In this powerful episode, we sit down with Marco Trillo, the 2025 Connecticut Assistant Principal of the Year for Middle Schools, to explore what it truly means to lead with equity, empathy, and purpose. With over two decades of experience in both urban and suburban schools, Marco shares how restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and intentional culture-building shape the way he shows up for students, staff, and his broader school community.

We dive into:

• What equity looks like beyond buzzwords

• Real-world applications of restorative leadership

• How SEL transforms school culture

• The challenges and rewards of middle school leadership

• Marco’s journey as co-host of After School with the Admins

Whether you're a school leader, educator, or advocate for more inclusive learning spaces, this conversation is filled with wisdom, authenticity, and practical insight.

Tune in and be inspired to lead with heart, build with purpose, and create a culture where everyone belongs.

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In Episode 30 of Contagious Culture, Kyle King explores the profound and often hidden costs of bad leadership, how it drains morale, erodes trust, stifles innovation, and ultimately undermines organizational success.

Drawing from real-world examples and research, Kyle breaks down the warning signs of ineffective leadership and offers practical guidance on how leaders can course-correct before the damage becomes irreversible. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to leading with integrity and creating positive, lasting impact.

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

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In Episode 29 of Contagious Culture, Kyle King shares five practical and powerful steps educators can take to empower students and create an engaged, confident classroom environment. From fostering student voice to building meaningful relationships and encouraging leadership, this episode offers actionable strategies that help students take ownership of their learning and thrive academically and personally.

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or education leader, these steps will inspire you to cultivate a classroom culture where every student feels valued and empowered.

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

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In Episode 28 of Contagious Culture, Kyle King walks you through six critical questions every leader must answer before launching a fundraising campaign. From clarifying your mission to understanding your audience and setting realistic goals, these questions help ensure your efforts are strategic, aligned, and effective.

Whether you’re new to fundraising or refining your approach, this episode will prepare you to ask for support with confidence and purpose.

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

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In Episode 27 of Contagious Culture, Kyle King dives into the essential strategies for assembling a high-impact development and fundraising team. Whether you’re leading a school, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization, building the right team is critical to sustainable growth and donor engagement.

Kyle covers how to identify key roles, recruit passionate players, and cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability. Tune in to learn how to empower your team to fund your vision with purpose and effectiveness.

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

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📞 Schedule Your Call Here

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👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In Episode 26 of Contagious Culture, Kyle King tackles the hard truth behind why many leaders struggle to create lasting impact. It’s not about talent, resources, or effort it often comes down to missing a critical piece of the leadership puzzle.

Kyle explores common barriers like lack of alignment, unclear vision, and ineffective communication, and shares practical strategies to overcome them. If you’re ready to move beyond frustration and start driving real, measurable impact, this episode is for you.

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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📞 Schedule Your Call Here

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In Episode 25 of Contagious Culture, Kyle King breaks down the six foundational pillars every emerging and established thought leader must master. From building credibility and crafting your unique voice to creating impact and fostering community, this episode offers practical insights and actionable steps to elevate your influence and become a trusted voice in your field.

Whether you’re just starting your leadership journey or looking to deepen your impact, these pillars will guide you to lead with authenticity and authority.

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

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📞 Schedule Your Call Here

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👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

In Episode 24 of Contagious Culture, Kyle King dives into the often-overlooked connection between discipline and sustained motivation. Drive alone can get you started, but discipline is what keeps you moving forward when motivation fades.

Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or pursuing personal goals, this episode explores how to cultivate habits, mindset, and routines that fuel consistent progress and long-term success. Learn how to harness discipline as your secret weapon for contagious leadership and unstoppable momentum.

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

Listen to the Podcast on Spotify

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📞 Schedule Your Call Here

🖥️ Visit The Website

👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn