The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this conversation with Dr. Peggy Buffington from the Hobart School District, we explore what it looks like to build a future-focused school system while honoring the traditions and values that make a community strong.

Known as the Brickies, Hobart has embraced the mindset of “building the future one brick at a time,” combining innovation, work ethic, and opportunity to create powerful outcomes for students. Peggy shares how the district chose not to fear artificial intelligence when tools like ChatGPT emerged, but instead created teacher pilot groups to explore how AI could expand learning opportunities for students and staff.

We also dive into Hobart’s remarkable early college program, where students can graduate with associate’s degrees, college credits, and industry certifications in areas like Adobe, Microsoft, Autodesk, and healthcare. The program not only saves families thousands of dollars, but also helps students discover meaningful career pathways before making expensive post-secondary decisions.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss:
• Why innovation is about finding “new and better ways” to support learning
• How schools can approach AI with curiosity instead of fear
• The importance of productive struggle for both educators and students
• Scaling great ideas across a school community
• Learner-centered approaches to technology, one-to-one devices, and cell phone policies
• Why schools remain the bedrock of strong communities

Peggy also shares how Hobart’s culture encourages educators to take risks, share ideas openly, and continue learning together while staying deeply connected to the traditions that define the district.

If you are interested in AI in education, innovative leadership, early college pathways, or creating schools that prepare students for an ever-changing future, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring stories.

 

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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/

This episode dives into a deeply personal story that reveals how a single moment in childhood can leave a lasting imprint on confidence, identity, and future direction. Reflecting on an experience of being belittled by peers and unsupported by an adult, the conversation explores how negative moments can linger, but also how the presence of a caring adult can redefine how those moments are remembered.

The episode highlights a powerful truth, that growth and pain are not mutually exclusive. While adversity can shape resilience and lead to unexpected opportunities, it does not erase the emotional weight of the experience. From quitting hockey to finding confidence through basketball, this story emphasizes how belief, opportunity, and environment can transform a child’s trajectory.

Ultimately, this conversation is a reflection for educators, parents, and leaders. It challenges us to consider the impact we have in everyday interactions, and how small actions, or inaction, can shape how young people see themselves for years to come.

3 Takeaways:

A single supportive adult can dramatically influence how a child processes both positive and negative experiences.

Confidence grows through opportunity and belief, not just natural ability or talent.

Difficult experiences can build resilience, but they can also leave lasting emotional impact, both can be true at the same time.

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/

In this conversation with Rob Santos, we explore the powerful role of teaching artists in education, creativity, and personal growth. Rob shares how great educators do more than inspire passion, they help students confront frustration, injustice, and even hate in ways that push them toward meaningful action and deeper purpose.

We also discuss why vulnerability matters in teaching. Rob explains that students should not only feel known by their teachers, but should also know who their teachers are as people. That connection helps students see themselves in the learning process and creates classrooms built on trust, empathy, and authenticity.

Beyond education, we dive into Rob’s journey in comedy and storytelling, including his television series Beige on Tubi, and how humor can open doors to difficult but important conversations.

You’ll also find information below about the upcoming Arts for Learning HOT Schools Conference, where we continue conversations around creativity, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences for students and educators.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why strong emotions can fuel purpose and growth
• The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in teaching
• How students connect more deeply when they know their teachers as people
• Creativity, comedy, and storytelling as tools for learning
• Rob Santos’s work on Beige and his journey as an artist and educator

Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raggedy_rob/

Beige on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/series/300016636/beige

Arts for Learning HOT Schools Conference: https://www.aflct.org/programs/higher-order-thinking-hot-schools/

If you are passionate about education, creativity, leadership, or helping students find purpose through meaningful experiences, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/

Check out "Forward, Together" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

 

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful shifts in leadership and education today: how to move from conflict to connection. Inspired by ideas from Forward, Together, this conversation focuses on what it truly takes to turn disagreement into progress and transform adversaries into advocates.

Rather than trying to “win” conversations, the key is learning to listen with the intention to understand, not respond. When people feel heard and see their perspectives reflected in the direction of a community, they are far more likely to move from resistance to ownership. As highlighted in Forward, Together, meaningful change starts when we are open to the possibility that our own thinking might evolve.

This episode unpacks practical strategies for educators and leaders who want to build trust, foster collaboration, and create environments where diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes, not deeper divides.

If you want to dive deeper into these ideas and explore actionable ways to shift from opposition to partnership, read more here:
https://mailchi.mp/50b139516bdc/forward-together-adversaries-to-advocates-15556927

Whether you are leading a school, a team, or a community, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you engage with disagreement and how you build something better, together.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/

In this conversation, I sit down with Christine Dyer to explore the often overlooked role of time and patience in meaningful learning and leadership. We discuss how creating intentional space for reflection supports both student growth and adult development, and why slowing down can actually accelerate progress in education.

Christine also shares her family’s journey from Guatemala to Alaska, highlighting how shifts in environment, light, and culture can deepen our understanding of time, ecology, and relevance in learning. Her perspective challenges us to rethink how we structure time in schools, not as something to manage, but as something to design with purpose.

If you are an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers practical and reflective insights on creating the conditions for growth, for yourself and for those you serve.

 

Check out Christine's site here: https://www.msdyer.com/

 

3 Questions for Conversation:

 

How intentionally are we designing time for reflection, rather than just reacting to what fills it?

In what ways are we modeling patience and growth for others, not just expecting it from them?

How might a shift in environment or perspective help us, or our students, see time, learning, and relevance differently?

___________

 

 

👉 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/