Contagious Culture

#159 | Hot Take: Don’t Start a Nonprofit (Here’s Why)

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.
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#158 | Beyond the Buzzwords: Reclaiming DEI That Works w/ Cierra Belher Johnson

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.
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#157 | Systems: The Silent Dealbreaker in Nonprofits

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.
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#156 | 2026 Nonprofit Forecast: Build Reserves, Boost Efficiency, Prove Impact

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.
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#155 | Ethical Marketing That Actually Works: How to Build Trust Without Manipulation

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:
The difference between persuasion and manipulation (and why it matters)
Common “trust leaks” in messaging, offers, and funnels
How to market with integrity while still hitting revenue goals
What ethical urgency looks like, without guilt or pressure
Simple trust-building changes you can make today in your copy and content
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.
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#154 | From Relationships to Revenue: Turning Donor Trust Into Commitments

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:
The difference between relationship-building and deal-moving
The trust signals donors need before they commit
How to transition from “great conversation” to “here’s the ask”
What to say when donors are interested but hesitant
Simple follow-up moves that create momentum (without chasing)
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.
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#153 | From Compliance to Conviction: Leading SPED Systems That Actually Work W/ Diana Williams

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:
The compliance vs. outcomes trap (and how to lead beyond it)
What strong SPED systems look like day-to-day
Aligning MTSS + SPED so supports drive learning
Accountability without fear, burnout, or blame
Practical moves leaders can make in 30–60 days
If your school is ready to stop chasing checklists and start building systems that change outcomes, this episode is for you.
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#152 | Readiness Before Results: The “Prepare” Step Explained

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:
What “Prepare” really means (and what most leaders confuse it with)
The few foundational decisions that unlock momentum fast
How to align your team, mission, and message before you ask for support
The readiness gaps that silently block funding and growth
Simple next steps you can take this week to get prepared, without overwhelm
If you’re ready to stop winging it and start building a nonprofit that’s positioned to win, this is your first step.
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Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference
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