The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

Join Dr. JoAnna Roberto from the Grand Erie District School Board as she shares her passion for innovation in education. Through her leadership, the district is transforming how students learn by focusing on their well-being, sense of belonging, and tapping into their interests. Discover how the newly launched Innovation Hub serves as a catalyst for student engagement and community interaction, providing opportunities for hands-on learning in science, technology, arts, and math. Explore the importance of connecting curriculum with student passions, ensuring that education remains relevant and exciting. Dr. Roberto emphasizes the power of relationships and responsive teaching in creating a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and heard. This episode is a testament to the incredible work being done to pave diverse pathways to success for students in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Listen in as Dr. Roberto invites educators and students alike to experience the dynamic changes underway, promising a future where innovation and well-being go hand in hand.   “What do we want to support students with?” - Dr. JoAnna Roberto   “Look at the aspects of the curriculum…create that opportunity for students…” - Dr. JoAnna Roberto   “Every student comes into the district and they feel like they belong.” - Dr. JoAnna Roberto   Links: Gran Eerie Innovation Hub - https://granderie.ca/news/2024/11/20/the-innovation-hub-grand-erie-officially-opens  __________________________________________   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/

Welcome to another enlightening episode where we dive deep into the world of education and leadership. This time, we tackle a question from our listener Chris, a new site principal, about discovering and articulating his "why" to create an effective vision for his school. Through engaging insights and personal anecdotes, we explore the importance of understanding the strengths within your school community and the power of collaborative vision creation. Our discussion touches on the balance between personal passion and professional competence, distinguishing the real metrics of success in education. Join us as we rethink conventional wisdom, moving away from guilt-driven motivations to creating meaningful educational environments that foster collective growth and inspiration. Whether you're an educator, leader, or simply curious about effective leadership strategies, this episode provides a fresh perspective on driving educational innovation.     Question: “How do you discover your why? What are ways to help articulate your why in order to help create a vision/direction for your school?” - Chris (New site principal)   Links: Ask a Question - https://bit.ly/WhatDoesGeorgeSay  Blog Post - https://georgecouros.com/when-you-ask-people-their-why-will-you-be-comfortable-with-their-answer/  What Makes a Great Principal (book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Great-Principal-Leadership/dp/1948334739    __________________________________________ 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/

Join us as we sit down with Charles, an inspiring educator and assistant principal, who has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education. In this episode, Charles shares his journey from a classroom teacher to an assistant principal, while embracing roles as a speaker and author. Discover how he maintains his passion for education through various workshops and speaking engagements, both nationally and internationally.   Throughout the conversation, Charles discusses his innovative approach to leadership, drawing on experiences like his workshop "Is Your Check Engine Light On?" which focuses on preventing burnout in educational leadership. Charles emphasizes the importance of learning from others and continuously growing, regardless of where you are in your career.   The episode offers insights into leading with purpose, balancing personal and professional commitments, and the significance of recharging to avoid burnout. Tune in to hear Charles' tips and stories that will inspire educators at any stage of their career.   Quotes:   “When it feels like a chore, then I get to pause.” - Charles Williams “Spending time, energy, and effort on things that don’t matter...leads to burnout.” - Charles Williams      Links:    Charles William X - https://twitter.com/_cwconsulting    Charles Williams Linktree - https://linktr.ee/_cwconsulting    __________________________________________ 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/

Join us in this engaging episode where we tackle the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, drawing insights from listener questions posed by Jay and Holly. Whether you're embracing a new leadership role or navigating a post-retirement phase, we explore how maintaining a learner's mindset can keep you grounded and impactful. Embrace a community approach, where each voice holds value, and discover how sharing learning experiences can alleviate the pressures of appearing as an expert. Together, we unravel the power of humility and confidence in leadership, encouraging a model where lifting others leads to shared success. Tune in every Thursday this January and be part of a vibrant conversation about growth, learning, and community-building in today's ever-evolving world.   Check out any of George's Books at https://www.amazon.com/shop/gcouros or connect with him at georgecouros.com      

