The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

This episode of #MindsetMonday talks about facing hard truths. George Couros reflects on how he had avoided his own advice as he reflects on his fitness journey and works to be a problem-finder and a problem-solver. Couros shares the moment where he faced the hard truth about his weight - identified the problem - and used the resources he had to create solutions that immediately addressed the problem.
Links:
Lumen - https://lumen.me/
Questions (PIP):
I cannot fix problems that I don't know exist.
How do we become problem-finders and problem-solvers?
What is the specific problem?
What are 1-2 things that will help you?
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
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/

Because of a Teacher is now avaiable! Get your copy at linktr.ee/gcouros
Inspired from a recent podcast focused on showing gratitude to educators that focused on the book, Because of a Teacher (bit.do/BOAT), this podcast shares a way to get students involved in creating a school podcast - asking students who is a teacher/educator/staff member that inspired you and why. This could be a short story shared by students which is powerful because the students share gratitude to their teachers. This could also be an opportunity for professional development where schools can reflect on what the students value about others. Couros also shares a way to get input from parents and caregivers that will help their voices be heard in the school decision-making process. A final note from Couros shares two important reasons to reflect - reflecting is a way to share learning and also a way to learn. The closing question asks, “How do you process learning?”
Links:
BECAUSE of a TEACHER: Livia Chan, Dwight Carter, and George Couros - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnCxWW1ho8c
Because of a Teacher on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Because-Teacher-Stories-Inspire-Education/dp/194833433X
George Couros’ Weekly Emails - https://bit.do/GeorgeMail
Quotes:
"It is better to show gratitude too early rather than too late."
"Do we model the learning that we expect from our kids?"
"Do you take that time to not only reflect but to openly reflect?"
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
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/

Join this three guest episode of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire and hear how Tori Dennie, Jenny Richards, and Melisa LeBlanc respond to these questions:
Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?
Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?
What advice would you give your first-year teacher-self?
This episode is full of great ideas and educator resources for genius hour, building relationships, making connections, creating a culture where risk taking is encouraged, and empowering learners!
Links:
Melisa LeBlanc Twitter - https://twitter.com/leblanc_melisa
Tori Dennie Twitter - https://twitter.com/ToriDennie
Jenny Richard Twitter - https://twitter.com/mrsrichardsjen
#bookclubIM on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hashtag/bookclubim?src=hash
Innovator’s Mindset (book on Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity-ebook/dp/B016YTBZKO
Quotes:
"If you don't have the trust and support from your admin to take risks...then what is the point?" - Tori Dennie
"...leverage different tools that help you connect outside of the classroom." - Melissa LeBlanc
"...teach something that excites you! " - Jenny Richards
"When you build relationships, it speeds up everything else that you have to do." - George Couros

"Because of a Teacher" is now available for purchase! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
George Couros shares an uplifting #MindsetMonday where he asks viewers and listeners to think about three questions:
Who are the people who have had the most impact on your life and what characteristics do they have in common?
How are you the person that you need for yourself to others?
Who is someone that you feel constantly lifts you up? Reach out to that person!
Throughout this episode, Couros mixes storytelling and curiosity as he works to share some ways that he is being more cognizant of how he spends his time and who he spends his time with!
Links:
4 Ways To Not Let Others Dim Your Light - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/7751
This is What Depression Looks Like - https://ifunny.co/picture/this-is-what-depression-looks-like-5ChpxSY67
Questions (PIP):
Who do you surround yourself with? Do they lift you up or do they make you feel worse?
Where is the criticism coming from and how is it delivered?
How do you lift others up?
How do others make you feel?
Are my days filled with what fills me up?
How are you the person that you need for yourself to others?
Who are the people who have had the most impact on your life and what characteristics do they have in common?
Who is someone that you feel constantly lifts you up? Reach out to that person!

