What happens when clinical expertise meets creativity and calling?

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with Charlotte-based changemaker Leanna Calvin, Founder and Executive Director of Exposure Project.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with degrees from Tuskegee University and Fordham University, Leanna has worked with youth across the country. But her proudest achievement isn’t a title, it’s impact. After years in mental health and youth development, she noticed a pattern: young people lacked exposure to career possibilities and struggled to see the value in their own uniqueness.

So she built the solution.

Exposure Project is now transforming lives across Charlotte through hands-on career exploration and character development, serving 124 students, engaging 80 families, delivering 277 hours of programming, and introducing youth to 70 career fields.

This conversation explores purpose, leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build something that changes lives.

If you care about culture, youth empowerment, and legacy-driven leadership, this one is for you.

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What does it really take to lead with confidence and build a culture where people can thrive?

In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, host Kyle King sits down with Lisa Tarkington, keynote speaker, leadership coach, and founder of the nonprofit Lead. Lisa has spent more than a decade helping leaders overcome self-doubt, discover their zone of genius, and create environments where people feel empowered to grow.

Lisa shares her journey from corporate communications at Dow to becoming a nationally recognized coach and speaker. Together, Kyle and Lisa explore the connection between confidence and culture, why many high performers feel stuck in the wrong “zone,” and how leaders can align their strengths, behaviors, and environment for sustainable success.

This conversation is filled with practical insights for leaders who want to stop performing leadership and start truly living it.

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Learn More About the Contagious Culture Conference

Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast

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In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle sits down with leadership expert Tracy Solarek to explore one of the most important and often overlooked, skills in leadership: emotional intelligence.

While many leaders focus on strategy, execution, and results, Tracy explains why the ability to understand emotions, both your own and others’, is what truly separates good leaders from great ones.

Kyle and Tracy discuss how emotional intelligence shapes team culture, improves communication, and helps leaders navigate difficult conversations with confidence and clarity. They also dive into practical ways leaders can strengthen their self-awareness, build stronger relationships with their teams, and create workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to perform at their best.

If you want to lead with greater awareness, strengthen trust with your team, and build a culture where people thrive, this conversation will give you the insights to start today.

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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