Contagious Culture

#56 | How Positivity Multiplies in Schools

In this episode, we explore how positivity isn’t just a “feel-good” idea, it’s a multiplier that transforms entire school communities. Drawing from research in psychology and education, we break down how positive emotions expand creativity, build resilience, and strengthen relationships among students, teachers, and families. 
You’ll hear practical examples of how small shifts in mindset and culture can spark ripple effects across classrooms, boosting academic outcomes and creating environments where everyone thrives. Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or parent, this conversation will show you how contagious positivity can be and why schools that intentionally cultivate it see lasting results.
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#55 | Discipline Over Motivation: Show Up Anyway

This episode is raw, unpolished, and straight from the heart. I came into it tired and not in the mood to sit down and record, but that’s exactly why I pressed record anyway. Discipline isn’t about how we feel in the moment, it’s about following through on the commitments we’ve made to ourselves and others.
Motivation is fleeting. Some days it’s high, and other days it’s nowhere to be found. But discipline? Discipline is the muscle that keeps you moving forward when excuses start piling up. It’s the difference between dreaming about results and actually achieving them.
In this episode, I talk about why staying committed matters, how to push past resistance, and why the work you do on the days you don’t feel like it often matters most.
If you’ve been waiting for inspiration to strike or for the “perfect time” to begin, this is your reminder: stop waiting. Get up, get going, and do the work.
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#54 | The Anatomy of an Educator W/ Qiana Daniels

In this episode, I sit down with Qiana Daniels, an inspiring educational and spiritual leader, to unpack the anatomy of an educator. We dive into what it truly takes to impact students, build meaningful relationships, and create environments where learners can thrive.
From strategies for classroom success to the mindset and heart of a teacher who transforms lives, Qiana shares candid insights, personal stories, and actionable advice for educators at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re in the classroom, leading a school, or supporting education in any capacity, this conversation will leave you motivated, challenged, and inspired to elevate your impact.
 
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#53 | Leading Learning Insights from Kurtis Hewson on Building Impactful Educational Cultures

On this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, host Kyle S. King talks with Kurtis Hewson, Lead Learner at Jigsaw Learning and author of Collaborative Response: A School-Wide Model for Addressing Individual Needs. They discuss the importance of collaboration in schools, strategies for addressing individual student needs, and how to create systems where every learner thrives. Hewson shares practical insights from their book, including how schools can implement collaborative structures, leverage data, and provide a continuum of supports to ensure equity and academic success for all students.
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#52 | How to Get Donors and Fundraisers to CRAVE Your School

When’s the last time you had a craving? Maybe it was for a piece of cake, your favorite restaurant, or meeting someone you’ve always admired. You thought about it, dreamed about it and once you got it, the satisfaction was undeniable. Imagine if donors and fundraisers felt that same way about your school.
In this episode, we break down the CRAVE Method, a step-by-step framework to attract, engage, and close supporters who are eager to invest in your mission. Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money; it’s about creating trust, building systems that deliver results, and celebrating impact like we celebrate superheroes.
We’ll explore how to:
Connect by starting with the personal and building authentic trust
Reveal your donor’s goals, timeline, and motivations so you know what matters most
Affirm their wants by showing you’ve truly listened and aligned with their vision
Value the partnership by highlighting both the cost of inaction and the impact of support
Execute & Close with clarity, confidence, and commitment to shared success
Whether you’re leading a school, managing a campaign, or building long-term donor relationships, this episode will help you create the kind of fundraising culture people can’t resist.
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#51 | Raising Standards + Designing Environments Where Students Can Thrive W/ Qiana Daniels

In this value packed episode, I sit down with Qiana Daniels, an educational and spiritual leader, high school English teacher, and force of nature whose work has impacted people worldwide. Qiana has built a reputation for raising standards and refusing to settle for mediocrity, while at the same time designing environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, blending academic excellence with spiritual grounding, and her results speak for themselves, she has transformed student lives, equipped families, and inspired communities across the globe. In our conversation, Qiana shares how educators can create cultures of high expectation and high support, overcome obstacles with resilience, and unlock the potential in every student.
If you’re looking for a roadmap to lasting impact, whether as a teacher, leader, or mentor, this episode will leave you energized and ready to take action.
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#50 | Leadership is Where Culture Begins and Ends

Every organization has a culture, whether it’s built by design or by default. But make no mistake: culture doesn’t start with a mission statement, it starts with leadership. The way leaders show up, speak, set boundaries, and make decisions creates the invisible atmosphere everyone else breathes.
In this episode, we unpack the truth that how you show up sets the tone, in your family, your classroom, or your team. Just as my son watches how I respond, your people are watching you. Leadership is about modeling growth, reflecting honestly, and mapping the way forward.
We’ll dive into:
The “Models, Mirrors, and Maps” every leader needs to grow and guide others
The Keep, Start, Stop framework for removing what no longer serves your leadership
Why boundaries are best enforced through behavior, not just words
The rocket ship principle: what must fall away for you to reach orbit
How understanding people’s history and toolbox builds trust and connection
The mindset shifts, systems, and disciplines leaders must embrace to solve problems they’re seasoned in
Culture isn’t accidental, it’s created in every choice leaders make. Tune in to discover how to refine your leadership, remove outdated norms, and design a culture that elevates everyone.
 
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📞 Schedule Your Call Here
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#49 | The First 10 Days: Leadership, Systems and Sustainable Schools W/ Lisa Norwood

The first 10 days can make or break a school year. For leaders, it’s the critical window to set the tone, establish systems, and build the culture that will carry a school forward.
In this episode, Lisa Norwood joins us to share her insights on what effective leaders do in those pivotal early days. From building trust with staff and families to creating systems that promote sustainability rather than burnout, Lisa breaks down practical strategies that every school leader can implement right away.
We explore how intentional leadership, clear structures, and a focus on people over paperwork create schools that thrive long after the first bell.
If you’re a leader striving to build a sustainable school culture where both educators and students succeed, this conversation is a blueprint you don’t want to miss.
 
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Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast
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📞 Schedule Your Call Here
🖥️  Visit The Website
👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn