Contagious Culture

#209 | You Can’t Scale Culture If You’re Losing Yourself W/ Kyle S. King

In this solo episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle S. King reflects on leadership, burnout, capacity, and the hidden cost of building something that matters.
Kyle shares why many leaders are not struggling because they lack ability, but because they are carrying too much. He opens up about moving the Contagious Culture Conference to 2027, simplifying organizational priorities, and learning to build a company that fits within his life instead of consuming it.
This episode challenges leaders to stop adding more and start asking what needs to be removed, realigned, or rebuilt.
Key Takeaways
Leaders often break because they are carrying too much.
Growth sometimes requires removing, not adding.
You cannot scale culture if you are losing yourself.
Alignment matters more than activity.
Teams should be built around needed skills, not comfort.
Strong leaders tell the truth, even when decisions are hard.
Your organization should fit inside your life, not become your life.
Episode History
00:00 — Welcome and Episode #209 milestone01:50 — Leaders are carrying too much03:45 — Success, wholeness, and unbecoming06:00 — Why the conference moved to 202708:00 — Leaders default under pressure10:30 — Combining Growth Lab and Growth Alliance11:00 — Capacity challenges and founder limits12:45 — Identifying team skill gaps14:30 — Aligning podcast, community, and offers15:30 — Playing defense through processes, personnel, and systems19:10 — You cannot scale culture if you are losing yourself21:30 — Let the company fit inside your life22:50 — Final challenge and closing
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#208 | The Power of Shrimp to Change Lives W/ Maxie Gluckman, Ph.D.

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle S. King sits down with Maxie Gluckman, executive director of Friends of Fundesur, to explore leadership, global service, education, migration, and the power of listening.
Maxie shares how her journey as a teacher, researcher, and global citizen led her to support communities in southern Honduras through a foundation connected to the shrimp industry.
They discuss how environmental and economic changes affect families, why storytelling must center dignity instead of trauma, and how leadership often begins with one small act of courage and kindness.
The message is simple: you do not have to change the entire world at once. You can listen, take action, and create meaningful change one person at a time.
Episode History 
00:00 — Introduction01:00 — Maxie’s walkout song and educational journey02:30 — Growing up as a first-generation American03:30 — Teaching and learning from immigrant families04:50 — The work of Friends of Fundesur05:45 — Why shrimp farming has become more difficult07:00 — How supply-chain changes affect children and families07:30 — Why this work became Maxie’s calling08:45 — Leadership through action09:15 — A small act of kindness after a fundraiser11:00 — Stories from migrant families13:15 — Identity beyond professional titles14:30 — Running toward motherhood and greater equity16:30 — How listeners can support the mission17:30 — Maxie’s slingshot moments18:30 — Identity, allyship, and community work19:30 — Reconnecting a mother and daughter21:30 — Advice for sustaining meaningful work22:30 — Where to connect with Friends of Fundesur
Key Takeaways
Listening to communities should come before designing solutions for them.
Leadership is choosing to act when doing nothing would be easier.
Small moments of kindness can hold as much meaning as large-scale initiatives.
Stories should highlight resilience, learning, and dignity, not only trauma.
Access and privilege create a responsibility to build bridges for others.
Community work requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to question your role.
Caring for yourself is necessary if you want to continue caring for others.
Relationships and introductions can be just as valuable as financial donations.
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#207 | From Boardroom Ideas to Meaningful Action W/ Kelly Beeland

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with nonprofit strategy and execution advisor Kelly Beeland to explore why so many strategic plans stall after they are approved.
Kelly shares how boards and executive directors can create clarity, assess capacity, define roles, strengthen governance, and move from endless conversation to meaningful execution.
The message is clear: strategy only creates impact when people understand the plan, know their responsibilities, and have the capacity to act.
Episode History
00:00 — Introduction02:30 — Kelly’s journey into change management04:00 — Lessons from large-scale transformation06:00 — Governance and nonprofit board leadership09:00 — Seeing both systems and people10:30 — Where struggling boards should begin12:30 — Getting everyone on the same page14:30 — Creating a culture of execution17:00 — Capacity, alignment, and role clarity19:30 — Building the right board22:00 — The value of serving on an emerging board24:00 — Developing high-performing boards25:30 — Planning board development across the year28:00 — What is next for Kelly31:00 — Supporting burned-out executive directors
Key Takeaways
A strategic plan is only useful when it includes clear ownership, timing, and execution.
Boards often struggle because members do not understand their role or expectations.
Alignment and role clarity are different from capacity, but all three affect performance.
Boards should plan for the full year instead of moving from one meeting agenda to the next.
Committees need defined responsibilities, deadlines, and reporting structures.
Executive directors must honestly assess what their organization can accomplish with its current resources.
A strong relationship between the board chair and executive director is essential.
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#206 | Reclaim Your Story and Lead Unapologetically W/ Frank Velásquez Jr.

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Frank Velásquez Jr. for a powerful conversation about authenticity, courage, joy, and reclaiming the stories that shape who we are.
Frank shares how values-aligned leadership can help people become more confident, lead with greater intention, and create environments where others feel seen, supported, and empowered.
The message is clear: meaningful leadership begins when you stop hiding, own your story, and give yourself permission to lead unapologetically.
Episode History
00:00 — Introduction 01:15 — Meet Frank Velásquez Jr. 03:30 — Frank’s origin story and leadership journey 06:45 — Reclaiming your personal story 10:00 — Authenticity and values-aligned leadership 14:30 — Leading with courage 18:00 — Practicing joy unapologetically 22:00 — Creating spaces where people can show up fully 26:00 — The leadership program and its impact 30:00 — Why Frank is determined to restart the program 33:00 — Advice for leaders who are hiding parts of themselves 36:00 — How to connect with and support Frank 38:00 — Final reflections
Key Takeaways
Authentic leadership requires the courage to be fully seen.
Your values should shape the way you lead.
Joy is not separate from serious leadership. It can strengthen your impact.
Your story can become a source of connection, purpose, and confidence.
Transformational programs give people space to discover who they are and how they want to lead.
Reclaiming your story allows you to lead without apology.
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#205 | Why Nonprofits Need Infrastructure, Collaboration, and Clarity With RJ Caswell

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with RJ Caswell, a Charlotte-based social impact leader with a heart for connecting people to purpose and helping organizations grow stronger.
RJ shares his perspective on leadership, collaboration, nonprofit sustainability, and the importance of building real infrastructure behind mission-driven work. He also discusses the role of Mission Charlotte, the challenges many nonprofit leaders face, and why organizations need systems, relationships, strategy, and support to create lasting impact.
Kyle and RJ explore the messy middle of social impact, the importance of cross-generational learning, and why collaboration requires leaders to set aside ego, logo, and competition for the sake of the mission.
Episode History
00:00 — Introduction00:12 — Meet RJ Caswell01:10 — RJ’s mission beyond titles02:30 — What keeps RJ energized03:40 — Learning from the next generation05:15 — Innovation, earned revenue, and new nonprofit models06:25 — How Mission Charlotte supports nonprofit leaders08:15 — Sustainability, systems, and organizational development09:50 — Where nonprofits should begin10:55 — Collaboration versus competition13:20 — Putting mission above ego and logo14:00 — RJ’s 25-year leadership journey16:20 — Advice for young purpose-driven leaders17:30 — The power of mentorship18:00 — Mark Hoffman’s impact on RJ’s leadership21:15 — Personal clarity and understanding how you’re wired
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#204 | Building More Than Housing: Dr. Patrick Graham on Systems Change, Equity, and Community Impact

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dr. Patrick Graham, CEO of We Build Concord, nonprofit and public leader, and architect of economic and social justice initiatives.
Dr. Graham shares how his upbringing in Long Island, his Southern roots, hip-hop, church, and his mother’s role in a federal housing discrimination case shaped his passion for justice, housing, and community transformation. He explains why housing does not exist in a vacuum and why leaders must connect affordable housing to workforce development, economic mobility, public policy, and community trust.
Kyle and Dr. Graham also discuss systems change, community land trusts, down payment assistance, regional housing solutions, public-private partnerships, and why leaders must have courage, adaptability, resilience, and respect to create lasting change.
Key Topics:
Dr. Graham’s roots in Long Island, Southern culture, and hip-hop
How his mother’s housing discrimination work shaped his calling
Why equity and systems change must move beyond theory
How housing, workforce, policy, and economic development connect
Why you cannot build your way out of the housing crisis alone
Community land trusts and creative affordability models
The role of grants, public funding, and private partnerships
Why organizations must go into communities, not expect people to come to them
The L.O.V.E.R. framework for community engagement
Courage, adaptability, and resilience as leadership essentials
Episode History
00:00 — Introduction00:15 — Meet Dr. Patrick Graham01:15 — Growing up on hip-hop and grits02:30 — Long Island, Southern roots, and the Great Migration03:30 — Community institutions and early leadership experiences04:30 — Dr. Graham’s mother and housing discrimination advocacy05:00 — Defining equity and systems change06:00 — Working outside traditional systems06:30 — Community land trusts and permanent affordability07:00 — Loaned equity and down payment assistance08:00 — Building a sustainable affordable housing business model09:00 — Using public dollars and partnerships to create savings10:00 — Advice for leaders building nontraditional impact models11:00 — Learning the craft while staying open to innovation12:00 — Can affordable housing challenges be solved?12:30 — Why housing does not live in a vacuum13:00 — Building people and building homes at the same time14:00 — Economic development must include housing15:00 — Going into communities with trust and respect16:00 — Exposure as the father of innovation17:00 — The L.O.V.E.R. framework18:00 — Why respect is the foundation of community love19:00 — Courage, adaptability, and resilience in leadership21:30 — Teaching young leaders patience, grit, and experience24:30 — Going through the fire before leading the charge
Guest Bio
Dr. Patrick Graham is the CEO of We Build Concord, a nonprofit and public leader, and a strategist working at the intersection of affordable housing, workforce development, economic mobility, equity, and systems change. His career has focused on building stronger communities through housing stability, policy innovation, wealth-building strategies, and cross-sector partnerships that create long-term opportunity for individuals and families.
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#203 | Edited for Scale: Erin Peshoff on Building Smarter Systems, Clearer Operations, and Sustainable Growth

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Erin Peshoff, chief curator of Vivid Operational Advisors for a practical conversation on systems, operations, infrastructure, and what it really takes for nonprofits to grow well.
Erin explains why organizations cannot scale if they are not optimized for growth. She shares how strong systems create predictability, reduce friction, support team clarity, and help people show up with more joy in their work.
Kyle and Erin also discuss why most nonprofit “emergencies” are created by poor systems, the importance of documentation, handoffs, project management, password management, board alignment, and why leaders must be willing to edit operations instead of simply organizing clutter.
Key Topics:
Why systems create predictability and safety
How joy can become an economic metric
Why most nonprofit emergencies are self-created
The difference between organizing operations and editing them
Why documentation matters during staff turnover
How poor handoffs create confusion and frustration
Password management, CRM issues, and hidden system gaps
Why leaders should not force old tools into new organizations
How boards can create chaos when they do not speak with one voice
Why organizations must slow down before they can scale
Episode History
00:00 — Introduction00:20 — Meet Erin Peshoff01:15 — What is giving Erin energy right now02:00 — Hope, glimmers, and positive graffiti02:30 — Personal systems and morning routines03:00 — Why systems matter personally and professionally03:30 — Systems create predictability and safety04:00 — Joy as an economic metric04:30 — Are there real emergencies in nonprofit work?05:30 — How poor planning creates urgency06:00 — Defining what a system really is07:00 — CRM, reporting, and campaign tracking examples08:00 — Why systems should feel like habits08:45 — Editing operations instead of organizing them09:30 — Pulling everything out before rebuilding10:00 — Letting go of systems that no longer work11:00 — Common system gaps in nonprofits11:30 — Documentation and turnover12:00 — Handoffs between development and finance13:00 — Ownership, integrations, and broken workflows14:00 — Passwords, shared accounts, and system access15:00 — Why leaders should not force their favorite tools16:00 — Clear expectations and team preferences17:00 — Erin’s diagnostic process with organizations18:00 — Listening to staff before changing systems19:00 — Boards, alignment, and speaking with one voice
Guest Bio
Erin Peshoff is the chief curator of Vivid Operational Advisors, where she helps nonprofit leaders reduce friction, cut through clutter, and build operational infrastructure that actually supports growth. With experience across fundraising, customer experience, operations strategy, and AI-enabled workflows, Erin helps organizations strengthen systems, improve handoffs, document processes, and create healthier environments where people can do their best work.
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#202 | Cultural Humility, Belonging, and the Courage to Lead Differently W/ Dr. Joel Pérez, PCC

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle King sits down with Dr. Joel Pérez, PCC, award-winning author, executive coach, belonging consultant, Gallup Strengths coach, IDI Qualified Administrator, and author of Dear White Leader: How to Achieve Organizational Excellence Through Cultural Humility.
Joel Pérez, PCC shares how leaders can create cultures of belonging by practicing cultural humility, leading with clarity, and learning to operate in ambiguity. He explains why leadership begins with self-awareness but must move beyond the individual into the organization, community, and systems leaders influence.
Kyle and Dr. Joel Pérez, PCC also discuss work-life integration, cultural humility, psychological safety, identity as a leadership superpower, mental health, intent versus impact, leading across difference, and what it takes to become a belonging-centered leader in a turbulent world.
Key Topics:
Why leadership requires comfort with ambiguity
The difference between work-life balance and work-life integration
What cultural humility looks like in practice
Why leaders must look in the mirror first
Leading with clarity and self-awareness
The four dimensions of a belonging-centered organization
Psychological safety and healthy conflict
Systems that work for everyone
Accountable leadership and daily habits that build belonging
How identity can become a leadership superpower
Why mental health matters for exceptional leadership
Intent versus impact in leadership
Leading across difference with curiosity instead of judgment
Episode History
00:00 — Introduction00:15 — Meet Dr. Joel Pérez, PCC01:00 — Dear White Leader and award recognition01:30 — Balancing multiple roles and work-life integration02:30 — Holding things loosely and living in the gray03:30 — Why better people lead better teams04:00 — How leaders can operate in ambiguity04:30 — Leading with clarity05:30 — Cultural humility and nonprofit leadership06:30 — Looking in the mirror as a leader and organization07:30 — Turning philosophy into practical frameworks08:00 — The belonging-centered organizational framework08:30 — Psychological safety09:00 — Systems that work for everyone09:30 — Accountable leadership10:00 — Daily habits that build belonging10:30 — Exceptional leadership in a turbulent world11:00 — Identity as a leadership superpower11:30 — Mental health and leadership12:00 — Nostalgia is not a strategy12:30 — Leading through turbulence14:00 — Dr. Perez’s first-generation college story15:00 — Growing up as the son of Mexican immigrants16:00 — Learning to lead across difference17:00 — Cultural humility coaching18:00 — Identity, code switching, and belonging19:30 — What belonging-centered leadership means21:30 — Intent versus impact22:30 — Apologies, accountability, and leadership repair23:30 — Why belonging is both moral and strategic
Guest Bio
Dr. Joel Pérez, PCC is an award-winning author, executive coach, belonging consultant, Gallup Strengths coach, IDI Qualified Administrator, and founder of a coaching and consulting practice focused on helping leaders and organizations create cultures of belonging. He is the author of Dear White Leader: How to Achieve Organizational Excellence Through Cultural Humility, which was recognized with the Silver Award for Best New Voice Nonfiction by the Independent Book Publishers Association. Through his work, Dr. Joel Pérez, PCC helps leaders practice cultural humility, lead across difference, build psychological safety, and create organizations where people can thrive.
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