What drives a serial entrepreneur to tackle one of society’s most critical issues? In this episode, we talk with Lee Mandel. CEO of Xsponse, about his journey from building tech companies to creating a next-generation AI security platform. Lee shares his personal motivation for innovating school safety and explains how his company’s unique PoE ecosystem is designed to minimize human error and save lives in a crisis.
What does it mean to be an innovator? In this episode, educator, consultant, author, attorney and keynote speaker, Rachelle Dené Poth redefines innovation as a mindset, not just a technology. She shares her journey from a simple classroom change to helping students become entrepreneurs with AI. Rachelle also discusses the importance of vulnerability in learning and the surprising power of connecting with students.
Connect with Rachelle:
Twitter/X: @Rdene915
Podcast: ThriveinEDU
Newsletter: bit.ly/pothnews1
Consulting and Speaking Form: bit.ly/thriveineduPD
Blog: www.Rdene915.com
Books: bit.ly/pothbooks
Is your company's biggest cybersecurity risk a hacker, or one of your own employees?
In this episode of Innovator Insights, Scott Fisher talks with tech innovator Antoinette King, founder of Credo Cyber Consulting. She shares her expert perspective on why a truly holistic security posture is essential for protecting against modern threats.
Antoinette explains why 99% of breaches are due to human error and why a fundamental culture of security education is your most powerful defense. We also discuss the evolving threat of generative AI and the importance of a strategic, not just a technical, approach to security.
Key topics covered:
The Essential Convergence of Physical and Cybersecurity
Why the Human Element is Your Biggest Vulnerability
Navigating the Evolving Threat of Generative AI
Resources Mentioned:
Join host Scott Fisher as he sits down with Andrew Caffrey, CEO of Canopy, for a powerful conversation at the crossroads of innovation, education, and technology. From redefining what innovation means in schools to navigating the rise of AI, Andrew shares how Canopy is reshaping teacher training and empowering educators through strategic partnerships and user-centered design. Discover why AI prompting, presentation skills, and device security are becoming essential pillars of modern education—and how aligning with the right collaborators can unlock real, sustainable change. Whether you're in edtech, policy, or the classroom, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of learning.
In this episode of Innovator Insights, Brett Salakas shares how embracing failure, leading with purpose, and focusing on real human connections can drive meaningful innovation.From his journey as a teacher to becoming HP's Education Ambassador, Brett talks about breaking through compliance culture, finding the true ROI of new technologies, and why playing with tools is essential before using them to solve real problems.Key topics covered:▪️ What true innovation looks like (hint: it’s not always about technology)▪️ The power of ‘learning through play’—even in professional environments▪️ Why ROI and scalability are critical for any new initiative▪️ How the HP Way shapes innovation through integrity and long-term thinking
Resources:
Brett Salakas
Education Ambassador
Book:
A Mammoth Lesson: Teaching in the digital age
by Brett Salakas
In this month's episode, Scott Fisher sits down with George Couros, author of The Innovator’s Mindset, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant, to unpack what innovation really looks like in education today. From his unconventional entry into teaching to challenging outdated assumptions about technology, George shares real stories and insights that inspire both reflection and action.🔍 Topics we cover:✅ Why innovation isn’t about using tech, it’s about using anything in better ways✅ The mindset shift needed to lead change (and why it starts with modelling risk)✅ How leaders can remove barriers and build a culture of curiosity✅ A practical way to get people excited about AI (without jumping straight to students)✅ Why public learning matters more than polished results🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.#GeorgeCouros #InnovatorInsights #EdTech #EducationLeadership #AIinEducation #TheInnovatorsMindset #LearningOutLoud
In this second session of GAT Labs' AI in Education Roundtable Series, Marta McAlister (Google for Education), Brett Salakas (HP Education Ambassador), and Mateusz Olenik (GAT Labs) discuss how AI is reshaping the delivery of education, enhancing learning, supporting educators, and improving accessibility for diverse student needs.💡 Key Moments:0:00 - Introduction 04:13 – AI’s Role in Education Delivery09:29 – AI’s Scalability and Flexibility21:11 – Poll: What is AI's most essential way to improve education delivery?32:18 – AI’s Role in Accessibility48:57 – Key Challenges in AI Integration55:56 – Enhancing Student-Teacher Communication📚 Resources from PanelistsMarta McAlister (Google for Education)Disability Innovation Resources: https://belonging.google/in-products/...AI training for K12: https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/stude...Teaching Responsible Use of AI – Lesson Plan: https://services.google.com/fh/files/...NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google.com/Brett Salakas (HP Education Ambassador)HP AI Teacher Academy: https://www.edx.org/learn/education-t...💡 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more EdTech insights & future sessions from GAT Labs.#AIinEducation #GoogleForEducation #EdTech #GATLabs #HybridLearning #Accessibility #TeacherTools #EducationalAI
In this Roundtable Discussion, Jason Towne (Squirrel AI), Eric Curts (ControlAltAchieve), and Mandy DePriest (AI for Education) discuss how AI is transforming pedagogy, student engagement, and classroom practices.
💡 Key Moments:0:00
- Introduction 4:07 - What are the potential benefits of AI in improving the quality of education?
9:13 - What are some innovative ways AI is enhancing the pedagogical experience and teaching practices?
17:15 - 📊 Poll: What are the biggest challenges in integrating AI into the learning experience?
19:17 - How can AI improve student engagement and motivation in the classroom?
28:56 - How can AI support teachers in identifying at-risk students and provide timely interventions?
37:05 - How does AI contribute to developing soft skills and critical thinking in students?
46:04 - Closing
👉 Want to join our next session? Register here:https://gatlabs.com/education/ai-roun...#AIinEducation #EdTech #ClassroomTechnology #Pedagogy #StudentEngagement #GoogleWorkspace #GATLabs #EducationInnovation
Resources from Panelists
Eric Curts (ControlAltAchieve.com)
Jason Towne (Squirrel AI)
Mandy DePriest (AI for Education)
Resources from the Chat
In this episode of Innovator Insights, Scott Fisher interviews Adam Bellow, CEO and co-founder of Breakout EDU, discussing his journey from a selective learner to an EdTech innovator. Adam shares insights on his early inspirations, the challenges of gamification in education, and his experiences at the White House as a Presidential Innovation Fellow. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the drive to improve educational outcomes through technology. The two discuss the importance of collaboration and innovation across various sectors, emphasizing the need for driven individuals who are willing to share and receive feedback. They explore the role of AI in shaping the future of education and the necessity of preparing teachers to effectively utilize new tools. The discussion also highlights the significance of building community among educators and innovators, as well as the exciting developments at Breakout EDU.
In this episode, Scott Fisher sits down with Eric Curts, a former math teacher turned nationally recognized EdTech expert. Eric shares his journey from the classroom to the forefront of educational innovation, highlighting how necessity has driven his creativity and problem-solving mindset.
He discusses the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing how technology can help teachers personalize learning, improve accessibility, and enhance student engagement. Eric also reflects on the fast-paced nature of EdTech and why adaptability and continuous learning are essential for educators.
Eric has been in education for 33 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric’s areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, Google tools, assistive tech, and creative ways to use technology in teaching and learning. He is an authorized Google Education Trainer and Innovator and co-leads the Ohio Google Educator Group. Eric runs the award-winning blog ControlAltAchieve.com where all of his edtech resources can be found, and is the author of the book “Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects”.
Join us as we explore the future of education, the power of technology, and the mindset that drives true innovation.
Robert shares how his journey, from building his first IP router to founding a company that continues to revolutionize cloud security and management, was shaped by early lessons in business, maths and innovation.