling, execution, and attendee experience. You’ll learn what makes an event unforgettable, how to design moments that move people to action, and what to put in place so your team can execute with excellence year after year. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Fundraising isn’t about convincing people to give, it’s about building trust that lasts. In this episode, Kyle and Dan sit down with Mark Dobosz, a philanthropy leader with 40+ years of experience across major gifts, donor strategy, and long-term relationship building. Mark shares what separates transactional fundraising from transformational partnership, how to deepen donor engagement beyond the first gift, and the habits that keep supporters connected year after year. If you’re tired of short-term wins and want sustainable revenue, this episode is for you. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

This one is a necessary reality check. Kyle and Dan share a hot take that might save you years of frustration: don’t start a nonprofit, at least not until you understand what you’re signing up for. We unpack the conversations we keep having with executive directors and founders who feel underwater because they didn’t know what they didn’t know. We talk infrastructure, leadership readiness, fundraising expectations, and the hidden weight of running an organization. If you have started one already, don’t panic, this episode will help you get clear on what to fix next so you can move forward with confidence. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

DEI doesn’t fail because people don’t care, it fails when it becomes performative, vague, or disconnected from real systems and outcomes. In this episode, Kyle and Dan sit down with Cierra Belher Johnson to go beyond the buzzwords and talk about what DEI looks like when it’s actually working. We explore practical approaches to equity-centered leadership, how to avoid “checkbox” culture, and what it takes to build inclusive environments that are measurable, sustainable, and human. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this Power Session, Kyle and Dan unpack why systems are the difference between a nonprofit that scales and one that stays stuck. If your team is overwhelmed, donors are ghosting, or programs feel chaotic, it’s not always a “people problem”, it’s often a systems problem. We break down the core systems every nonprofit should have, how systems shape supporter experience, and why consistency is what builds trust. You’ll walk away with practical examples you can implement immediately to strengthen execution, retention, and engagement. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance 👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Episode 156 is a Power Session built for nonprofit leaders heading into a volatile 2026. Kyle S. King and Dan sit down to unpack BDO’s 2026 nonprofit outlook and translate the predictions into real-world strategy you can actually use, especially if you’re feeling pressure around revenue uncertainty, tighter donor budgets, rising scrutiny, and the growing gap between organizations with strong infrastructure and those operating week to week. We talk through what’s shifting in the sector and what leaders should prioritize right now, including scenario planning and rolling forecasts, building real operating reserves, focusing on efficiency instead of chasing expansion, and strengthening impact reporting with board-ready KPIs that protect trust and funding. If you’re a CEO, executive director, board member, or fundraiser who wants clarity, discipline, and momentum going into 2026, this episode will help you reset your plan and move with confidence. Listen now and send this to one leader who needs a sharper strategy for the year ahead. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In a world where marketing is often built on pressure, fear, and “gotcha” tactics, this episode is a reset. I’m joined by Chelsea Burns, The Marketing Psychologist™ and Brand Ethicist, for a conversation about ethical marketing that actually works. Not the fluffy kind. The kind that builds real trust, creates long-term customers, and protects your reputation while still driving growth. We break down how manipulation shows up in modern marketing (even when people don’t mean harm), why “high-converting” isn’t always healthy, and what it looks like to build a brand people choose because they feel respected, not cornered. If you’re a founder, nonprofit leader, or marketer who wants to grow without selling your soul, this one will give you language, clarity, and a better way forward. In this episode, we cover: The difference between persuasion and manipulation (and why it matters) Common “trust leaks” in messaging, offers, and funnels How to market with integrity while still hitting revenue goals What ethical urgency looks like, without guilt or pressure Simple trust-building changes you can make today in your copy and content If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to sound salesy, but I do want to grow,” press play. This is how you build trust and still win. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In fundraising, most leaders are strong at building relationships… but far fewer know how to turn trust into a clear commitment without feeling pushy. In Episode #154 (Power Session), Dr. Daniel Freeman and I break down how to go from connection to closing, by building the kind of trust that makes donors feel confident saying yes. We talk about what donors are really listening for, why “checking in” conversations stall out, and how to lead a donor journey that’s relational and decisive. This isn’t about pressure tactics. It’s about clarity, confidence, and creating a path where the next step feels natural, for you and the donor. In this episode, we cover: The difference between relationship-building and deal-moving The trust signals donors need before they commit How to transition from “great conversation” to “here’s the ask” What to say when donors are interested but hesitant Simple follow-up moves that create momentum (without chasing) If you’ve got strong donor relationships but you’re not closing at the level you need, this Power Session will help you tighten the process and increase commitments, while staying fully aligned with your values. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In special education, it’s possible to have every box checked and still have students who aren’t getting what they need. That’s the gap Diana Williams is here to close. In Episode #153, I’m joined by Diana, SPED leader, consultant, and Founder of The SPEDucated Leader, for a real conversation about moving schools from compliance to conviction. We unpack why so many systems become paperwork-driven instead of instruction-driven, and what it looks like to build SPED structures that actually improve teaching and learning. Because students with disabilities don’t experience our systems as policies. They experience instruction, whether lessons are accessible, supports are proactive, and adults know how to adapt in real time. In this episode, we cover: The compliance vs. outcomes trap (and how to lead beyond it) What strong SPED systems look like day-to-day Aligning MTSS + SPED so supports drive learning Accountability without fear, burnout, or blame Practical moves leaders can make in 30–60 days If your school is ready to stop chasing checklists and start building systems that change outcomes, this episode is for you. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In Episode #152 (Power Session), Dr. Daniel Freeman and I kick off the first step of our nonprofit transformation framework: Prepare. Because most organizations don’t struggle from a lack of passion, they struggle from a lack of readiness. And when you skip preparation, everything downstream gets messy: the strategy, the messaging, the fundraising, the partnerships, and even the internal culture. In this short, high-impact episode, we break down what it actually means to get prepared, before you launch the campaign, before you pitch the funder, before you scale the program. We talk about the clarity, alignment, and infrastructure nonprofits need so they’re not constantly reacting… they’re building with intention. In this episode, we cover: What “Prepare” really means (and what most leaders confuse it with) The few foundational decisions that unlock momentum fast How to align your team, mission, and message before you ask for support The readiness gaps that silently block funding and growth Simple next steps you can take this week to get prepared, without overwhelm If you’re ready to stop winging it and start building a nonprofit that’s positioned to win, this is your first step. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Known > Best is a hard truth for leaders who pride themselves on excellence: you can be the best in the room and still lose, because the market doesn’t reward what’s best, it rewards what’s trusted, clear, and visible. In this episode, I sit down with Kalyanna Williams (“Yanna”) to unpack why so many great businesses stay invisible, even when the product is strong, the mission is real, and the results are undeniable. We talk about the hidden “visibility blocks” that keep founders playing small (perfectionism, fear of being misunderstood, waiting for the right time, overbuilding behind the scenes) and the mindset shift required to move from quiet excellence to public impact. You’ll hear how to stop confusing “being busy” with “being known,” and how to build credibility without turning into a content machine. Yanna breaks down what visibility actually is (and what it isn’t), how to communicate your value in a way people instantly get, and why consistency beats intensity every time. If you’ve ever thought, “Once I perfect it, then I’ll promote it,” this conversation will help you flip that script. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “best” is not a strategy—and “known” is a multiplier The difference between attention, authority, and trust (and which one drives revenue) How to make your message simpler, sharper, and easier to repeat What to post and say when you feel stuck, skeptical, or tired of “marketing” A practical approach to visibility that still feels ethical, human, and aligned If you’re building something meaningful and you’re ready for people to actually find it, talk about it, and choose it, this episode is your push to get out of the shadows and into the spotlight with conviction. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this power session, Kyle King and Dr. Daniel Freeman dive into the real state of nonprofit leadership, where it’s falling short, why growth is stalling, and what leaders must do differently to scale impact. They unpack the philosophy behind the Growth Alliance and challenge leaders to rethink capacity, accountability, and what effective leadership actually requires today. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

