The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

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/

George Couros (https://www.masb.org), for an inspiring conversation on the future of education. Together, they explore practical strategies for innovation: building digital student portfolios, curating a positive online presence, engaging families, and balancing foundational skills with character development. They delve deeply into how AI is transforming learning and leadership, why educators should model curiosity by learning new tools first, and how schools can take proactive steps to create meaningful and lasting change. This episode also looks ahead to the MASB Annual Leadership Conference (https://www.masb.org/learning/upcoming-events/annual-leadership-conference/), where George will deliver the keynote address. The conference brings together school board members, superintendents, and education leaders from across Michigan to collaborate, learn, and shape the future of education. If you’re attending, this episode is the perfect primer to get you thinking about how innovation, relationships, and vision can work together to serve students. 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Podbean: https://www.youtube.com/c/GeorgeCouros     ___________     👉 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 reads a powerful passage from "The Pivot Year" by Brianna Wiest and reflects on the choices and sacrifices we all make when pursuing our goals. He shares personal stories—from missing moments with family to starting piano lessons at 49—to illustrate how every “yes” comes with a “no,” and why being intentional is crucial. Instead of dwelling on regret, George encourages listeners to live with purpose today: rebuild relationships, pursue postponed dreams, and remember that it’s never too late to begin again. 🎧 Listen now and start designing a life that feels meaningful, not just busy. 🔗 Links & Resources: 📖 The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest: https://www.amazon.com/Pivot-Year-Brianna-Wiest/dp/1949759628 Amazon 📰 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://georgecouros.com/about-me/email/ George Couros+1 📚 Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/George-Couros/author/B0192TISQ0 🎙️ Subscribe to The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: https://twitter.com/gcouros  • Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecouros/

In this episode, http://bensound.com/

In this solo episode, George Couros reflects on how technology can shape who we are and how we connect with others. Drawing on his keynote for the Florida Association of Educational Data Systems (FAEDS) and his own journey from being anti-technology to embracing thoughtful use, George shares three powerful ways educators and leaders can shape technology intentionally: Elevate Communities: Use technology to build connection and share stories that bring schools and families closer together. Stoke Curiosity: Go beyond surface-level information and foster deep thinking and understanding. Support Well-Being: Design tech use to improve mental health, not add stress. George explores how tools like social media and notifications affect our behavior, why intentionality is key, and how we can choose to shape our tech use rather than let it shape us. 🎧 Listen now: https://mailchi.mp/georgecouros/shaping-tech-usage-15555690

In this episode, radio and media personality Lady Jade (@IamLadyJade) shares her inspiring journey from a 19-year radio career to becoming a sought-after host, keynote speaker, and real estate investor. She reflects on the powerful influence of educators, the importance of kindness and mentorship, and why financial fluency should be a priority in schools. Lady Jade also opens up about the challenges of caring for a parent with dementia, encouraging listeners to embrace life's pivots, seek mentors, and use their gifts to uplift others.   Please connect with Lady Jade on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/iamladyjade   ___________     👉 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 short solo episode, George Couros explores the power of listening in education. He shares a personal story from his experience as a basketball referee to illustrate how constant talking can become noise, and then explains how thoughtful questions help students discover and own their own perspectives.   When we use our voice sparingly, listen with intention, and create space for authentic student expression, our words eventually carry more weight.