
The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast
I am a learner, author, speaker, and sometimes I make podcasts talking about any and all of these things. One day, I will rap in my podcasts officially making me a SoundCloud rapper.
Latest episodes

Nov 25, 2024 • 18min
3 Reasons to Connect with People Who Challenge Your Thinking - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast
This is based on the weekly email from George Couros that you can find here:
https://mailchi.mp/7a6862cb6558/something-personal-professional-and-profound-email-15554026
A Snippet from the email:
If you find yourself looking to be reaffirmed in your thinking, it might feel good, but eventually, it can lead you to making decisions that don't benefit you or your community.
It is essential to recognize that being challenged doesn't always mean changing your position or, more importantly, your principles and values. Sometimes, understanding the viewpoints and perspectives of others can actually help reaffirm your thoughts and solidify your position, offering a differing perspective that may teach you how to present your ideas better.
But I have learned that if you are focused on always being right, you will surround yourself with those who agree with you.
If you want to do what is right, you will look to find those who challenge you.
That is the best way to keep your ego in check.
__________________________________________
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/

Nov 16, 2024 • 23min
Dr. Margaret Coates: Leading Through Lifting Staff - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast S5 EP46
Dr. Margaret Coates joins this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast! Dr. Coates and George Couros have a great conversation about what makes teachers want to teach, why relationships matter, and how to celebrate and communicate the everyday learning happening in classrooms. Be sure to check out this episode to learn all about why Couros says that Dr. Coates is adored by her staff!
Quotes:
“The student was saying things like girl power, you got this kind of thing and just encouraging me.” - Dr. Margaret Coates
Links:
Minutes with Margaret - https://www.owassops.org/superintendent/minutes-with-margaret
__________________________________________
Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.
More at georgecouros.ca
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/

Nov 16, 2024 • 21min
Saying Goodbye to Cooper
This is a podcast about the passing of my dog Cooper. I apologize that there are some audio issues, but honestly, I did not have the energy to record again. Please forgive the audio

Nov 16, 2024 • 17min
3 Terms to Rethink in Education - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast
George Couros reflects on a recent conversation he had with a conference attendee about college. In this solo episode, Couros shares why college is not always the best pathway for every individual and he shares three terms that we can start to rethink in education.
Quotes:
“,,, ultimately, education is about elevation.” - George Couros
“We all have gifts to share with the world. My hope is that school can inspire students and show them there are many pathways to success.” - George Couros
Links:
George Couros Newsletter - https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=9381017234135a9c6d5f7419a&id=a0b77ac314
__________________________________________
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/

Nov 14, 2024 • 14min
3 Questions with Dr. Margaret Coates - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast
Welcome to Three Questions with Dr. Margaret Coates! In this episode, Dr. Coates, the Superintendent of Owasso Public Schools shares her answers to these three questions:
What do you hope people get from your summits?
What impact do these summits have on schools?
What do you hope that summit participants get from the speakers?
Quotes:
“I would advise my first-year self...don't be afraid to reach out to your colleagues and ask questions and ask for support and help.” -Dr. Margaret Coates
Links:
Minutes with Margaret - https://www.owassops.org/superintendent/minutes-with-margaret
__________________________________________
Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.
More at georgecouros.ca
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/

Nov 7, 2024 • 18min
”Obvious to you, amazing to others.” - 3 Reasons Open Reflection Improves Learning - George Couros
George Couros shares his thoughts on open reflections! Couros shares why he writes and how blogging and podcasting helps him improve his own learning and thinkig. When we ask for ideas and thoughts, do we act on the thoughts being shared, how do we communicate when we cannot always take action in an timely manner? In this solo episode, Couros openly reflects and considers three ways that open reflection helps him inlcuding opportunities to consider thoughts shared by others, brainwriting, and having the opportunity to be inspired by others’ thoughts! Couros encourages you take your own spin on the thoughts shared in this episode -add something in the comments below are create your own post online.
Quotes:
"While you read this book, I encourage you to reflect both openly and privately, to dig deeper into the information. I have seen many posts on social media encouraging people to read '100 Books in a Year!' Reading is an essential part of being a learner, but from my perspective, it is better to read fewer books, reflect deeply, and create something with the knowledge that you have accumulated than to speed read and change nothing." - George Couros
“When I write blog posts, you'll notice often I'll say, ‘here's A, B and C. What I'm not saying is
D, E, and F...’” - George Couros
Links:
Blog Post, 3 Reasons Open Reflection Improves Learning
https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=9381017234135a9c6d5f7419a&id=b918c9fb93
Dr. Alec Couros X - https://x.com/courosa
__________________________________________
Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.
More at georgecouros.ca
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/

Nov 3, 2024 • 26min
Ann-Marie Foucault: A Tradition of Innovation in Pursuit of Excellence - #InnovatorsMindset S5EP43
Ann-Marie Foucault, the Superintendent St. Michael-Albertville Public School, joins this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast to share some amazing ideas about her time in education. She and George Couros have a powerful conversation about school-wide practices, creating systems of innovation, and why “traditions are peer pressure from dead people.” Watch or listen to this episode to gain some great insights from Ann-Marie Foucault!
Quotes:
“…Not just in academics, in arts, in, activities and sports, every relationship,
every single thing we do, we want to be excellent…” - Ann-Marie Foucault
“It's the people that you have those relationships with and those connections that are going to show up for you…” - Ann-Marie Foucault
Links:
Ann-Marie Foucault LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-foucault-6462281b9/
__________________________________________
Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.
More at georgecouros.ca
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/

Oct 31, 2024 • 23min
On Staff Led Professional Learning - Highlights from the #InnovatorsMindset October 2024
George Couros introduces these monthly highlights and shares a template that encourages a shift towards collaborative and self-driven professional growth, allowing educators to lead the way in their own development and impact on students. Considering who the experts are and giving ownership to others makes them more likely to convince the entire staff to be more successful. Be sure to check out this highlight episode for even more great thoughts from educators!
Link to Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KeC3GlCHfF5XsUPh3Ej4ao0KZb-06H8gsu9TSFop494/edit?usp=sharing
Sarah Painter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ekm2WN8rTM
Sarah Painter, the 2022 Florida Teacher of the Year, joins this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast and shares some truly powerful thoughts about the importance of following through on your commitments to yourself just like you would follow through on your commitments to others. Painter is an inspiring guest and she took the time, even before her run, to sit down with George Couros and share some of her inspiration. Check the links below to see where to follow Painter on social media!
Dr. Justin Terry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VEFNu1sNkI
Dr. Justin Terry joins this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset and shares how he as the superintendent of Forney ISD in Texas works to innovate inside the box! Learn all about how Forney ISD has helped create Opportunity Central where career connections are made through community engagement.
John Mertz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpVgZowagL4
John Mertz, the superintendent of community schools in Michigan, joins this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast! During his conversation with George Couros, Mertz emphasizes the importance of community connections, noting that the school district he serves acts as a central hub for local activities and employment. Mertz and Couros also discuss the need for innovation within education. Mertz also shares his excitement about upcoming events that will bring new opportunities to his community. Be sure to check out this episode to hear all of Mertz’s great ideas and thoughts!
George Couros: Epic Book Review, Adam Grant, Hidden Potential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kikHC7uHSnk
Welcome back to a new episode of EPIC Book Review! In this episode, George Couros shares his reflection of the book, Hidden Potential, by Adam Grant. Couros dives into a series of quotes after sharing a summary of the book that he pulled from ChatGPT. Be sure to watch or listen to this episode to hear some Couros’ insights and thoughts after reading this book by Adam Grant!
__________________________________________
Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.
More at georgecouros.ca
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/

Oct 27, 2024 • 23min
Epic Book Review! - ”Hidden Potential” by Adam Grant on the #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast
Dive into a compelling exploration of Adam Grant's 'Hidden Potential' where growth and innovation take center stage. The discussion emphasizes mastering foundational skills as a springboard for creativity, highlighting parallels with jazz musicians. Insights on the importance of teaching as a learning tool reveal how individuals can embrace discomfort for deeper understanding. Uncover the contrast between children’s fearless exploration and adults’ hesitations, advocating for an educational environment that fosters curiosity and values mistakes.

Oct 24, 2024 • 17min
3 Questions with Ann-Marie Foucault - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast
Welcome to Three Questions on Educators that Inspire with Ann-Marie Foucault! In this episode, the Superintendent St. Michael-Albertville Public School, joins us to share her answers to these questions:
Who is a teacher that inspired you and why?
Who is an administrator that inspired you and why?
What advice would you give yourself as a first-year educator?
Quotes:
“Create a culture of learners…don’t worry about the content right now…” - Ann-Marie Foucault
Links:
Ann-Marie Foucault LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-foucault-6462281b9/
__________________________________________
Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.
More at georgecouros.ca
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/