You can get your copy of "Forward, Together" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9e5mHOy

In this podcast conversation, George Couros is joined by Lauren Kaufman to explore the ideas behind Forward, Together and why community is essential for meaningful change in education. Lauren shares how the book resonated with her experiences as an educator and leader, especially its invitational tone, focus on collaboration, and emphasis on learning through reflection and failure.

Together, they discuss the importance of confidence, noticing growth, and understanding personal context in teaching and leadership. George reflects on the inspiration behind the book, his pride in highlighting successful communities, and how conversation and reflection shape both leadership and learning.

This episode is for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in building stronger communities, leading with purpose, and moving education forward together through understanding rather than agreement.

Teacher podcast, principal podcast, superintendent podcast, leadership podcast, K-12 podcast, george couros, podcast on education, building relationships with students, educational leadership, Innovate Inside the Box, Innovator’s Mindset, professional learning, moving schools forward, covid-19, remote learning, virtual learning

George Couros, Education, learning, teachers, students, school, knowledge, skills, lessons, tips, strategies, techniques, pedagogy, curriculum, homework, test preparation, study skills, educational speaker, keynote speaker, podcasts on education, What makes a great teacher, what makes a great principal, k-12 podcast, podcasts on education, first-year teacher advice, educational leadership, innovator’s mindset, professional learning, 

George Couros, Mindset Monday, atomic habits, facing adversity, health and wellness, health and wellness in education, exercise, fitness, motivation, #MindsetMonday, how do you have balance as a teacher, motivational monday, health and wellness podcast, motivational podcast, inspiring podcasts, what leads to action, 

___________

👉 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 Julia Bialeski to explore what it means to lead with authenticity, sustain hope, and focus on people in today’s schools. Drawing from her book Leading With Grace, Julia shares practical insights for leaders at every stage, from new principals navigating imposter syndrome to experienced educators working through burnout.

Our conversation highlights why authenticity matters in leadership, how hope helps school communities navigate challenge and change, and what leaders can do differently to support recruitment and retention in teacher education. Julia offers real examples and actionable strategies for building trust, strengthening communication, and leading with empathy, even in high-pressure moments.

This episode is especially valuable for principals, district leaders, teacher educators, and aspiring administrators who want to grow their leadership practice while keeping relationships, culture, and purpose at the center of their work.

Topics include:

Why authenticity builds trust and credibility

The role of hope in sustaining educators and school communities

Practical strategies for teacher recruitment and retention

Supporting new leaders through self-doubt and uncertainty

Leading people with clarity, empathy, and confidence

Connect with Julia Bialeski on LinkedIn:

Find her book, Leading With Grace, on Amazon:

___________

👉 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

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.

___________

👉 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/

Host George talks with Lara Clickner, VP of Customer Experience at Aeries  Software, about her path from K–12 counselor and principal to leading customer-focused work in education technology.

They explore a human-centered approach to data, the importance of relationships and reflection, supporting diverse student pathways, and how these values shape Airy’s work and conference keynote goals.

In this episode, host George Couros sits down with Lara Clickner, Vice President of Customer Experience at Aeries, to explore how human-centered leadership shapes meaningful use of data in K–12 education.

Lara shares her journey from school counselor and principal to leading customer experience work in education technology. The conversation focuses on building strong relationships, reflecting on practice, and ensuring student data serves people, not systems.

They discuss how Aeries supports diverse student pathways, why empathy and trust matter in SIS implementation, and how these values influence the vision behind the annual AeriesCon conference and its keynote themes.

Learn more about Aeries and their Student Information System here:

Explore AeriesCon, the Aeries user conference focused on connection, learning, and leadership:

This episode is ideal for district leaders, principals, counselors, edtech professionals, and anyone interested in ethical data use, customer-focused edtech, and future-ready school systems.

___________

👉 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

This conversation is designed specifically to support and extend the expertise of school board trustees, offering practical ways to connect with people they may strongly disagree with, better understand differing perspectives, and move their communities forward with trust and clarity.

In this episode, MacKenzie Feldpausch of the Michigan Association of School Boards hosts a candid and thoughtful conversation with George Couros about his book Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. Drawing directly from her work alongside school board trustees across Michigan, MacKenzie shares why this book resonates so strongly with board members navigating tension, criticism, and complex community dynamics.

Rather than focusing on abstract leadership theory, the discussion centers on real, lived experiences that trustees can immediately relate to, including stories from refereeing, inviting pushback, and transforming a school room into a parent technology hub. Throughout the conversation, George and MacKenzie explore the importance of listening deeply, humanizing one another, reminding ourselves that “we’re all somebody’s kid,” and responding thoughtfully to community needs.

This episode highlights why Forward, Together is a valuable resource for school board trustees who want to lead with empathy, invite productive disagreement, and build stronger relationships in boardrooms and communities, even when consensus feels out of reach.

