The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

George Couros

I am a learner, author, speaker, and sometimes I make podcasts talking about any and all of these things. One day, I will rap in my podcasts officially making me a SoundCloud rapper.

  1. 12h ago

    Build Staff Strengths to Then Leverage Student Strengths - George Couros

    Strong schools are built by recognizing strengths, not just fixing weaknesses. In this episode, I explore why the way we develop educators ultimately shapes the experiences of every student they serve. Inspired by a recent ISTE presentation from Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket on the importance of identifying and building student strengths, I ask a simple question: What if we approached our staff the same way? I share a story from The Innovator's Mindset about Ontario education headlines that focused almost entirely on declining math scores, while overlooking significant gains in literacy. Instead of only asking, "Why did math go down?" we should also have been asking, "What did we do so well in literacy, and how can we build on that success?" The same mindset applies to leadership. This isn't about ignoring areas for growth. Every educator, every student, and every organization has room to improve. But when we begin with strengths, people feel seen, valued, and capable. Those strengths become the foundation for meaningful growth, rather than improvement feeling like a constant effort to fix what's broken. When leaders intentionally build on their staff's strengths, those strengths ripple into classrooms, creating richer learning experiences and helping students discover and develop their unique gifts. In this episode, we discuss: • Why strengths-based leadership leads to stronger schools • The connection between staff growth and student success • What Ontario's literacy story can teach us about improvement • Why beginning with strengths increases trust, ownership, and motivation • How to address weaknesses without allowing them to define people Special thanks to Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket for the inspiration behind this conversation. Watch her video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dauzge3DRMn/ I'd love to hear your thoughts: How do you intentionally identify and build on the strengths of your staff? When have you seen a person's strengths create unexpected growth for others? How can schools create a culture where strengths become the starting point for improvement, not the finish line? If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who believes great schools are built by developing great people.   Check out "The Innovator's Mindset" where I have an entire chapter on Strengths-Based Leadership: https://a.co/d/0de51Bia   Also, Innovate Inside the Box focuses on "5 Questions to Ask Your Students to Start the School Year":  https://a.co/d/0j8cFTHs   ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

  2. 4d ago

    Challenge, Community, and Student Potential - Anne Uberti and Frank Purcaro

    What does it take to build a school culture where every student is challenged, valued, and inspired to reach their potential? In this episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Anne Uberti, Superintendent of Newtown Public Schools, and Frank Purcaro, Assistant Superintendent, to discuss the vision behind the district's upcoming Convocation Day and the beliefs that shape their work with students and staff. Together, they explore why meaningful learning often requires productive struggle, how educators can recognize the unique strengths of every learner, and why building a culture of high expectations starts with believing every student is capable of growth. The conversation also highlights Newtown's commitment to inquiry-based learning, Building Thinking Classrooms, and creating experiences that continue influencing educators long after a keynote ends. Drawing connections to George's book Forward, Together, the discussion reinforces a simple but powerful idea: every student deserves to know they are good at something, even if they are not all good at the same thing. When schools embrace challenge, relationships, and community, they create environments where both students and educators can thrive. Whether you're a teacher, principal, district leader, or anyone passionate about creating stronger school communities, this conversation offers practical insights into leadership, learning, and sustaining meaningful change. In this episode, you'll learn: Why challenge, not comfort, leads to deeper learning. How to help every student recognize and develop their unique strengths. What makes professional learning experiences create lasting impact. Why community partnerships strengthen school culture. How district leaders build a shared vision that extends beyond a single event. Reflection Questions How do you ensure every student experiences both challenge and success in your school? What professional learning experiences have stayed with you long after they ended, and why? How can schools create cultures where every learner is known for their strengths while still being pushed to grow?   ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

  3. Aug 13

    Before you challenge people, do they know you have their back?

    Great ideas are not always enough. In this episode of The Innovator's Mindset, I explore why building rapport matters before we challenge people, push their thinking, or introduce new ideas. I share a story from earlier in my career about someone who was truly ahead of their time. They had great ideas and saw possibilities that many others did not. But the way those ideas were communicated often felt condescending and dismissive. Instead of drawing people toward the ideas, the approach often pushed them away. That experience taught me something I have carried throughout my career: People want to know that if you are going to push them, you also have their back. This matters in leadership, professional development, speaking, teaching, and almost any situation where we are asking people to consider something new. Building rapport does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or lowering expectations. In fact, the opposite can be true. When people know that you care about them, respect their experience, and genuinely want them to succeed, you can often challenge them more. But if we push before building trust, even a great idea can be dismissed because of how it was delivered. Before asking people to move forward, we need to consider whether we have taken the time to connect with where they are right now. Questions for Discussion How does knowing that someone genuinely has your back affect your willingness to be challenged by them? What does it look like to build genuine rapport without avoiding difficult conversations or lowering expectations? Think of a time when a good idea was lost because of how it was communicated. What could have been done differently? ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

  4. Aug 9

    Innovation Begins with Relationships - West Ottawa Public Schools

    What does it take to build a culture where innovation is expected, supported, and sustainable? In this episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros is joined by Tim Bearden, Superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, and Todd Tulgestke, Associate Superintendent for Innovation & Secondary Instruction, to explore how their district developed an Instructional Compass that centers relationships in every learning experience. Rather than creating another initiative that sits on a shelf, West Ottawa spent a full year working alongside teachers and school leaders to design a shared instructional framework that emphasizes how students learn, not just what they learn. The result is a living document displayed in every classroom, revisited each year, and owned by the people who use it every day. The conversation also previews the district's upcoming opening day for more than 450 staff members, where the goal extends beyond professional learning. The hope is that every educator leaves feeling inspired, empowered, and trusted to innovate. As Tim and Todd explain, when teachers experience the same joy, autonomy, and sense of belonging that we want for students, meaningful change becomes possible. In this episode, you'll learn: Why relationships are the foundation of meaningful innovation. How to create instructional frameworks that teachers actually own. The difference between focusing on what we teach and how we teach. How collaborative design builds long-term commitment. Why giving educators permission to innovate is essential for student success. Practical leadership strategies for building a culture where creativity and trust thrive. If you're a superintendent, principal, instructional coach, or teacher leader looking to strengthen culture while improving instruction, this conversation offers practical ideas that can be implemented in any school or district. West Ottawa Public Schools Instructional Compass - https://www.westottawa.net/academics/instructional-compass/   ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

  5. Aug 6

    3 Lessons 4 Years After Starting Over - What is the life you want to create for yourself?

    Read the full Substack post: https://georgecouros.substack.com/p/3-lessons-four-years-after-starting Subscribe to my Substack: https://georgecouros.substack.com/subscribe   Four years ago, I packed up my minivan with my dogs, Cooper and Odom, and drove from Edmonton, Alberta, to a new life in Orlando, Florida. Starting over was exciting, terrifying, and ultimately transformative. In this solo episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, I share four lessons I have learned since making that move: how a fresh start can help you build a new version of yourself, why sometimes you have to leave to feel appreciated, how easy it is to overlook the opportunities already in front of us, and why you have to create the life you want rather than the one others think you should live. Whether you are navigating a new job, relationship, home, goal, or chapter of life, I hope these reflections remind you that change does not automatically create something better. You have to make it that way. Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

  6. Aug 2

    Why Creative Risk Matters - From Legendary Producer Larry Kasanoff

    What does it take to innovate when everyone else is playing it safe? In this episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with legendary film producer Larry Kasanoff, author of A Touch of Madness, to explore why the biggest breakthroughs in film, business, and education often begin as ideas that others dismiss as impossible. Drawing from his experiences producing films like Platoon and Mortal Kombat, Larry shares why true innovation requires the courage to move away from the comfortable "middle" and pursue ideas that challenge conventional thinking. From listening to a sixth grader who changed an iconic movie character, to explaining why Blockbuster missed Netflix, this conversation is filled with practical lessons for leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to create meaningful change. George and Larry also explore what these ideas mean for education today. They discuss how schools can nurture creativity instead of compliance, why authentic learning matters more than simply earning grades, and how AI presents both opportunities and challenges for developing original thinkers. Whether you are leading a school, building a business, or simply trying to bring a new idea to life, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about risk, creativity, and innovation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the safest path often leads to irrelevance How listening to your audience creates better ideas Why asking is one of the most powerful innovation strategies Lessons educators can learn from the film industry How creativity can be developed, protected, and encouraged The role of AI in authentic learning and creative work 📘 Get Larry Kasanoff's book, A Touch of Madness: How to Be More Innovative in Work and Life... by Being a Little Crazy: https://a.co/d/07N0isaK Reflection Questions Are you encouraging innovation, or rewarding people for playing it safe? How can you create an environment where creative risk-taking is valued? What opportunity have you assumed was impossible simply because you never asked? ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

  7. Jul 30

    3 Ideas That Turn Professional Learning Into Something Valuable

    What makes professional learning actually valuable for educators? In this episode, I reflect on a recent keynote with nearly 400 school and district leaders in Pinellas County and share three powerful ideas that can transform professional learning experiences for teachers, principals, and leadership teams. Drawing from themes in my book Forward, Together, this conversation explores how leaders can create learning experiences where people feel seen, heard, appreciated, and challenged to grow. In this podcast, we discuss: • Why educators need professional learning that feels relevant and personalized • The importance of helping people “see themselves in the story” • How humor and authenticity build stronger connections in leadership • The “Warm Bath, Cold Shower” approach to leadership and growth • Why people are more open to challenge when they know you genuinely care • How school leaders can create better cultures for learning and innovation • Practical strategies for making PD more meaningful and impactful Whether you are a teacher, principal, superintendent, instructional coach, or district leader, this episode shares actionable ideas to improve professional learning, leadership development, and school culture. If you are looking for ways to improve staff engagement, build trust, encourage innovation, and create more meaningful learning experiences in schools, this conversation is for you.   3 Questions for Consideration:   How can school leaders create professional learning experiences where educators feel both supported and challenged to grow? What strategies help teachers and staff feel seen, heard, and valued during professional development? How can districts make professional learning more relevant, personalized, and impactful for educators?   Signed Copies of Forward Together: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JEY8PVRZ6PUJS   Link to Newsletter: https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=9381017234135a9c6d5f7419a&id=f6260d0fce   Forward Together: https://a.co/d/011l40jv   ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

  8. Jul 26

    Model the Learning, Lead the Change - Haven Schools CEO, Brittany Lewis

    What does it look like when a CEO models the same learning, risk-taking, and growth she hopes to see throughout her organization? In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros speaks with Brittany Lewis, CEO of Haven Schools, about creating a culture where high expectations for students are matched by a willingness to keep learning and improving as adults. Brittany shares how her own visibility as a learner matters. Rather than asking others to take risks from the sidelines, she puts herself up front, tries new things, and demonstrates that growth requires a willingness to be vulnerable, reflect, and improve. Her example helps create the conditions for staff to take risks in their own learning and find better ways to serve students. The conversation also explores an important question about change: Do we initiate change, or do we wait for change to happen to us? When we take an active role in creating change, we are better positioned to shape what comes next instead of simply reacting to it. This episode is a conversation about high expectations, leadership, organizational learning, risk-taking, and the power of modeling the growth we hope to see in others. Learn more about Haven Schools. Questions for Reflection: How do leaders model the learning and risk-taking they hope to see in others? How can high expectations for students be matched by high expectations for adult learning and growth? Where might we initiate change instead of waiting for change to happen to us? ___________     👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset   🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com   🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros   Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20   Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d   Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

See All (100)

4.8
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

I am a learner, author, speaker, and sometimes I make podcasts talking about any and all of these things. One day, I will rap in my podcasts officially making me a SoundCloud rapper.

Information

You Might Also Like