Why Creative Risk Matters - From Legendary Producer Larry Kasanoff

What does it take to innovate when everyone else is playing it safe? In this episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with legendary film producer Larry Kasanoff, author of A Touch of Madness, to explore why the biggest breakthroughs in film, business, and education often begin as ideas that others dismiss as impossible. Drawing from his experiences producing films like Platoon and Mortal Kombat, Larry shares why true innovation requires the courage to move away from the comfortable "middle" and pursue ideas that challenge conventional thinking. From listening to a sixth grader who changed an iconic movie character, to explaining why Blockbuster missed Netflix, this conversation is filled with practical lessons for leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to create meaningful change. George and Larry also explore what these ideas mean for education today. They discuss how schools can nurture creativity instead of compliance, why authentic learning matters more than simply earning grades, and how AI presents both opportunities and challenges for developing original thinkers. Whether you are leading a school, building a business, or simply trying to bring a new idea to life, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about risk, creativity, and innovation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the safest path often leads to irrelevance How listening to your audience creates better ideas Why asking is one of the most powerful innovation strategies Lessons educators can learn from the film industry How creativity can be developed, protected, and encouraged The role of AI in authentic learning and creative work 📘 Get Larry Kasanoff's book, A Touch of Madness: How to Be More Innovative in Work and Life... by Being a Little Crazy: https://a.co/d/07N0isaK Reflection Questions Are you encouraging innovation, or rewarding people for playing it safe? How can you create an environment where creative risk-taking is valued? What opportunity have you assumed was impossible simply because you never asked? ___________ 👉 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: X: https://x.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/