In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Superintendent Thomas J. Colabufo of Central Square Central School District, a longtime educator and leader with more than 20 years of experience. Colabufo, who began his career as a social studies teacher and later served as a principal before becoming superintendent, shares how a curriculum-first approach combined with AI tools like 4EDU is transforming teaching and learning.

He discusses how AI can help personalize instruction, streamline grading and planning, and speed up feedback while keeping teachers at the center of the learning process. Drawing on his background in educational leadership and his hands-on experience in classrooms, Colabufo also offers practical leadership advice for balancing technology with strong curriculum design. This conversation provides educators with a clear and responsible roadmap for using AI to deepen learning without replacing the essential human connection between teachers and students.

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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:

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 how social media algorithms can trap us in echo chambers and why the real growth happens when we engage with those who disagree. Drawing inspiration from a TikTok moment and his own experiences as an educator and leader, George explores how resistance, not agreement, often drives the most meaningful progress.

Through stories about hiring colleagues who challenge ideas, involving skeptical parents in professional learning, and amplifying the voices of disengaged students, he shows how listening with empathy can turn critics into collaborators. The episode invites educators to move beyond affirmation and toward shared understanding—a key theme in his upcoming book, Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times.

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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:

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 special episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros and Dave Burgess celebrate the 10-year anniversary of George’s first book, The Innovator’s Mindset. They reflect on how the book has influenced education around the world, the lessons George has learned over the past decade, and why its message continues to resonate with educators today.

This heartfelt conversation also offers a glimpse into George and Dave’s friendship, the story behind the book’s creation, and the enduring power of ideas that inspire meaningful change in schools and communities everywhere.

You can get your copy here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=0986155497&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

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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:

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/

You can pick up a copy of "The Innovator's Mindset" here on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=0986155497&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

In this special 10-year anniversary episode of the book, "The Innovator's Mindset," George Couros reflects on the lasting impact of the the book for himself personally and how writing it transformed his life and career. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about publishing the book, lessons learned from rejection and risk-taking, and three timeless ideas that still guide his work today: mastering the basics, focusing on better not just new, and doing less but deeper.

George also explores how authenticity, adaptability, and gratitude have shaped his journey as an educator and author.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Dr. Lynn Moody, education leader and founder of NCSpark, to explore how schools can innovate within the constraints of the system while creating transformative opportunities for students.

Together, they discuss: • How NCSpark is reimagining learning experiences to better serve students and communities • The importance of “innovating inside the box” by using constraints as a springboard for creativity • Practical strategies for leveraging technology and AI to free up teachers’ time for deeper conversations with students • How to design schools that prioritize curiosity, well-being, and personal growth over standardization

This powerful conversation will inspire educators and leaders to see challenges as opportunities, push past traditional limits, and create better learning environments for every student.

📚 Books by George Couros: The Innovator’s Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497 What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739

🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: http://bensound.com/

On this episode, I share a personal story that started with a tough run in the Florida sun and ended with an unexpected reminder about resilience, quitting, and the power of kind words.

Too often, we hear that quitting is always failure. But what if quitting today means protecting your long-term well-being so you can keep going tomorrow? I explore the fine line between resilience and recklessness, with examples from exercise, careers, and relationships.

This reflection connects to one of the most important lessons in education and leadership: a single interaction can change someone’s trajectory. Sometimes that means helping them keep going, other times it means helping them step away.

Either way, a kind word can plant a seed that grows into something remarkable.

Referenced in this episode: My book Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=194833433X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

Original blog post “Resilience and Risk”:

https://georgecouros.com/resilience-and-risk/

George Couros (https://www.masb.org), for an inspiring conversation on the future of education. Together, they explore practical strategies for innovation: building digital student portfolios, curating a positive online presence, engaging families, and balancing foundational skills with character development.

They delve deeply into how AI is transforming learning and leadership, why educators should model curiosity by learning new tools first, and how schools can take proactive steps to create meaningful and lasting change.

This episode also looks ahead to the MASB Annual Leadership Conference (https://www.masb.org/learning/upcoming-events/annual-leadership-conference/), where George will deliver the keynote address. The conference brings together school board members, superintendents, and education leaders from across Michigan to collaborate, learn, and shape the future of education. If you’re attending, this episode is the perfect primer to get you thinking about how innovation, relationships, and vision can work together to serve students.

🎧 Listen and Subscribe:

• Podbean: https://www.youtube.com/c/GeorgeCouros

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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:

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 reads a powerful passage from "The Pivot Year" by Brianna Wiest and reflects on the choices and sacrifices we all make when pursuing our goals. He shares personal stories—from missing moments with family to starting piano lessons at 49—to illustrate how every “yes” comes with a “no,” and why being intentional is crucial.

Instead of dwelling on regret, George encourages listeners to live with purpose today: rebuild relationships, pursue postponed dreams, and remember that it’s never too late to begin again.

🎧 Listen now and start designing a life that feels meaningful, not just busy.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 📖 The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest: https://www.amazon.com/Pivot-Year-Brianna-Wiest/dp/1949759628 Amazon

• 📰 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://georgecouros.com/about-me/email/ George Couros+1

• 📚 Check out my books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/George-Couros/author/B0192TISQ0

• 🎙️ Subscribe to The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast: https://twitter.com/gcouros  • Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecouros/