The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

George Couros
  • 4.8 (65)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 17H AGO

    Brad Gustafson & George Couros on Leading With Principles, Perspective, & Purpose | #ForwardTogether

    Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   Brad Gustafson and George Couros explore the core ideas behind George’s book Forward, Together, focusing on what principled leadership looks like in real schools, with real people, and real challenges. In this conversation, they unpack practical leadership concepts educators can actually use, including the “warm bath, cold shower” approach to feedback, why pointing at yourself first matters, and how inviting respectful pushback can strengthen trust rather than fracture relationships. George shares why leadership frameworks never work perfectly, because people are always the variable, and how perspectives help leaders stay grounded when situations become emotionally charged or complex.   Through short, honest stories, Brad and George highlight the role of vulnerability, nuance, and elevating others in building stronger school communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, this discussion emphasizes clarity about who you want to be, how you hold conversations when it is hardest, and why principled leadership matters most in moments of tension.   This episode is especially relevant for educators, school leaders, and anyone navigating difficult conversations while trying to move a community forward together. ___________ 👉 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/

    38 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Erik Francis on Deeper Learning, Depth of Knowledge and the Skills Needed for the Future of Education

    In this conversation, Erik Francis, founder of Maverick Education, shares his journey from English teacher and school administrator to author and consultant. Erik explains how his work around Depth of Knowledge (DOK) and purposeful questioning helps teachers move beyond surface learning and into deeper understanding. The discussion explores real classroom examples, visible learning practices, differentiation, and how thoughtful questioning builds curiosity, care, and student ownership. Erik also unpacks the five C’s of future-ready education and why relationships and relevance remain central to meaningful learning. The episode wraps up with a fun, unexpected conversation about professional wrestling and connection. This episode is ideal for teachers, instructional coaches, principals, and district leaders looking for practical strategies to improve engagement and learning through intentional instructional design.   Check out "Inquiring Minds Want to Learn" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4kE6yVO   ___________     👉 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/

    32 min

  3. FEB 12

    Why Forward, Together Starts With Community, Not Consensus - Check out the Intro of my latest book!

    Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   This episode is a reading of the introduction chapter from my book Forward, Together. It shares the thinking behind why schools thrive when we focus less on being right and more on moving forward together. This chapter is an invitation to rethink conflict, community, and what it truly means to work together for kids. If this opening connects with you, the rest of the book builds on these ideas in practical, hopeful ways.   ___________     👉 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/

    29 min

  4. FEB 8

    Fitness Habits for Educators & How to Keep Appointments With Yourself With Holli Elliott

    In this podcast conversation, Holli Elliott shares practical fitness habits for educators and busy parents who want to stay healthy without unrealistic routines. Holli explains why keeping appointments with yourself matters as much as honoring commitments to others, and how this mindset helps build consistency. The discussion explores the simplest ways to get up and exercise every day, even during demanding school schedules, and how teachers can maintain physical fitness while balancing family life. This episode offers realistic strategies for energy, discipline, and long-term wellness that fit real lives, not perfect plans. This conversation is ideal for educators, school leaders, and anyone looking to build sustainable fitness habits while managing work, family, and personal health. In this podcast conversation, Holli Elliott shares practical fitness habits for educators and busy parents who want to stay healthy without unrealistic routines. Holli explains why keeping appointments with yourself matters as much as honoring commitments to others, and how this mindset helps build consistency. The discussion explores the simplest ways to get up and exercise every day, even during demanding school schedules, and how teachers can maintain physical fitness while balancing family life. This episode offers realistic strategies for energy, discipline, and long-term wellness that fit real lives, not perfect plans. This conversation is ideal for educators, school leaders, and anyone looking to build sustainable fitness habits while managing work, family, and personal health.   Connect with Holli here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollielliott_/?hl=en   ___________     👉 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/

    22 min

  5. FEB 5

    Forward, Together: Why Community, Confidence, & Conversation Matter in Education - w/ Lauren Kaufman

    You can get your copy of "Forward, Together" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9e5mHOy   In this podcast conversation, George Couros is joined by Lauren Kaufman to explore the ideas behind Forward, Together and why community is essential for meaningful change in education. Lauren shares how the book resonated with her experiences as an educator and leader, especially its invitational tone, focus on collaboration, and emphasis on learning through reflection and failure. Together, they discuss the importance of confidence, noticing growth, and understanding personal context in teaching and leadership. George reflects on the inspiration behind the book, his pride in highlighting successful communities, and how conversation and reflection shape both leadership and learning. This episode is for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in building stronger communities, leading with purpose, and moving education forward together through understanding rather than agreement. Teacher podcast, principal podcast, superintendent podcast, leadership podcast, K-12 podcast, george couros, podcast on education, building relationships with students, educational leadership, Innovate Inside the Box, Innovator’s Mindset, professional learning, moving schools forward, covid-19, remote learning, virtual learning     George Couros, Education, learning, teachers, students, school, knowledge, skills, lessons, tips, strategies, techniques, pedagogy, curriculum, homework, test preparation, study skills, educational speaker, keynote speaker, podcasts on education, What makes a great teacher, what makes a great principal, k-12 podcast, podcasts on education, first-year teacher advice, educational leadership, innovator’s mindset, professional learning,    George Couros, Mindset Monday, atomic habits, facing adversity, health and wellness, health and wellness in education, exercise, fitness, motivation, #MindsetMonday, how do you have balance as a teacher, motivational monday, health and wellness podcast, motivational podcast, inspiring podcasts, what leads to action,    ___________     👉 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/

    47 min

  6. FEB 1

    Leading With Grace: Hope, Authenticity, and Retaining Great Educators | Julia Bialeski

    In this episode, I sit down with Julia Bialeski to explore what it means to lead with authenticity, sustain hope, and focus on people in today’s schools. Drawing from her book Leading With Grace, Julia shares practical insights for leaders at every stage, from new principals navigating imposter syndrome to experienced educators working through burnout. Our conversation highlights why authenticity matters in leadership, how hope helps school communities navigate challenge and change, and what leaders can do differently to support recruitment and retention in teacher education. Julia offers real examples and actionable strategies for building trust, strengthening communication, and leading with empathy, even in high-pressure moments. This episode is especially valuable for principals, district leaders, teacher educators, and aspiring administrators who want to grow their leadership practice while keeping relationships, culture, and purpose at the center of their work. Topics include: Why authenticity builds trust and credibility The role of hope in sustaining educators and school communities Practical strategies for teacher recruitment and retention Supporting new leaders through self-doubt and uncertainty Leading people with clarity, empathy, and confidence Connect with Julia Bialeski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bialeski-7a4a122a9/ Find her book, Leading With Grace, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/016m48U   ___________     👉 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/

    19 min

  7. JAN 29

    How Vulnerability Builds Stronger School Cultures, A Superintendent’s Perspective with Heidi Weeks

    Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3   In this episode, George Couros is joined by Heidi Weeks, superintendent and district leader, for a reflective conversation inspired by Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. Drawing from her experience as a superintendent working directly with educators, leaders, and school communities, Heidi shares what resonated most from the book and the questions it raised for her own leadership practice. The conversation explores why vulnerability matters in leadership, especially when it means openly sharing mistakes, missteps, and moments of growth. George and Heidi unpack how honest reflection helps leaders look inward, build confidence, and create cultures where learning is normalized at every level. They discuss why being open about what goes wrong is not a weakness, but a foundation for trust, credibility, and professional growth. The episode also dives into the idea of focusing 80 percent of your time on 80 percent of your people, and why this approach strengthens school culture rather than ignoring underachievement. Through a superintendent’s lens, Heidi examines how investing in the majority can elevate the entire organization, including those who may be struggling or disengaged. This conversation is especially valuable for superintendents, principals, school board members, and district leaders looking to build stronger cultures, lead with authenticity, and move their communities forward together, even in challenging and contentious times.   ___________     👉 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: 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/

    38 min

  8. JAN 25

    Human-Centered Data in K–12: Aeries VP Lara Clickner on Relationships, and Leadership

    Host George talks with Lara Clickner, VP of Customer Experience at Aeries  Software, about her path from K–12 counselor and principal to leading customer-focused work in education technology. They explore a human-centered approach to data, the importance of relationships and reflection, supporting diverse student pathways, and how these values shape Airy’s work and conference keynote goals. In this episode, host George Couros sits down with Lara Clickner, Vice President of Customer Experience at Aeries, to explore how human-centered leadership shapes meaningful use of data in K–12 education. Lara shares her journey from school counselor and principal to leading customer experience work in education technology. The conversation focuses on building strong relationships, reflecting on practice, and ensuring student data serves people, not systems. They discuss how Aeries supports diverse student pathways, why empathy and trust matter in SIS implementation, and how these values influence the vision behind the annual AeriesCon conference and its keynote themes. Learn more about Aeries and their Student Information System here: 👉 https://www.aeries.com/ Explore AeriesCon, the Aeries user conference focused on connection, learning, and leadership: 👉 https://www.aeries.com/aeriescon/ This episode is ideal for district leaders, principals, counselors, edtech professionals, and anyone interested in ethical data use, customer-focused edtech, and future-ready school systems.   ___________     👉 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/

    25 min
See All (100)

4.8
out of 5
65 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