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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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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Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference

Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast

Subscribe to Apple Podcasts

📞 Schedule Your Call Here

🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers

👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance

👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King

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

Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast

Subscribe to Apple Podcasts

📞 Schedule Your Call Here

🖥️ Join the #1 Community for Leaders and Change Makers

👉🏽 Apply to Be in the Growth Alliance

👉🏽Connect with Kyle S. King