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.

In this episode, Michele Asher, former special education teacher and now senior education consultant at Primrose Schools, shares her journey of supporting children with intense behaviors, influenced by her own family experiences. She explains how shifting from blame to skill-building helps children develop accountability, repair relationships, and gain the skills they do not yet have.

Michele also highlights the critical role of educator wellness, from moving your body and getting outside to taking small breaks that reset focus. She discusses why listening deeply, pausing before reacting, and holding people accountable can create stronger and more compassionate classrooms.

Follow Michele on Instagram for more insights and inspiration: @michele.m.asher

__________________________________________

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

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?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

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&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this reflective solo episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros explores a vital yet often overlooked leadership skill: listening with intention. He shares how truly understanding where someone is—their personal "point A"—is the first step to helping them grow. Without that clarity, we cannot support their journey to "point B."

George unpacks three key leadership lessons:

1. Listen to understand, not just to reply – If everyone is talking, who is truly listening?

2. Make others feel safe and valued - Especially during moments like job interviews or first meetings.

3. Shine a light on others - Elevating someone else’s work never diminishes your own impact.

Whether you're a school leader, educator, or simply someone who wants to build more meaningful relationships, this episode will help you reflect on how to lead better by listening better.

🎧 Discover why creating space for others can be the most transformative move you make as a leader.

__________________________________________

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

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?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

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&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

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, host George Couros talks with Sheriffee Humphrey, principal of Renaissance Charter School at Plantation, about his journey from fundraising and teaching to leading a Title I K-8 charter school. Sheriffee shares how his 20 years in education, from Social Studies classrooms to adult education and administration, shaped his belief that every student can thrive with the right support.

The conversation highlights how relationships, kindness, resilience, clear communication, and staff buy-in build a strong school culture. Sheriffee also reflects on lessons from Dale Carnegie and past careers that continue to influence his leadership style.

With practical strategies, personal stories, and even a fun Buffalo Bills chat, this episode offers educators and leaders a grounded playbook for creating meaningful, lasting impact in their schools and communities.

Learn more about Sheriffee Here: https://www.fasa.net/contacts/sheriffee-humphrey

__________________________________________

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

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?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

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&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Join George Couros in this inspiring solo episode of The Innovator’s Mindset podcast as he reflects on three life-changing lessons in honor of turning 50. Drawing from personal experience and a preview of his upcoming book Forward, Together, George dives into the value of collaboration, especially with trusted colleagues like Katie Martin, who help elevate and challenge his thinking.

In this reflective and motivational episode, George shares:

• Why starting before you’re ready is often the best move

• How understanding the temporary nature of both good and bad times builds resilience

• And the crucial difference between quitting and changing direction

If you're navigating a career shift, personal challenge, or health journey, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to take action, adapt when necessary, and keep moving toward what matters most.

💬 Featuring key quotes:

• “Start the thing, and figure out how to do it later. When you overthink, you often under-do.”

• “Bad times won’t last, and neither will the good times. Learn from both, because it’s all temporary.”

• “Changing direction and quitting aren’t the same. Sometimes, we need to change our path to get where we ultimately want to go.”

🔗 Read the full newsletter here: https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=9381017234135a9c6d5f7419a&id=c9debb6537

🔗 Learn more in Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

In this episode, Ottawa Catholic School Board Superintendent Sean Kelly shares his journey from classroom teacher to district leader, highlighting the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and servant leadership.

He explores how Ottawa Catholic has built strong career and technical education (CTE) and co-op programs that connect students with industry partners, elevate the skilled trades, and create lasting community impact. Sean also discusses the role of podcasting in amplifying staff and student voices while offering practical leadership advice for administrators who want to foster innovation, belonging, and growth in their schools.

Sean Kelly serves as Superintendent of Student Success (Intermediate & Secondary)—responsible for grades 7-12—at the Ottawa Catholic School Board. In this role, he champions student achievement, well‑being, and inclusive leadership across the district.

Formerly a teacher, principal, and central office leader, he brings extensive experience in both classroom and administrative settings. His progression reflects a deep commitment to educational mentorship, continuous learning, and servant leadership.

__________________________________________

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

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?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

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&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/