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.

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Episodes

Sunday Oct 29, 2023

George Couros introduces a special video/podcast episode of his email newsletter, Something Profound, Something Professional, and Something Personal! This episode also shares a special announcement about an all-new book that he is working on with Allyson Apsey! Be sure to listen or watch on YouTube to hear an inspiration thought from Robert Sutton, author of Good Boss, Bad Boss, details about the upcoming book release, and why Couros doesn’t want to be “that guy.”
Quotes:
“Would you want to be a student in your own classroom? Would you want to be a staff member at your own school site?” - George Couros
“I am not a big ‘rest’ fan, I am a big ‘recovery’ fan.” - George Couros
“Reflection…time to take ideas and insights, make them your own, and then put something out into the world.” - George Couros
Links:
School vs Learning - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/13094
Good Boss, Bad Boss (Book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0446556076?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=0446556076&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3M1UJOXVPX19P&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
Allyson Apsey Blog - https://allysonapsey.com/
Leading the Whole Teacher (Book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956306358?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1956306358&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3M1UJOXVPX19P&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Thursday Oct 26, 2023

This is a clip from the #FACTS2023 National Conference in Orlando, Florida, where George Couros discussed the obstacles and opportunities in education for both staff and students. If we embrace an Innovator's Mindset, we go beyond the idea of solutions being thrust upon us, but we create them ourselves.
In this portion of the talk, George shares his experience as an educator and dad and how he answered these 3 questions about his own children and their school experience:
1. Will they feel valued in school?
2. Will their teachers look to find and bring out their talents and strengths, or only focus on developing things they struggle to do?
3. If my kids miss school, will they feel that their contributions are missed or that no one noticed they were gone?
Notice that in the language of the clip, that the focus is not only on "students" but learners, which is anyone willing to grow and develop in our communities. If we want students to benefit from these answers, it is imperative that all of the adults feel the same way as well.
Too often, we put the onus on the answers and solutions to these questions on teachers specifically, but this will take entire communities together to rethink and reimagine what school can not only be in the future but what we do today. Many schools and educators have already robust answers to these questions that are setting up students for success.
The entirety of George's talk digs more into these examples of the possibilities of school today by sharing examples from those already doing it. We need to go beyond "thinking different" to "doing different."
To learn more about George, check out his site at georgecouros.ca.
You can also learn more about his speaking events here: https://georgecouros.ca/blog/presentations
You can also check out George's books here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/gcouros/list/2SBTFVTBT0S6X
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

Sunday Oct 22, 2023

This episode showcases a great conversation with Superintendent Dr. Renee Nugent. Couros recently spoke at Dr. Nugent’s school district and appreciated the way that she sets aside time to be in the classrooms. Dr. Nugent shares how she is working to go unnoticed when she is in classrooms and why that is so important to her. Hear all this and how Couros connects it to his own running mentalities in this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast.
“You should never make decisions for classrooms if you are not in classrooms.” - George Couros
Quotes:
“Every week, I make it a priority to get into classrooms.” -Dr.Renee Nugent
“I am not there to criticize, I am there to look for what is good.” - Dr. Renee Nugent
Links:
Dr. Renee Nugent Twitter - https://twitter.com/doc_nuge
Practice Perfect by Doug Lemov, Erica Woolway, and Katie Yezzi (Book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Perfect-Rules-Getting-Better-ebook/dp/B007ZQ34V4
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Thursday Oct 19, 2023

Dr. Renee Nugent joins this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: Three Questions on Educators that Inspire to share her stories about amazing educators who have influenced her in her current role as a superintendent, previous administrators who left an impression, and the advice she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. Hear how Dr. Nugent answers these question in this episode of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire:
Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?
Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?
What is your hope for your first year of teaching?
Quotes:
“Have fun…don‘t sweat the small stuff...laugh and have fun.” - Dr. Renee Nugent
Links:
Dr. Renee Nugent Twitter - https://twitter.com/doc_nuge
Getting to Neutral by Trevor Moawad (book on Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Neutral-Conquer-Negativity-Chaotic/dp/006311190X
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Sunday Oct 15, 2023

George Couros opens this episode with a reflection on the term “scholar.” Couros shares that while he understands the intention of lifting students, but struggles with how connected that term is to academics. This opening reflection connects nicely to the conversation Couros just had with Dr. Tom Toohey, the assistant superintendent of Edison Township Public Schools. Dr. Toohey shares some great strategies and ideas about elevating students. The two share the same mentality that every single student should walk out of a school knowing what their individual gifts are. Watch or listen to this episode for ideas to help students find their own pathway to success that is meaningful to them.
Quotes:
“If you think it is right for kids, do it.” - Dr. Tom Toohey
Links:
Dr. Tom Toohey X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/TToohey_Edison
Dr. Tom Toohey LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-toohey-ed-d-49b718124
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Thursday Oct 12, 2023

Dr. Tom Toohey, the assistant superintendent at Edison Township Public Schools in New Jersey, joins this episode of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire! Dr. Toohey shares some great reflections and stories about his own trials and tribulations as a student. Hear how Dr. Toohey answers these questions and shares powerful strategies for connecting with learners:
Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?
Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?
What is your hope for your first year of teaching?
Quotes:
“You can’t talk and listen at the same time.” - Dr. Tom Toohey
Links:
Dr. Tom Toohey X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/TToohey_Edison
Dr. Tom Toohey LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-toohey-ed-d-49b718124
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Sunday Oct 08, 2023

Andrew Marotta joins this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast! Marotta and Couros have a lot of similarities in their careers - including coaching basketball. Marotta shares a powerful story about how there is “no ‘one’ perfect strategy.” This is a reminder that there is no such thing as a best practice, there are modifications that work for each child. Marotta and Couros have an amazing conversation about the importance of finding different ways to meet the needs of each learner.
Quotes:
“Energy…bring the energy to the building…it is authenticity that is important.” -Andrew Marotta
"There is no one perfect...it is variety...it is all those good things moving together." -Andrew Marotta
Links:
Andrew Marotta Website - https://andrewmarotta.com/product/the-principal-surviving-thriving/
Andrew Marotta Twitter - https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fandrewmarotta.com%2Fproduct%2Fthe-principal-surviving-thriving%2F&text=The+Principal%2C+Surviving+%26+Thriving
& https://twitter.com/andrewmarotta21
Andrew Marotta Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marottaandrew/
Andrew Marotta LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fandrewmarotta.com%2Fproduct%2Fthe-principal-surviving-thriving%2F&title=The%20Principal%2C%20Surviving%20%26%20Thriving&summary=&source=Andrew%20Marotta
Every “Best Practice” in Education Was Once an Innovation (Blog Post) - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/8189
The Process of Teaching and Learning - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/13162
Choice, Happiness & Spaghetti Sauce (TEDTalk with Malcom Gladwell) - https://www.ted.com/talks/malcolm_gladwell_choice_happiness_and_spaghetti_sauce
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Thursday Oct 05, 2023

Andrew Marotta joins this episode of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire! Marotta has so many inspiring stories, he and Couros begin this episode with a conversation about Greece. This story, while it begins as a story about sports, actually has a lesson about education. Marotta even has a Three Questions first in this episode - he actually gives a shout-out to someone who was already recognized on a previous Three Questions episode! Hear all that and be sure to watch or listen for Marotta’s answers to these questions in this episode of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire:
Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?
Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?
What is your hope for your first year of teaching?
Quotes:
“Make those connections early.” - Andrew Marotta
Links:
Andrew Marotta Website - https://andrewmarotta.com/product/the-principal-surviving-thriving/
Andrew Marotta Twitter - https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fandrewmarotta.com%2Fproduct%2Fthe-principal-surviving-thriving%2F&text=The+Principal%2C+Surviving+%26+Thriving
https://twitter.com/andrewmarotta21
Andrew Marotta Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marottaandrew/
Andrew Marotta LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fandrewmarotta.com%2Fproduct%2Fthe-principal-surviving-thriving%2F&title=The%20Principal%2C%20Surviving%20%26%20Thriving&summary=&source=Andrew%20Marotta
Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/Because-Teacher-Stories-Inspire-Education/dp/194833433X
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Sunday Oct 01, 2023

George Couros begins this episode with a reflection on an article he read about literacy rates and the importance of emphasizing strengths as opposed to utilizing a deficit model. In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset with Eric Sheninger, ideas about strengths, interests and values are discussed and how important it truly is to go beyond the “compliment sandwich” and help people feel valued. Couros and Sheninger talk like old friends about everything from blogging to sports!
Quotes:
“...everyone has clarity in terms of what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how they can do it better.” - Eric Sheninger
Links:
Eric Sheniger LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esheninger
Eric Sheninger X - https://twitter.com/E_Sheninger?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Eric Sheninger Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/esheninger/?hl=en
Eric Sheninger Blog - https://esheninger.blogspot.com/
Eric Sheninger Books - https://www.amazon.com/Eric-C.-Sheninger/e/B00DXGGGUQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Friday Sep 29, 2023

0:00 Intro with George Couros
4:02 Intro Music
4:11 Cale Birk
6:21 Taylor Teamann
8:54 Keith Fickel
Episode Introduction
George Couros opens this month-end review with a reflection on his own self-identity and a thought about how we can focus on what kids can do instead of what they can’t do. This shift in thinking is important both in how we treat others and how to help others see themselves in a different way. Couros also shares a quote from Andy Andrews that nicely summarizes the conversations heard in this month’s highlight video!
Cale Birk: Impact Before Action - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast S4 EP31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14nFQz-bi0M
Cale Birk and George Couros have a great conversation about what teaching and learning looks like in the classroom. The two reflect on how leadership is about the term “co” - co-create, co-learn…In this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast - Cale Birk: Impact Before Action, Birk reflects on Couros’ comment about principals who let teachers do whatever they want. f
Taylor Teamann: The First Days of School - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast S4 EP32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecKO3cY1GHo
Taylor Teamann reflects on her first week of teaching in this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset: The First Days of School!
Keith Fickel: Creating New Spaces and Opportunities, Together - The #InnovatorsMindset S4 EP33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUpsSZs8fKs
In this clip from the Innovator’s Mindset Podcast with Keith Fickel, Creating New Spaces and Opportunities, Together, Couros and Fickel have an empowering conversation about what inspired the name of the new school and how the community took part in the design before the school even opened!
__________________________________________
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
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
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

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