Episode Keywords

Education • Innovation • Leadership • Learning • Professional Growth • Storytelling • Educators • Curiosity • Meaningful Experiences • Community

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols zoom out—and then right back in—on why education remains one of the most exciting, challenging, and hopeful industries around. Drawing inspiration from George Couros’ work, including The Innovator’s Mindset and Forward Together, the conversation explores what it really means to build learner-centred schools in a world that keeps changing the rules.

Jason and Garth unpack innovation not as a buzzword, but as a posture—one rooted in curiosity, relationships, and the courage to keep things fresh. From professional learning that actually energizes educators, to the power of networks beyond our own schools, this episode is a reminder that meaningful growth happens when we stay open, tell better stories, and refuse to get too comfortable with “the way it’s always been done.”

Take Aways

• Education is evolving—and that’s what makes it thrilling if we lean into it.

• Learner-centred schools don’t happen by accident; they’re built intentionally.

• Innovation isn’t a program—it’s a habit we practice together.

• Great professional development should spark curiosity, not compliance.

• Meaningful experiences matter just as much for adults as they do for students.

• Growth accelerates when we learn with and from people beyond our own buildings.

• Change doesn’t arrive on its own—we have to go after it.

• Schools innovate best when communities are part of the story.

• Capturing mantras, moments, and stories keeps learning human.

• Staying fresh requires noticing when the “smell” has changed—and responding.

• “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

• “Don’t get used to the smell.”

• “Kids these days… kids these days.”

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Lassoing Leadership
04:28 – Rethinking Innovation and the Innovator’s Mindset
08:15 – What Educators Owe Learners in a Changing World
12:15 – Culture, Curiosity, and Continuous Learning
13:59 – Forward Together and Paying Attention to New Smells
18:05 – Learning Beyond Education and the Power of Networks
20:50 – What’s Ahead: Guests, Ideas, and Staying Curious

Episode Keywords

Education • Leadership • Community • Storytelling • Emotional Connection • Change • School Leadership • Relationships • Narrative

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with George Couros to talk about his newest book, Forward Together—and what it really takes to build schools where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

George shares powerful stories about the role community plays in meaningful change, why leadership is inseparable from storytelling, and how emotional connection—not policy or programs—is often the real driver of growth. From paying attention to the small details, to celebrating wins (including your own), this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being curious, generous, and deeply human.

Take Aways

• Curiosity builds bridges; judgment builds walls.

• Schools are among the most powerful community-building spaces we have.

• Small, thoughtful details often make the biggest difference.

• Emotional connection sits at the centre of effective leadership.

• Leaders need to recognize and celebrate their own growth—not just others’.

• Relationships are the foundation on which everything else is built.

• Understanding your community matters more than copying someone else’s model.

• Change sticks when it’s approached with care, empathy, and patience.

• Naming and amplifying strengths creates momentum and trust.

• Great leadership creates environments where people feel safe to grow.

• “The small details matter.”

• “What do I gain?”

• “Clap for yourself.”

Chapters

00:00 – Welcoming George and Forward Together
05:30 – Why Community Is the Work of Schools
09:55 – Storytelling as a Leadership Practice
12:54 – Emotional Connection and Meaningful Change
19:26 – “Clap for Yourself” and Owning Your Growth
24:33 – Advice for New and Emerging Leaders

Keywords

education, leadership, innovation, AI, stoicism, learning, resilience, community, George Couros, Innovator's Mindset

Takeaways

• George Couros emphasizes the importance of innovation in education.
• The Innovator's Mindset is relevant even after 10 years since its publication.
• Change should be viewed as an opportunity for growth.
• AI can enhance learning experiences when embraced positively.
• Stoicism offers valuable lessons for leaders in adapting to change.
• Learning is a continuous process that requires community support.
• Modeling risk-taking behavior is essential for leaders.
• Compassion for oneself is crucial in the learning journey.
• Building a culture of innovation requires understanding individual strengths.
• Curiosity and listening are key traits of effective leadership.

Quotes

• "Repetition really matters in learning."
• "Be curious, not judgmental."
• "Keep leading the lasso way."

Summary

In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Jason Rogers and Garth engage with George Couros, an influential figure in education and author of 'The Innovator's Mindset.'

The conversation explores the relevance of innovation in education, the impact of AI, and the importance of community and curiosity in leadership.

Couros shares insights on embracing change, learning from mistakes, and the connection between stoicism and effective leadership. The episode concludes with reflections on leadership lessons from the character Ted Lasso, emphasizing the need for compassion and support in fostering innovation.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

03:11 - George Couros: Journey in Education

05:58 - The Innovator's Mindset: Relevance Over Time

09:05 - Innovation and Stoicism: Embracing Change

11:58 - AI in Education: Finding Value

14:59 - Learning vs. Teaching: A Shift in Perspective

18:07 - Navigating Change in Education Leadership

18:27 - Embracing Change in Education

22:34 - The Journey of Personal Growth

27:10 - Learning Through Risk and Innovation