Explore every episode of the podcast Contagious Culture
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #199 | Building Pathways for Underrepresented College Students with Dara Ashley | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:35:51 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dara Ashley, founding executive director of the Dara Ashley Foundation, researcher, and nonprofit leader working to close the access and exposure gap for underrepresented college students. Dara shares how her own experiences, mentorship, and time at Howard University shaped her passion for helping students see what is possible. She explains why exposure matters, why students cannot pursue opportunities they have never seen, and how mentorship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Kyle and Dara also discuss the difference between access and ability, the power of one-on-one mentorship, data-driven program design, Leadership U, and what it means to build an organization that helps students gain the skills, networks, and confidence they need for life after college. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:40 — Meet Dara Ashley 01:00 — Dara’s mission and infectious spirit 01:30 — Closing the access and exposure gap 02:30 — Helping students identify what they do not know 03:15 — The power of exposure 04:00 — Dara’s origin story and early mentorship experience 05:00 — Where to start if you want to serve your community 06:00 — Former mentees returning as mentors 07:15 — Access versus ability 08:45 — Why exposure also shows students what they do not want 10:00 — Dara’s path into research 11:00 — Why leaders must mentor and reach back 12:00 — Staying connected to the audience you serve 13:00 — What Dara saw missing in the system 14:30 — What leaders get wrong about mentorship 15:30 — The power of one-on-one mentorship 16:00 — What success looks like for Dara 17:00 — The ten-year vision for the Dara Ashley Foundation 18:00 — Growing into 42 states and going deeper locally 19:00 — Leadership U and student-centered program design 20:00 — Using data to measure and build impact 21:00 — Turning vision into systems and deliverables
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| #198 | From Grant Dependency to Financial Independence with Pedro Jose Rivera | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:36:03 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Pedro Jose Rivera, a nonprofit fundraising strategist working at the intersection of law, philanthropy, wealth management, and nonprofit leadership. Pedro shares how Latino-led nonprofits can move from grant dependency to deeper financial independence by building diversified fundraising systems. He explains why organizations need to focus on individual giving, planned giving, corporate support, board engagement, and community-based fundraising instead of relying only on restricted grants. Kyle and Pedro also discuss the role of faith, family, generosity, board responsibility, peer-to-peer fundraising, and why asking for support is not begging. It is inviting people to invest in the mission. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:45 — Meet Pedro Jose Rivera 01:30 — Pedro’s Puerto Rican roots, family, faith, and education 03:40 — How generosity was modeled in Pedro’s childhood 06:00 — What Pedro hopes to give through his work 06:45 — Moving Latino-led nonprofits beyond grant dependency 07:40 — Understanding individual giving, planned giving, grants, and events 09:15 — Where new nonprofits should start fundraising 10:15 — Why nonprofits must think like entrepreneurs 11:30 — Why organizations become grant dependent 13:30 — Creative funding strategies and peer-to-peer fundraising 15:30 — What executive directors often overlook 16:50 — The role of the board in fundraising 18:45 — Why passion without systems is dangerous 20:30 — The fundraising truth leaders need to hear -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #189 | Kindness Is Not Weakness with Shola Richards | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:46:19 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Shola Richards, international keynote speaker, founder of Go Together Global, bestselling author, and host of the Kindness Extremist Podcast. Shola shares the personal story behind his work and explains why kindness is not weakness. He opens up about pain, depression, imposter syndrome, and how his own wounds became the foundation for a global movement rooted in kindness, courage, and humanity. Kyle and Shola also discuss the difference between being nice and being kind, why kindness requires boundaries and difficult conversations, and how leaders can create cultures where people feel safe, seen, and valued. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:24 — Meet Shola Richards 03:25 — The person behind the platform 06:30 — Why Shola does this work 08:30 — Pain, depression, and choosing kindness 10:54 — Why perfection is not required to lead 12:07 — Nice vs. kind 15:20 — How to embody kindness daily 16:24 — Boundaries, behavior, and difficult conversations 18:32 — Finding your voice through pain and healing 20:00 — Practical tools for the inner critic -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #188 | How Strategic Partnerships Create Opportunity With Natalie Brown | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:48:20 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Natalie Brown, Head of Strategic Workforce Partnership at Ally Financial, for a conversation on leadership, workforce development, strategic partnerships, and preparing the next generation for success. Natalie shares how her work connects business goals, community priorities, and talent pipelines to create real opportunities for students, professionals, and future leaders. She also discusses the importance of mentorship, relationship-building, financial education, AI readiness, and partnerships rooted in shared values. Kyle and Natalie explore what meaningful partnerships look like, why relationships matter in career growth, and how companies can build ecosystems that help people thrive. Key Topics:
Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:12 — Meet Natalie Brown 01:30 — Who Natalie is beyond the title 03:10 — What keeps Natalie excited about the work 04:34 — Defining strategic workforce partnerships 06:20 — What meaningful partnerships look like 09:17 — Preparing students for future opportunities 11:20 — AI, prompting, and workforce readiness 13:20 — Why partnerships sometimes fail 16:30 — Mentorship, leadership, and advice that shaped Natalie 19:30 — The leadership traits young professionals need 21:30 — How to build and nurture relationships
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| #187 | Adults First: Lindsey Fuller on the Culture Crisis No One Can Afford to Ignore | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:37:40 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of The Teaching Well, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and organizational wellness consultant. Lindsey shares why strong adult culture is the engine of strong student outcomes. She explains why schools cannot expect students to regulate, learn, and thrive if the adults leading them are burned out, unsupported, and disconnected from their own wellness. Kyle and Lindsey also discuss educator burnout, adult behavior in schools, restorative leadership, the need to invest in teachers and school leaders, and what it would take to build school systems that are more human-centered, healing-centered, and sustainable. Key Topics:
00:00 — Introduction 00:20 — Meet Lindsey Fuller 01:15 — Lindsey’s background and love of learning 02:30 — Childhood, trauma, and becoming a leader 03:30 — Teaching as inheritance 04:30 — School as both sanctuary and harm 05:30 — What it means to build human-centered schools 06:00 — Why the education system is sick, not broken 07:30 — What practices need to be preserved or reimagined 08:45 — Critical hope and why children keep Lindsey hopeful 09:30 — Where school change begins 10:30 — Why most school problems are adult problems 11:30 — Adult behavior, regulation, and school culture 13:00 — Why schools must invest in educators 14:30 — Educator mental health as a public health crisis 16:30 — Caring for the caregivers 17:00 — What Lindsey would change if she had the keys 18:00 — Coaching, therapy, benefits, and professional development 19:30 — Funding, accountability, and philanthropy 20:30 — Why teachers and school leaders are the key levers 21:30 — Seeing the full puzzle of school transformation Lindsey Fuller is the Executive Director of The Teaching Well, a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and organizational wellness consultant. Her work focuses on helping schools and districts build strong adult culture, improve educator wellness, strengthen leadership practices, and create environments where adults can stay whole so students can thrive.
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| #186 | Building Brighter Futures: Leadership, Tech Equity, and the Power of Corporate Citizenship | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:52:33 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Olivia Jefferson, VP of Social Impact at Best Buy and a leader helping drive the vision of the Best Buy Foundation. Olivia shares how her personal story, her mother’s resilience after a life-changing accident, and her early exposure to philanthropy shaped her purpose and commitment to community impact. She explains why philanthropy is not just about moving dollars, but about stewarding resources in ways that change lives, open doors, and create lasting opportunity. Kyle and Olivia also discuss corporate philanthropy, authentic partnership, youth workforce development, durable skills, AI, mentorship, accountability, skills-first hiring, and how the Best Buy Foundation is helping young people move from access to technology toward economic opportunity and mobility. Key Topics:
00:00 — Introduction 00:30 — Meet Olivia Jefferson 01:15 — Kyle shares Olivia’s impact on his leadership 02:00 — Who Olivia is outside of work 03:00 — Family, friendship, mentorship, and community service 04:30 — The journey that shaped Olivia’s values 05:30 — Olivia’s mother’s accident and resilience 07:00 — Learning the power of grants and philanthropy 08:30 — Discovering philanthropy through the Kresge Foundation 09:45 — Purpose and corporate philanthropy 11:00 — Carrying the weight of impact work 12:30 — Why people like Olivia need to be in corporate spaces 14:30 — Unlearning ego in impact work 15:15 — Learning to trust yourself as a leader 16:30 — Leading young and growing through responsibility 18:30 — The importance of coaches, sponsors, and advocates 20:00 — Accountability, repair, and leadership growth 22:00 — Are young people ready for the workforce? 23:00 — Skills-first hiring and economic mobility 24:30 — Durable skills and the automation of entry-level work 27:30 — Where jobs are going and how young people can prepare 28:30 — Relationships, curiosity, communication, and critical thinking 30:30 — AI as a resource, not a replacement 31:00 — What real partnership looks like 32:00 — Supporting nonprofits beyond the grant dollar 35:30 — Vetting partnerships and reducing wasted time 38:00 — Why nonprofits should not shape-shift for funding 40:30 — Best Buy Foundation’s work in community 41:30 — Tech-reliant careers, skills, and credentials 43:00 — Teen Tech Centers and preparing young people early 44:30 — The next generation of community impact leaders 46:30 — Corporate philanthropy aligned with business strategy 48:00 — Where to connect with Olivia and Best Buy Foundation Guest BioOlivia Jefferson is the VP of Social Impact at Best Buy and a leader helping drive the vision of the Best Buy Foundation. Her work sits at the intersection of corporate citizenship, community partnership, youth opportunity, technology access, mentorship, and workforce development. Through her leadership, Olivia helps create pathways that support young people as they move from access to technology toward economic opportunity, mobility, and real-world career exposure. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #185 | Leading with Heart: Resilience, Storytelling, and Impact with Claire Masikewich | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:34:25 | |
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 Highlights00:00 — 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 ClaireStrong 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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #184 | Scaling Impact Without Losing Your Culture with Lauren Riley | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:33:29 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #183 |The Science of Gratitude, Healing, and Human Connection W/ Peggy DeLong | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:34:22 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #182 | Clean Data, Clear Mission: How Smart Systems Fuel Nonprofit Impact | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:36:55 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Christine Robertson, a nonprofit technology and data professional with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen their impact through better systems, strategy, and technology. Christine explains why nonprofit data should not be treated as administrative busywork. When managed well, a CRM can preserve donor relationships, strengthen fundraising, improve communication, protect institutional knowledge, and give organizations a clearer picture of the people who support their mission. Kyle and Christine also discuss data security, clean data, selecting the right technology, consolidating information into one source of truth, maximizing the tools an organization already owns, and why buying new software will not solve a broken process. Key Topics:
00:00 — Introduction 00:15 — Meet Christine Robertson 00:55 — What is exciting Christine about technology 01:45 — Technology, fundraising, and relationships 02:30 — How the nonprofit technology landscape is changing 03:00 — Why donor information cannot live in one person’s head 03:30 — Using a CRM to preserve organizational relationships 04:00 — The first step toward better data management 04:30 — Creating one consolidated source of truth 05:00 — The problem with disconnected email, event, and donation tools 06:00 — Documenting every donor interaction 06:45 — Why CRM work is not busywork 07:00 — Technology options for grassroots organizations 08:00 — Choosing software based on priorities 09:30 — Integrations, email tools, and non-negotiable features 10:00 — Why organizations underuse the software they own 10:30 — Training problems versus system design problems 11:30 — When it may actually be time to change tools 12:00 — A new tool will not fix a broken system 12:30 — The people behind the technology 13:00 — Treating data professionals as fundraisers 13:30 — Why data management should not be an afterthought 14:30 — Donor data security and organizational responsibility 15:00 — Protecting donor trust and sensitive information 16:00 — Guarding donor information like your own 16:30 — What clean data really means 17:30 — Why clean data does not mean perfect data 18:00 — Starting with the pain point that hurts the most 18:30 — Building weekly, monthly, and annual data routines 20:00 — Recognizing when your organization needs help 21:30 — Why nonprofit strategy often lives in the gray 22:00 — The myth that some people cannot learn technology 23:30 — Why data is the foundation of nonprofit growth 24:30 — Using donor behavior to personalize relationships 25:00 — Underused email marketing insights 26:30 — How often leaders should review their data 27:30 — Asking the right questions before analyzing data 28:30 — Avoiding overwhelm and running your own race 29:30 — Practical advice for leaders who want to scale 30:00 — Documenting organizational pain points 30:30 — Making time to improve systems 31:00 — Fixing problems one at a time 32:30 — Where to connect with Christine 33:00 — Humanitru and supporter management Christine's BioChristine Robertson is a nonprofit technology and data professional with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen fundraising, improve donor relationships, and build better systems. She began her career as a nonprofit database manager and has since worked inside organizations and as a consultant, helping teams use data, strategy, and technology to amplify their impact. Christine also works with Humanitru, a supporter management platform designed to help nonprofits consolidate donor, event, membership, email, and engagement information into one place. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #181 | Start Where You Stand: The Truth About Power, Safety, and Women’s Rights | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:37:52 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Lina AbiRafeh, activist, author, global women’s rights leader, and founder of Better for Women. Lina explains why activism does not have to begin with a massive platform, a global campaign, or a major financial investment. It begins by looking around, caring about what is broken, and taking one meaningful action where you currently stand. Kyle and Lina also discuss gender equality, women’s rights, global injustice, apathy, the failures of traditional development funding, listening to women on the ground, unrestricted support, activist burnout, self-care, and how ordinary people can use their voices, resources, and influence to create change. Key Topics:
