Innovator Insights

What really happens behind the glass walls of Apple? 25-year Apple veteran Victor La Bozzetta joins Scott Fisher to reveal the secrets behind Apple’s design philosophy and their strategy to reclaim the classroom. Highlights:Steve vs. Tim: How leadership shifted from product passion to business genius. The "Neo" MacBook: Why Apple’s new $599 repairable laptop is a game-changer for schools. Design Secrets: The real engineering reason Macs don't have touchscreens. The "What If" Game: How a "chill" culture actually drives global innovation.Links & Resources:Show Notes: https://innovatorinsights.io/Victor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlabozzetta/ Victor's Twitter: https://x.com/VictorNValerieApple Education: https://www.apple.com/education/Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottvfisher/#Apple #Innovation #TechIndustry #SiliconValley #InnovatorInsights

In this episode of Innovator Insights, Scott Fisher sits down with Dr. Nikos Loutas, NATO's Director of Innovation,. They discuss the organization's role in fostering technological advancements and innovation within the defense sector. He outlines NATO's strategic priorities, the importance of collaboration with startups, and the implementation of AI and data governance as critical components of modern defense capabilities. Dr. Loutas emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to innovation policy, drawing from his diverse background in academia, the European Commission, and the private sector. The conversation also highlights NATO's initiatives like Diana and the NATO Innovation Fund, aimed at bridging the gap between civilian technology and military needs.Resources and Links for Emerging and disruptive technologiesUpdated: 25 June 2025: https://www.nato.int/en/what-we-do/deterrence-and-defence/emerging-and-disruptive-technologies?selectedLocale= Summary of NATO's Rapid Adoption Action Plan25 June 2025: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2025/06/25/summary-of-natos-rapid-adoption-action-plan Summary of NATO's revised Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy10 July 2024: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2024/07/10/summary-of-natos-revised-artificial-intelligence-ai-strategy Summary of NATO’s Autonomy Implementation Plan13 October 2022: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2022/10/13/summary-of-natos-autonomy-implementation-plan Summary of NATO’s Quantum Technologies Strategy16 January 2024: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2024/01/16/summary-of-natos-quantum-technologies-strategy Summary of NATO's Biotechnology and Human Enhancement Technologies Strategy12 April 2024: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2024/04/12/summary-of-natos-biotechnology-and-human-enhancement-technologies-strategy DIANAhttps://www.diana.nato.int/index.html NATO Innovation Fundhttps://www.nif.fund/

SVIP founder Taylor May joins host Scott Fisher to talk about innovation, cybersecurity, and the rise of agentic AI. Hear how transparency, real-world testing, and collaboration are shaping the next wave of technology, and why honesty might be the most underrated tool in innovation.Resources and LinksSVIP: https://www.svip.news/ Nothing But the Truth Podcast: https://www.svip.news/

Join us with Dr. Matthew Joseph, Assistant Superintendent and CEO of X-Factor EDU, as we dive into his journey from teacher to tech leader. He shares essential advice on why innovation must be a mindset, not a "thing," and how to empower students to lead their own learning. Learn the biggest misconceptions in educational technology and why you must go with your gut as an innovator.

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.Episodes Library: https://innovatorinsights.io/episodes/Episode Page: https://innovatorinsights.io/episodes/dr-rachelle-dene-poth/Connect with Rachelle:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelledenepoth/ Twitter/X:  @Rdene915  InstagramPodcast: ThriveinEDUNewsletter: bit.ly/pothnews1Consulting and Speaking Form: bit.ly/thriveineduPDBlog: 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 CybersecurityWhy the Human Element is Your Biggest Vulnerability Navigating the Evolving Threat of Generative AIResources Mentioned:Learn more about Antoinette King and Credo Cyber ConsultingBuy Antoinette's book, The Digital Citizen's Guide to Cybersecurity

In a compelling conversation with Scott Fisher, renowned innovator and product strategist Dave Peterson shares his unique perspective on what drives true innovation. From his early days on a farm in Iowa to a distinguished career in technology, Dave reflects on the importance of listening to customers, embracing fast prototyping, and building meaningful relationships to create products that solve real-world problems. He dives into the traits of successful innovators, the need for cross-functional collaboration, and how to navigate the challenges of bringing ideas to life within large organizations. Dave also touches on future tech trends and sustainable living, advocating for a broader, more human-centered understanding of innovation that goes beyond just technology.With a sharp eye for product vision and strategic execution, Dave is known for his ability to quickly assess business and customer needs and translate them into effective, scalable go-to-market strategies. He has a proven track record of connecting product development, marketing, and channel sales into cohesive plans that deliver both customer value and business impact. Dave’s approach is rooted in solution selling, particularly within the educational enterprise space, where his leadership fosters long-term partnerships and ecosystems that drive innovation. His passion, technology evangelism, and actionable insight make him a trusted voice in shaping how companies bring products to market, and how those products can truly transform customer experiences.

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 thinkingResources:Brett SalakasEducation AmbassadorLinkedin ProfileX ProfileBook:A Mammoth Lesson: Teaching in the digital ageby 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 #EducationInnovationResources from PanelistsEric Curts (ControlAltAchieve.com)Custom Ai Chatbots For LearningAdditional Data Protection In Gemini When Using A School Account Guided Grading With AiDid A Robot Write This Report? Managing Ai CheatingAI Student Learning Activities With Prompts! Interviews, Debates & More​​Snorkl Overview And VideoSuper Tutor: AI to Support All LearnersEdtech Cool Tool - Enlighten AIFree Resources To Teach Your Students About AIAi ResourcesJason Towne (Squirrel AI)Ai In Education Google Group (Teachers & Admins Worldwide)University Of Sydney: Ai In Education HubEdsurge’s Ai News StoriesWorld Economic Forum Article: “How Ai And Human Teachers Can Collaborate To Transform Education”Rewiring Education: How Technology Can Unlock Every Student’s PotentialForbes Cover Story On Squirrel AiSquirrel Ai WebsiteMandy DePriest (AI for Education)Teaching with Ai Resources from the ChatThe Why Behind Ai In Education: How To Enhanc

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 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.

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