The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

How Leaders Build Trust and Community: A Conversation on "Forward, Together" with Cristina Capretta

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
Guest host Cristina Capretta, a district communications director, joins George Couros for a practical and candid conversation about his new book Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. Cristina shares her biggest takeaways from the book and reflects on how communication leaders can help move schools from conflict to community by shaping the district story, building strong relationships, and inviting staff into meaningful collaboration.
The episode explores real examples from district communication work, how to address criticism with clarity and care, and how storytelling helps teams feel understood and connected. George and Cristina also talk about the emotional weight educators carry and how leaders can create space for staff to grow, learn, and feel supported.
They discuss how AI can enhance communication, improve productivity, and support creative work while keeping empathy, authenticity, and human judgment at the forefront.
Listeners will walk away with practical insights for strengthening culture, improving communication, and building more connected school communities.
 
 
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👉 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/

3 Habits for Growth, Letting Go, and Self-Belief - George Couros

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
What are simple, practical ways to start the year focused on growth without relying on resolutions?
In this podcast episode, George Couros shares three intentional habits he is carrying into the new year that have helped him improve his mindset, energy, and sense of purpose. Rather than adding more to an already full plate, this conversation focuses on addition by subtraction and doing the inner work that actually lasts.
You will hear reflections on:
• Why subtracting from to-do lists can be more motivating than adding to them• How surrounding yourself with the right people, while letting go of grudges, can free up mental and emotional energy• What it really means to learn to clap for yourself, without ego or comparison
George also connects this idea of self-belief to a key theme from his book Forward, Together, especially the importance of being proud of your work without feeling the need to shrink for others.
This episode is especially relevant for educators, leaders, and anyone looking to start the year with clarity, intention, and confidence.
If you are focused on personal growth, leadership mindset, and building habits that actually serve you, this episode is for you.
 
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👉 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:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
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/

Lead From Who You Are: The Personal, People, and Process Rhythms of Meaningful Leadership

Check out "Lead from Who You Are" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0cAIwv7
 
In this episode, George Couros sits down with Joe Sanfelippo to explore the ideas behind Joe’s new book, Lead From Who You Are. Their conversation focuses on what intentional leadership really looks like in everyday moments, especially when pressure, noise, and self-doubt creep in.
Joe shares powerful insights on leadership rhythms like presence, the power of the pause, consistency, and how small interactions quietly shape trust and influence over time. Rather than performative leadership, this conversation centers on being grounded in who you are and how that clarity impacts the people around you.
They discuss why the negative inner voice often feels louder than the supportive one, and how leaders can stay anchored in their values when that voice shows up. Along the way, they share personal stories, practical strategies, and reflections that listeners can apply immediately in schools, organizations, and life.
The conversation also includes lighthearted moments, family reflections, and a little Chicago Bears talk, reminding us that leadership is human, relational, and built in moments that often go unnoticed.
This episode is a thoughtful and practical listen for educators, leaders, and anyone who wants to lead with greater intention, presence, and authenticity.
Featuring:George CourosJoe Sanfelippo, author of Lead From Who You Are
Key ideas explored:• Leading with presence and clarity• The power of pausing before reacting• How consistency builds trust• Managing negative self-talk• Why small moments matter more than big gestures
If you are looking for leadership that starts from the inside and shows up authentically on the outside, this conversation is for you.

From Burnout to Impact: Jayme Braida on Literacy, Leadership, and Resilient Schools

In this episode, George Couros sits down with Jayme Braida, a National Distinguished Principal from rural Iowa, to explore her journey from classroom teacher to award-winning school leader.
Jayme shares her deep commitment to early literacy, the science of reading, and how intentional instructional leadership led to significant student growth in her school community. She discusses practical insights into building systems that support both teachers and learners, especially in rural settings.
The conversation also dives into Jayme’s personal leadership journey, including navigating family trauma, divorce, and professional burnout. She reflects on how these experiences shaped her empathy, strengthened her leadership approach, and reinforced the importance of caring for both students and staff as whole people.
This episode is a powerful reminder that effective school leadership is rooted not only in evidence-based practices, but also in humanity, resilience, and trust.
Learn more about Jayme and her work at https://www.jaymebraida.com/
 
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👉 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:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
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/

Brad Gustafson & George Couros on Leading With Principles, Perspective, & Purpose | #ForwardTogether

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
Brad Gustafson and George Couros explore the core ideas behind George’s book Forward, Together, focusing on what principled leadership looks like in real schools, with real people, and real challenges.
In this conversation, they unpack practical leadership concepts educators can actually use, including the “warm bath, cold shower” approach to feedback, why pointing at yourself first matters, and how inviting respectful pushback can strengthen trust rather than fracture relationships. George shares why leadership frameworks never work perfectly, because people are always the variable, and how perspectives help leaders stay grounded when situations become emotionally charged or complex.
 
Through short, honest stories, Brad and George highlight the role of vulnerability, nuance, and elevating others in building stronger school communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, this discussion emphasizes clarity about who you want to be, how you hold conversations when it is hardest, and why principled leadership matters most in moments of tension.
 
