The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

My latest book, "Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times," is now available here: https://amzn.to/4p62hZ2   In this short episode of the Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on why this past year felt lighter, more positive, and more grounded, learning to let go of grudges. Holding a grudge rarely affects the other person, but it often weighs heavily on us. In under five minutes, George shares a simple practice that has helped him move forward, reaching out to lift others up without expectations, forgiveness speeches, or closure conversations. This Christmas Day reflection is about releasing what holds us back, starting the year with clarity, and choosing actions that make us feel better rather than bitter. Perfect for a quick listen if you are looking for perspective, peace, and a fresh start.

Leah Ellis, founder and executive director of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, joins George to share how children as young as four can launch real businesses that strengthen confidence, creativity, and resilience. Drawing from her daughter’s early entrepreneurial journey, Leah highlights powerful examples of young learners pitching ideas, speaking with customers, setting prices, and building community-focused projects that grow both skills and purpose. This episode explores how early entrepreneurship builds financial literacy, leadership habits, and problem-finding abilities that support success in school and beyond. Leah also breaks down the Society’s curriculum, coaching model, and resources designed for families, educators, and districts interested in nurturing future-ready learners. She explains how entrepreneurial learning complements traditional paths, including college, and offers guidance for parents and teachers who want to help kids turn curiosity into action. Whether you support students at home or in the classroom, this conversation provides practical strategies, inspiring stories, and a look into how authentic entrepreneurship can empower young people to thrive in an ever changing world.   Learn more at https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/   ___________     👉 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/  

In this deeply personal podcast episode, George Couros reflects on one of the hardest seasons of his life and the lessons that helped him move forward. After experiencing profound loss, personal struggle, and moments of feeling completely stuck, George shares three simple but powerful ideas that shaped his healing, restored his purpose, and reignited his creative spark. This conversation explores grief, resilience, leadership, health, and the importance of small actions when life feels overwhelming. Through stories of loss, personal transformation, and rediscovering meaning, this episode offers encouragement for anyone navigating change, exhaustion, or uncertainty. Listeners will hear reflections on: Why the things we dread most often become our greatest teachers How being the best interaction in someone’s day can change both lives Why movement, even imperfect movement, matters when you feel stuck Rebuilding purpose after loss and burnout Why comeback stories are still being written, including yours This episode is for educators, leaders, creatives, and anyone searching for clarity, motivation, or hope during difficult seasons. Whether you are feeling worn down, finding your spark again, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that forward is still possible. If you are looking for a podcast about resilience, leadership, grief, personal growth, and finding purpose again, this episode will meet you where you are.   ___________     👉 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/

In this episode, veteran teacher Jennie Gyford dives into her new book Teach Like the Floor Is on Fire and shares honest, funny, and deeply relatable stories about classroom chaos, student behavior, and how teaching has changed. She breaks down practical strategies for building strong relationships, simplifying grading, and using technology and AI in a way that supports learning without adding to teacher stress. If you want real talk about the daily challenges teachers face, along with solutions you can use tomorrow, this conversation delivers. Check out Jennie’s book here: Teach Like the Floor Is on Fire https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Floor-Jennie-OKelley-Gyford/dp/B0G16HLLGG   ___________     👉 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/

In this episode, George Couros shares the surprising story behind choosing the cover for his upcoming book, Forward Together. After asking his community for help, he expected quick confirmation of his preferred choice. Instead, he received more than five hundred personal responses that shifted his thinking and changed the final design and took the time to respond to each one.  George talks about how he used ChatGPT and a designer to generate ideas, why he chose direct email feedback instead of a form, and how the process helped him understand the power of listening and genuine connection. He explains how technology can support creativity and collaboration when it is used with intention, and how this experience helped him live the principles he teaches in his work. But the real value of technology is in how we connect with each other. Without that, the design might look nicer, but it loses it authenticity. Listeners will gain insight into leadership, community building, and the value of staying open to ideas that challenge your assumptions. George also shares gratitude for the people who helped shape the project and the lessons he will carry into future work.   ___________     👉 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/

In this episode, George Couros and literacy advocate Karen Vaites take a deep look at the science of reading, why strong foundational skills matter, and how states and districts can accelerate achievement. They explore the rise of the Southern Surge, the impact of coaching and high quality curriculum, and why third grade proficiency must be treated as a system wide priority. The conversation also highlights how domain knowledge fuels comprehension, how technology and AI can support literacy without replacing core skill development, and practical moves school and district leaders can make to strengthen reading and writing instruction. This episode is a helpful guide for educators who want to build sustainable and scalable literacy improvement.   Check out Karen's substack: https://www.karenvaites.org/ X account: https://x.com/karenvaites   ___________     👉 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/

This episode explores how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping both the workplace and the classroom. George Couros breaks down why the old phrase, preparing students for jobs that do not yet exist, now requires an update, since AI is also eliminating many entry level roles. He explains why adaptability, ongoing learning, and practical AI fluency are becoming essential for students who want to thrive in a world where work is changing faster than ever. George also examines the growing debate around removing laptops and phones from classrooms and discusses why foundational skills still matter, but only when they become the base for deeper thinking and wiser use of technology. Drawing on research, real world examples, and reflections from his earlier writing, he highlights the difference between knowing how to learn and simply knowing how to earn good grades. This episode offers a balanced path that blends core literacies with problem solving, curiosity, and responsible use of AI so that students are prepared for the future rather than protected from it.   ___________     👉 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/

Learn with Daniele: https://www.unlockingeducation.com/courses   Use code GEORGE20 for a discount on any course.   In this full episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Daniele Schick to talk about AI in education from a real, grounded school perspective. We explore how leaders can empower teachers to learn and lead AI together, how to build internal capacity, and how to create time for meaningful practice inside the school day.   We also get honest about the positives and negatives of AI in learning, including concerns about cheating, misinformation, and over-reliance on technology. Daniele and I discuss how students respond when they see AI used with purpose, and why we must show the value of learning if we expect students to engage with integrity rather than take shortcuts.   This conversation focuses on practical strategies, balanced thinking, and using AI to amplify both curiosity and critical thought. We look at real school examples, how to model transparent and ethical AI use, and how to help students and educators see AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement for effort, creativity, or expertise.   Connect with Daniele at Website: https://www.unlockingeducation.com   Courses: https://www.unlockingeducation.com/courses   Instagram: https://instagram.com/unlocking.education   Instagram (personal): https://instagram.com/danieleschick   LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/danieleschick   LinkedIn (Unlocking Education): https://linkedin.com/in/unlocking-education   Facebook: https://facebook.com/danieleschick   Facebook (Unlocking Education): https://facebook.com/unlockingeducation   ___________         👉 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/    

In this episode, host George Couros shares a blend of personal stories and practical insights that highlight two timeless principles: doing what you promise and consistently going beyond what others expect. George begins with a recent story about his stolen wallet and the hidden cost of lost time, using it to frame a deeper exploration of why valuing other people’s time builds trust, credibility, and stronger relationships. He reflects on moments from travel conversations, leadership lessons, speaking engagements, and even daily fitness commitments to show how reliability, punctuality, and responsiveness shape your reputation. Whether it is arriving early, answering messages quickly, honoring scheduled meetings, or keeping personal commitments like daily pushups, George explains how raising your own standards helps you surpass the expectations of others. You will learn how small, consistent actions create a culture of respect, why following through matters more than ever, and how exceeding expectations unlocks new opportunities in your career and personal life. If you want to stand out, do what you say you will do. If you want to excel, go beyond what you said you would deliver. This episode shows you how to put those ideas into practice every day.   ___________     👉 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/  

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, educator and consultant Jana Lee shares her inspiring journey from teaching special education in the South Bronx to founding Jana Lee Consulting. She discusses her practical “check for understanding” approach, strategies for supporting diverse learners, and how productive struggle builds student independence. Jana also explores how leaders can empower teachers to take risks, reframe inclusion as a shared schoolwide responsibility, and make PLCs more powerful through clear protocols and consistent support. Connect and learning more about Jana at https://www.janaleeconsulting.com/   ___________     👉 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/