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

• How dominant narratives shape who feels seen, valued, and safe

• The role leaders play in amplifying or silencing voices

• Building cultures where belonging is practiced, not promised

• Turning lived experience into strategic advantage

Ali challenges listeners to rethink whose stories are centered, whose are systemically sidelined, and how leaders can use storytelling as a tool for connection, equity, and culture-building rather than control.

If you’re a leader, educator, culture builder, or change-maker committed to creating environments where people don’t just perform, but belong, this episode will stretch your thinking and sharpen your leadership.

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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 ask

• The difference between connection and conversion

• How clarity, confidence, and timing drive decisions

• Sales mistakes even experienced leaders keep making

• Reframing sales as service, not persuasion

Deborah shares practical, immediately usable insights that help leaders align their message, understand buyer psychology, and close with integrity, whether they’re selling an idea, a service, or a vision.

If you’re a founder, nonprofit leader, educator, consultant, or entrepreneur who knows your work creates value but struggles to convert conversations into commitments, this episode will give you language, mindset shifts, and tools you can apply right away.

Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence

Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast

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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 grants

• Why strategy and infrastructure matter more than perfect writing

• What funders are actually looking for beyond a strong mission

• How unprepared organizations unintentionally disqualify themselves

• The systems, clarity, and culture needed to become grant-ready

Jessica shares practical insights leaders can act on immediately, helping organizations move from reaction to readiness, and from chasing dollars to building sustainable funding ecosystems.

If you’re a founder, executive director, school leader, or board member who wants to stop blaming the grant process and start strengthening your organization, this episode will reframe everything you think you know about funding.

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

🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course

👉🏽 Claim the 3 Emails For Non Profit Leaders to Send Before 31st

👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn