How do educators keep students engaged in a world full of digital distractions, while also using artificial intelligence to deepen thinking rather than replace it?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with educator, assistant principal, and speaker Marc Isseks, author of Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions. Together they explore practical strategies for designing learning experiences that truly capture student attention while helping them develop creativity, critical thinking, and ownership of their learning.

Marc shares insights from his work as a Long Island school leader and how staying connected to daily school life shapes his ideas about teaching, engagement, and leadership. The conversation highlights why educators who actively work in schools often become stronger speakers and thought leaders, and how presenting at conferences can also bring new ideas back into classrooms.

The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence can support deeper learning when used intentionally. Instead of replacing thinking, AI can help educators design better questions, spark reflection, and create learning environments that challenge students to go beyond surface level answers.

Additional topics include:

• Strategies to engage students in a world of constant digital distraction • How AI can support creativity, reflection, and deeper thinking in learning • The Portrait of a Graduate concept and why execution matters more than vision • Why school leaders and speakers benefit from staying connected to classroom practice • Practical ways teachers can adapt traditional instruction for modern learners

Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or someone interested in the future of education, this conversation offers practical ideas for helping students stay engaged and empowered in today’s technology-rich world.

📘 Marc Isseks’ Book: Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions https://a.co/d/0fZcfNa3

Subscribe for more conversations about innovation, leadership, and learning in education.

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

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In this episode of "The Innovator's Mindset," we explore a powerful shift in how we talk about public education: choosing discussion over debate.

Too often, we hear phrases like “we need to fight for public education.” While well-intentioned, that language can unintentionally create division by implying the existence of an enemy.

But when education improves, everyone benefits: students, families, educators, and communities alike.

Inspired by Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent in Minneapolis Public Schools, this conversation focuses on the importance of bringing people together, especially those who may disagree with us. Real progress happens not when we try to win arguments, but when we create space for understanding.

Drawing from Forward, Together, this episode highlights a key idea: when we take the time to truly understand someone’s perspective before sharing our own, we open the door to meaningful dialogue. People are more willing to listen, not because we “won,” but because they feel respected and heard.

As Dale Carnegie famously said, “You can’t win an argument. If you lose it, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it.” Debate may create winners and losers, but discussion builds connection, trust, and forward momentum.

If we want to strengthen public education, the path forward is not through fighting, but through advocacy, storytelling, and genuine conversation. By sharing the great work already happening in our schools and listening deeply to others, we move forward together.

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👉 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/

What happens when education helps students discover who they are and why they matter?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros speaks with Steve Ward, founder of Dream Catcher, about the power of purpose-driven education and how helping students discover their value can transform learning, engagement, and future career paths.

Steve shares his journey from Compton to building the Dream Catcher program, a platform designed to help students explore identity, develop self-awareness, and connect their passions with meaningful career opportunities. At the center of his work is a powerful message:

“I have a purpose. You have a purpose. We have a purpose.”

Through Dream Catcher’s eight-lesson curriculum, students engage in deep self-exploration, create actionable life plans, and generate what Steve calls “aspirational data,” helping educators better understand and support each learner.

The conversation explores how schools can move beyond traditional metrics and help students develop purpose, belonging, and a vision for their future.

If education is meant to prepare students for life, helping them discover purpose may be one of the most important starting points.

Questions for this podcast

• What is purpose-driven education and why does it matter for students?

• How does the Dream Catcher program help students discover their purpose?

• Who is Steve Ward and what inspired him to create Dream Catcher?

• How can schools help students align passion, purpose, and career pathways?

• What is “aspirational data” and how can it improve student support?

• Why does helping students find purpose increase engagement and motivation?

• How can educators create a shared vision of purpose within a school community?

• What practical strategies help students reflect on identity, strengths, and future goals?

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👉 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/