The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Alise Pulliam, Executive Director of Innovation and Technology at Comax Schools, to explore what it truly means to lead with a mindset of possibility rather than limitation.

Alise shares her journey from English teacher to a leadership role in innovation and technology, and how that experience shaped her belief that learning must always come before technology, not the other way around. We dive into the importance of moving away from a “culture of no” and instead creating environments where educators feel empowered to make thoughtful, positive decisions.

 

She discusses bridging instructional and IT teams, hands-on STEM and robotics for young learners, adapting to continuous change, and approaching AI and new tools from curiosity rather than automatic rejection.

A powerful part of our conversation centers on self-leadership, inspired by her favorite chapter, “Clap for Yourself,” from Forward, Together. Alise reflects on a question that continues to guide her thinking: What advice would you give to a friend, and are you willing to give that same grace to yourself?

This episode is a reminder that innovation is not just about new tools, it is about mindset, trust, and the courage to support both others and yourself.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why “learning first, technology second” is essential for meaningful innovation

How to shift from a culture of compliance to a culture of empowerment

The importance of self-reflection and self-support in leadership

Questions for Consideration:

How can you move from a culture of “no” to one that empowers thoughtful decision-making?

Are you giving yourself the same advice and grace you offer others?

In your context, are you prioritizing learning first, or letting technology lead the way?

 

 

👉 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

 

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What happens when a student thrives academically in your class, but struggles to connect with you personally?

In this episode, I share a humbling story from my time as a teacher, when I penalized a high-achieving student not for her learning, but for her attitude toward me. What I later discovered changed my perspective completely: I was the only teacher she didn’t connect with.

This experience led to a powerful realization about education and leadership. It is not about forcing every connection; it is about ensuring every student has someone who connects with them.

We explore how great schools and organizations embrace diverse personalities, teaching styles, and leadership approaches, not as a weakness, but as a strength. When we build teams with different strengths and perspectives, we create more opportunities for every student to feel seen, supported, and successful.

This idea connects deeply to my book Forward Together, where I share how reflecting on our missteps can help others move forward with greater clarity. Sometimes, your hindsight becomes someone else’s foresight.

Key Questions Explored in This Episode:

Do great educators need to connect with every student?

What should you do when a student connects better with someone else?

How can schools ensure every student has a trusted adult?

Why is team diversity essential for student success?

How do different teaching styles benefit different learners?

What can leaders learn from moments they got it wrong?

How can reflection improve relationships in schools?

Why This Matters:
Not every connection will happen naturally, and that is okay. What matters most is building a culture where every student has access to meaningful relationships that support their growth.

Learn More:
📘 Forward Together by George Couros - https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

 

A guide to reflecting, growing, and creating better opportunities for those we serve.

 

If this message resonates, share it with an educator or leader who is committed to helping every student succeed, even if that success comes through someone else.

 

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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/

In this episode, I sit down with Kim Gameroz, author of Becoming the Bison, to explore how educators can better navigate classroom challenges by focusing on themselves first.

 

We dive into the powerful idea that student behavior is not something to “fix,” but something to understand. As Kim shares, behavior is communication, and when educators shift their mindset, they move from reacting to leading with clarity and intention.

 

This conversation highlights how social-emotional learning is not just another initiative, but a practical, sustainable approach that helps educators build stronger relationships, reduce stress, and create meaningful change in classrooms and schools.

 

We also talk about Kim’s Vibe EDU conference, a unique experience designed to celebrate educators, build community, and remind teachers they are not alone in this work. Through connection, collaboration, and shared purpose, educators, families, and students can come together to create better outcomes for everyone.

 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, inspired, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that the work starts within, and that real change happens when we lead with intention.

 

🔗 Connect & Learn More:

📘 Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-BISON-Emotional-Solution-Educators/dp/1968898131/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

🌐 Vibe EDU Conference: https://www.teachinginsideout.com/vibe-edu

 

📸 Follow Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selebrategoodtimes

 

Questions for Consideration:

 

How can educators use social-emotional learning to improve student behavior and classroom culture?

 

What does “Becoming the Bison” mean for teacher resilience and leadership?

 

How can schools bring educators, students, and families together to create better outcomes?

 

___________

 

👉 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

What if the stories we choose to share in education shape the future of learning?

In this powerful conversation, George Couros sits down with Jesse Fawess, whose tweet helped inspire the writing of Forward Together, to explore why sharing the great things happening in schools is more important than ever. Too often, education is defined by what is broken, but real change happens when we amplify what is working.

Jesse reflects on his key takeaways from Forward Together and how a single moment, idea, or story can spark something much bigger than we ever imagined. This discussion highlights a critical truth: you never know who you are inspiring when you share your work.

The conversation also challenges a common misconception about innovation in education. Innovation is not just about technology; it is about how we rethink time, prioritize what matters most, and create better opportunities for students and educators. When we use time differently, we unlock some of the most meaningful innovation possible in schools.

🎥 Watch the video that helped inspire Forward Together:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfwsCKWCYp0

🔑 In this episode, you will learn:

Why sharing positive stories in education creates momentum and change

How Forward Together was inspired by real educators doing meaningful work

Why innovation goes beyond technology and starts with how we use time

How small actions and ideas can have a lasting impact on others

📘 Learn more about Forward Together and George Couros’ work:

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

 

If you believe in celebrating the incredible work happening in education and want to inspire others through your story, this episode is for you.

 

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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/

How do educators keep students engaged in a world full of digital distractions, while also using artificial intelligence to deepen thinking rather than replace it?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with educator, assistant principal, and speaker Marc Isseks, author of Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions. Together they explore practical strategies for designing learning experiences that truly capture student attention while helping them develop creativity, critical thinking, and ownership of their learning.

Marc shares insights from his work as a Long Island school leader and how staying connected to daily school life shapes his ideas about teaching, engagement, and leadership. The conversation highlights why educators who actively work in schools often become stronger speakers and thought leaders, and how presenting at conferences can also bring new ideas back into classrooms.

The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence can support deeper learning when used intentionally. Instead of replacing thinking, AI can help educators design better questions, spark reflection, and create learning environments that challenge students to go beyond surface level answers.

Additional topics include:

• Strategies to engage students in a world of constant digital distraction
• How AI can support creativity, reflection, and deeper thinking in learning
• The Portrait of a Graduate concept and why execution matters more than vision
• Why school leaders and speakers benefit from staying connected to classroom practice
• Practical ways teachers can adapt traditional instruction for modern learners

Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or someone interested in the future of education, this conversation offers practical ideas for helping students stay engaged and empowered in today’s technology-rich world.

📘 Marc Isseks’ Book:
Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions
https://a.co/d/0fZcfNa3

Subscribe for more conversations about innovation, leadership, and learning in education.

 

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/