The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Anita Huggins, Superintendent of Charleston County School District, to explore her journey from classroom teacher to district leader. With nearly 30 years of experience, Anita shares how Charleston is cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in student voice and genuine community collaboration.

She highlights how the district's Student Cabinet giv...

What are the 3 questions every innovative school leader should ask? In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros explores three powerful, reflective questions that can guide school leaders in fostering innovation and growth within their communities. With over 15 years of experience in educational innovation, George discusses:

✅ How continuous self-directed learning shapes effective leadership ✅ Why literacy is ...

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros interviews Dr. Matt Frederickson, superintendent of Lincoln County R-III in Missouri. With over 30 years in education, Dr. Frederickson shares actionable strategies for empowering students, supporting educators, and engaging the community to drive lasting school improvement.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset podcast, George Couros shares personal reflections on what he has learned after moving from Edmonton, Alberta, to Orlando, Florida. Over three years of change, George discusses the challenges of relocation, the heartbreak of losing his dogs, and the powerful lessons about resilience, gratitude, and personal growth.

Drawing from his own story, George offers insights for anyone navigating a ...

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, host George Couros welcomes thought leaders in education—Dr. Catlin Tucker, Brett Vogelsinger, and Dale Alexander—for powerful conversations about instructional practices, writing across the curriculum, and financial literacy. Each guest offers insights that educators, leaders, and lifelong learners won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with financial literacy advocate and author Dale Alexander to explore how we can better teach students and young adults about managing money. Dale shares his powerful 70-20-10 principle—spend 70%, invest 20%, and give 10%—and explains how starting financial education early can lead to lifelong financial success.

They discuss practical investing tips, includ...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Brett Vogelsinger—veteran English teacher and author of the upcoming book Artful AI in Writing Instruction: A Human-Centered Approach to Using Artificial Intelligence in Grades 6–12.

Together, they explore how AI can support rather than supplant the writing process, emphasizing the importance of preserving student voice, creativity, a...

In this special episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros celebrates the 10-year anniversary of his best-selling book, The Innovator’s Mindset. Answering thoughtful questions from a book study group in India, George shares timeless ideas about innovation in education and what it takes to lead in a world that never stops changing.

You’ll learn why innovation is about creating new and better ways to serve learners, no...

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros is joined by acclaimed educator and author Dr. Catlin Tucker to dive into her latest book, The Station Rotation Model and UDL: Elevate Tier 1 Instruction and Cultivate Learner Agency.

Dr. Tucker shares powerful strategies on how to elevate Tier 1 instruction through intentional planning using the station rotation model. Learn how differentiating between whole-group a...

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros explores why people resist change—even when it’s clearly for the better—and offers three practical strategies to foster emotional connections that lead to meaningful transformation.

Drawing on stories from education and beyond (including the infamous “New Coke” story), George shares actionable ideas for leaders, educators, and changemakers to:

• Build a shared vi...

In this heartfelt episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on the critical importance of taking intentional breaks, setting healthy boundaries, and putting your own well-being first. With the school year winding down across North America—and winter breaks beginning in Australia and New Zealand—Couros offers a powerful reminder: taking time off is not indulgent, it’s essential.

Drawing from both personal ex...

In this inspiring episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros chats with Dr. Susan Leach, superintendent of Riverview School District in Washington. Dr. Leach shares her powerful journey from stay-at-home mom to district leader, opening up about pivotal career moments, mentorship, and what it truly means to lead with purpose.

The conversation delves into effective leadership strategies, including how Dr. Leach impleme...

In this powerful solo episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros shares his personal transformation story—losing over 120 pounds and keeping it off for four years. But this journey wasn’t just about the physical—it reshaped his mental health, deepened his empathy, and helped him build lasting confidence.

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George opens up about how his health journey started during the COVID-19...

Hopes for Schools Book - http://tiny.cc/HopesForSchool 

In this May 2025 highlight episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on powerful conversations around student voice, innovation in education, and creating impactful school experiences. Couros shares a personal reflection from Hopes for School, co-authored by Jennifer Casa-Todd and student Karen Phan, raising the...

In this special episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros highlights the release of a powerful new book co-authored by student Karen Phan and renowned educator Jennifer Casa-Todd. This inspiring conversation centers on how student voice can drive real educational transformation.

Karen offers a rare and authentic student perspective on learning, leadership, and innovation in schools—while Jennifer shares how communit...

In this solo episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros dives into the transformative power of being present and how it shapes both personal and professional growth.

Drawing from experiences in education and leadership, George shares how focusing on the moment can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Learn how self-growth, innovation, and intentional presence can lead to meaningful change and long-term success....

In this episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast with George Couros, Dr. Rick Surrency, the superintendent of Putnam County School District, discusses the unique role he has taken on by being an elected education leader. Dr. Surrency shares insights from his extensive career in education, spanning over 47 years while emphasizing the importance of making education relevant to students' futures by integrating innovativ...

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros explores 3 powerful ways to become more coachable—from embracing feedback to acting on it with intention. Inspired by a post from performance coach Justin Su’a and co-written with ChatGPT, George shares personal stories from education, parenting, and even basketball refereeing to illustrate how coachability is a key to personal and professional growth.

This episode i...

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset, George Couros welcomes another fantastic guest, Grace McCallum, who is the principal of Branksome Hall in Toronto, Ontario. The two discuss McCallum’s impressive journey from teaching in China and Frankfurt to her current role as principal/director. Check out this episode for details on how Branksome Hall combines tradition with innovation by maintaining state-of-the-art faci...