The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

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/

George Couros shares a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming book Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. He explains the book’s two-part structure of principles and perspectives, how editing and feedback shaped the final work, and the publishing choices he made to protect his authentic voice. Through personal stories and reflections, George emphasizes the importance of holding to core values in difficult times while listening to trusted critical friends. This episode provides practical insights into the writing and publishing process, as well as lessons for educators on staying true to their values, fostering community, and leading with purpose.   ___________     👉 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 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/