Ideal for:

School board trustees and board presidents

Superintendents working closely with boards

Education leaders navigating conflict and public pressure

Anyone seeking practical, human-centered leadership guidance

MacKenzie Feldpausch is the Education Programming Manager for the Michigan Association of School Boards. https://www.masb.org/about-masb/staff-directory/contact-me---mackenzie-feldpausch

___________

👉 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/

n this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros is joined by Dr. Bhavini Bhakta for a practical and reflective conversation on health, wellness, and the power of routine in helping us self regulate in a demanding world.

Rather than focusing on extreme habits or quick fixes, this discussion explores how intentional routines create stability, clarity, and resilience. Dr. Bhakta shares why routine is not about control, but about freedom, especially for educators and leaders navigating constant change.

Together, they unpack how small, consistent practices help us manage stress, show up with purpose, and become more aligned with who we want to be. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026, offering grounded strategies for being your best self personally and professionally.

This episode is especially relevant for educators, leaders, and professionals who want to improve their wellbeing without adding more to their plate.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why routine plays a critical role in emotional regulation and mental health

How consistent habits support clarity, focus, and sustainable energy

Simple wellness practices that actually fit into busy lives

How to intentionally prepare now to be your best self in 2026

Connect with Dr. Bhavini Bhakta on LinkedIn:

Dr. Bhavini Bhakta is a wellness coach, speaker, and former school principal who supports individuals and leaders in building sustainable routines for healthier, more balanced lives. As the founder of B Balanced Coaching, she brings a practical, empathetic approach to stress management, self regulation, and personal growth, especially for educators and high achieving professionals.

___________

👉 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/

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

In this conversation with Meghan Lawson, George Couros reflects on the thinking behind his newest book, Forward, Together, and how his approach to leadership, writing, and growth has evolved over time.

George shares how this book differs from The Innovator’s Mindset, shifting from defining a vision for schools to modeling vulnerability, humility, and learning from mistakes. Meghan highlights why this is her favorite of George’s books, praising its accessibility, conversational tone, and practical leadership guidance.

Together, they explore:

Why vulnerable leadership builds trust and stronger communities

How open communication and feedback move schools forward

The importance of inviting others into vision-building, not just presenting ideas

The leadership balance of affirmation and challenge, often described as the “warm bath, cold shower”

Why over-communicating and acknowledging community voice matters

This discussion is for school leaders, educators, and anyone interested in leadership rooted in growth, reflection, and collective progress. George emphasizes that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating spaces where people learn and move forward together.

📘 Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times is available now.

If you are a principal, teacher, district leader, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, community, and your own growth.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation resonates with you.

___________

👉 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, Brittany Dixon, an upper-elementary teacher known as @Elementary_Magic on Instagram, shares how hands-on learning and a supportive school culture transformed her classroom.

Brittany discusses how projects like electromagnets, 3D printing, and inquiry-based math and science lessons spark curiosity and help students learn independently. She also reflects on the powerful role of school leadership, explaining how encouragement from her principal gave her the confidence to take instructional risks and keep learning exciting for students.

This conversation offers practical, classroom-ready ideas for educators who want to increase engagement, foster student ownership, and create learning experiences that students genuinely enjoy.

Connect with Brittany on Instagram at @elementary_magic.

Hands-On Learning Fuels Curiosity

Student Independence Is Taught, Not Assumed

Supportive Leadership Unlocks Innovation

___________

👉 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

In this special "Forward, Together" preview episode, guest host Katie Novak sits down with educator and author George Couros to explore what schools can actually do to move from conflict to community.

Their conversation centers on a simple but challenging learning norm, learning in the way we expect from our students, and how that mindset shapes leadership, professional learning, and school culture. George shares what inspired Forward, Together, the real school stories behind the book, and why vulnerability, radical candor, and human connection matter more than polished talking points.

From classroom practices to shared meals and community conversations, this episode highlights practical strategies for building trust, supporting educators, and creating conditions where people feel heard in contentious times.

A thoughtful, honest discussion for educators and leaders who believe progress happens when we choose to move forward, together.

___________

👉 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

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

How can school leaders turn disagreement into growth rather than division?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, guest host Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket interviews George Couros about his new book, Forward, Together.

George shares why he wrote the book, how school leaders can navigate conflict and polarization with clarity and humility, and practical strategies for building trust with staff and communities. Together, they explore how inviting feedback, embracing constructive disagreement, and modeling continuous growth can strengthen school culture and leadership impact.

This episode offers concise, actionable insights for principals, superintendents, and educational leaders seeking tools to:

If you are leading in education today and feeling the weight of competing perspectives, this conversation provides grounded guidance for moving forward together.

___________

👉 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/