The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this episode, you will hear an in-depth conversation with Ivin Gunder, a passionate principal from Orange Park, Florida. Ivin shares how intentional connections and authentic relationships can transform schools and improve learning outcomes for all students.   Please connect with Ivin on his Instagram account at: https://www.instagram.com/ivinj.gunder/   Who is Ivin Gunder? Ivin Gunder is an influential school leader known for creating a supportive and engaging educational environment. His journey began as a student who struggled academically, and today he empowers teachers and students through his philosophy of connection, trust, and care.   What will you learn? How to build meaningful relationships with students and staff Why trust and teamwork are essential in school culture Ways to create a positive, engaging learning atmosphere How lessons from athletics, especially basketball, can shape effective educational leadership Practical examples of strategies that make a lasting impact in schools Why should you listen? This episode is perfect for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in improving school culture and fostering authentic connections. Ivin’s story shows that caring relationships are the foundation of any thriving school community. How can you connect with Ivin Gunder? Follow Ivin on Instagram to stay updated on his work, insights, and new initiatives in education leadership.   https://www.instagram.com/ivinj.gunder/     __________________________________________   Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.   More at georgecouros.com   George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros   George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   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?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin   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&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X     Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this heartfelt solo episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros shares three powerful strategies for navigating moments of uncertainty, anxiety, and life transitions. Inspired by a recent reflection after an incredible event in Missouri, George talks candidly about what to do when life feels out of sync. Whether you're dealing with a big decision or just overwhelmed by change, these practical ideas will help you find clarity and peace in the chaos. 💡 In This Episode: Slow Down – Why rushing leads to regret, and how taking your time can bring better decisions Move – How physical movement can bring mental clarity when you're overwhelmed Ask for Help – The value of leaning on others who have been through it and the power of simply being heard ✨ This episode is for anyone experiencing a time of personal or professional change. You are not alone in your uncertainty, and small steps can make a big difference. 📬 Read the original newsletter: 3 Things To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do 📘 Explore more insights in George’s book, The Innovator’s Mindset: Available on Amazon 🎤 Book George Couros for your next event: Workshops and keynotes on innovation, leadership, and personal growth https://georgecouros.com/contact

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros speaks with Giselle Rodriguez, Director of the Office of Innovative Learning, and Peter Bayer, Principal of Pembroke Pines Charter School at the Academic Village Campus in Southern Florida. Learn how a municipally run charter school system is redefining what’s possible in education by focusing on aligned leadership, mental health supports, and innovation at every level. Giselle shares how her department ensures consistency and collaboration across schools, while Peter explains how their unique leadership model empowers educators and students to thrive. 🎯 In This Episode: How Pembroke Pines bridges innovation and tradition through a charter-municipal partnership Strategies for system-wide professional learning and leadership alignment A proactive approach to mental health through the Student Assistance Program The role of community voice and shared leadership in shaping school culture This conversation is full of practical insights for school leaders, teachers, district administrators, and policymakers who are striving to build student-centered systems that adapt to the needs of their communities. 📘 Explore more ideas in George’s book: The Innovator’s Mindset — Available on Amazon 🎤 Book George Couros to speak at your event: Keynotes and workshops on innovation, leadership, and the future of learning 👉 georgecouros.com/contact

Letting Go of the Good to Pursue the Exceptional | The Innovator's Mindset Podcast In this inspiring episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros dives into a powerful idea: sometimes you have to let go of what's good to reach what's great. Drawing inspiration from Brianna Wiest’s book The Pivot Year, George shares real-life stories about navigating major career changes, taking bold risks, and embracing the unknown. If you're feeling stuck, facing a big decision, or simply ready for a new chapter, this episode will challenge you to think differently and act courageously. 🎯 Learn how to: Reframe uncertainty as a path to growth Let go of comfort to pursue purpose Make meaningful pivots in your life and career Don’t miss this empowering conversation about creating your own story and chasing what truly matters. Subscribe and take that leap forward today!

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Anita Huggins, Superintendent of Charleston County School District, to explore her journey from classroom teacher to district leader. With nearly 30 years of experience, Anita shares how Charleston is cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in student voice and genuine community collaboration. She highlights how the district's Student Cabinet gives learners a meaningful seat at the table—from budgeting decisions to shaping student life—and how prioritizing children over egos leads to real innovation. Tune in to hear practical insights on leading with humility, amplifying student agency, and creating systems that effectively serve all students.   🔗 Learn more about Charleston County School District: https://www.ccsdschools.com 📘 Learn more about The Innovator's Mindset: https://georgecouros.com     __________________________________________   Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.   More at georgecouros.com   George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros   George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros   George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/   George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519   For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros   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?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin   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&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X     Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/    

What are the 3 questions every innovative school leader should ask? In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros explores three powerful, reflective questions that can guide school leaders in fostering innovation and growth within their communities. With over 15 years of experience in educational innovation, George discusses: ✅ How continuous self-directed learning shapes effective leadership ✅ Why literacy is the cornerstone of deeper learning ✅ How to build a culture that taps into the strengths and passions of educators and students These questions will challenge you to think differently, act intentionally, and lead with purpose: What am I learning on my own, and how do I make that learning visible? What is one thing we can do to build a strong foundation for deeper learning? How can I create a culture that amplifies the strengths and passions of those I serve? Perfect for school administrators, teacher leaders, and anyone driving change in education.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros interviews Dr. Matt Frederickson, superintendent of Lincoln County R-III in Missouri. With over 30 years in education, Dr. Frederickson shares actionable strategies for empowering students, supporting educators, and engaging the community to drive lasting school improvement.      What You'll Learn from This Episode: How to create a meaningful and rigorous curriculum that focuses on student understanding of the why, not just the what and how. How to integrate student voice through advisory councils to inform campus design, teaching practices, and school climate improvements. Why family and community partnerships matter in shaping a shared vision for student success and increased ownership in learning. How leadership grounded in listening and service can energize both staff and students to strive for excellence. Ways to align school facilities planning (e.g., bond measures) with student engagement and 21st-century learning goals.      Key Quotes: “If students understand the why, then the what and how become much easier.” – Dr. Matt Frederickson “Student voice helps shape everything from relationships to learning spaces.” – George Couros      Who Should Listen: School and district administrators Curriculum directors and instructional coaches Teachers focused on student-centered learning Education leaders interested in strategic planning and community engagement      Connect & Learn More: Learn more about Dr. Matt Frederickson and the Lincoln County R-III School District by visiting their website or following along with George Couros’ updates.  Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and be inspired to rethink what’s possible in education.     Quotes: “How do we design schools and instruction so the kids understand the why, the what, the how, and the connection…” – Dr. Matt Frederickson “Student voice helps shape everything from relationships to learning spaces.” – George Couros “     “If we listen to students, they can tell us quite a bit...students have a thing or two to say about what they’re learning.”  – Dr. Matt Frederickson   Links: Dr. Matt Frederickson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-frederickson-8b6ba67/ Dr. Matt Frederickson X - https://x.com/lcr3sup Student Voice Blog Post - https://georgecouros.com/student-voice/  Lincoln County R-III YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@LincolnCountyR3Schools 

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset podcast, George Couros shares personal reflections on what he has learned after moving from Edmonton, Alberta, to Orlando, Florida. Over three years of change, George discusses the challenges of relocation, the heartbreak of losing his dogs, and the powerful lessons about resilience, gratitude, and personal growth. Drawing from his own story, George offers insights for anyone navigating a major life transition: whether you are moving cities, starting a new job, or stepping into an unfamiliar season. You will hear why no place alone can define you, and how a willingness to grow is what truly shapes your experience. 👉 Read the full blog post: https://georgecouros.com/moving-to-florida-year-three/ If you are interested in having George speak to your team or organization about leadership, innovation, and personal growth, you can book him for speaking engagements here: https://georgecouros.ca/speaking

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, host George Couros welcomes thought leaders in education—Dr. Catlin Tucker, Brett Vogelsinger, and Dale Alexander—for powerful conversations about instructional practices, writing across the curriculum, and financial literacy. Each guest offers insights that educators, leaders, and lifelong learners won’t want to miss.     Guest Segments        Dr. Catlin Tucker – Elevating Tier 1 Instruction  Watch Clip Dr. Catlin Tucker breaks down Tier 1 supports within the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and explains how Tier 2 and Tier 3 differ. She emphasizes the importance of universal learning and how teachers can strategically design whole group vs. small group instruction using station rotation models.  Key terms: Tier 1 instruction, MTSS, station rotation, instructional design  Explore how to elevate Tier 1 learning and enhance student engagement across content areas.      Brett Vogelsinger – Writing as a Process, Not Just a Product  Watch Clip English teacher and author Brett Vogelsinger joins to explore how writing fosters critical thinking and creativity across all disciplines. He discusses his book Artful AI in Writing Instruction, offering guidance on integrating AI thoughtfully while still prioritizing the messiness and reflection inherent in the writing process.  Key terms: writing across the curriculum, AI in education, reflective learning, writing instruction  Discover tips for teaching writing in every subject and check out Vogelsinger’s book for practical AI integration strategies.      Dale Alexander – “Make 70 Your 100” Rule & Financial Literacy  Clip coming soon Motivational speaker Dale Alexander shares his signature “70% Rule” for building financial freedom early in life. This segment covers practical money tips from his book The Talk (About Money)—ideal for students, young professionals, and families alike.  Key terms: financial literacy, budgeting tips, youth finance, the 70% rule  Learn how to build healthy money habits and explore Alexander’s full episode for actionable strategies and resources.   Intro  TBD Description & Time Codes:  0:00 Intro with George Couros TBD Intro Music TBD Dr. Catlin Tucker TBD Brett Vogelsinger TBD Dale Alexander Dr. Catlin Tucker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rV8bh0Bi0A  In this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, Dr. Catlin Tucker defines tier 1 supports and explains what we are considering when we are thinking about tier 1 in relation to the multi-tiered system of support. Dr. Tucker and George Couros reflect on what it means when we are providing tier 1 and how that relates to being the core, or the universal, learning in a classroom. Dr. Tucker also elaborates on what tier 2 and tier 3 are and how they differ from tier 1. As Dr. Tucker continues sharing her thinking, she shares how this is connected to station rotations. When Dr. Tucker refers to “elevating tier 1 instruction,” she encourages teachers to really consider what they are planning to introduce in whole group and what they will introduce in small group. Be sure to check out this clip and then the full episode for even more great ideas from Dr. Tucker!   Brett Vogelsinger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzTpMQYxCoE  In this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros and Brett Vogelsinger reflect on the importance of the writing process in all subject areas, while advocating for an emphasis on the development and messiness of writing, rather than just the final product. Vogelsinger and Couros also share personal reflections that illustrate how writing can be a tool for thought development and learning across various content areas and professions, not just writing.  Vogelsinger’s book, Artful AI in Writing Instruction, offers insights and principles for teachers of any subject while providing methods to help both students and teachers navigate the writing process without fully relying on AI. Be sure to check the links below to grab a copy of Vogelsinger’s new book and check out the full episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast for even more great AI reflections.  Dale Alexander TBD In this clip of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, Dale Alexander and George Couros review the 70% rule, and Alexander shares just what he means when he talks about making “70 your 100.” If you watch or listen to this clip after you have already started your first job and did not consider making your 70 your 100, be sure to watch the full episode to hear what Alexander suggests you do next. This podcast with Alexander is a great episode for all ages because it shares some powerful financial strategies based on the book, ‘The Talk (About Money).’ Be sure to check the links below for even more great resources from Alexander, including his website and YouTube channel.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with financial literacy advocate and author Dale Alexander to explore how we can better teach students and young adults about managing money. Dale shares his powerful 70-20-10 principle—spend 70%, invest 20%, and give 10%—and explains how starting financial education early can lead to lifelong financial success. They discuss practical investing tips, including mutual funds, the power of consistent savings, and why most adults say, “I wish I learned this when I was 18.” Whether you're an educator, parent, or young adult, this conversation provides actionable strategies to help anyone build a strong financial foundation. 👉 Learn more at: https://www.thetalkaboutmoney.com/ 📺 Subscribe to Dale on YouTube: @thetalkaboutmoneydalealexander 📸 Follow Dale on Instagram: @thetalkaboutmoney Key Topics: Financial literacy for students Dale Alexander’s 70-20-10 money rule Teaching kids and teens how to manage money Smart investing for beginners How to build wealth early Why budgeting matters for young adults Subscribe for more insights on education, leadership, and innovation.