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

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

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

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

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

Strong boards build strong organizations, but assembling, engaging, and keeping the right members is easier said than done. In this episode, we break down five actionable steps to help you recruit board members who are aligned with your mission, retain them through meaningful engagement, and develop their capacity to make a bigger impact. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, executive director, or aspiring board member, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your team and elevate your organization’s success. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does it really take for schools to rise above challenges and lead with purpose, clarity, and excellence? In this inspiring episode, Kyle S. King sits down with NaTasha Grimes, founder of Ascension Solutions, to unpack how intentional leadership can transform not only classrooms, but entire school communities. NaTasha shares her powerful A.S.C.E.N.D. framework, guiding leaders to build stronger systems, empower teachers, and create environments where both students and staff thrive. Together, Kyle and NaTasha explore what it means to lead with excellence, why culture starts at the top, and how schools can sustain growth even through uncertainty. Whether you’re a school leader, nonprofit founder, or change-driven educator, this episode will challenge you to elevate how you lead, serve, and show up for others. 💡 Connect with NaTasha Grimes: 🔗 Learn more: ascension-solutions.com/about 📧 Join the email community: ascension-solutions.com/emailsubscriber 🎓 Register for her next webinar — Lead With Strengths: Empowering Teachers & Leaders to Build Stronger Schools (Thursday, November 6): ascension-solutions.com/leadwithstrengths ✉️ Email: info@ascensionsolutions.online

Every nonprofit has a mission,  but not every mission becomes a movement. The difference is how you tell your story. In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King explores how nonprofit leaders can turn their message into a bridge that connects their mission with the right supporters. Kyle walks you through defining your Soul Mate Donor, mapping the donor journey, and building engagement systems that turn one-time supporters into lifelong advocates. He also shares real-world strategies for turning impact stories into sustainable revenue while staying authentic to your mission. If you’ve ever struggled to communicate your impact, connect with donors, or transform passion into progress, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to tell the story that moves your mission forward. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King unpacks eleven powerful questions that every nonprofit and school leader should be asking to realign their mission, strengthen their culture, and lead with greater clarity. Leadership in the nonprofit world can easily become consumed by fundraising goals, board meetings, and day-to-day fires. But true impact begins with reflection. Kyle walks listeners through a framework of questions designed to reconnect leaders to their purpose, measure their effectiveness, and reimagine the future they’re building for their organizations and the communities they serve. From rediscovering why you began this work to confronting what’s currently broken, each question challenges you to think beyond operations and into transformation. Kyle explores how clarity fuels confidence, how to identify the real problem you’re solving, and why the right people, aligned in vision and values are essential to sustaining meaningful change. Whether you lead a school, nonprofit, or community organization, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to shift from surviving to thriving. It’s not just about doing more good, it’s about doing the right good, in the right way, for the right reasons. Grab a notebook, tune in, and get ready to lead with contagious clarity. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Too many nonprofit leaders are working harder than ever, but not seeing the growth, funding, or impact they envisioned. In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King breaks down the one essential shift that separates thriving organizations from those that are simply surviving. Kyle explores why culture and clarity are more powerful than strategy alone, and how leadership alignment directly affects fundraising, staff retention, and community trust. He also unpacks the common mistake that keeps organizations stuck in survival mode  and what it really takes to move beyond it. You’ll walk away with practical steps to build momentum, mobilize your people, and sustain meaningful impact. Whether you’re leading a grassroots movement or a multimillion-dollar organization, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and equip you with the mindset to create a culture that attracts both people and resources. Because at the end of the day, your nonprofit doesn’t grow by chance, it grows by culture. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this Educator’s Edition of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King breaks down the six essential stages every school must go through to truly transform its culture, from chaos to clarity, from compliance to commitment. Drawing from his work with schools across the country, Kyle reveals the patterns, pain points, and breakthroughs that define each stage of the journey. Listeners will gain insight into how to assess where their team currently stands, identify the invisible barriers holding growth back, and take intentional steps toward creating a culture that inspires both staff and students to thrive. Whether you’re a teacher, principal, or district leader, this episode will give you a roadmap to lead meaningful, lasting change. 🎧 Tune in to learn how transformation happens, not overnight, but through consistent leadership, clear vision, and contagious culture. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this Educator’s Edition of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King dives into what it truly means to create a culturally relevant classroom, one where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. In this episode, Kyle shares five practical tips that educators can use to connect learning to students’ lived experiences, celebrate diversity, and foster belonging without losing academic rigor. From rethinking curriculum choices to building trust through authentic relationships, Kyle offers real examples and reflective questions that help teachers bring culture to life in meaningful ways. This episode is all about transforming classrooms into spaces where identity and intellect work hand in hand. 🎧 A must-listen for educators who want to move beyond buzzwords and intentionally create environments where all students thrive. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this Educator’s Edition of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King shares seven practical, high-impact classroom activities designed to spark engagement, deepen understanding, and strengthen the overall learning experience. Whether you’re teaching in person or online, these strategies will help you create a more dynamic, student-centered environment where curiosity thrives and participation becomes contagious. From simple daily routines that boost collaboration to creative projects that build leadership and critical thinking, Kyle breaks down each activity with real-world examples you can implement immediately. Tune in to discover how to transform your classroom into a culture of excitement, empowerment, and authentic learning. 🎧 Perfect for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders looking to elevate their impact and bring joy back to teaching. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Visit The Website 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Johnnell Newman to explore how your personal story, struggles, and successes can become the foundation of your professional breakthrough. Together, Kyle and Johnnell break down actionable steps to transform your message into meaningful impact, whether it’s leading with authenticity, inspiring your team, or building a platform that truly resonates. You’ll hear real-life examples and insights that show how sharing your truth can open doors you never imagined. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to turn your personal message into a professional miracle that moves people and transforms culture.