The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

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/

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.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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 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

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/

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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George Couros, Mindset Monday, atomic habits, facing adversity, health and wellness, health and wellness in education, exercise, fitness, motivation, #MindsetMonday, how do you have balance as a teacher, motivational monday, health and wellness podcast, motivational podcast, inspiring podcasts, what leads to action, 

 

___________

 

 

👉 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 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/