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

The Contagious Culture Podcast with Kyle S. King is focuses on helping mission-driven leaders build strong teams and fund bold work, without losing the heart behind the mission. Each episode features real conversations with nonprofit founders, school leaders, and impact-minded partners, sharing the strategies, stories, and systems that drive culture, leadership, and sustainable growth. If you’re building in education, youth development, or community impact and want practical insights you can apply immediately, this show is for you.