Keywords

education, leadership, innovation, George Couros, Innovator’s Mindset, Forward Together, storytelling, professional development, change management, psychological safety

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Garth and Jason return to two books that continue to shape their thinking: The Innovator’s Mindset and Forward Together by George Couros.

Rather than treating innovation as a checklist or a program, they explore it as a way of being—one rooted in trust, relationships, and curiosity. The conversation weaves together stories from schools, leadership moments, and lived experience, highlighting how listening, empowerment, and psychological safety create the conditions where meaningful change can actually take hold.

At its core, this episode is about building environments where people feel safe enough to grow—and supported enough to try.

Take Aways

• The Innovator’s Mindset reframes innovation as a way of thinking, not a tool or initiative.

• Empowerment—not control—is what unlocks the best thinking in schools.

• When teachers use technology well, it amplifies good practice rather than replacing it.

• Listening isn’t passive—it’s one of the fastest ways to move change forward.

• Continuous improvement matters more than chasing the next big idea.

• Innovation only works when it’s built on a strong foundation of good education.

• Leaders don’t force change—they create the conditions where change can emerge.

• Relationships are the real lever for leadership impact.

• Education should help people choose to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

• Storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools a leader has.

Sound Bites

“Empowerment beats control—every time.”
“Don’t let the smell bother you.”
“Listening might be the most underrated leadership skill we have.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Beards Book Club
05:50 Exploring The Innovator’s Mindset
10:06 Why Innovation Still Matters in Education
13:56 Diving into Forward Together
17:54 Creating the Conditions for Real Change
21:59 The Power of Listening in Leadership