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.
Episodes

Jul 21, 2024
Jul 21, 2024
29 min
George Couros welcomes Ryan Imbriale to this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast! Couros opens with a reminder that using technology does not make us innovative. When we focus on deep work that help us be innovative, or doing things that are new and better, we are better serving our learners. This episode with Imbriale shares some great thoughts on how we can make tweaks to help our learning community to be even more successful.
Quotes:
“Patient, caring, and loving…the more we can demonstrate that, the better.” - Ryan Imbriale
“Four key areas of PowerSchool:
student-driven personalized learning
bold leadership & Data
modern education workforce
school-home connection.”
-Ryan Imbriale
Links:
Ryan Imbriale LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-imbriale
Ryan Imbriale PowerSchool - https://www.powerschool.com/on-demand-webinar/top-district-priorities-and-shifts-in-pk-12-education/
George Couros website - https://georgecouros.com/
__________________________________________
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/

Jul 18, 2024
Jul 18, 2024
16 min
Get your copy of "What Makes A Great Principal" here: 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
George Couros and Allyson Apsey continue this 5-part series with a reflection on the fifth pillar, visionary. In this final episode, Couros and Apsey share what it means to be a visionary and how that relates to leadership. Apsey goes in depth into what she means when she talks about a crystal ball meeting and Couros shares why humility is so important in leadership. The two also drop some insights into why visionary is the final pillar!
Quotes:
““Knowing how to bea great principal is good; humility with that knowledge is great.” - What Makes A Great Principal, Pillar 5
Links:
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.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/

Jul 14, 2024
Jul 14, 2024
32 min
This week, George Couros hosts two very special guests, the current Commissioner of Educator, Dr. Margie Vandeven, and the incoming Commissioner of Education, Dr. Karla Eslinger. This week’s impressive guests join this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset to discuss how the two are working to make sure that education both “informs and impacts” the decisions they make. Be sure to hear how Dr. Margie Vandeven explains what she means by a “leadership development system” and how Dr. Karla Eslinger explains the profound impact that education can have.
Quotes:
“Education informs and impacts every aspect of what we do.” - Dr. Karla Eslinger
“This is truly a leadership development system.” - Dr. Margie Vandeven
Links:
Dr. Margie Vandeven LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/margie-vandeven/
Dr. Karla Eslinger X - https://twitter.com/mocommissioner
Missouri Department of Education - https://dese.mo.gov/
George Couros Website - https://georgecouros.com/
__________________________________________
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/

Jul 11, 2024
Jul 11, 2024
29 min
Get "What Makes a Great Principal" here! 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
George Couros and Allyson Apsey continue this 5-part series with a reflection on the fourth pillar, Resource Maximizer. Couros and Apsey share reflections on the writing process and why this pillar is so important. The two discuss strategies for leveraging time to make it a priority to be in classrooms as much as possible.
Quotes:
“The best way to know about obstacles you can help your teachers overcome is by being in classrooms as often as possible.” - What Makes A Great Principal, Pillar 4
Links:
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.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/

Jul 7, 2024
Jul 7, 2024
17 min
David Domena, one of the contributors to the new book, What Makes a Great Principal, joins this episode! In the new book, Domena reflects on the impact a great principal had on him. In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, David Domena and George Couros talk about their experiences in education and the process of editing and publishing a book!
Quotes:
“The Goldilocks effect popped into my mind because she always knew what was just right…” -David Domena Reflecting on a Great Principal
Links:
David Domena X - https://twitter.com/mrdelementary/media
David Domena YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_EUWzzcs8i_2wSVGnrGCtQ
__________________________________________
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/

Jul 4, 2024
Jul 4, 2024
22 min
Get "What Makes a Great Principal" here! 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
George Couros and Allyson Apsey continue this 5-part series with a reflection on the third pillar, Talent Cultivator. Couros and Apsey share a few tweaks that can be made to collaboration to really make it a time to cultivate talent. The two talk in depth about what they learned while writing this book. Be sure to check out next week’s episode on the fourth pillar after taking time to reflect on this week’s question, how do you bring out the strengths in those you serve? Share your ideas in the comments below to help build a resource for educators to utilize.
Quotes:
“Want to cultivate talent? Start with what people are already good at.” - What Makes A Great Principal, Pillar 3
Links:
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.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/

Jul 3, 2024
Jul 3, 2024
19 min
George Couros shares how he is working to develop wisdom. In this solo episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on the importance of meaningful consumption and creation. The focus on purpose and passion very often leads the way to meaningful success. This intro leads into a reflection that George Couros recently had after watching his oldest daughter, Kallea, attend basketball camp! Couros encourages listeners and viewers to create something with this episode - share your thoughts in a blog, vlog, or post!
Quotes:
“The best way to teach is through your actions and how you are modeling things.” - George Couros
“It is all about meaningful consumption and what you create.” - George Couros
Links:
Digital Minimalism (book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Minimalism-Choosing-Focused-Noisy/dp/0525536515
What Makes a Great Principal (book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Great-Principal-Leadership/dp/1948334739
George Couros Website - https://georgecouros.com/
__________________________________________
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/

Jul 3, 2024
Jul 3, 2024
18 min
George Couros shares a reflection about his fitness journey and reminds us that it is possible to be grateful for a struggle. Even if we fall again, there are tools to help us keep going! This message connects to many of the powerful ideas shared by this month’s Innovator’s Mindset Podcast guests!
Description & Time Codes:
0:00 Intro with George Couros
2:07 Intro
2:16 Frank McKay
4:55 Jordan Anderson
14:00 Jasmine Bassilious & Leslie Garrison
Frank McKay: The Intersection Between Research and Innovation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWRFRPtF5eU (clip)
George Couros and Frank McKay reflect on the difference between memorization and deep understanding and how this connects to AI. McKay shares some details about what would make the 2024 Early College Summit successful! Be sure to check out the entire episode with McKay for even more great thoughts.
Jordan Anderson: Personalized Professional Learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwoutd-Pkds
In this clip from the full Innovator’s Mindset Podcast with Jordan Anderson, Personalized Professional Learning, Anderson shares some great strategies for making professional development meaningful!
Tapping Into Individual Gifts to Achieve a Common Goal - The #InnovatorsMindset #Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVPHir1FbpQ
In this Clip, Jasmine Bassilious and Leslie Garrison from Fruitvale School District, share what MTSS looks like in their district and how it is impacting all learners on every tier.
__________________________________________
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/

Jun 30, 2024
Jun 30, 2024
16 min
George Couros kicks this episode off with a reminder that we can control where we are working! The best way to create change in our lives is to initiate it ourselves. With this advice in mind, Couros reflects on 3 tips for getting a new job! If you are interested in this episode, be sure to check out the links below for even more of Couros’ thoughts on this content!
Quotes:
“How do I join you to take you to the next level?” - George Couros
“Let them know you know them…then highlight how you’re going to bring that vision to bring them to that next level.” - George Couros
Links:
Newsletter - https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=9381017234135a9c6d5f7419a&id=855f840548
George Couros Website - https://georgecouros.com/
__________________________________________
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/

Jun 27, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
19 min
Get "What Makes A Great Principal" here: 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
In this week’s episode of What Makes a Great Principal, George Couros and Allyson Apsey reflect on a few ideas shared in Pillar 2, Continuous Learner. Couros and Apsey share a few strategies they are using to model how they are continuous learners!
To be a continuous learner yourself, reflect on this week’s questions:
What has challenged you? What has been reaffirmed? What will you do moving forward? Post your thoughts to these questions or ask these questions of your staff at your next PD! Be sure to share what you will be doing to move forward with your learning!
Quotes:
“We are in the business of learning, and great principals must be continuous learners.” - What Makes a Great Principal, Pillar 2
Links:
What Makes a Great Principal (Book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Great-Principal-Leadership/dp/1948334739
Allyson Apsey Youtube Chanel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWXFwbHsGQNAfbnJNRXa4g/videos
__________________________________________
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/





