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

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

This conversation is designed specifically to support and extend the expertise of school board trustees, offering practical ways to connect with people they may strongly disagree with, better understand differing perspectives, and move their communities forward with trust and clarity.

In this episode, MacKenzie Feldpausch of the Michigan Association of School Boards hosts a candid and thoughtful conversation with George Couros about his book Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. Drawing directly from her work alongside school board trustees across Michigan, MacKenzie shares why this book resonates so strongly with board members navigating tension, criticism, and complex community dynamics.

Rather than focusing on abstract leadership theory, the discussion centers on real, lived experiences that trustees can immediately relate to, including stories from refereeing, inviting pushback, and transforming a school room into a parent technology hub. Throughout the conversation, George and MacKenzie explore the importance of listening deeply, humanizing one another, reminding ourselves that “we’re all somebody’s kid,” and responding thoughtfully to community needs.

This episode highlights why Forward, Together is a valuable resource for school board trustees who want to lead with empathy, invite productive disagreement, and build stronger relationships in boardrooms and communities, even when consensus feels out of reach.

Ideal for:

• School board trustees and board presidents

• Superintendents working closely with boards

• Education leaders navigating conflict and public pressure

• Anyone seeking practical, human-centered leadership guidance

MacKenzie Feldpausch is the Education Programming Manager for the Michigan Association of School Boards. https://www.masb.org/about-masb/staff-directory/contact-me---mackenzie-feldpausch

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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/

n this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros is joined by Dr. Bhavini Bhakta for a practical and reflective conversation on health, wellness, and the power of routine in helping us self regulate in a demanding world.

Rather than focusing on extreme habits or quick fixes, this discussion explores how intentional routines create stability, clarity, and resilience. Dr. Bhakta shares why routine is not about control, but about freedom, especially for educators and leaders navigating constant change.

Together, they unpack how small, consistent practices help us manage stress, show up with purpose, and become more aligned with who we want to be. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026, offering grounded strategies for being your best self personally and professionally.

This episode is especially relevant for educators, leaders, and professionals who want to improve their wellbeing without adding more to their plate.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why routine plays a critical role in emotional regulation and mental health

• How consistent habits support clarity, focus, and sustainable energy

• Simple wellness practices that actually fit into busy lives

• How to intentionally prepare now to be your best self in 2026

Connect with Dr. Bhavini Bhakta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbhavinibhakta2019/

Dr. Bhavini Bhakta is a wellness coach, speaker, and former school principal who supports individuals and leaders in building sustainable routines for healthier, more balanced lives. As the founder of B Balanced Coaching, she brings a practical, empathetic approach to stress management, self regulation, and personal growth, especially for educators and high achieving professionals.

___________

👉 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

In this conversation with Meghan Lawson, George Couros reflects on the thinking behind his newest book, Forward, Together, and how his approach to leadership, writing, and growth has evolved over time.

George shares how this book differs from The Innovator’s Mindset, shifting from defining a vision for schools to modeling vulnerability, humility, and learning from mistakes. Meghan highlights why this is her favorite of George’s books, praising its accessibility, conversational tone, and practical leadership guidance.

Together, they explore:

• Why vulnerable leadership builds trust and stronger communities

• How open communication and feedback move schools forward

• The importance of inviting others into vision-building, not just presenting ideas

• The leadership balance of affirmation and challenge, often described as the “warm bath, cold shower”

• Why over-communicating and acknowledging community voice matters

This discussion is for school leaders, educators, and anyone interested in leadership rooted in growth, reflection, and collective progress. George emphasizes that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating spaces where people learn and move forward together.

📘 Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times is available now.

If you are a principal, teacher, district leader, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, community, and your own growth.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation resonates with 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

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

In this episode, Brittany Dixon, an upper-elementary teacher known as @Elementary_Magic on Instagram, shares how hands-on learning and a supportive school culture transformed her classroom.

