Contagious Culture

Burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s often a systems failure.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Viana for an honest, much-needed conversation about toxic nonprofit dynamics and why so many well-intentioned organizations are unintentionally harming the very people doing the work. We dig into how broken systems, unclear expectations, under-resourced teams, and unhealthy leadership norms quietly erode trust, morale, and impact.

Ka...

Belonging isn’t a slogan. It’s not a DEI checkbox. And it’s definitely not optional.

In this episode, I’m joined by Amy E. Hull for a powerful conversation that reframes belonging as core leadership infrastructure, the foundation that determines whether teams merely function or truly flourish. We unpack why leaders who ignore belonging eventually pay the price through burnout, disengagement, turnover, and broken trust.

Amy shares p...

What does it really mean to be audacious, not loud, not reckless, but boldly rooted in purpose?

In this episode, I sit down with Dethra Giles for a powerful conversation about reclaiming your voice, standing firmly in your value, and making courageous moves even when fear, doubt, or systems try to keep you small. Dethra breaks down why audacity isn’t arrogance, it’s alignment and how leaders, especially mission-driven leaders, must...

In Episode #140, Kyle sits down with Dr. Darlene Williams for a powerful, honest conversation about something leaders are often unprepared for—but inevitably face: grief in the workplace. From personal loss to collective trauma, this episode explores why grief doesn’t stop at the office door and how leaders can respond with clarity, compassion, and strength.

Together, they unpack what a healthy grief culture actually looks like—bey...

Too many leaders are exhausted not because they lack passion, but because they’re leading without a system.

In this episode, I break down why “running on vibes” eventually leads to burnout, missed priorities, and constant reaction mode. Mission-driven leaders don’t fail because they don’t care; they struggle because they never built a weekly operating system that protects their time, energy, and focus.

I walk you through how to des...

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle is joined by Stacy Baum to explore what makes partnerships truly purpose-driven and why alignment, trust, and shared values matter more than logos or funding alone.

Together, they unpack:

• The difference between sponsorships and real partnerships

• How misaligned partnerships drain culture and mission

• What leaders should clarify before saying “yes” to collaboration

• Bu...

Culture is built by the stories we tell, and just as powerfully, by the ones we ignore.

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Ali Jackson-Jolley, a leader, strategist, and storyteller who explores how narrative shapes culture, identity, and belonging inside organizations, schools, and communities.

This conversation unpacks:

• Why storytelling is never neutral, it always includes and excludes

• H...

Most leaders don’t struggle with ideas. They struggle with closing the gap between value and action.

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Deborah Newton, a sales strategist and trusted advisor to mission-driven leaders, to unpack what really moves people from interest to yes, without pressure, manipulation, or sleazy tactics.

This conversation dives into:

• Why most sales stall long before the ...

Too many organizations say, “Grants don’t work for us.” But what if the real issue isn’t the funding, it’s the foundation?

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle connects with Jessica Wright, a grants expert and strategist who pulls back the curtain on why so many nonprofits and schools struggle to secure grant funding and how to change that.

This conversation unpacks:

• The biggest myths leaders believe about ...

What happens when strategy and heart finally stop competing and start working together?

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Olavee Williams, a leader and advocate reshaping how schools think about Special Education, equity, and culture. Together, they explore what it really takes to build environments where every student is seen, supported, and set up to thrive.

Olavee shares powerful insights on:

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores how leaders can blend empathy with authority to cultivate organizational cultures grounded in trust, stability, and accountability. Amy Hull and Deborah Newton share how balanced leadership transforms team dynamics, drives better outcomes, and helps organizations recover from cultural fractures.

They provide practical strategies that leaders at any level can apply to build cultures t...

This Contagious Culture Podcast session dives into how artificial intelligence can simplify, strengthen, and scale modern fundraising. Cynthia Respert explores practical tools that help fundraisers prioritize leads, predict donor behavior, automate outreach, and make smarter, data-informed decisions.

She also examines both the opportunities and the boundaries of AI in philanthropy, providing listeners with a clear framework for usi...

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to tackle real social challenges and accelerate mission-driven work. Scott Rosenkrans and Dr. Daniel Freeman discuss practical applications, ethical considerations, and the strategic alignment needed to implement AI responsibly in the social impact sector.

They share actionable frameworks that help organizations adopt AI with clarity, purp...

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores the transformative power of storytelling in shaping brand identity and attracting the right audience. Sharee Allen and Nicole Smith share how organizations can craft narratives that foster emotional connection, clearly communicate value, and inspire meaningful engagement.

They highlight real-world strategies and campaigns that demonstrate how authentic storytelling not only builds tr...

Are you frustrated that your team isn’t responding the way you hoped, despite your hard work and good intentions? In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Dr. Daniel Freeman breaks down the common leadership missteps that quietly undermine influence, engagement, and results. Kyle and Dr. Freeman explore practical strategies to recalibrate your approach, strengthen trust, and create a culture where people want to follow yo...

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores how organizations can leverage artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for cultural transformation. Coretta Dixon and Myreesha Franklin discuss how AI can enhance human thinking, spark innovation, and support equitable practices when implemented thoughtfully.

They dive into strategies for creating organizational cultures where humans and AI collaborate seamlessl...

What does it truly mean to show up as your authentic self, without apology or compromise? In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Dr. Stephanie Kirkland shares 12 powerful lessons to help you embrace your identity, amplify your strengths, and confidently own what makes you unique. Kyle and Dr. Kirkland dive into practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, navigating societal expectations, and stepping into spaces whe...

This Contagious Culture Podcast session explores the powerful intersection of emotional intelligence and organizational performance. Marisa Ciesluk and Tracy Solarek share how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, strengthen team connections, and make more effective decisions under pressure.

They highlight what emotionally intelligent leadership looks like in action and reveal how it directly shapes culture, builds trust, and drive...

This Contagious Culture Podcast session takes a deep dive into relationship-based fundraising and the art of transforming early interest into long-term, values-aligned partnership. Somer Saunders and Aneesah Bray unpack how to recognize partners who truly align with your mission, nurture authentic and reciprocal relationships, and design engagement strategies that build trust, resonance, and staying power.

Together, they explore ho...