Because of a Teacher is now available! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
What are the needs of the community? Who are the people we serve? How do we create the best experience possible for the people we are closest to?
These opening questions outline this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: Building the World's Greatest School! A Convo with Scott Cavanias, Jessica Delavigne, and Richard Parkhouse. This episode is an Innovator’s Mindset Podcast first - three guests are showcased on this episode! The four learners in this episode have a conversation centered around the practices and relationships that are being built at Alvarado Intermediate School. Richard Parkhouse also shares more about his book, Building the World’s Greatest High School. Parkhouse shares how this is not limited to the school itself, it expands to the people who are part of that school - the students, the teachers, the community, the school band, the night staff, the day staff… Cavania, Delavigne, Parkhouse, and Couros talk about how the vision at Alvarado was created and how it is upheld; the group also talks about ways to move forward and finding a path to success in a way that is meaningful to the learner.
Links:
Scott Cavanias Twitter - @AIS_Principal - https://twitter.com/AIS_Principal
Jessica Delavigne Twitter - @jdelavigne_rusd - https://twitter.com/jdelavigne_rusd
Richard Parkhouse Twitter - @4Renpark - https://twitter.com/4Renpark
Building the World’s Greatest High School on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Building-Worlds-Greatest-High-School-ebook/dp/B00BK9WZX0/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=building+the+worlds+greatest+high+school&qid=1632447928&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Richard Parkhouse Amazon books - https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Parkhouse/e/B002HQFV2M%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Innovate Inside the Box on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Inside-Box-Empowering-Innovators-ebook/dp/B07WG9P1DX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=innovate+inside+the+box&qid=1632447312&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
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
The Innovator's Mindset:https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity/dp/0986155497/ref=zg_bs_69830_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ARY8KZTA242NVFMHF9X0
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Inside-Box-Empowering-Innovators/dp/1948334127/ref=zg_bs_69830_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=75E0ZS6R2J330FAM9Y0A
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Because of a Teacher is now available! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Dr. Shaun Carey joins The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: Three Questions on Educators that Inspire and brings so many great ideas and thoughts to the episode. Dr. Carey started off with a story about a previous educator who he had as an elementary student and reflected on how strong relationships were built through storytelling. Hear how the power of storytelling is shared as Dr. Carey answers these questions on 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 advice would you give your first-year teacher-self?
Links:
Dr. Shaun V. Carey Twitter - https://twitter.com/shaunvcarey?lang=en
Dr. Shaun V. Carey LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-carey-857a8692
Quotes:
"Don't take yourself too seriously...we feel like we have to be that person who knows everything and can do everything...we are growing and learning every day."
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
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/

This episode of #MindsetMondays starts off with a shout-out to Lainie Rowell who is one of the authors featured in #BecauseOfATeacher and she is starting her own gratitude journey! Couros reflects on the importance of gratitude and shares a reminder from Patrick Larkin who asked his blog followers to “find one thing each day that you are grateful for that would not have been possible if we were not in these unique circumstances.” Couros shares two questions that he read in an article by Tim Denning, titled, The Most Important Way to Measure Your Day: 1. Did I learn one new thing today? 2. Did I help or inspire one person? Couros also adds a third question: 3. Did I show gratitude to someone who has had a positive impact on me? Couros encourages listeners and viewers to reflect on these three questions and share the answers with others or share using #MindsetMonday!
Links:
Edutopia Article: Cultivating a Culture of Authentic Gratitude - https://www.edutopia.org/article/cultivating-culture-authentic-gratitude
Lainie Rowell: Instagram Gratitude Post - https://www.instagram.com/p/CUcyazZFX2T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Is Gratitude Good for Your Health - https://www.google.com/url?q=https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/is_gratitude_good_for_your_health&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1633038204110000&usg=AOvVaw2gz6_x8GnT6BbqjMLk2Gk0
Patrick Larkin Blog Post: Never A Better Time To Practice #Gratitude - https://www.google.com/url?q=https://patrickmlarkin.blog/2020/03/17/never-a-better-time-to-practice-gratitude/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1633037808558000&usg=AOvVaw1B05LehfevAB3HRI2ASLns
The Most Important Way to Measure Your Day - https://medium.com/the-ascent/the-most-important-way-to-measure-your-day-e43a8a042b63
Questions (PIP):
What are you grateful for?
How will recognizing what you are grateful for help you and help others?
Did I learn one new thing today?
Did I help or inspire one person?
Did I show gratitude to someone who has had a positive impact on me?

