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In this episode, George Couros is joined by Heidi Weeks, superintendent and district leader, for a reflective conversation inspired by Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times.

Drawing from her experience as a superintendent working directly with educators, leaders, and school communities, Heidi shares what resonated most from the book and the questions it raised for her own leadership practice. The conversation explores why vulnerability matters in leadership, especially when it means openly sharing mistakes, missteps, and moments of growth.

George and Heidi unpack how honest reflection helps leaders look inward, build confidence, and create cultures where learning is normalized at every level. They discuss why being open about what goes wrong is not a weakness, but a foundation for trust, credibility, and professional growth.

The episode also dives into the idea of focusing 80 percent of your time on 80 percent of your people, and why this approach strengthens school culture rather than ignoring underachievement. Through a superintendent’s lens, Heidi examines how investing in the majority can elevate the entire organization, including those who may be struggling or disengaged.

This conversation is especially valuable for superintendents, principals, school board members, and district leaders looking to build stronger cultures, lead with authenticity, and move their communities forward together, even in challenging and contentious times.

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🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

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📚 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/