In this episode of "Three Questions with Mike Trego," we delve into the impactful work of the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council, led by Mike Trigo. Join us as we explore the Council's initiatives to develop tools and resources that enhance shared leadership and school improvement across Ohio. Mike shares insights from his extensive career in education, discussing how OLAC supports educators by offering free, accessible professional learning opportunities and valuable resources tailored to diverse educational needs. Learn how Ohio's school districts are leveraging these resources to make a meaningful difference in students' education, despite various challenges. Tune in to discover the importance of inclusive leadership and how upcoming events, such as the OLAC conference, catalyze learning and collaboration among educators. Gain valuable perspectives on fostering a culture of shared leadership and achieving educational excellence in diverse communities.   Quotes: “It is about setting the tone…focusing the direction…” - Mike Trego   Links: Ohio Leadership Advisory Council - https://ohioleadership.org/   Mike Trego, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-trego-edd-797bb632/   __________________________________________       __________________________________________   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/

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "What Does George Say?" where we dive into the pressing question of student retention in education. In this episode, George addresses a thought-provoking question from Paul, a listener from Arkansas, who is concerned about students' ability to retain information from one class to the next. George explores the importance of understanding over mere retention of facts. Drawing on various analogies, such as learning to play an instrument, he highlights the fundamental role of mastering basics to achieve a deeper level of knowledge and wisdom. This episode delves into studies contrasting the effectiveness of different note-taking methods and their impact on recollection and comprehension. Join George as he unfolds the debate on whether retention should be the ultimate goal in education, or should educators aim for a profound understanding of content. Filled with insights, the discussion offers practical advice for teachers on fostering meaningful learning experiences and encourages listeners to share their thoughts and questions. Dive into this compelling exploration of education innovation and leadership.   Links: Ask a Question - https://bit.ly/WhatDoesGeorgeSay   Blog Post - https://georgecouros.com/taking-notes-vs-taking-a-picture-of-notes-which-wins/   __________________________________________   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 the first episode of the Innovator's Mindset podcast for 2025, George Couros shares the importance of discipline over motivation as the new year begins. Couros reflects on his personal challenges from the previous year, including the loss of his two dogs, Cooper and Odom, and how maintaining a consistent routine helped him cope.   Quotes: “Sometimes you have to see yourself as the way you want to become…” - George Couros __________________________________________   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 the first episode, of What Does George Say (working title), George Couros answers a question that was asked through a Google Form he shared in a recent blog post!   The question asked,  “How do you support staff who you know are valuable in your school, but their ability to be dependable (not showing up or giving very late notice for not coming in) and being on time is a consistent concern? Also how do you support them while not lowering the bar for your other employees?” If you are wondering what “George Says” about this topic, be sure to listen to or watch this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast!    Question: “How do you support staff who you know are valuable in your school, but their ability to be dependable (not showing up or giving very late notice for not coming in) and being on time is a consistent concern? Also how do you support them while not lowering the bar for your other employees?” - Submitted via Google Forms   Links: Ask a Question - https://bit.ly/WhatDoesGeorgeSay     __________________________________________   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/

This from a book review of Adam Grant's Hidden Potential. Find it here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Potential-Science-Achieving-Greater/dp/0593676734/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=   In this year-end reflection, George Couros shares insights from Adam Grant's book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things." Although this book is not a new release, Couros emphasizes the book's relevance to personal growth and learning, particularly for educators. Be sure to check out this episode for three of Couros’ takeaways from this reading!  Quotes: “The way you like to learn is what makes you comfortable, but it isn’t necessarily how you learn best. Sometimes, you even learn better in the mode that makes you the most uncomfortable, because you have to work harder at it. This is the first form of courage: being brave enough to embrace discomfort and throw your learning style out the window.” - Adam Grant   “It’s easy for people to be critics or cheerleaders. It’s harder to get them to be coaches. A critic sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sees your strengths and celebrates your best self. A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself.” - Adam Grant   “Character is more than just having principles. It's a learned capacity to live by your principles.” -Adam Grant   Links:  Hidden Potential by Adam Grant (Amazon Link) - https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Potential-Science-Achieving-Greater/dp/0593676734/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

In this special edition of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros shares his experience watching the movie "Wicked" with his daughter, Kallea. Couros reflects on the emotional impact of the film and shares three key takeaways from his experience: the value of giving first impressions a second chance, the importance of supporting others even when they are not present, and how childhood experiences shape our futures. Be sure to listen or watch this episode to hear how the Wicked soundtrack has helped Couros while he runs! Take-Aways: Give a first impression a second chance. Applaud and cheer on others even when they are not in the room. Our hurt and hopes in childhood can shape a lot of the future. You just need someone to believe in you. __________________________________________ 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/