Because of a Teacher is now available! Get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Joshua Stamper, an assistant principal, shares his experience in education - from a graphic designer to teacher, coach, and now assistant principal and author, Stamper reflects on what it means to be an aspiring leader. Stamper also shares more about his book, Aspire to Lead, and what Aspire stands for:
ACTIVATE your journey
Find SUPPORT from other leaders
PERSEVERE through challenges
Discover your IDENTITY
Grow in your REFLECTION
And EXECUTE your vision!
Couros and Stamper talk about the importance of consistently pushing ourselves. Couros and Stamper have a conversation about a blog post, 4 Attributes of a Great Assistant Principal, where Couros lays out these 4 character strengths: self-starters, determined to work towards success, determined to work towards success, they will challenge authority. Couros and Stamper close out this episode with a funny story that leads Couros to stop checking his luggage when he travels. Listen to this episode to find out why Couros is a carry-on-only traveler, hear more about Stamper’s new book, Aspire to Lead, and even more entertaining and equally inspiring stories and ideas from both Couros and Stamper!
Links:
Aspire to Lead (book by Joshua Stamper) - https://www.amazon.com/Aspire-Lead-Joshua-Stamper/dp/1953852386
4 Attributes of a Great Assistant Principal - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/3635
Aspire Podcast - https://joshstamper.com/aspire-episodes/
AJ Juliani Failure Report - https://www.ajjuliani.com/blog/my-2020-failing-report
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/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity/dp/0986155497/ref=zg_bs_69830_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ARY8KZTA242NVFMHF9X0
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Inside-Box-Empowering-Innovators/dp/1948334127/ref=zg_bs_69830_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=75E0ZS6R2J330FAM9Y0A
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Because of a Teacher is now available on Amazon! Pick up your copy at linktr.ee/gcouros
George Couros welcomes back Lauren Kaufman who is a newly appointed assistant principal! Couros and Kaufman discuss the challenges and excitement around this new role and Kaufman shares how, in 2021, she is staying solution-oriented and focusing on building relationships. The two talk about the new release, Because of a Teacher, and writing a blog! All this even before Couros and Kaufman talk about these three questions:
Who is a teacher that has inspired you and why?
Who is an administrator that has inspired you and why?
What advice would you give your first-year teacher-self?
Links:
Lauren Kaufman Twitter - https://twitter.com/Lau7210
Lauren Kaufman Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurenmkaufman/
Lauren Kaufman Blog - https://laurenmkaufman.com/
Because of a Teacher on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Because-Teacher-Stories-Inspire-Education/dp/194833433X
3 Ways Blogging Has Helped Me Grow as a Learner - https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/8520
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
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/

At the beginning of this podcast, I share a little story about how sometimes not getting what you want, can be the best thing that can happen to you!
Check out some of the highlights from the month with these incredible educators!
Meghan Lawson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q35SDwov9uQ
Meghan Lawson shares an incredibly vulnerable story about her first-grade teacher and an incredibly difficult time in her personal life. Hear the story about how Lawson’s grade one teacher made such a memorable impact on Lawson in this clip of Three Questions on Educators that Inspire with Meghan Lawson!
Joshua Stamper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsqe_JaVhLU
Joshua Stamper shares some powerful advice for aspiring administrators. Stamper and Couros talk about creating opportunities and building relationships in this clip from Three Questions on Educators that Inspire with Joshua Stamper. This clip is great reminder to show that you can lead before you are asked to do it.
Dr. Kischa Campbell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3UJfQRfCl4
Dr. Kischa Campbell explains how we are three-part beings and shares the reason behind meditation. Dr. Campbell also shares musical suggestions based on situations and lifestyles. This clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: SEL and Mindfulness; How to Elevate Yourself and Others - A Convo with Dr. Kischa Campbell, talks about how to calm ourselves down to listen and focus.
Dr. Matthew Joseph - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq1h-aLBrxM
Dr. Matthew Joseph shares how a teacher inspired him to write daily by differentiating the writing assignments required for the semester and allowing Dr. Joseph to keep a journal. This enjoyment of writing was inspired because the educator recognized the needs of the learner and empowered Dr. Joseph to take ownership of his own learning.
Dr. Shaun V. Carey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hBUAsQUebw
George Couros asks Dr. Shaun V. Carey how he makes decisions that will ultimately do what is best for kids even when he knows he will get pushback. Hear Dr. Carey’s answer and how he connects it back to the importance of relationships in this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: Thriving in a New Role - A Convo with Dr. Shaun Carey. Couros also shares his own thoughts on this topic as a parent instead of an educator.

Scott Cavanias, Jessica Delavigne, and Richard Parkhouse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Gew2fDspU
This clip starts off with Scott Cavanias, Jessica Delavigne, and Richard Parkhouse sharing the advice they would have appreciated earlier on in their careers. George Couros also reflects on a quote that has gotten some pushback from others. Couros shares that his job is to help kids find a path to success in a way that is meaningful to them, not to define what success is for them. The closing reminder, surround yourself with awesome people, sums up this episode and this group of educators!

Stacey Wood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7fZ8IbTFKQ
In this clip from the full episode of The Innovator’s Mindset: Developing Problem-Finders in the Classroom - A Convo with Stacey Wood, Couros and Wood hold a conversation about ways to take positives out of hard situations, this does not mean ignoring the struggles. Wood shares more about how she asks learners about the impact they want to have on others. Some great thoughts, stories, and quotes are shared in this short clip!
Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros
George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519
Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
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/