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 🖥️ 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  

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

Too many organizations say, “Grants don’t work for us.”But what if the real issue isn’t the funding, it’s the foundation? In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle connects with Jessica Wright, a grants expert and strategist who pulls back the curtain on why so many nonprofits and schools struggle to secure grant funding and how to change that. This conversation unpacks: The biggest myths leaders believe about grants Why strategy and infrastructure matter more than perfect writing What funders are actually looking for beyond a strong mission How unprepared organizations unintentionally disqualify themselves The systems, clarity, and culture needed to become grant-ready Jessica shares practical insights leaders can act on immediately, helping organizations move from reaction to readiness, and from chasing dollars to building sustainable funding ecosystems. If you’re a founder, executive director, school leader, or board member who wants to stop blaming the grant process and start strengthening your organization, this episode will reframe everything you think you know about funding. 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

What happens when strategy and heart finally stop competing and start working together? In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Olavee Williams, a leader and advocate reshaping how schools think about Special Education, equity, and culture. Together, they explore what it really takes to build environments where every student is seen, supported, and set up to thrive. Olavee shares powerful insights on: Why SPED should be embedded into school culture, not isolated from it How compliance-driven systems fail students when heart is missing What culturally responsive leadership looks like in real schools Bridging the gap between systems, staff, families, and student voice Designing environments where neurodiversity is valued, not managed This conversation is both practical and deeply human, challenging leaders to rethink how policy, practice, and compassion intersect in their schools. If you’re a school leader, educator, district professional, or culture builder looking to lead with clarity and care, this episode will leave you both grounded and inspired. 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  

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores how leaders can blend empathy with authority to cultivate organizational cultures grounded in trust, stability, and accountability. Amy Hull and Deborah Newton share how balanced leadership transforms team dynamics, drives better outcomes, and helps organizations recover from cultural fractures. They provide practical strategies that leaders at any level can apply to build cultures that are firm, fair, and deeply human, where people feel both supported and empowered to do their best work. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session dives into how artificial intelligence can simplify, strengthen, and scale modern fundraising. Cynthia Respert explores practical tools that help fundraisers prioritize leads, predict donor behavior, automate outreach, and make smarter, data-informed decisions. She also examines both the opportunities and the boundaries of AI in philanthropy, providing listeners with a clear framework for using technology responsibly to maximize impact and deepen donor relationships. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to tackle real social challenges and accelerate mission-driven work. Scott Rosenkrans and Dr. Daniel Freeman discuss practical applications, ethical considerations, and the strategic alignment needed to implement AI responsibly in the social impact sector. They share actionable frameworks that help organizations adopt AI with clarity, purpose, and intentionality, ensuring technology amplifies impact while staying true to mission and values. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores the transformative power of storytelling in shaping brand identity and attracting the right audience. Sharee Allen and Nicole Smith share how organizations can craft narratives that foster emotional connection, clearly communicate value, and inspire meaningful engagement. They highlight real-world strategies and campaigns that demonstrate how authentic storytelling not only builds trust and loyalty but also drives organizational growth and impact. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Are you frustrated that your team isn’t responding the way you hoped, despite your hard work and good intentions? In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Dr. Daniel Freeman breaks down the common leadership missteps that quietly undermine influence, engagement, and results. Kyle and Dr. Freeman explore practical strategies to recalibrate your approach, strengthen trust, and create a culture where people want to follow your lead. Tune in to uncover the blind spots holding your leadership back and leave with actionable steps to turn frustration into impact. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores how organizations can leverage artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for cultural transformation. Coretta Dixon and Myreesha Franklin discuss how AI can enhance human thinking, spark innovation, and support equitable practices when implemented thoughtfully. They dive into strategies for creating organizational cultures where humans and AI collaborate seamlessly, driving creativity, inclusion, and performance without compromising the human touch. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

What does it truly mean to show up as your authentic self, without apology or compromise? In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Kirkland shares 12 powerful lessons to help you embrace your identity, amplify your strengths, and confidently own what makes you unique. Kyle and Dr. Kirkland dive into practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, navigating societal expectations, and stepping into spaces where your individuality is your greatest asset. Listen in to discover how embracing your uniqueness can transform your leadership, your work, and your life. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores the powerful intersection of emotional intelligence and organizational performance. Marisa Ciesluk and Tracy Solarek share how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, strengthen team connections, and make more effective decisions under pressure. They highlight what emotionally intelligent leadership looks like in action and reveal how it directly shapes culture, builds trust, and drives tangible results. Listeners will gain practical insights for leading with clarity, empathy, and impact in every aspect of their organization. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session takes a deep dive into relationship-based fundraising and the art of transforming early interest into long-term, values-aligned partnership. Somer Saunders and Aneesah Bray unpack how to recognize partners who truly align with your mission, nurture authentic and reciprocal relationships, and design engagement strategies that build trust, resonance, and staying power. Together, they explore how shifting from transactional giving to genuine investment creates sustainable support, shared purpose, and a culture of impact that lasts. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session dives into the art of confidently and authentically making major gift requests. Kari McCormick and Lakisha Rios break down how to prepare for a high-stakes ask, assess donor readiness, and personalize conversations in ways that honor both the relationship and the mission. They unpack the emotional barriers, fear, hesitation, self-doubt, that often hold fundraisers back, and offer practical strategies for moving through them with clarity and courage. Together, they reveal how intentional preparation and authentic connection can turn strong relationships into truly transformative contributions. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

This Contagious Culture Podcast session centers on one of the most overlooked yet powerful stages of fundraising: stewardship. Ana Marte and Brooklyn Stanfill unpack what happens after the gift is made, how to personalize stewardship at scale, communicate impact in meaningful ways, and create follow-up systems that deepen trust rather than drain capacity. They explore how thoughtful, consistent stewardship builds long-term donor loyalty, strengthens organizational culture, and turns supporters into true partners in the mission. 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 Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn