The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this inspiring episode, George Couros and longtime friend Lainie Rowell explore how to take back your attention and design a life of intentional focus. They unpack the difference between habits and rituals, sharing practical strategies like single-tasking, creating “speed bumps” to reduce distractions, and setting up the night before to start each day with clarity and purpose. Through stories of interviews, gratitude, and surrounding yourself with excellence, George and Lainie show how small daily choices can profoundly impact connection, creativity, and personal growth.   Check out Lainie's website:   Also, the infamous sunrise alarm clock!   ___________     👉 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 explores why college is not the only route to fulfillment or success in today’s world and that there are more pathways today for our learners than we sometimes acknowledge.   Think of this quote: “The world only cares about—and pays off on—what you can do with what you know (and it doesn’t care how you learned it).”Thomas Friedman   How do we determine who we hire in some of our own opportunities? Is it based on the school they went to, or the type of work they have done? There are so many different ways to learn, meaning there are more opportunities than ever.   George reflects on his own experiences and what he has learned by watching someone he mentored grow his business without attending school for it. Justin, a self-taught photographer, built a thriving business based on talent and initiative, not degrees.   If we believe that our work is to help learners find a pathway to success that is meaningful to them, it is imperative they learn to define success for themselves, and see different opportunities for those pursuits.   This conversation encourages educators, parents, and students to redefine what success means and to create learning paths that align with each learner’s strengths and passions.

In this episode of the podcast, George Couros sits down with Greg Mertz from the New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), an independent middle and high school that integrates human-centered design thinking into every aspect of learning. NEIA’s approach goes beyond traditional electives, weaving innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship into all subjects. Greg shares how NEIA uses makerspaces, AI, and virtual reality not as add-ons, but as tools that connect disciplines and bring learning to life. You will hear how their entrepreneurship and innovation class complements the broader curriculum, how educators embed innovation into science, math, and humanities, and why seeing students as people first helps them grow with compassion, creativity, and character. Listen to this episode to discover how schools can empower students to explore their passions, work collaboratively, and prepare for a rapidly changing world. Links: Learn more about NEIA: https://neiacademy.org/ George Couros Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497 What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739 Podcast & Resources: http://bensound.com/

In this heartfelt episode, George Couros reflects on the profound impact that moving has had on his family and the deep appreciation he feels for his parents’ journey to build a new life. He shares how this milestone has reshaped his perspective on belonging, gratitude, and opportunity. George recounts a moment at customs watching new citizens celebrate, the pride that filled the room, and what it stirred in him about identity and family roots. He also opens up about why he records personal messages for his children, the values he hopes to pass on, and how honoring his parents’ story continues to guide his work and purpose today.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Superintendent Thomas J. Colabufo of Central Square Central School District, a longtime educator and leader with more than 20 years of experience. Colabufo, who began his career as a social studies teacher and later served as a principal before becoming superintendent, shares how a curriculum-first approach combined with AI tools like 4EDU is transforming teaching and learning. He discusses how AI can help personalize instruction, streamline grading and planning, and speed up feedback while keeping teachers at the center of the learning process. Drawing on his background in educational leadership and his hands-on experience in classrooms, Colabufo also offers practical leadership advice for balancing technology with strong curriculum design. This conversation provides educators with a clear and responsible roadmap for using AI to deepen learning without replacing the essential human connection between teachers and students.   ___________     👉 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/

George Couros reflects on how social media algorithms can trap us in echo chambers and why the real growth happens when we engage with those who disagree. Drawing inspiration from a TikTok moment and his own experiences as an educator and leader, George explores how resistance, not agreement, often drives the most meaningful progress. Through stories about hiring colleagues who challenge ideas, involving skeptical parents in professional learning, and amplifying the voices of disengaged students, he shows how listening with empathy can turn critics into collaborators. The episode invites educators to move beyond affirmation and toward shared understanding—a key theme in his upcoming book, Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in 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/

In this special episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros and Dave Burgess celebrate the 10-year anniversary of George’s first book, The Innovator’s Mindset. They reflect on how the book has influenced education around the world, the lessons George has learned over the past decade, and why its message continues to resonate with educators today.   This heartfelt conversation also offers a glimpse into George and Dave’s friendship, the story behind the book’s creation, and the enduring power of ideas that inspire meaningful change in schools and communities everywhere.   You can get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=0986155497&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin   ___________     👉 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/    

You can pick up a copy of "The Innovator's Mindset" here on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=0986155497&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin   In this special 10-year anniversary episode of the book, "The Innovator's Mindset," George Couros reflects on the lasting impact of the the book for himself personally and how writing it transformed his life and career. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about publishing the book, lessons learned from rejection and risk-taking, and three timeless ideas that still guide his work today: mastering the basics, focusing on better not just new, and doing less but deeper.   George also explores how authenticity, adaptability, and gratitude have shaped his journey as an educator and author.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Dr. Lynn Moody, education leader and founder of NCSpark, to explore how schools can innovate within the constraints of the system while creating transformative opportunities for students. Together, they discuss: • How NCSpark is reimagining learning experiences to better serve students and communities • The importance of “innovating inside the box” by using constraints as a springboard for creativity • Practical strategies for leveraging technology and AI to free up teachers’ time for deeper conversations with students • How to design schools that prioritize curiosity, well-being, and personal growth over standardization This powerful conversation will inspire educators and leaders to see challenges as opportunities, push past traditional limits, and create better learning environments for every student. 📚 Books by George Couros: The Innovator’s Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497 What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739 🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: http://bensound.com/

On this episode, I share a personal story that started with a tough run in the Florida sun and ended with an unexpected reminder about resilience, quitting, and the power of kind words.   Too often, we hear that quitting is always failure. But what if quitting today means protecting your long-term well-being so you can keep going tomorrow? I explore the fine line between resilience and recklessness, with examples from exercise, careers, and relationships.   This reflection connects to one of the most important lessons in education and leadership: a single interaction can change someone’s trajectory. Sometimes that means helping them keep going, other times it means helping them step away.   Either way, a kind word can plant a seed that grows into something remarkable.   Referenced in this episode: My book Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=194833433X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin   Original blog post “Resilience and Risk”:   https://georgecouros.com/resilience-and-risk/