In this inspiring episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Dr. Dexter Shorter breaks down the true art and power of positive thinking, far beyond clichés or motivational quotes. He explores how mindset shapes identity, influences behavior, and determines the opportunities we allow ourselves to see. Drawing from his personal journey and years of leadership experience, Dr. Shorter shares how intentional thinking can transform the way we show up in our families, our careers, and our communities. He explains why positivity is not pretending, but a disciplined practice of choosing growth over comfort, perspective over pressure, and purpose over fear. Dr. Shorter unpacks the internal battles we all face, the stories we tell ourselves, and the barriers that keep so many people from achieving their next level. With warmth, clarity, and conviction, he offers a blueprint for shifting your mindset, elevating your actions, and aligning your life with the person you were created to become. If you’re ready to break old patterns, embrace growth, and step boldly into your potential, this episode will give you the tools and the push to get there. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Janice M. Coleman joins The Contagious Culture Podcast for a transformative conversation about alignment, authenticity, and building a career that truly reflects who you are. With nearly three decades in Corporate America leading rooms, coaching teams, and elevating leaders, Janice opens up about her journey from IT into career coaching and leadership development. She breaks down the power of congruency, the danger of operating from a false sense of self, and how the lies we tell ourselves become liabilities that limit our potential. Growing up in a challenging environment shaped her relentless pursuit of excellence, and today she uses that same drive to help people discover who they are, what they’re gifted at, and how to step into careers they love, careers that also love them back. Renowned as a keynote speaker and guided by mentors like Zig Ziglar, Janice is more than thought-provoking, she is action-provoking. She brings intelligence, compassion, and high standards of excellence into every space she enters, serving as the silent partner in the workplace who helps individuals and organizations align from the inside out. In this powerful episode, she unpacks the importance of self-awareness, the lifelong process of developing your gifts, and the freedom that comes from living and leading in full alignment. This is an essential listen for anyone seeking clarity, purpose, or a path toward the next level of their career. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn    

In this powerful and timely episode, Kyle sits down with Natalie Paramenter, a fearless advocate for families and students in Charlotte, to unpack one of the most urgent crises the community has faced this year. With ICE presence disrupting neighborhoods and nearly 30,000 students absent from school in a single day, Natalie and Kyle dive into the real consequences families are navigating and why education must remain a protected right for every child. They explore the current assault on Charlotte’s immigrant communities and how ICE activity is impacting school attendance, access, and family safety. The conversation moves into the heart and character of great schools, what it looks like to be a braver parent in moments of uncertainty, and why struggling before succeeding is such an important part of a child’s development. Throughout the episode, Natalie brings clarity and conviction to a moment when parents need both information and courage. The two also dig into how everyone in the community can do their part. Natalie shares her mission-driven commitment to advocacy, fundraising, and amplifying the work that matters most. She talks about her 20–30 minute YouTube literacy sessions designed to help close the growing reading gap, and the work she does to help parents navigate school options so their children land in environments where they can truly thrive. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and anchored in purpose. If you care about schools, families, justice, or the future of Charlotte’s children, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this powerful episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Damon Watson, a Harvard-educated attorney whose journey defies every expectation. Once on top of the world, Damon fell into addiction, lost his career, and found himself homeless and behind bars. But instead of letting his past define him, he rebuilt his life from the inside out—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Today, Damon uses his story to mentor inmates, restore dignity to the forgotten, and remind the world that redemption is always possible. This conversation explores what it really means to start over, how shame can evolve into strength, and why grace is often the most contagious form of culture there is. If you’ve ever hit rock bottom or watched someone you love fight to rise again, this is the story you need to hear. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

What happens when you climb to the top of corporate America, only to realize you’re ready to redefine what success looks like?In this episode, I sit down with Krista Bourne , a powerhouse leader who spent 25 years inside Verizon, rising from the mailroom to COO of its Consumer Group. She led 30,000 employees, served 110 million customers, and helped deliver over $100 billion in annual revenue.But here’s what makes her story extraordinary, Krista walked away on her own terms.Now, she’s helping high-achieving professionals gain clarity, build strategy, and lead with authenticity, without losing themselves in the process.This conversation is about power, purpose, and permission, because you don’t need anyone else’s to design a career that aligns with who you are. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

