The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this conversation, I sit down with Christine Dyer to explore the often overlooked role of time and patience in meaningful learning and leadership. We discuss how creating intentional space for reflection supports both student growth and adult development, and why slowing down can actually accelerate progress in education.

Christine also shares her family’s journey from Guatemala to Alaska, highlighting how shifts in environment, light, and culture can deepen our understanding of time, ecology, and relevance in learning. Her perspective challenges us to rethink how we structure time in schools, not as something to manage, but as something to design with purpose.

If you are an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers practical and reflective insights on creating the conditions for growth, for yourself and for those you serve.

 

Check out Christine's site here: https://www.msdyer.com/

 

3 Questions for Conversation:

 

How intentionally are we designing time for reflection, rather than just reacting to what fills it?

In what ways are we modeling patience and growth for others, not just expecting it from them?

How might a shift in environment or perspective help us, or our students, see time, learning, and relevance differently?

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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/

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

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What if the way forward in education is not about winning arguments, but about starting from what we already agree on?

In this episode, I explore a simple but powerful mindset shift: when we disagree, we should first identify common ground, then build forward together. Too often in education, conversations get stuck in debate, when in reality, there is far more alignment than we acknowledge.

Using the ongoing discussion around class size as a starting point, I unpack a deeper idea. Across educators, leaders, and communities, there is strong agreement that schools should help students develop skills like grit, communication, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. That belief is reflected in this post from Francis Suarez during a visit to Alpha School:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DV8gjQKDnLV/?hl=en

So if we agree on where we want to go, the real question becomes: are our current structures aligned to help us get there?

This episode challenges the disconnect between vision and reality in education. It is not just about whether class size matters, it is about whether our systems support the future we say we want to build. When we begin with shared beliefs, we create a clearer path toward meaningful, lasting change.

3 Questions to Consider:

Where is there clear agreement in your school or organization that is not yet reflected in practice?

How can focusing on shared beliefs shift conversations from debate to progress?

What structures in your context need to change to support the future you say you want?

 

 

👉 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 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.

 

___________

 

 

👉 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/