This episode is especially relevant for educators, school leaders, and anyone navigating difficult conversations while trying to move a community forward together.
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👉 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:
 
Forward, Together:
 
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
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/

Erik Francis on Deeper Learning, Depth of Knowledge and the Skills Needed for the Future of Education

In this conversation, Erik Francis, founder of Maverick Education, shares his journey from English teacher and school administrator to author and consultant. Erik explains how his work around Depth of Knowledge (DOK) and purposeful questioning helps teachers move beyond surface learning and into deeper understanding.
The discussion explores real classroom examples, visible learning practices, differentiation, and how thoughtful questioning builds curiosity, care, and student ownership. Erik also unpacks the five C’s of future-ready education and why relationships and relevance remain central to meaningful learning. The episode wraps up with a fun, unexpected conversation about professional wrestling and connection.
This episode is ideal for teachers, instructional coaches, principals, and district leaders looking for practical strategies to improve engagement and learning through intentional instructional design.
 
Check out "Inquiring Minds Want to Learn" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4kE6yVO
 
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👉 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:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
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/

Why Forward, Together Starts With Community, Not Consensus - Check out the Intro of my latest book!

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
This episode is a reading of the introduction chapter from my book Forward, Together. It shares the thinking behind why schools thrive when we focus less on being right and more on moving forward together. This chapter is an invitation to rethink conflict, community, and what it truly means to work together for kids. If this opening connects with you, the rest of the book builds on these ideas in practical, hopeful ways.
 
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👉 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:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
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/

Fitness Habits for Educators & How to Keep Appointments With Yourself With Holli Elliott

In this podcast conversation, Holli Elliott shares practical fitness habits for educators and busy parents who want to stay healthy without unrealistic routines. Holli explains why keeping appointments with yourself matters as much as honoring commitments to others, and how this mindset helps build consistency.
The discussion explores the simplest ways to get up and exercise every day, even during demanding school schedules, and how teachers can maintain physical fitness while balancing family life. This episode offers realistic strategies for energy, discipline, and long-term wellness that fit real lives, not perfect plans.
This conversation is ideal for educators, school leaders, and anyone looking to build sustainable fitness habits while managing work, family, and personal health.
In this podcast conversation, Holli Elliott shares practical fitness habits for educators and busy parents who want to stay healthy without unrealistic routines. Holli explains why keeping appointments with yourself matters as much as honoring commitments to others, and how this mindset helps build consistency. The discussion explores the simplest ways to get up and exercise every day, even during demanding school schedules, and how teachers can maintain physical fitness while balancing family life. This episode offers realistic strategies for energy, discipline, and long-term wellness that fit real lives, not perfect plans. This conversation is ideal for educators, school leaders, and anyone looking to build sustainable fitness habits while managing work, family, and personal health.
 
Connect with Holli here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollielliott_/?hl=en
 
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👉 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:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
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/
 

Forward, Together: Why Community, Confidence, & Conversation Matter in Education - w/ Lauren Kaufman

You can get your copy of "Forward, Together" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9e5mHOy
 
In this podcast conversation, George Couros is joined by Lauren Kaufman to explore the ideas behind Forward, Together and why community is essential for meaningful change in education. Lauren shares how the book resonated with her experiences as an educator and leader, especially its invitational tone, focus on collaboration, and emphasis on learning through reflection and failure.
Together, they discuss the importance of confidence, noticing growth, and understanding personal context in teaching and leadership. George reflects on the inspiration behind the book, his pride in highlighting successful communities, and how conversation and reflection shape both leadership and learning.
This episode is for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in building stronger communities, leading with purpose, and moving education forward together through understanding rather than agreement.
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👉 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:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
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/
 

Leading With Grace: Hope, Authenticity, and Retaining Great Educators | Julia Bialeski

In this episode, I sit down with Julia Bialeski to explore what it means to lead with authenticity, sustain hope, and focus on people in today’s schools. Drawing from her book Leading With Grace, Julia shares practical insights for leaders at every stage, from new principals navigating imposter syndrome to experienced educators working through burnout.
Our conversation highlights why authenticity matters in leadership, how hope helps school communities navigate challenge and change, and what leaders can do differently to support recruitment and retention in teacher education. Julia offers real examples and actionable strategies for building trust, strengthening communication, and leading with empathy, even in high-pressure moments.
This episode is especially valuable for principals, district leaders, teacher educators, and aspiring administrators who want to grow their leadership practice while keeping relationships, culture, and purpose at the center of their work.
Topics include:
Why authenticity builds trust and credibility
The role of hope in sustaining educators and school communities
Practical strategies for teacher recruitment and retention
Supporting new leaders through self-doubt and uncertainty
Leading people with clarity, empathy, and confidence
Connect with Julia Bialeski on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bialeski-7a4a122a9/
Find her book, Leading With Grace, on Amazon:https://a.co/d/016m48U
 
___________
 
 
👉 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:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
 
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/