00:00 — Introduction 00:40 — Meet Lina AbiRafeh 00:50 — Activism and building a better world 01:35 — What it means to be an activist 01:45 — The first three letters of activist are “act” 02:00 — Why the most powerful activism is often small 03:00 — Moving beyond massive goals and movements 03:30 — Making activism actionable and sustainable 04:30 — Why behavior is contagious 05:15 — What Lina cares about most 05:30 — War, poverty, access, freedom, and injustice 06:20 — Losing ground on women’s rights 07:00 — Why fighting still matters 07:30 — The greater good benefits everyone 08:30 — What are you fighting for? 09:30 — Misconceptions about gender equality 10:00 — Why gender equality is considered too difficult or already complete 10:45 — Why women’s rights are funded last and cut first 12:00 — Women’s rights are not a light switch 12:30 — Rights are not negotiable 13:30 — What leaders with power and resources must do 13:45 — Listening to women on the ground 14:30 — Redirecting resources to local women leaders 15:00 — The failures of restrictive and colonial funding models 16:00 — Trusting communities to make their own decisions 16:45 — Encouragement for leaders facing resistance 17:00 — Feminist Firestarter: Activism for an Unraveling World 17:30 — Why apathy is our greatest enemy 18:15 — Identifying the issue that crosses your line 19:00 — A story of practical activism in Kenya 19:30 — Education, menstrual products, and listening to real needs 20:30 — The emotional weight of global activism 21:00 — Lina’s Palestinian and Lebanese identity 21:45 — Speaking when silence would be easier 22:15 — Using words as a weapon for change 23:00 — Activism, exhaustion, and self-care 24:00 — The advice that changed Lina’s life 24:30 — Street art, Nepal, and activist burnout 26:00 — “Start where you stand” 27:30 — How the world would be different for women 28:00 — Dignity, respect, boundaries, and empathy 29:30 — Encouragement for new changemakers 30:15 — Start with the injustice you cannot ignore 31:00 — Listening before creating solutions 31:30 — The question Lina asked women in crisis 32:00 — Safety, freedom, and bringing women’s voices into powerful spaces 32:30 — People do not need a voice, they need a microphone 33:15 — Better for Women and Lina’s upcoming books Lina's BioLina AbiRafeh is a global women’s rights activist, author, speaker, and founder of Better for Women. Her career has focused on advancing gender equality, preventing violence against women, supporting women in humanitarian crises, and challenging systems that restrict women’s safety, freedom, access, and opportunity. Lina has worked across countries and crisis settings around the world, including conflict zones and communities recovering from natural disasters. She is also the author of Feminist Firestarter: Activism for an Unraveling World, a book focused on helping people identify the issues they care about, take meaningful action, and continue fighting for change in overwhelming times. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #180 | How Denise Brown Is Redefining Support, Leadership, and the Caregiving Experience | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:25:38 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Denise Brown, caregiving educator, community builder, and founder of Caring Our Way. Denise shares how a “flashlight moment” more than three decades ago led her into the caregiving field and shaped her commitment to supporting both family caregivers and direct care professionals. She explains why caregiving is not simply about meeting one person’s needs. It requires navigating complicated systems, managing emotional stress, coordinating resources, and carrying responsibilities that are often invisible to everyone else. Kyle and Denise also discuss the lack of career pathways for direct care professionals, the importance of emergency planning, turning lived experience into service, the need for trained listeners, and how the right support can reduce stress, improve quality of life, and help caregivers avoid future regret. Key Topics:
00:00 — Introduction 00:15 — Meet Denise Brown 01:15 — Denise’s mission and caregiving work 01:50 — The “flashlight moment” that changed her career 02:30 — Starting at a congregate meal site 03:30 — Aging forward and supporting older adults 04:00 — The two sides of caregiving support 04:30 — Why direct care work lacks a career ladder 05:00 — Moving direct care professionals into coaching roles 05:30 — What happens when the body ages out of caregiving work 06:30 — Creating meaningful next steps for caregivers 07:15 — What social impact leaders can do 08:00 — Recognizing the talent inside the direct care workforce 08:45 — The soft skills required to enter someone’s home and care well 09:30 — Why caregivers should become navigators and guides 10:00 — Building community infrastructure for family caregivers 10:30 — Emergency planning during weather events 11:30 — Creating community-based caregiving support 12:30 — The exact work Denise is leading 13:00 — Turning lived experience into training 13:30 — Helping former caregivers become coaches and support-group leaders 14:30 — Turning pain into purpose and service 15:00 — Measuring impact through stress and quality of life 15:30 — Why every caregiver needs a good listener 16:30 — How support changes the way caregivers show up 17:00 — Preventing regret after a caregiving experience 17:30 — Misconceptions about who caregivers are 18:00 — Caregiving across age, gender, and life stage 18:30 — The question Denise wishes people asked 19:00 — What really causes caregiver stress 19:30 — Insurance, scheduling, resources, and family expectations 20:00 — Navigating 19 different systems 20:45 — Why the caregiving ecosystem is so complex 21:15 — Caring Our Way 21:30 — The Caregiving Listener Project 22:00 — Giving Thursday and other initiatives Denise's BioDenise Brown is a caregiving educator, community builder, trainer, and founder of Caring Our Way, an online community that supports family caregivers and direct care professionals. For more than three decades, Denise has worked to educate, support, and equip people navigating caregiving experiences. Her work focuses on turning lived experience into coaching, mentoring, support-group leadership, and volunteer opportunities that help others feel less isolated and more prepared. Through initiatives such as the Caregiving Listener Project and Giving Thursday, Denise helps caregivers access emotional support, community, training, and practical resources. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #197 | Why Teams Avoid the Conversations That Matter With Whitney Siders | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:34:07 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Whitney Siders, executive team advisor, coach, speaker, offsite facilitator, and founder of The Modern Inc. Whitney helps leaders and teams get beneath the surface of what is really happening so they can strengthen alignment, accelerate action, and lead with greater clarity. She shares why fear, resistance, avoided conversations, and unclear first steps often keep leaders and teams stuck. Kyle and Whitney also discuss emotional intelligence, leadership awareness, hard conversations, team patterns, real alignment, and why creating space to pause can help teams move forward with more honesty and effectiveness. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:18 — Meet Whitney Siders 01:10 — Why Whitney does not love being called fearless 02:15 — Fear, resistance, and clarity 03:20 — Avoiding hard conversations 05:00 — Solving symptoms instead of root issues 06:10 — Awareness, clarity, and emotional intelligence 08:45 — Looking at patterns under pressure 09:30 — Caretaker leadership and avoided feedback 10:50 — Creating space to pause 12:45 — Why teams solve surface-level problems 13:20 — The problem with fake alignment 14:30 — Building tools, language, and accountability 16:15 — Whitney’s slingshot moment 17:00 — The accident that changed her life 20:30 — Recovery, mindset, and small goals 22:45 — Choosing work that helps people show up fully -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #179 | Building Learning That Makes People Feel Seen W/ Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:51:44 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh, educator, professor, researcher, consultant, and creator of the EQUAL Methodology. Michelle shares her journey from high-performing educator and lifelong achiever to a leader learning how to separate her identity from productivity, accomplishment, and constant busyness. She opens up about burnout, motherhood, immigration, perfectionism, therapy, and the pressure to prove herself through degrees, credentials, and professional success. Kyle and Michelle also discuss disengagement as a form of self-protection, the importance of emotional safety and belonging, and how leaders can create healthier learning and workplace environments through clarity, courage, care, collaboration, and evidence. Key Topics:
00:00 — Introduction 00:15 — Meet Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh 00:30 — Rooted and Ready 01:00 — Creating space for accomplished women to pause 01:45 — Who were you before you were busy? 02:15 — Carrying the weight of being first-generation 03:00 — Remembering the person beneath the productivity 03:30 — Childhood in Jamaica, freedom, and creativity 04:30 — Presence, playfulness, and listening to yourself 05:30 — Kyle’s experience choosing rest over work 06:15 — Why slowing down makes us feel lighter 07:00 — The act of being busy 07:30 — Why leaders ignore their bodies 08:15 — Burnout, unused leave, and working on autopilot 09:00 — Disconnection, disengagement, and emotional numbness 09:30 — The unhealthy attachment to work 10:00 — Were the unused days worth the payout? 11:00 — Why rest would have improved Michelle’s leadership 11:30 — Recognizing burnout after leaving the system 12:00 — Empty nesting, entrepreneurship, and rediscovering identity 12:30 — The retreat that changed Michelle’s perspective 13:00 — Designing days around rest, learning, and community 14:00 — Why community, therapy, and coaching matter 15:00 — Accomplishments without identity 15:30 — Who are you without your title? 16:00 — Learning to introduce yourself as a human being 17:00 — Patterns of producing, performing, and perfecting 17:30 — Detaching your worth from the outcome 18:30 — Creating spaces for safe and honest conversation 19:15 — The childhood weight Michelle carried 20:00 — Being the first in the family 20:30 — Pregnancy, shame, and the pressure to prove everyone wrong 22:00 — Turning shame into testimony 23:00 — Senior year of college and fear of disappointing her family 24:00 — Hiding pain behind strength and achievement 25:00 — Collecting degrees to prove she was not a failure 26:00 — Moving from performance to healing 26:30 — How therapy changed Michelle’s perspective 27:30 — Therapy as part of a healthy routine 28:00 — Redefining strength and asking for help 29:00 — Why inner work improves professional performance 30:00 — Choosing rest without guilt 30:30 — Me Time Mondays 31:00 — Freedom Fridays 32:30 — Filling your own cup before serving others 33:15 — Michelle’s current work 33:30 — Disengagement as a system signal 34:00 — Clarity, courage, and care 35:00 — Introducing the EQUAL Methodology 36:30 — E: Evaluate context 37:00 — Looking beneath disengaged behavior 37:15 — Q: Qualify the learning environment 37:45 — Rigor, relevance, and responsiveness 38:00 — U: Uplift belonging 38:15 — Disengagement is self-protection 39:00 — A: Activate collaboration 39:30 — Creating a success team of stakeholders 40:00 — L: Leverage evidence 40:30 — Using feedback, reflection, and data 41:15 — Applying the framework beyond education 42:00 — Where to connect with Michelle 43:00 — Encouragement for leaders facing disengagement 44:00 — Redesigning environments around people 46:00 — Rooted and Ready 47:00 — Productivity as connection, presence, and wholeness 48:00 — Humanity before performance Dr. Singh's BioDr. Michelle Chanda Singh is an educator, professor, researcher, consultant, and creator of the EQUAL Methodology, a human-centered framework designed to help educators and organizational leaders understand and disrupt disengagement. With more than 20 years of experience in education, Michelle has worked across classrooms, school systems, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and corporate environments. Her work focuses on belonging, emotional safety, relevance, collaboration, leadership, and designing environments where people can learn, work, and thrive. She is also the creator of Rooted and Ready, a quarterly gathering designed to give accomplished women space to pause, reconnect, reflect, and remember who they are beyond productivity and performance. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #178 | How Maddie Myers Connects Business, Community, and Culture in the Queen City | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:41:23 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Maddie Myers, Senior Vice President and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC for the Western Carolinas. Maddie shares how her career evolved from nonprofit fundraising into corporate philanthropy and community investment. She explains what makes an organization ready to receive funding, why relationships matter, and why nonprofits should never create programs simply to match a funder’s priorities. Kyle and Maddie also discuss mission drift, early childhood education, community collaboration, listening as a leadership skill, and how small operational details can shape meaningful impact. Maddie also opens up about her husband’s cancer diagnosis, how that experience changed her perspective, and why leaders should never underestimate what someone else may be carrying. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Maddie Myers 02:30 — Maddie’s journey into nonprofit and community work 04:15 — Moving from fundraising to corporate funding 05:00 — What makes a nonprofit ready for investment 07:00 — Mission drift, relationships, and saying no to money 09:00 — Listening as a leadership and fundraising skill 14:15 — Early childhood education and community impact 32:00 — Maddie’s slingshot moment and finding your rock Maddie's BioMaddie Myers is Senior Vice President and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC for the Western Carolinas. Her work brings together corporate leadership, philanthropy, nonprofit partnerships, early childhood education, arts and culture, and community engagement. Before moving into corporate community relations, Maddie began her career in the nonprofit sector, including work with the Livestrong Foundation. Her experience on both the fundraising and funding sides gives her a valuable perspective on what makes partnerships effective, what funders look for, and how organizations can remain focused on their mission while building long-term relationships. Maddie also serves on nonprofit boards and committees and is deeply involved in efforts supporting early childhood education, literacy, and community development throughout Charlotte and the Western Carolinas. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| # 177 | How Leanna Calvin Is Expanding Youth Possibility in Charlotte | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:44:12 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Leanna Calvin, founder and executive director of Exposure Project, an innovative youth development organization helping middle and high school students explore careers, build character, and develop practical skills through hands-on experiences. Leanna shares how her natural curiosity, social work background, and connection with young people led her to launch Exposure Project. She also offers an honest look behind the scenes of nonprofit leadership, including funding challenges, team development, governance, marketing, program evaluation, and the infrastructure required to build a sustainable organization. Kyle and Leanna also discuss why young people need exposure beyond traditional career paths, how parents can cultivate curiosity, and why meaningful youth development requires more than simply keeping children occupied after school. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Leanna Calvin 02:00 — Curiosity, boldness, and Leanna’s calling to serve youth 06:00 — Building Exposure Project and navigating early challenges 11:30 — Why nonprofit leadership is business leadership 14:15 — The infrastructure every nonprofit needs 18:15 — Where overwhelmed nonprofit founders should begin 25:30 — Why youth development deserves greater respect 31:00 — Career exposure, the food truck initiative, and future growth Leanna's BioLeanna Calvin is the founder and executive director of Exposure Project, a youth development organization that helps middle and high school students explore career pathways, build character, and gain hands-on professional experience. She is also a licensed clinical social worker with a background in mental health, youth development, foster care prevention, therapeutic services, and community programming. Leanna holds degrees from Tuskegee University and Fordham University and has served young people and families across multiple states. Through Exposure Project, Leanna connects students with professionals, businesses, career experiences, entrepreneurship opportunities, and practical learning. The organization’s initiatives include career exposure trips, experiential programming, an annual youth summit, and a youth-led food truck initiative that teaches business development, marketing, financial literacy, culinary skills, photography, and graphic design. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #176 | Becoming the Next Best Version of Yourself with Lisa Tarkington | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:33:21 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Lisa Tarkington, keynote speaker, leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Lead, formerly known as Self Love Beauty. Lisa shares how her personal struggle with confidence and belonging inspired her to begin a blog that eventually became a nonprofit focused on helping people strengthen their self-esteem, leadership, and sense of identity. Kyle and Lisa also discuss self-awareness, receiving feedback, building strong teams, developing confidence, and the uncomfortable internal work required to become a healthier leader. Lisa reflects on her transition from founder to exited founder and explains why growth often requires leaders to listen, adapt, and remain committed to becoming the next best version of themselves. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Lisa Tarkington 01:40 — How Lisa’s confidence journey inspired her organization 03:15 — The pivotal moments that kept her moving forward 06:00 — Building something that lasts and preparing to exit 12:00 — Understanding yourself and your leadership style 19:30 — Self-awareness, mistakes, and receiving feedback 24:45 — The transformation that happens when leaders do the work 30:00 — Do not lose your voice and becoming your best self Lisa's BioLisa Tarkington is a keynote speaker, business and leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Lead, formerly known as Self Love Beauty. For more than a decade, Lisa has helped individuals and organizations build confidence, strengthen leadership, and create cultures where people feel empowered to thrive. What began as a college blog inspired by her personal journey with self-esteem grew into a nonprofit organization serving individuals across generations. Lisa is now entering a new chapter as an exited founder, expanding her work through keynote speaking, coaching, leadership development, and new programming designed to help people become the next best version of themselves. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #175 | Emotional Intelligence: The Leadership Skill Most Leaders Ignore | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:31:20 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Tracy Solarek, emotional intelligence coach, keynote speaker, trainer, and founder of Optymum Potential. Tracy explains how emotional intelligence helps leaders better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, build trust, and create environments where people feel valued and motivated. She breaks down the role of assessments, coaching, empathy, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and feedback in developing healthier leaders and stronger organizations. Kyle and Tracy also discuss the difference between coaching and therapy, why many leaders are unaware of how others perceive them, and how daily habits such as reflection, reading, journaling, and intentional pauses can improve the way leaders show up. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Tracy Solarek 01:30 — Unveiling potential and building confidence 03:30 — Emotional intelligence assessments and coaching 06:30 — Empathy, retention, and stronger leadership 08:30 — Coaching, therapy, and personal development 10:00 — Why organizations neglect emotional intelligence 16:45 — Self-awareness, personal brand, and leadership perception 20:15 — Daily habits for becoming a more grounded leader Tracy's BioTracy Solarek is an emotional intelligence coach, keynote speaker, trainer, and founder of Optymum Potential. Through coaching, assessments, keynotes, and professional development workshops, Tracy helps leaders and organizations strengthen emotional intelligence, improve self-awareness, build confidence, and create more productive and people-centered cultures. Her work focuses on empathy, interpersonal relationships, emotional expression, impulse control, leadership presence, and helping people understand how they are perceived by others. Tracy also guides organizations through emotional intelligence assessments and 360-degree feedback to identify strengths, blind spots, and opportunities for growth. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #174 | Relationship Building for Non Profits Doesn't Have to Suck | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:23:51 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #173 | Audacious Expansion: Turning Life’s Hardest Moments into Your Greatest Expansion | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:41:50 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Erika Rothenberger, keynote speaker, construction industry leader, podcast host, and bestselling author of Audacious Expansion. Erika shares how surviving a violent assault in 2022 became the catalyst for a new chapter of courage, advocacy, service, and personal expansion. Rather than allowing the experience to define her as a victim, she made the difficult decision to heal, use her voice, and turn her pain into purpose. Kyle and Erika also discuss the quiet work behind bold accomplishments, the role community plays in recovery, confronting unresolved trauma, building confidence, and taking action before feeling completely ready. Erika also introduces her BOLD Framework, a practical approach for believing in yourself, building consistency, leaning on others, and developing the people around you. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Erika Rothenberger 02:45 — What it means to live and lead audaciously 05:00 — The assault that changed Erika’s life 08:30 — Choosing courage, healing, and a new legacy 12:30 — Confronting trauma and recognizing past resilience 16:30 — The power of community and leaning on others 19:30 — Erika’s BOLD Framework for audacious expansion 34:30 — The message behind Audacious Expansion Erika's BioErika Rothenberger is a keynote speaker, construction industry leader, podcast host, and bestselling author of Audacious Expansion. After surviving a violent assault in 2022, Erika transformed her recovery into a mission to help others turn adversity into courage, connection, and bold leadership. Her work focuses on resilience, confidence, meaningful relationships, mindset, personal development, and taking action even when the path feels uncertain. Erika has spent more than two decades working in the construction industry and uses lessons from that experience to help people build stronger foundations in their lives and careers. She is also the creator of the BOLD Framework and the founder of the Audacious Woman Summit, which brings women together to grow, connect, and expand into their next level. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #172 | Becoming the Leader That People Follow | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:27:26 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #171 | Unleashing Everyday Creativity with Caroline Brookfield | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:28:42 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dr. Caroline Brookfield, veterinarian, speaker, consultant, comedian, and self-described professional cat herder. Caroline explains how creativity and mindfulness help leaders navigate ambiguity, respond to change, and make better decisions without becoming overwhelmed by uncertainty. She introduces the DANCE Framework, a practical approach that encourages daydreaming, curiosity, novelty, comfort with ambiguity, and delaying judgment during the creative process. Kyle and Caroline also discuss why leaders often say they want creativity while unconsciously rejecting unfamiliar ideas, how psychological safety allows teams to contribute more fully, and why sometimes the best response to change is not to fight harder, but to pause, observe, and consider new possibilities. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Dr. Caroline Brookfield 01:00 — What it means to be a professional cat herder 02:30 — Creativity, mindfulness, and tolerance for ambiguity 04:00 — The DANCE Framework for stronger creative thinking 06:00 — Why leaders should stop editing ideas too early 09:00 — Why leaders resist creativity and protect the status quo 12:00 — The riptide lesson for navigating change 14:00 — Pausing, curiosity, and building psychological safety Dr. Brookfield's BioDr. Caroline Brookfield is a veterinarian, professional speaker, consultant, comedian, and self-described professional cat herder. Her work focuses on helping leaders and organizations build creativity, adaptability, and confidence during periods of uncertainty and change. Drawing from her experiences in veterinary medicine, emergency care, wildlife health, stand-up comedy, and organizational consulting, Caroline teaches people how to think differently, manage ambiguity, and create environments where new ideas can thrive. She is also the creator of the DANCE Framework, which gives leaders and teams practical habits for strengthening creativity and navigating uncertainty. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #170 | Networking is NOT Competition, You're Just Doing it wrong | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:25:08 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #196 | Leadership Requires More Than Competence with Andrea Mancuso | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:43:00 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Andrea Mancuso, trauma-informed leadership and emotional intelligence coach, licensed mental health counselor, and founder of Intentional Healing and Wellness. Andrea shares why healthy, high-performing teams cannot exist if leaders have not done their own internal work. She explains how burnout, avoidance, people-pleasing, hustle culture, and emotional disconnection show up in leaders, teams, schools, and organizations. Kyle and Andrea also discuss trauma-informed leadership, psychological safety, emotional capacity, rest, self-awareness, and why leaders must learn to slow down, disconnect, and lead from a healthier place. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:15 — Meet Andrea Mancuso 01:15 — Andrea’s work and mission 02:00 — Who Andrea is beyond the titles 03:30 — Mental health, trauma, and what leaders misunderstand 04:45 — Why society is navigating a mental health crisis 06:30 — Technology, overstimulation, and exposure 07:00 — What trauma-informed leadership really requires 08:00 — The power of awareness 09:30 — Patterns that lead to burnout 10:00 — Busyness and the inability to slow down 11:30 — Avoidance and why healing matters 13:00 — People-pleasing as a leadership pattern 14:30 — Unsubscribing from hustle culture 16:30 — Rest, fear, and trust 18:30 — Why there are no real emergencies in most businesses 20:30 — Scheduling focused time and creating boundaries 23:00 — Competent leaders versus emotionally equipped leaders -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| # 169 | Possibility Thinking: The Secret to Confidence, Career Clarity, and Better Leadership | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:42:07 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #168 | Intentional. Thoughtful. Unstoppable. | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:23:35 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #167 | Stop Reacting...You’re Killing Innovation | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:24:06 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #166 | From Buzzwords to Action: Building a Smarter, More Sustainable Charlotte | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:43:28 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King and Dan Fisher sit down with Amy Aussieker, executive director of Envision Charlotte and the leader behind Charlotte’s Innovation Barn. Amy shares how her background in sales and fundraising helped her turn complex sustainability ideas into practical programs, partnerships, and community-based solutions. She explains the circular economy, why food waste should stay out of landfills, and how individuals can take tangible action rather than leaving environmental responsibility entirely to governments and corporations. The conversation also explores cross-sector collaboration, earned revenue for nonprofits, local innovation, diverse teams, and Amy’s vision for making Charlotte a destination for sustainability entrepreneurs, pilots, and circular economy initiatives. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Amy Aussieker 02:45 — Why Amy chose sustainability and circular economy work 05:00 — Making climate change practical and actionable 08:00 — Collaboration, partnerships, and finding the shared win 11:30 — Innovation Barn projects and filling sustainability gaps 17:00 — Amy’s journey from design into sales and nonprofit leadership 21:00 — A vision for Charlotte as a sustainability destination 28:00 — Earned revenue, nonprofit funding, and creative business models Amy's BioAmy Aussieker is the executive director of Envision Charlotte and a driving force behind the Innovation Barn, Charlotte’s living laboratory for sustainability, circular economy solutions, education, and cross-sector collaboration. With a professional background in sales, fundraising, business development, and community partnerships, Amy has spent more than a decade helping transform ambitious environmental ideas into practical initiatives. Her work includes advancing solutions related to food waste, glass recycling, plastics, textiles, organics, aquaponics, education, and sustainable economic development. She also connects businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, government leaders, and community members to create partnerships where every participant can recognize a meaningful win. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #165 | The ROI of Empathy with Patricia Bravo | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:30:42 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Patricia Bravo, leadership development consultant, speaker, author, and founder of Bravo For You. Patricia shares how leaders can guide organizations through disruption and transformation without losing sight of the people doing the work. She explains why empathy is not a soft leadership skill, but a practical source of human data that can improve communication, decision-making, trust, and performance. Kyle and Patricia also discuss accountability, professional intimacy, workplace grief, relationship shortcuts, and the hidden costs organizations experience when people feel unseen or left behind. The conversation offers leaders a practical challenge: measure the return they are receiving from investing in their people with the same seriousness they use to evaluate every other business investment. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Patricia Bravo 01:30 — Transformation beyond incremental change 03:00 — Why organizations lose sight of their people 04:30 — Measuring the ROI of investing in people 08:00 — Practical habits for becoming a more human leader 10:45 — Why empathy is not soft leadership 14:00 — Balancing understanding, accountability, and standards 20:00 — Workplace grief, loss, and the cost of leaving people behind Patricia's BioPatricia Bravo is a leadership development consultant, speaker, author, and founder of Bravo For You. She helps leaders and organizations strengthen culture, accelerate growth, and produce measurable business results through empathetic leadership and human-centered strategy. Patricia has designed and delivered leadership programs for Fortune 500 companies and taught leadership and team development through institutions including the University of Washington, UCLA, and UC Irvine. Her work focuses on helping leaders uncover the unseen human dynamics that shape performance, including empathy, workplace loss, trust, communication, accountability, professional intimacy, and the return organizations receive when they intentionally invest in their people. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #164 | Steps to Building A Network of Donors for Your NonProfit | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:39:31 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #163 | Building a Consulting Business That Lasts W/ Catalina Parker | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:52:33 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King and Dan Fisher sit down with Catalina Parker, co-founder and CEO of Relatable Nonprofit. Catalina shares how she walked away from a successful foundation career after realizing that the version of success she had built was costing her health, peace, and time with her family. She explains how she transitioned into consulting, built a six-figure business, and eventually created a mentorship community for former nonprofit professionals building sustainable consulting careers. Kyle, Dan, and Catalina also discuss pricing, positioning, niching, sales pipelines, boundaries, client selection, and why consultants must stop confusing capability with calling. This conversation is a practical guide for anyone who wants to build meaningful work without recreating the burnout, pressure, and unhealthy patterns they were trying to leave behind. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Catalina Parker 02:30 — When career success no longer feels successful 06:00 — Leaving safely and building the business on the side 09:30 — Niching down and creating Relatable Nonprofit 13:00 — How Catalina reached six figures through her network 17:00 — Choosing what you should do, not everything you can do 26:30 — The first steps for a new nonprofit consultant 35:00 — Doing it scared, setting boundaries, and building courage Catalina's BioCatalina Parker is the co-founder and CEO of Relatable Nonprofit, a coaching and mentorship community that helps former nonprofit professionals build sustainable consulting businesses. After years in nonprofit leadership and private grantmaking, Catalina realized that her professional success was costing her health, peace, and time with her family. She transitioned into consulting, built a six-figure business with her co-founder, Julia Devine, and developed expertise in positioning, pricing, sales, client delivery, boundaries, and business development. Today, Catalina helps consultants build clear offers, generate predictable income, strengthen their pipelines, and create businesses that support the lives they actually want to live. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #162 | Navigating Donor Conversations: How to Move Toward the Close | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:36:01 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #161 | Events Done Well: How to Do Events at Scale | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:25:02 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #160 | Beyond the Ask: How to Build Donor Relationships That Actually Last with Mark Dobosz | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:53:37 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King and Dan Freeman sit down with Mark Dobosz, a nonprofit and philanthropic leader with more than four decades of experience across education, healthcare, senior living, small business development, and nonprofit governance. Mark shares how his mother introduced him to service, generosity, and volunteerism before he ever considered fundraising as a career. He reflects on the unexpected opportunity that launched him into development work and the leadership decisions that shaped his understanding of sacrifice, mission, and responsibility. Kyle, Dan, and Mark also discuss donor-centered fundraising, planned giving, board development, capital campaigns, succession planning, and the importance of building trust before making an ask. Throughout the conversation, Mark challenges fundraisers to move beyond transactions and become conduits between a donor’s deepest values and an organization’s mission. Key Topics
