George Couros reflects on how accidental beginnings, launching a blog, starting a podcast, and writing Forward, Together, led to unexpected opportunities and long-term professional growth.

In this episode, he shares three practical strategies to build momentum in your work and life: start before you feel ready, make and keep appointments with yourself, and share your learning to create accountability and connection.

Through real examples from his time as a principal, his health journey, and his speaking career, Couros emphasizes a powerful idea: momentum is created through consistent action, not perfection. Even the things that don’t work contribute to growth.

If you are feeling stuck or waiting for the right moment, this conversation will help you take that first step, stay consistent, and open doors you may not have expected.

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

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

___________

👉 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 conversation, George Couros speaks with Leigh Ragsdale, known as the “Unorthodox Principal,” about her journey from alternative high school teacher to elementary principal and how bold, unconventional leadership can transform school culture.

Whether you are a school leader, teacher, or education innovator, this episode offers practical insight into leading with courage, compassion, and purpose to create meaningful change in schools.

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-ragsdale-993094a4/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3464539180428684/

Study on exercise helping students learn that I mention: https://www.ou.org/life/health/one-small-change-turned-these-19000-students-into-fittest-smartest-us-alan-freishtat/

___________

👉 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

What is the "Tell Them Theory" and how can it transform school culture and leadership? In this episode, George Couros explores the simple but powerful habit of intentionally recognizing the good in others. He shares personal stories from his work in schools, reflections from Forward Together, and lessons learned from both following and failing to follow this mindset, especially online.

Discover why acknowledging others builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a ripple effect that impacts students, colleagues, and entire communities. If you want practical ways to lead with empathy, elevate others, and create meaningful connections, this conversation offers actionable insights you can use immediately.

Link to Vex King post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVObbP0iDK7/

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

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

Guest host Cristina Capretta, a district communications director, joins George Couros for a practical and candid conversation about his new book Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. Cristina shares her biggest takeaways from the book and reflects on how communication leaders can help move schools from conflict to community by shaping the district story, building strong relationships, and inviting staff into meaningful collaboration.

The episode explores real examples from district communication work, how to address criticism with clarity and care, and how storytelling helps teams feel understood and connected. George and Cristina also talk about the emotional weight educators carry and how leaders can create space for staff to grow, learn, and feel supported.

They discuss how AI can enhance communication, improve productivity, and support creative work while keeping empathy, authenticity, and human judgment at the forefront.

Listeners will walk away with practical insights for strengthening culture, improving communication, and building more connected school communities.

___________

👉 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

What are simple, practical ways to start the year focused on growth without relying on resolutions?

In this podcast episode, George Couros shares three intentional habits he is carrying into the new year that have helped him improve his mindset, energy, and sense of purpose. Rather than adding more to an already full plate, this conversation focuses on addition by subtraction and doing the inner work that actually lasts.

You will hear reflections on:

• Why subtracting from to-do lists can be more motivating than adding to them

George also connects this idea of self-belief to a key theme from his book Forward, Together, especially the importance of being proud of your work without feeling the need to shrink for others.

This episode is especially relevant for educators, leaders, and anyone looking to start the year with clarity, intention, and confidence.

If you are focused on personal growth, leadership mindset, and building habits that actually serve you, this episode is for 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

Check out "Lead from Who You Are" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0cAIwv7

In this episode, George Couros sits down with Joe Sanfelippo to explore the ideas behind Joe’s new book, Lead From Who You Are. Their conversation focuses on what intentional leadership really looks like in everyday moments, especially when pressure, noise, and self-doubt creep in.

Joe shares powerful insights on leadership rhythms like presence, the power of the pause, consistency, and how small interactions quietly shape trust and influence over time. Rather than performative leadership, this conversation centers on being grounded in who you are and how that clarity impacts the people around you.

They discuss why the negative inner voice often feels louder than the supportive one, and how leaders can stay anchored in their values when that voice shows up. Along the way, they share personal stories, practical strategies, and reflections that listeners can apply immediately in schools, organizations, and life.

The conversation also includes lighthearted moments, family reflections, and a little Chicago Bears talk, reminding us that leadership is human, relational, and built in moments that often go unnoticed.

This episode is a thoughtful and practical listen for educators, leaders, and anyone who wants to lead with greater intention, presence, and authenticity.

Featuring:

Key ideas explored:

If you are looking for leadership that starts from the inside and shows up authentically on the outside, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, George Couros sits down with Jayme Braida, a National Distinguished Principal from rural Iowa, to explore her journey from classroom teacher to award-winning school leader.

Jayme shares her deep commitment to early literacy, the science of reading, and how intentional instructional leadership led to significant student growth in her school community. She discusses practical insights into building systems that support both teachers and learners, especially in rural settings.

The conversation also dives into Jayme’s personal leadership journey, including navigating family trauma, divorce, and professional burnout. She reflects on how these experiences shaped her empathy, strengthened her leadership approach, and reinforced the importance of caring for both students and staff as whole people.

This episode is a powerful reminder that effective school leadership is rooted not only in evidence-based practices, but also in humanity, resilience, and trust.

Learn more about Jayme and her work at https://www.jaymebraida.com/

___________

👉 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

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

Brad Gustafson and George Couros explore the core ideas behind George’s book Forward, Together, focusing on what principled leadership looks like in real schools, with real people, and real challenges.

In this conversation, they unpack practical leadership concepts educators can actually use, including the “warm bath, cold shower” approach to feedback, why pointing at yourself first matters, and how inviting respectful pushback can strengthen trust rather than fracture relationships. George shares why leadership frameworks never work perfectly, because people are always the variable, and how perspectives help leaders stay grounded when situations become emotionally charged or complex.

Through short, honest stories, Brad and George highlight the role of vulnerability, nuance, and elevating others in building stronger school communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, this discussion emphasizes clarity about who you want to be, how you hold conversations when it is hardest, and why principled leadership matters most in moments of tension.

This episode is especially relevant for educators, school leaders, and anyone navigating difficult conversations while trying to move a community 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/

In this conversation, Erik Francis, founder of Maverick Education, shares his journey from English teacher and school administrator to author and consultant. Erik explains how his work around Depth of Knowledge (DOK) and purposeful questioning helps teachers move beyond surface learning and into deeper understanding.

The discussion explores real classroom examples, visible learning practices, differentiation, and how thoughtful questioning builds curiosity, care, and student ownership. Erik also unpacks the five C’s of future-ready education and why relationships and relevance remain central to meaningful learning. The episode wraps up with a fun, unexpected conversation about professional wrestling and connection.

This episode is ideal for teachers, instructional coaches, principals, and district leaders looking for practical strategies to improve engagement and learning through intentional instructional design.

Check out "Inquiring Minds Want to Learn" here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4kE6yVO

___________

👉 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

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon! https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

This episode is a reading of the introduction chapter from my book Forward, Together. It shares the thinking behind why schools thrive when we focus less on being right and more on moving forward together. This chapter is an invitation to rethink conflict, community, and what it truly means to work together for kids. If this opening connects with you, the rest of the book builds on these ideas in practical, hopeful ways.

___________

👉 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/