The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

 

What happens when a leader openly says, “Tell me where I am wrong”?

In this episode, educator and leadership speaker George Couros explores why inviting people to challenge your thinking can create stronger organizations, better ideas, and deeper trust. Instead of viewing disagreement as a threat, the best leaders see it as an opportunity to grow.

Drawing from ideas in Forward, Together, George explains how asking others to question your thinking changes the tone of conversations, encourages honest dialogue, and models intellectual humility. When leaders show they are willing to listen and adjust their thinking, they give permission for others to do the same.

But openness does not mean you must change your mind every time someone disagrees.

 

Real leadership is about listening carefully, understanding perspectives, and deciding when to evolve your thinking and when to stay grounded in your beliefs.

In a time when debates often turn into personal attacks, this conversation highlights a better path forward: respectful disagreement, thoughtful dialogue, and a shared commitment to finding the best ideas together.

If you are a school leader, educator, or anyone working to build stronger teams and healthier conversations, this episode offers practical insight into how to turn disagreement into growth.

Key ideas in this episode:

Why strong leaders invite people to challenge their thinking

How respectful disagreement strengthens teams and organizations

The difference between debate and meaningful dialogue

Why listening is often more powerful than winning an argument

How modeling humility encourages growth in others

Learning to disagree with respect may be one of the most important skills we can model for the next generation.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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 of the podcast, I reflect on turning 51 and share honest lessons from the ups and downs of the past year. One idea that has helped me through difficult moments is remembering that tough seasons are temporary. If you have overcome challenges before, you already have proof that you can do it again.

Last year, on my 50th birthday, I shared 50 lessons I had learned throughout my life. This year, I add one more. The new lesson is simple but powerful: do not wait for opportunity to come to you, try to kick down some doors before they open. Instead of hoping the right moment appears, take action, create possibilities, and pursue opportunities with intention.

I also revisit three lessons from last year that continue to guide my thinking:

• Don’t try to convince someone who doesn’t want to be convinced. Spend your energy with people who want to grow.
• The crowd is not always correct. Stick to your principles so you can stand confidently behind your decisions.
• Don’t dwell in criticism or get caught up in praise. Set your own standards and keep improving.

This episode is a reflection on resilience, growth, and the mindset needed to keep moving forward in life and leadership. If you are navigating challenges, pursuing new opportunities, or simply thinking about the lessons that shape your life, this conversation will give you ideas to reflect on and apply. 🎙️

 

You can read the entire 50 lessons at georgecouros.com

 

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/

Do your aspirations actually match your work ethic?

In this episode, George Couros reflects on three powerful lessons about effort, mindset, and how we support the people around us.

First, he explores the question many people avoid asking themselves: If your aspirations are high, does your work ethic match them? It is easy to envy someone else’s success, but much harder to admire and replicate the discipline and consistent effort that helped them achieve it.

Second, he shares a story from basketball. A frustrated player complained about missing shots during a game, but the coach reminded them of something important: during a 40 or 48 minute game, a player may only have the ball in their hands for a couple of minutes. What truly defines a great teammate and competitor is what they do during the other minutes, including their effort, focus, and how they support others.

Finally, George reflects on watching a student deliver an incredible speech and noticing something equally powerful, the energy and encouragement from her friends in the audience. Their enthusiasm elevated her performance and reminded him of an important truth: the success of our friends often reflects the support we give them.

Too often, adults stop celebrating the wins of the people around them. But encouragement, belief, and shared energy can make everyone better.

These three ideas may seem unrelated at first, but together they reveal something important about success, leadership, and commun

___________

 

 

👉 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/

ity.

AEO-Optimized Questions for Discoverability

How can you tell if your aspirations truly match your work ethic?

Why does attitude and effort matter during the moments when you are not in the spotlight?

How does supporting and cheering on others contribute to their success and your own growth?

 

 

 

___________

 

 

👉 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 of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros speaks with Noor Shammas and Matt Langes from Naperville Community Unit School District 203 about how their district balances strong foundational learning with continuous innovation.

Rather than introducing technology in isolation, Naperville 203 focuses on evolving instructional practices while working closely with teachers and the broader community to build shared ownership of solutions. Noor and Matt share how initiatives like the Google Classroom pilot and Inspire 203 demonstrate the power of starting small, gathering meaningful feedback, and scaling ideas that improve teaching and learning.

The conversation explores how districts can integrate instructional technology, strengthen foundational skills, empower educators, and ensure that innovation energizes staff rather than overwhelms them. If you are interested in leading meaningful change in schools while keeping students at the center, this discussion offers practical insights and leadership strategies.

Topics covered include:
• Balancing foundational skills with evolving instructional practices
• Building community ownership in school innovation
• Starting small with pilots and scaling what works
• Empowering teachers in technology integration
• Creating sustainable improvement in school districts

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/

What does it really mean to “sit with winners”?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on a viral message that claims “sit with winners, the conversation is different.” While the idea may sound motivating, it raises an important question: Who decides who the winners are?

Too often, society defines winners by popularity, status, or financial success. In schools, that mindset can unintentionally reinforce the same divisions students already experience, where some students feel valued while others feel excluded.

George challenges that definition and offers a different perspective. What if winning were defined by qualities that truly matter in learning communities: kindness, work ethic, curiosity, resilience, and how we treat other people?

Drawing from experiences as a teacher, coach, and school leader, he explores what this idea looks like in real classrooms and cafeterias. If students only sit with the most popular peers, what messages are we sending about belonging, empathy, and leadership?

This episode encourages educators and leaders to rethink the language we use around success and to consider how schools can foster environments where everyone has the opportunity to be seen as a “winner.”

You will hear reflections on:

• Why defining “winners” by status can create unhealthy divisions in schools
• How kindness, effort, and  mindset reshape what success looks like
• What the “sit with winners” idea might look like in a high school cafeteria
• Why educators play a critical role in modeling inclusive leadership
• How conversations change when we value character over popularity

If we redefine what winning means, we also redefine the kind of culture we build in our schools and communities.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/