Brittany discusses how projects like electromagnets, 3D printing, and inquiry-based math and science lessons spark curiosity and help students learn independently. She also reflects on the powerful role of school leadership, explaining how encouragement from her principal gave her the confidence to take instructional risks and keep learning exciting for students.

This conversation offers practical, classroom-ready ideas for educators who want to increase engagement, foster student ownership, and create learning experiences that students genuinely enjoy.

Connect with Brittany on Instagram at @elementary_magic.

1. Hands-On Learning Fuels Curiosity Real-world projects like electromagnets and 3D printing help students move beyond worksheets and into deeper understanding through exploration and problem-solving.

2. Student Independence Is Taught, Not Assumed When students are coached to ask questions, experiment, and reflect, they develop confidence and ownership over their learning.

3. Supportive Leadership Unlocks Innovation A principal who encourages risk-taking and trust empowers teachers to try new approaches that make learning more engaging and meaningful.

___________

👉 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

In this special "Forward, Together" preview episode, guest host Katie Novak sits down with educator and author George Couros to explore what schools can actually do to move from conflict to community.

Their conversation centers on a simple but challenging learning norm, learning in the way we expect from our students, and how that mindset shapes leadership, professional learning, and school culture. George shares what inspired Forward, Together, the real school stories behind the book, and why vulnerability, radical candor, and human connection matter more than polished talking points.

From classroom practices to shared meals and community conversations, this episode highlights practical strategies for building trust, supporting educators, and creating conditions where people feel heard in contentious times.

A thoughtful, honest discussion for educators and leaders who believe progress happens when we choose to move 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:

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

How can school leaders turn disagreement into growth rather than division?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, guest host Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket interviews George Couros about his new book, Forward, Together.

George shares why he wrote the book, how school leaders can navigate conflict and polarization with clarity and humility, and practical strategies for building trust with staff and communities. Together, they explore how inviting feedback, embracing constructive disagreement, and modeling continuous growth can strengthen school culture and leadership impact.

This episode offers concise, actionable insights for principals, superintendents, and educational leaders seeking tools to: • Lead through disagreement without losing trust • Foster a collaborative and feedback-rich culture • Engage communities authentically, not manipulatively • Guide schools forward in complex and contentious times

If you are leading in education today and feeling the weight of competing perspectives, this conversation provides grounded guidance for moving 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/

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

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

In this book release episode, George Couros shares the three deeply personal reasons he wrote Forward Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times.

Rather than offering quick fixes or rigid frameworks, this conversation explores why sustainable change in schools only happens when people work together. George explains why focusing on “we” over winning matters, how growing up in a tight-knit school community shaped his beliefs about leadership, and why every school and community requires its own solutions.

This episode also addresses a core message of the book: no book, principle, or strategy can fix a school. Books can offer ideas, reflection, and perspective, but real solutions are created by educators, leaders, families, and communities working together within their unique context.

This conversation is especially relevant for:

• School and district leaders navigating conflict or division

• Educators seeking trust-based leadership approaches

• Communities working to move initiatives forward collaboratively

• Anyone who believes schools improve when people come first

Forward Together is not about having the answers. It is about creating the conditions for communities to find them, together.

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If you purchase this book, please fill out this form to get a free conversation guide and the chance to win some books!

https://forms.gle/pob95CVPnwsAgdZb7

My latest book, "Forward, Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times," is now available here: https://amzn.to/4p62hZ2

In this short episode of the Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on why this past year felt lighter, more positive, and more grounded, learning to let go of grudges.

Holding a grudge rarely affects the other person, but it often weighs heavily on us. In under five minutes, George shares a simple practice that has helped him move forward, reaching out to lift others up without expectations, forgiveness speeches, or closure conversations.

This Christmas Day reflection is about releasing what holds us back, starting the year with clarity, and choosing actions that make us feel better rather than bitter.

Perfect for a quick listen if you are looking for perspective, peace, and a fresh start.