The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Dr. Lynn Moody, education leader and founder of NCSpark, to explore how schools can innovate within the constraints of the system while creating transformative opportunities for students.
Together, they discuss:• How NCSpark is reimagining learning experiences to better serve students and communities• The importance of “innovating inside the box” by using constraints as a springboard for creativity• Practical strategies for leveraging technology and AI to free up teachers’ time for deeper conversations with students• How to design schools that prioritize curiosity, well-being, and personal growth over standardization
This powerful conversation will inspire educators and leaders to see challenges as opportunities, push past traditional limits, and create better learning environments for every student.
📚 Books by George Couros:The Innovator’s Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739
🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast:https://linktr.ee/gcouros
 
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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:
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/

On this episode, I share a personal story that started with a tough run in the Florida sun and ended with an unexpected reminder about resilience, quitting, and the power of kind words.
 
Too often, we hear that quitting is always failure. But what if quitting today means protecting your long-term well-being so you can keep going tomorrow? I explore the fine line between resilience and recklessness, with examples from exercise, careers, and relationships.
 
This reflection connects to one of the most important lessons in education and leadership: a single interaction can change someone’s trajectory. Sometimes that means helping them keep going, other times it means helping them step away.
 
Either way, a kind word can plant a seed that grows into something remarkable.
 
Referenced in this episode: My book Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=194833433X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
 
Original blog post “Resilience and Risk”:
 
https://georgecouros.com/resilience-and-risk/

George Couros (https://georgecouros.com) sits down with Don Wotruba, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of School Boards (https://www.masb.org), for an inspiring conversation on the future of education. Together, they explore practical strategies for innovation: building digital student portfolios, curating a positive online presence, engaging families, and balancing foundational skills with character development.
They delve deeply into how AI is transforming learning and leadership, why educators should model curiosity by learning new tools first, and how schools can take proactive steps to create meaningful and lasting change.
This episode also looks ahead to the MASB Annual Leadership Conference (https://www.masb.org/learning/upcoming-events/annual-leadership-conference/), where George will deliver the keynote address. The conference brings together school board members, superintendents, and education leaders from across Michigan to collaborate, learn, and shape the future of education. If you’re attending, this episode is the perfect primer to get you thinking about how innovation, relationships, and vision can work together to serve students.
🎧 Listen and Subscribe:
Podbean: https://georgecouros.podbean.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-innovators-mindset-podcast/id1206100604
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QXo3uA1F0HLOpXKk8LgUM
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GeorgeCouros
 
 
___________
 
 
👉 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/

George Couros reads a powerful passage from "The Pivot Year" by Brianna Wiest and reflects on the choices and sacrifices we all make when pursuing our goals. He shares personal stories—from missing moments with family to starting piano lessons at 49—to illustrate how every “yes” comes with a “no,” and why being intentional is crucial.
Instead of dwelling on regret, George encourages listeners to live with purpose today: rebuild relationships, pursue postponed dreams, and remember that it’s never too late to begin again.
🎧 Listen now and start designing a life that feels meaningful, not just busy.
🔗 Links & Resources:
📖 The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest: https://www.amazon.com/Pivot-Year-Brianna-Wiest/dp/1949759628 Amazon
📰 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://georgecouros.com/about-me/email/ George Couros+1
📚 Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/George-Couros/author/B0192TISQ0
🎙️ Subscribe to The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-innovators-mindset-podcast/id1212095816
💬 Connect with me: • Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/gcouros • Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecouros/

In this episode, George Couros sits down with Dr. Jennifer Prince and Dr. Sara Najarro from Glendora Unified School District to explore how the district is transforming teaching and learning through “best first instruction,” MTSS, and the Educator Effectiveness Academy.
Discover how ongoing professional learning, restorative practices, and the science of reading are empowering teachers to create stronger classroom communities and actionable strategies that work.
You’ll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming October 13 event, where George will collaborate with staff to model practical approaches, celebrate teacher strengths, and foster cross-grade and cross-department collaboration.
This episode is perfect for educators and leaders looking to align systems, support teachers, and build a culture where every student thrives.
 
___________
 
 
👉 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/

In this solo episode, George Couros reflects on how technology can shape who we are and how we connect with others. Drawing on his keynote for the Florida Association of Educational Data Systems (FAEDS) and his own journey from being anti-technology to embracing thoughtful use, George shares three powerful ways educators and leaders can shape technology intentionally:
Elevate Communities: Use technology to build connection and share stories that bring schools and families closer together.
Stoke Curiosity: Go beyond surface-level information and foster deep thinking and understanding.
Support Well-Being: Design tech use to improve mental health, not add stress.
George explores how tools like social media and notifications affect our behavior, why intentionality is key, and how we can choose to shape our tech use rather than let it shape us.
🎧 Listen now: https://mailchi.mp/georgecouros/shaping-tech-usage-15555690

In this episode, radio and media personality Lady Jade (@IamLadyJade) shares her inspiring journey from a 19-year radio career to becoming a sought-after host, keynote speaker, and real estate investor. She reflects on the powerful influence of educators, the importance of kindness and mentorship, and why financial fluency should be a priority in schools.
Lady Jade also opens up about the challenges of caring for a parent with dementia, encouraging listeners to embrace life's pivots, seek mentors, and use their gifts to uplift others.
 
Please connect with Lady Jade on Instagram:
 
https://www.instagram.com/iamladyjade
 
___________
 
 
👉 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/

In this short solo episode, George Couros explores the power of listening in education. He shares a personal story from his experience as a basketball referee to illustrate how constant talking can become noise, and then explains how thoughtful questions help students discover and own their own perspectives.
 
When we use our voice sparingly, listen with intention, and create space for authentic student expression, our words eventually carry more weight.

In this episode of the #InnovatorsMindset, George Couros speaks with Eric, a high school English teacher from Brunswick Schools (Maine), who shares his journey from dropping out of high school to earning a master’s in creative writing and becoming an educator. Eric describes his new approach, “critical lens learning,” which provides students with practical lenses and domain-specific vocabulary to examine texts, develop critical thinking, and take ownership of their learning.
They discuss real examples: using primary sources, composition modes, and professional perspectives to engage different learner types (Resistor, Passenger, Achiever, Explorer from The Disengaged Teen) as detailed in the book: https://www.thedisengagedteen.com/ , highlighting classroom strategies that empower students, foster curiosity, and are immediately actionable by teachers.
 
 
👉 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/

In this episode, George Couros shares a personal story from his early days as a college basketball official when he made a clear bad call. Instead of hiding it, he admitted the mistake on the spot, changing the tone of the game and earning unexpected respect.
George connects this moment to leadership in schools, classrooms, and even parenting. Admitting mistakes is not a sign of weakness, it is a way to build credibility, create space for growth, and foster deeper trust.
Explore why vulnerability is essential for effective leadership and how modeling humility can transform relationships in education and beyond.
 
Referenced post: Vulnerable Leadership: https://georgecouros.com/vulnerable-leadership/
 
👉 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