The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this conversation, I sit down with Todd Nesloney to talk about what truly creates meaningful leadership and culture in schools.

Todd shares powerful insights from his work with the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), focusing on why people in education need to feel seen, valued, and appreciated, not just managed. We discuss how authentic leadership is often found in small, intentional moments, and why the best leaders never stop learning from the people around them.

We also explore a timely conversation around nuance in leadership and social media. In a world where online conversations often push people toward extremes, how do we create dialogue that brings people together instead of driving them further apart? Todd shares why great leadership is rarely simple, and why the most meaningful work is often messy, human, and complex.

This episode is full of practical leadership wisdom, thoughtful reflection, and reminders about the importance of connection in education today.

Todd Nesloney Website:
https://www.toddnesloney.com/about/

Todd’s Books:
https://www.toddnesloney.com/books/

George Couros Blog Post on Todd:
https://georgecouros.com/curiosity-and-connection/

 

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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/

Is the “system” really the problem in education, or is it something we have more influence over than we think?

In this episode, we challenge a common narrative in education: blaming “the system.” While constraints like standardized testing and schedules are real, many of the limitations we experience are actually created within those constraints. The conversation explores how educators and leaders can rethink their approach by recognizing that systems are made up of people, and people have the power to change them.

Through real examples, this discussion highlights how innovation doesn’t require breaking the system, but rather reimagining how we work within it. From redefining professional learning to creating more meaningful classroom experiences, the focus is on shifting from identifying problems to taking ownership of solutions.

This episode is a reminder that leadership is not just about recognizing what is broken, but about having the courage to propose something better, even within existing expectations.

🔗 Read the full post here:
https://mailchi.mp/georgecouros/becoming-the-bison-15557066

3 Questions to Consider

Where in your work are you blaming “the system” instead of identifying what you can influence or change?

What is one constraint you face that might actually offer more flexibility than you initially thought?

When you see a problem, do you stop at identifying it, or do you take the next step of proposing a better solution?

___________

 

 

👉 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 conversation with Dr. Peggy Buffington from the Hobart School District, we explore what it looks like to build a future-focused school system while honoring the traditions and values that make a community strong.

Known as the Brickies, Hobart has embraced the mindset of “building the future one brick at a time,” combining innovation, work ethic, and opportunity to create powerful outcomes for students. Peggy shares how the district chose not to fear artificial intelligence when tools like ChatGPT emerged, but instead created teacher pilot groups to explore how AI could expand learning opportunities for students and staff.

We also dive into Hobart’s remarkable early college program, where students can graduate with associate’s degrees, college credits, and industry certifications in areas like Adobe, Microsoft, Autodesk, and healthcare. The program not only saves families thousands of dollars, but also helps students discover meaningful career pathways before making expensive post-secondary decisions.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss:
• Why innovation is about finding “new and better ways” to support learning
• How schools can approach AI with curiosity instead of fear
• The importance of productive struggle for both educators and students
• Scaling great ideas across a school community
• Learner-centered approaches to technology, one-to-one devices, and cell phone policies
• Why schools remain the bedrock of strong communities

Peggy also shares how Hobart’s culture encourages educators to take risks, share ideas openly, and continue learning together while staying deeply connected to the traditions that define the district.

If you are interested in AI in education, innovative leadership, early college pathways, or creating schools that prepare students for an ever-changing future, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring stories.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/

This episode dives into a deeply personal story that reveals how a single moment in childhood can leave a lasting imprint on confidence, identity, and future direction. Reflecting on an experience of being belittled by peers and unsupported by an adult, the conversation explores how negative moments can linger, but also how the presence of a caring adult can redefine how those moments are remembered.

The episode highlights a powerful truth, that growth and pain are not mutually exclusive. While adversity can shape resilience and lead to unexpected opportunities, it does not erase the emotional weight of the experience. From quitting hockey to finding confidence through basketball, this story emphasizes how belief, opportunity, and environment can transform a child’s trajectory.

Ultimately, this conversation is a reflection for educators, parents, and leaders. It challenges us to consider the impact we have in everyday interactions, and how small actions, or inaction, can shape how young people see themselves for years to come.

3 Takeaways:

A single supportive adult can dramatically influence how a child processes both positive and negative experiences.

Confidence grows through opportunity and belief, not just natural ability or talent.

Difficult experiences can build resilience, but they can also leave lasting emotional impact, both can be true at the same time.

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/

In this conversation with Rob Santos, we explore the powerful role of teaching artists in education, creativity, and personal growth. Rob shares how great educators do more than inspire passion, they help students confront frustration, injustice, and even hate in ways that push them toward meaningful action and deeper purpose.

We also discuss why vulnerability matters in teaching. Rob explains that students should not only feel known by their teachers, but should also know who their teachers are as people. That connection helps students see themselves in the learning process and creates classrooms built on trust, empathy, and authenticity.

Beyond education, we dive into Rob’s journey in comedy and storytelling, including his television series Beige on Tubi, and how humor can open doors to difficult but important conversations.

You’ll also find information below about the upcoming Arts for Learning HOT Schools Conference, where we continue conversations around creativity, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences for students and educators.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why strong emotions can fuel purpose and growth
• The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in teaching
• How students connect more deeply when they know their teachers as people
• Creativity, comedy, and storytelling as tools for learning
• Rob Santos’s work on Beige and his journey as an artist and educator

Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raggedy_rob/

Beige on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/series/300016636/beige

Arts for Learning HOT Schools Conference: https://www.aflct.org/programs/higher-order-thinking-hot-schools/

If you are passionate about education, creativity, leadership, or helping students find purpose through meaningful experiences, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/