In this power session, Kyle King and Dr. Daniel Freeman—co-founders of the Contagious Culture Conference, pull back the curtain on why this conference exists, what problem it’s solving, and what attendees can expect from the experience. This episode is all about vision, urgency, and building something that actually moves leaders from inspiration to execution. Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

What if we stopped treating community as a “nice-to-have”… and started building it like the foundation it really is? In this episode, Kyle sits down with Sarah Sooklal, Director of Community Engagement at Cannon School, to talk about the real work behind thriving school communities, where parents, alumni, grandparents, board members, and friends don’t just show up… they feel seen, heard, and valued. Sarah shares how her journey from the classroom (and the art room) shaped her empathetic, creative approach to engagement, and why community building isn’t just an outcome of good work—it’s the heartbeat of meaningful advancement. You’ll learn: How to turn events into relationships (not just attendance) The difference between participation and belonging How to navigate difficult stakeholder moments with trust and calm leadership What strong volunteer and alumni engagement systems actually look like Why storytelling and stewardship are the bridge between connection and long-term support Whether you lead a school, nonprofit, or community-driven organization, this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical strategies to build community that lasts. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Most nonprofit leaders are exhausted from bouncing between events, grants, and last-minute appeals just to keep the lights on. If fundraising feels unpredictable, reactive, and overly dependent on hustle, this webinar is for you. In this session, Kyle King and Dan Freeman will show why a great mission alone does not create sustainable funding and what actually does. You’ll learn the three core systems high-performing nonprofits use to generate consistent revenue, how to diagnose what’s really broken in your current fundraising approach, and how to transform everyday conversations and relationships into repeatable, reliable support. This is not theory. You will walk away with clear, actionable takeaways for building structure, replacing chaos with consistency, and moving from one-time donations to long-term partnerships. And if you’re ready to stop learning and start executing, you’ll also see how leaders are implementing these systems inside a focused 12-week cohort through Growth Alliance, where the real work happens. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Burnout doesn’t start with workload, it starts with leadership blind spots. Under the Headset takes leaders behind the scenes of everyday decision-making, conversations, and pressures that shape how people actually experience work. This session explores how people-driven leadership, grounded in clarity, empathy, and consistency, can dramatically reduce burnout while building a culture where individuals feel seen, supported, and inspired to give their best. Drawing from real-world leadership moments, organizational case studies, and proven culture frameworks, participants will learn how to recognize early burnout signals, shift from transactional management to human-centered leadership, and create systems that sustain energy, trust, and performance. Leaders will leave with practical tools to strengthen relationships, align teams around purpose, and build a contagious culture that doesn’t just survive challenges, but grows stronger because of them. -- Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Culture doesn’t start in meetings, mission statements, or strategy decks. It starts in you. In this episode, we unpack a hard truth most leaders avoid: if you don’t intentionally train your energy, it will default to negative and your culture will follow. Every room you walk into feels something. Every decision you make carries emotional weight. Every reaction teaches people what’s acceptable. We explore how leaders unknowingly shape culture through their internal state, not just their external actions and why energy management is one of the most overlooked leadership skills in schools, nonprofits, and organizations. You’ll learn how to recognize when your energy is leaking, how negativity quietly spreads through teams, and how disciplined leaders build contagious culture by doing the inner work first. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being intentional. Because the culture you want on the outside can’t exist if it’s not being practiced on the inside. If you lead people, this conversation will challenge you, ground you, and call you higher. -- Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

Burnout is often the symptom, not the root cause. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michelle Singh for a powerful reframe that challenges how leaders talk about burnout and disengagement. Instead of blaming individuals for being “overwhelmed” or “unmotivated,” we unpack the systems, structures, and leadership behaviors that quietly create disengagement long before people check out. Dr. Singh shares research-backed insights on how unclear roles, misaligned expectations, constant urgency, and lack of psychological safety drain energy and commitment, especially in mission-driven organizations. More importantly, we explore what leaders can actually change to rebuild trust, focus, and sustainable performance. If you’re tired of surface-level wellness conversations and ready to address what’s really driving disengagement, this episode will push you to stop treating burnout as a personal issue—and start fixing the systems that cause it. 🌍 Community Invitation + Access to Resources: https://connectwithmichelle.com 🫱🏿‍🫲🏻 Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lctelearning 📺 Subscribe to Michelle's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lctelearning 📝 Explore Michelle's Thought Leadership: https://michelle-singh.mykajabi.com/thoughtleadership 🔴 Wath Michelle's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b9WJvn3T0c 🌐 Learn More About Michelle’s Work: https://lctelearning.com -- Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s often a systems failure. In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Viana for an honest, much-needed conversation about toxic nonprofit dynamics and why so many well-intentioned organizations are unintentionally harming the very people doing the work. We dig into how broken systems, unclear expectations, under-resourced teams, and unhealthy leadership norms quietly erode trust, morale, and impact. Kate challenges the narrative that sacrifice and exhaustion are badges of honor in mission-driven work and offers practical insight on how nonprofit leaders can redesign structures, workflows, and cultures that support people, not drain them. This episode is about accountability, sustainability, and building organizations where passion doesn’t come at the cost of well-being. If you care about your mission and your people, this conversation will push you to fix what’s broken, before it breaks your team. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Belonging isn’t a slogan. It’s not a DEI checkbox. And it’s definitely not optional. In this episode, I’m joined by Amy E. Hull for a powerful conversation that reframes belonging as core leadership infrastructure, the foundation that determines whether teams merely function or truly flourish. We unpack why leaders who ignore belonging eventually pay the price through burnout, disengagement, turnover, and broken trust. Amy shares practical insights on how leaders can intentionally design environments where people feel seen, valued, and safe enough to contribute fully, without relying on trendy language or performative gestures. This conversation goes beyond theory and into what belonging actually looks like in day-to-day leadership decisions, systems, and behaviors. If you’re serious about culture, retention, and sustainable impact, this episode will challenge you to stop treating belonging like a buzzword—and start leading like it matters. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

What does it really mean to be audacious, not loud, not reckless, but boldly rooted in purpose? In this episode, I sit down with Dethra Giles for a powerful conversation about reclaiming your voice, standing firmly in your value, and making courageous moves even when fear, doubt, or systems try to keep you small. Dethra breaks down why audacity isn’t arrogance, it’s alignment and how leaders, especially mission-driven leaders, must stop waiting for permission to lead fully. We explore what it looks like to show up unapologetically, advocate for yourself and others, and make decisions that honor your calling, not just your comfort. This episode is a reminder that the impact you’re meant to make often lives on the other side of bold action. If you’ve been playing safe, shrinking your vision, or second-guessing your worth, this conversation is for you. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King    

In Episode #140, Kyle sits down with Dr. Darlene Williams for a powerful, honest conversation about something leaders are often unprepared for—but inevitably face: grief in the workplace. From personal loss to collective trauma, this episode explores why grief doesn’t stop at the office door and how leaders can respond with clarity, compassion, and strength. Together, they unpack what a healthy grief culture actually looks like—beyond platitudes and performative empathy. Dr. Williams shares practical guidance on how leaders can acknowledge loss, create psychological safety, and support their teams without trying to “fix” what needs to be felt. This is about leading humans, not just managing performance. If you’re a leader, founder, educator, or culture-builder who wants to show up better during moments of loss, transition, and change, this conversation will challenge you and equip you. Grief-aware leadership isn’t a soft skill, it’s a necessary one. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King  

Too many leaders are exhausted not because they lack passion, but because they’re leading without a system. In this episode, I break down why “running on vibes” eventually leads to burnout, missed priorities, and constant reaction mode. Mission-driven leaders don’t fail because they don’t care; they struggle because they never built a weekly operating system that protects their time, energy, and focus. I walk you through how to design a simple, repeatable weekly rhythm that helps you lead with clarity instead of chaos, covering priorities, decision-making, accountability, and recovery. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about building structure that allows you to lead sustainably. If you feel busy but not effective, tired but still behind, this episode will help you stop winging leadership and start operating with intention. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance  👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle is joined by Stacy Baum to explore what makes partnerships truly purpose-driven and why alignment, trust, and shared values matter more than logos or funding alone. Together, they unpack: The difference between sponsorships and real partnerships How misaligned partnerships drain culture and mission What leaders should clarify before saying “yes” to collaboration Building long-term relationships that create shared impact This conversation is packed with insight for nonprofit leaders, school executives, founders, and community leaders looking to move beyond surface-level collaboration and into partnerships that actually move the mission forward. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Claim the 3 Emails For Non Profit Leaders to Send Before 31st 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Culture is built by the stories we tell, and just as powerfully, by the ones we ignore. In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Ali Jackson-Jolley, a leader, strategist, and storyteller who explores how narrative shapes culture, identity, and belonging inside organizations, schools, and communities. This conversation unpacks: Why storytelling is never neutral, it always includes and excludes How dominant narratives shape who feels seen, valued, and safe The role leaders play in amplifying or silencing voices Building cultures where belonging is practiced, not promised Turning lived experience into strategic advantage Ali challenges listeners to rethink whose stories are centered, whose are systemically sidelined, and how leaders can use storytelling as a tool for connection, equity, and culture-building rather than control. If you’re a leader, educator, culture builder, or change-maker committed to creating environments where people don’t just perform, but belong, this episode will stretch your thinking and sharpen your leadership. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Claim the 3 Emails For Non Profit Leaders to Send Before 31st 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Most leaders don’t struggle with ideas. They struggle with closing the gap between value and action. In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Deborah Newton, a sales strategist and trusted advisor to mission-driven leaders, to unpack what really moves people from interest to yes, without pressure, manipulation, or sleazy tactics. This conversation dives into: Why most sales stall long before the ask The difference between connection and conversion How clarity, confidence, and timing drive decisions Sales mistakes even experienced leaders keep making Reframing sales as service, not persuasion Deborah shares practical, immediately usable insights that help leaders align their message, understand buyer psychology, and close with integrity, whether they’re selling an idea, a service, or a vision. If you’re a founder, nonprofit leader, educator, consultant, or entrepreneur who knows your work creates value but struggles to convert conversations into commitments, this episode will give you language, mindset shifts, and tools you can apply right away. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Claim the 3 Emails For Non Profit Leaders to Send Before 31st 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn