Principles are most important when they are the hardest to maintain: Behind look at Forward,Together
George Couros shares a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming book Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. He explains the book’s two-part structure of principles and perspectives, how editing and feedback shaped the final work, and the publishing choices he made to protect his authentic voice.
Through personal stories and reflections, George emphasizes the importance of holding to core values in difficult times while listening to trusted critical friends. This episode provides practical insights into the writing and publishing process, as well as lessons for educators on staying true to their values, fostering community, and leading with purpose.
___________
👉 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:
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/
--------
12:07
--------
12:07
Building Better Rituals: Time, Focus, and Gratitude with Lainie Rowell - S6EP 46
In this inspiring episode, George Couros and longtime friend Lainie Rowell explore how to take back your attention and design a life of intentional focus. They unpack the difference between habits and rituals, sharing practical strategies like single-tasking, creating “speed bumps” to reduce distractions, and setting up the night before to start each day with clarity and purpose.
Through stories of interviews, gratitude, and surrounding yourself with excellence, George and Lainie show how small daily choices can profoundly impact connection, creativity, and personal growth.
Check out Lainie's website:
Also, the infamous sunrise alarm clock!
___________
👉 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:
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/
--------
25:28
--------
25:28
More than College; Helping Learners Find a Pathway to Success that is Meaningful to Them
In this episode, George Couros explores why college is not the only route to fulfillment or success in today’s world and that there are more pathways today for our learners than we sometimes acknowledge.
Think of this quote:
“The world only cares about—and pays off on—what you can do with what you know (and it doesn’t care how you learned it).”Thomas Friedman
How do we determine who we hire in some of our own opportunities? Is it based on the school they went to, or the type of work they have done? There are so many different ways to learn, meaning there are more opportunities than ever.
George reflects on his own experiences and what he has learned by watching someone he mentored grow his business without attending school for it. Justin, a self-taught photographer, built a thriving business based on talent and initiative, not degrees.
If we believe that our work is to help learners find a pathway to success that is meaningful to them, it is imperative they learn to define success for themselves, and see different opportunities for those pursuits.
This conversation encourages educators, parents, and students to redefine what success means and to create learning paths that align with each learner’s strengths and passions.
--------
10:41
--------
10:41
Embedding Innovation in Education with Greg Mertz | New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) S6EP45
In this episode of the podcast, George Couros sits down with Greg Mertz from the New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), an independent middle and high school that integrates human-centered design thinking into every aspect of learning. NEIA’s approach goes beyond traditional electives, weaving innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship into all subjects.
Greg shares how NEIA uses makerspaces, AI, and virtual reality not as add-ons, but as tools that connect disciplines and bring learning to life. You will hear how their entrepreneurship and innovation class complements the broader curriculum, how educators embed innovation into science, math, and humanities, and why seeing students as people first helps them grow with compassion, creativity, and character.
Listen to this episode to discover how schools can empower students to explore their passions, work collaboratively, and prepare for a rapidly changing world.
Links:
Learn more about NEIA: https://neiacademy.org/
George Couros Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497
What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739
Podcast & Resources: http://bensound.com/
--------
16:51
--------
16:51
What Moving Changed for Our Family and Appreciation for My Parents' Immigration Story
In this heartfelt episode, George Couros reflects on the profound impact that moving has had on his family and the deep appreciation he feels for his parents’ journey to build a new life. He shares how this milestone has reshaped his perspective on belonging, gratitude, and opportunity.
George recounts a moment at customs watching new citizens celebrate, the pride that filled the room, and what it stirred in him about identity and family roots. He also opens up about why he records personal messages for his children, the values he hopes to pass on, and how honoring his parents’ story continues to guide his work and purpose today.
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.
New Zealand