00:00 — Introduction and meeting Mark Dobosz 01:15 — How Mark’s mother shaped his understanding of philanthropy 03:30 — The unexpected opportunity that launched his fundraising career 09:00 — Sacrificing his position to protect an organization’s mission 14:00 — Why fundraising is not about the fundraiser 25:00 — Questions that reveal what donors truly care about 28:00 — Knowing when and how to make the ask 35:30 — Boards, succession planning, and building a fundraising campaign Mark's BioMark Dobosz is a nonprofit executive, philanthropic leader, author, and fundraising professional with more than forty years of experience helping organizations grow, navigate change, and build long-term impact. His career spans education, healthcare, senior living, small business development, Western sports, nonprofit associations, major gifts, planned giving, organizational leadership, and board governance. Mark currently serves as a vice president of philanthropy focused on major gifts and planned giving. Throughout his career, he has led multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts, built a national foundation from the ground up, managed complex budgets, guided capital campaigns, and partnered with boards and donors to align personal values with organizational missions. He is also the author of Beyond the Ask and Beyond the Culture, which explore the shift from transactional fundraising toward transformational philanthropy and healthier organizational cultures. -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #195 | Simple Gets People to Take Action with Dayana Kiblids | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:42:27 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dayana Kiblids, strategist, speaker, co-author of Mailed It, and higher education communication expert. Dayana shares why simplicity is one of the most powerful tools leaders can use to help people take action. She explains how complex language, unclear systems, and academic jargon often create barriers for students, families, and communities, especially in higher education. Kyle and Dayana also discuss portfolio careers, saying yes to new opportunities, writing a memoir, translating complicated systems into clear steps, and why spoken language can help leaders communicate in a more human and accessible way. Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:15 — Meet Dayana Kiblids 01:00 — What is giving Dayana energy right now 02:00 — Writing a memoir and building a keynote 03:00 — Saying yes to unexpected opportunities 03:45 — Discovering the idea of a portfolio career 05:30 — Balancing employment and entrepreneurship 06:30 — Knowing what action to take next 07:30 — Getting unstuck through new conversations 09:30 — Who Dayana is beyond her job title 10:30 — Living as a chameleon across cultures 11:00 — Translating complex systems into simple steps 12:00 — Dayana’s framework for strategy and translation 14:30 — Why language becomes a barrier in higher education 16:00 — Academic language, privilege, and access 18:30 — Where leaders should begin simplifying communication 19:00 — Using spoken language as a clarity tool 20:30 — Why simplicity creates more access 21:30 — The danger of editing simplicity out of the message -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #159 | Hot Take: Don’t Start a Nonprofit (Here’s Why) | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:18:31 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #158 | Beyond the Buzzwords: Reclaiming DEI That Works w/ Cierra Belher Johnson | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:42:59 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #157 | Systems: The Silent Dealbreaker in Nonprofits | 21 Feb 2026 | 00:28:04 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #156 | 2026 Nonprofit Forecast: Build Reserves, Boost Efficiency, Prove Impact | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:29:40 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #155 | Ethical Marketing That Actually Works: How to Build Trust Without Manipulation | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:59:13 | |
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:
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #154 | From Relationships to Revenue: Turning Donor Trust Into Commitments | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:22:45 | |
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:
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #153 | From Compliance to Conviction: Leading SPED Systems That Actually Work W/ Diana Williams | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:32:04 | |
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:
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #152 | Readiness Before Results: The “Prepare” Step Explained | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:25:41 | |
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:
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #151 | Known > Best: The Real Reason Great Businesses Stay Invisible W/ Yanna Williams | 05 Feb 2026 | 01:06:04 | |
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:
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| # 150 | Growth Alliance, Nonprofit Leadership, and the Gaps No One Talks About | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:25:51 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| #194 | From Rapper to Nonprofit Tech Leader with Brad Ton | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:47:48 | |
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Brad Ton, a nonprofit technology leader, former rapper, father of six, and someone who brings honesty, humor, and heart into every room. Brad shares his journey from working in professional sports, to pursuing hip-hop, to finding purpose in nonprofit technology. He opens up about reinvention, anxiety, recovery, fatherhood, and learning how to live with more honesty, presence, and purpose.
Kyle and Brad also discuss what it means to bet on yourself, let go of outside validation, pursue your “infinite why,” and build a life aligned with who you really are.
Episode History 00:00 — Introduction 00:24 — Meet Brad Ton 01:15 — Leading with heart and honesty 02:15 — From sports management to hip-hop 04:20 — Betting on himself and learning through the process 05:15 — Performing with major artists and building confidence 06:10 — Goals versus an infinite why 08:15 — Choosing passion, joy, and alignment 09:30 — Fatherhood, anxiety, and life transitions 10:35 — Recovery, addiction, and getting help 12:00 — Finding purpose in nonprofit technology 14:20 — How life experiences shape leadership 15:20 — Presence as the key to life 18:20 — Letting go, growth, and subtraction 19:00 — Honesty, accountability, and self-confidence -- Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers 👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance
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| # 149 | Why We’re Building the Contagious Culture Conference | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:24:16 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #148 | How to Build Belonging That Lasts: Community Engagement in Schools W/ Sarah Sooklal | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:40:59 | |
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:
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #147 | From Mission to Money: How Nonprofits Build Predictable Revenue Without Chasing Donors | 23 Jan 2026 | 01:33:04 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||
| #146 | How People-Driven Leadership Prevents Burnout and Builds Contagious Culture W/ Adam Timm | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:46:20 | |
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 🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers | |||