The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

• Why Doing What You Say, and Then Doing More, Sets You Apart in Work and Life - George Couros

  In this episode, host George Couros shares a blend of personal stories and practical insights that highlight two timeless principles: doing what you promise and consistently going beyond what others expect. George begins with a recent story about his stolen wallet and the hidden cost of lost time, using it to frame a deeper exploration of why valuing other people’s time builds trust, credibility, and stronger relationships. He reflects on moments from travel conversations, leadership lessons, speaking engagements, and even daily fitness commitments to show how reliability, punctuality, and responsiveness shape your reputation. Whether it is arriving early, answering messages quickly, honoring scheduled meetings, or keeping personal commitments like daily pushups, George explains how raising your own standards helps you surpass the expectations of others. You will learn how small, consistent actions create a culture of respect, why following through matters more than ever, and how exceeding expectations unlocks new opportunities in your career and personal life. If you want to stand out, do what you say you will do. If you want to excel, go beyond what you said you would deliver. This episode shows you how to put those ideas into practice every day.   ___________     👉 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/  

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• ✅ Empowering Teachers and Students Through Inclusive Leadership with Dr. Jana Lee - S6EP47

  In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, educator and consultant Jana Lee shares her inspiring journey from teaching special education in the South Bronx to founding Jana Lee Consulting. She discusses her practical “check for understanding” approach, strategies for supporting diverse learners, and how productive struggle builds student independence. Jana also explores how leaders can empower teachers to take risks, reframe inclusion as a shared schoolwide responsibility, and make PLCs more powerful through clear protocols and consistent support. Connect and learning more about Jana at https://www.janaleeconsulting.com/   ___________     👉 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/

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• 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/

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• 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/

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• 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.

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