In this episode, George Couros shares a personal story from his early days as a college basketball official when he made a clear bad call. Instead of hiding it, he admitted the mistake on the spot, changing the tone of the game and earning unexpected respect.

George connects this moment to leadership in schools, classrooms, and even parenting. Admitting mistakes is not a sign of weakness, it is a way to build credibility, create space for growth, and foster deeper trust.

Explore why vulnerability is essential for effective leadership and how modeling humility can transform relationships in education and beyond.

Referenced post: Vulnerable Leadership: https://georgecouros.com/vulnerable-leadership/

👉 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

Join us October 15, 2025, at the R2i2 Conference Center in Columbia, South Carolina, for the Learning Forward South Carolina Annual Conference, titled Navigating What’s Possible.

https://events.humanitix.com/learning-forward-sc-annual-conference

In this episode, George Couros speaks with Jason Fulmer and Angie Rye about the conference’s focus on innovative, personalized professional learning and the opportunity to highlight South Carolina schools that are finding practical solutions under real constraints. They discuss the theme "Navigating What's Possible," a push for innovative, personalized professional learning, and the importance of showcasing South Carolina schools that have found practical solutions under real constraints.

Attendees can look forward to meaningful networking, actionable strategies to implement immediately, dynamic breakout sessions, school showcase presentations from local schools defying the odds, and a featured keynote by George Couros, the internationally recognized educator and author known for his work in innovation and learner-centered leadership.

This event is designed for educators at every level seeking inspiration, fresh perspectives, and the opportunity to build lasting professional learning networks that support leadership, classroom success, and student growth.

You can learn more and register at the full link: https://events.humanitix.com/learning-forward-sc-annual-conference

___________

👉 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/

George Couros reflects on his summer speaking tour and the renewed energy he witnessed among educators heading into a new school year.

He shares how vulnerability, openness to growth, and a superintendent’s example of embracing feedback set the tone for stronger communities.

The conversation highlights the importance of balancing innovation with core fundamentals like literacy, numeracy, and character, and explores how relationships and connection remain central to meaningful learning.