What separates a good fundraiser from a truly transformative one? In this episode, Kyle sits down with Rachel Simon, MBA, MS, CFRE , a powerhouse in the world of community impact and philanthropy, to unpack how authentic relationships, deep trust, and shared purpose can turn fundraising into a movement for change.Rachel shares her journey from early career challenges to leading record-breaking campaigns that didn’t just raise money, they rebuilt confidence, culture, and connection within entire communities. Together, she and Kyle explore what it really means to lead with empathy, create donor partnerships rooted in trust, and sustain generosity even in uncertain times.If you’ve ever wondered how to inspire people to give, not out of obligation, but out of belief, this episode is your blueprint. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this episode of Contagious Culture, we sit down with Shantell Jeter, founder of You Got It Girl and Manager of Special Projects at Boston Public Schools. Shantell Jeter is a powerhouse educator, coach, and community builder dedicated to empowering young women to embrace their value, build confidence, and become resilient leaders. With over 300,000 Black women recently pushed out of the workforce due to federal budget cuts and the rollback of DEI initiatives, Shantell’s work has never been more urgent. Through basketball, leadership programming, and a strong focus on sisterhood, she is creating spaces where girls can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally and learn that everything they need to succeed is already inside them. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of leadership, resilience, and self-belief, hear inspiring stories from the girls she mentors, and discuss how programs like You Got It Girl can change the trajectory for the next generation. Shantell also shares how educators and communities can continue supporting young women in a world that too often underestimates their potential. Tune in to learn actionable insights on how to nurture confidence, foster meaningful connections, and raise a generation of women who are ready to lead with courage and purpose. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this live episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King dives deep into why you’re not making progress and how one decision, one risk, and one step can completely shift your momentum.Kyle shares the behind-the-scenes story of how The Podcastathon and The Blueprint Conference came to life in just 11 days and what it really takes to turn vision into execution. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start, this episode will challenge your comfort zone and give you a roadmap to move from stuck to unstoppable in just five days. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Schmitt King, Chief Development Officer at Camp Southern Ground and a seasoned expert in nonprofit growth and fundraising strategy. With a career spanning leadership roles at Team Red, White & Blue, Raiders Foundation, and National 4-H Council, Megan has mastered the art of turning vision into measurable impact. We explore how to build lasting partnerships, activate powerful sponsorships, and lead with strategy in a rapidly changing philanthropic landscape. Megan also shares lessons learned from her work in corporate and nonprofit spaces, from navigating sponsorship challenges to leveraging data and storytelling to inspire donors. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or changemaker, this conversation will equip you with actionable insights to strengthen your strategy, deepen relationships, and grow your 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

What does it really take to turn a first conversation into a million-dollar impact? In this episode, I take you inside a live client intake call with a mission-driven organization, unpacking the questions, insights, and strategies that set the stage for successful fundraising. You’ll see how our 4P Framework, Prepare, Prove, Partner, Propel, guides organizations to build their strategy, board, prospect list, and story, while connecting with donors who can make a real difference. Whether you’re a leader, consultant, or entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with actionable tactics to make your first interactions count and start creating measurable impact from day 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this live episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Coretta Dixon, Director of Organizational Effectiveness and Change Leadership, to explore how real transformation begins from within. Coretta has led large-scale initiatives across industries like education, finance, healthcare, and aviation, helping organizations build adaptive cultures, high-trust teams, and scalable people systems that truly perform.Together, Kyle and Coretta dive into the intersection of leadership, culture, and change management. They unpack what it means to make strategy stick, not through top-down mandates, but through people-centered transformation that prioritizes safety, trust, and clarity.Drawing from her experience leading a $130M modernization initiative and creating the first Change Management Office for a 5,000-employee organization, Coretta shares how sustainable change happens when leaders blend governance, coaching, and analytics to turn transformation into habit. If you believe leadership is contagious and culture is the engine that drives performance, this episode will give you the insight and inspiration to lead change 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

What makes an event unforgettable? How do you turn a gathering into an experience that inspires, connects, and leaves a lasting impact? In this episode of Contagious Culture, we sit down with Corey J Frank, Founder of Spoken Red, a dynamic Event Experience Strategist, Host, Dance Instructor, and Wellness Coach with nearly two decades of transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary legacies. From corporate activations and nonprofit galas to wellness initiatives and cultural celebrations, she shares her secrets for designing events that move people,  literally and figuratively. Tune in as we explore: How to create legacy moments that leave a lasting impression The intersection of culture, movement, and strategy in experiential design Tips for building authentic connections and partnerships that amplify impact Lessons from nearly 20 years of leading high-level, unforgettable experiences If you want to learn how to go beyond planning and truly craft experiences that inspire action and connection, this episode is a must-listen. Official Website: spokenred.netSpoken Red Honors December 5th: https://brushfire.com/spokenred/spokenred18/614479/detailsRed Afloat Cruise March 26-30 https://traveljoy.com/bookings/3zPbYHS4citXndmd5YpywyFm

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King shows you how to turn casual supporters into passionate champions of your mission. Using the Building a Donor Profile Worksheet, you’ll learn to uncover your donors’ values, motivations, giving habits, and what truly drives them to give. This is more than fundraising, it’s about creating meaningful connections, building trust, and inspiring long-term loyalty. If you want donors who don’t just give, but cheer, advocate, and champion your cause, this episode is your roadmap from stranger to superfan. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Strong boards build strong organizations, but assembling, engaging, and keeping the right members is easier said than done. In this episode, we break down five actionable steps to help you recruit board members who are aligned with your mission, retain them through meaningful engagement, and develop their capacity to make a bigger impact. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, executive director, or aspiring board member, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your team and elevate your organization’s success. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

What happens after the world celebrates your baby,  but forgets you? In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dar Bordiny, founder of Imperfectly Mothering, to explore the silent struggles of postpartum life and the power of building authentic support systems for new mothers. Dar shares her personal journey of feeling “grateful and grieving”  deeply in love with her baby, yet disconnected from herself and how that experience inspired her to create a global community that now serves thousands of women. Her story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability and honesty are at the heart of meaningful culture. Together, Kyle and Dar discuss the realities of postpartum that no one talks about, how culture, identity, and perfectionism impact early motherhood, and why showing up authentically is the key to connection and belonging. They explore how one woman turned personal struggle into a movement that is changing the postpartum experience.

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Raechelle Petteway, Chief Development Officer at Freedom School Partners, to unpack what it really takes to build meaningful partnerships that drive both social impact and business growth. With over 15 years of experience in development, marketing, and corporate philanthropy, Raechelle has mastered the art of connecting purpose with performance. From her early days in corporate social responsibility to her current role leading fundraising and communications for one of Charlotte’s most impactful youth organizations, she’s learned that great leadership isn’t just about raising money, it’s about raising people, relationships, and awareness. Together, Kyle and Raechelle explore: How pivotal “slingshot” moments shape leadership and purpose The difference between traditional fundraising and corporate philanthropy How today’s political landscape is influencing philanthropy and giving trends The importance of self-care, boundaries, and intentional living for high-impact leaders What it really takes to navigate career transitions with courage and clarity This conversation is a masterclass in authenticity, strategy, and service. Whether you work in nonprofit development, corporate giving, or leadership, Raechelle’s story will inspire you to lead with empathy and build bridges that last.

As a leader, you’re responsible for driving culture, performance, and people forward, but what drives you? Too often, leaders sacrifice their own health in the name of productivity, pushing through fatigue, stress, and pain until burnout becomes the norm. In this powerful episode, Dr. Aissa McGuirl joins Kyle King to reveal how your physical health directly impacts your leadership capacity, decision-making, and emotional resilience.You’ll learn how to “connect the body dots” a holistic approach to aligning how you feel, function, and look, so you can show up as the best version of yourself. Dr. McGuirl breaks down the connection between movement, mobility, and mental clarity, and offers real strategies for reducing chronic pain, improving energy, restoring balance, and regaining confidence in your body.Because here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t lead from an unhealthy one.If you’re ready to lead with vitality, longevity, and presence, this episode will show you how to start. 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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, we sit down with Brandi Barron, 2023 Salutatorian from Johnson C. Smith University, branding expert, and passionate advocate for social impact and youth empowerment. Brandi Barron shares her journey from student to professional, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her insights on creating communities where belonging, purpose, and identity drive real impact.We dive into how education, community support, and personal initiative can help the next generation thrive, and how each of us can play a role in empowering young leaders. Whether you’re an educator, community leader, or someone committed to making a difference, this conversation is full of actionable insights and inspiration.   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 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle S. King sits down with Bea Sonnendecker, founder of SuiteC and advisor to thousands of C-Suite leaders, to explore the unspoken truths of leadership at the top. Bea shares her experiences working with over 10,000 executives, revealing why the most successful leaders thrive not just because of effort or strategy, but because of trust, empathy, and the quality of their networks. Bea dives into the concept of a personal Board of Directors, navigating imposter syndrome in high-stakes environments, and the unspoken rules that separate thriving leaders from the rest. She also shares practical strategies for building authentic connections, leveraging relationships, and creating a culture that multiplies impact. This episode is for leaders ready to lead with heart, build lasting influence, and create a network and culture that support success long before it’s needed. Tune in to learn how relationships can truly become the leadership asset that multiplies all others. Learn More about Suite C and how they're empowering leaders to build strategic relationships.  

In this episode, Kyle S. King sits down with Nima Farshchi, an innovative educator and changemaker dedicated to transforming how we think about learning and leadership. Together, they explore how education can be a true catalyst for societal change, not just within classrooms, but across communities and generations.Nima shares his journey and insights on building inclusive, purpose-driven learning environments, reimagining the role of schools in shaping values, and empowering the next generation to think critically, act boldly, and lead with empathy.This conversation challenges the status quo and invites every listener, whether you’re an educator, parent, or community leader, to reflect on the question: What if education was designed not just to inform, but to transform society?Tune in and discover how purposeful education can drive real-world impact and cultural evolution. Learn more about Nima and his work here: UMD Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/robert-h.-smith-school-of-business CSVC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/center-for-social-value-creation/ Nima’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nima-farshchi/ Bio: https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/directory/nima-farshchi