Podcast: Nick Zizi | Motivational Speaker

Many students do not lack ability. They need access, exposure, support, and someone who reminds them that they belong.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Dr. Alana Simmons, an education leader with more than 20 years of experience across workforce development, correctional education, GEAR UP, and higher education.

Drawing from her leadership with GEAR UP Dougherty and her transition into a new chapter in higher education, Dr. Simmons shares how educators can help students see beyond their ZIP codes, advocate for themselves, ask better questions, and make informed decisions about college, careers, and life.

She also shares the powerful story of a student whose interest in cosmetic science began with one honest conversation. Because an educator listened, that student gained access to college visits, hands-on learning, industry exposure, in-state tuition, and a clear pathway toward her future.

In this conversation, Nick and Dr. Simmons discuss:

• Why access and exposure can change what students believe is possible
• How educators can help students overcome imposter syndrome
• What students may be carrying behind their behavior
• Why leaders should listen before assuming they have the answer
• What real college and career readiness looks like beyond applications and test scores
• Why students must learn to ask questions and advocate for themselves
• How adults can guide students through decisions without making every decision for them
• Why asking, “How do you want to serve your community?” may be more powerful than asking, “What do you want to be?”

Dr. Simmons leaves students with a message every young person needs to hear:

“You are here because you’ve been handpicked to be here.”

This episode is especially relevant for GEAR UP, TRIO, college-access, higher-education, student-affairs, advising, and education leaders committed to helping students see what is possible, prepare for what is next, and succeed once they enter the room. 

Connect

Connect with Dr. Alana Simmons on Facebook and Instagram.

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AI is changing education, but many educators are still trying to figure out where to begin.

In this episode, Kimberly A. Freeman joins Z-Rated Success to discuss how educators can leverage AI without fear, reclaim time, and use technology in ways that support teaching and learning. Kimberly shares why AI literacy matters, especially for ESL and multilingual students, and why educators need clear systems instead of more overwhelm.

The conversation explores how AI can help with lesson planning, administrative tasks, multilingual learning, data privacy concerns, inclusive prompting, and teacher support. Kimberly also reminds education leaders that AI should not replace educators. It should help educators get time back to do the work only humans can do.

This episode is for educators, school leaders, instructional coaches, PD leaders, TESOL professionals, and anyone thinking about how AI can support teaching, equity, and student success.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Why AI literacy matters for students and educators
• How AI can support ESL and multilingual learners
• Why many teachers feel overwhelmed by AI
• How educators can start with one AI skill instead of trying to learn everything
• The importance of clear AI policies and schoolwide systems
• How AI can help teachers reclaim time from administrative tasks
• Why human-centered prompting matters
• How bias can show up in AI-generated content
• Why education leaders need to address teacher fears around AI
• How support from leadership affects AI implementation
• Why AI should not replace educators

Key Takeaways

1. AI literacy is an equity issue.
Students should not be left behind because they do not have access to AI literacy or adults who can help them navigate it.

2. Educators need systems, not overload.
Kimberly reminds educators to start with one skill and build from there instead of trying to learn everything at once.

3. AI can help teachers reclaim time.
Lesson planning, documentation, reports, and administrative tasks can consume hours. AI can help reduce that workload when used wisely.

4. The human touch still matters.
AI can support teaching, but educators must remain the navigators.

5. Leadership support matters.
If teachers feel safe, supported, and heard, they are more likely to use AI with confidence and purpose.

Memorable Lines

“AI is very scary to teachers.”

“Let me focus on one skill, not 20 million skills.”

“You are the navigator of AI.”

“AI is not going to replace educators who are prepared and have a system in place.”

“Support means the whole world.”

Guest Contact

Kimberly A. Freeman
LinkedIn: Kimberly A. Freeman
Website: kimaiinstructionaleducation-educationalconsultant.com

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Student leadership is more than a title. It is how students communicate, make decisions, handle conflict, build community, and grow under pressure.

In this conversation, Hanan Allen, MPA, Assistant Director of Student Activities at the University of Rochester, shares what she has learned from advising student organizations and supporting student leaders. She discusses the behind-the-scenes work of student activities, the importance of cultural competence, how student organizations build belonging, and why educators must listen first before trying to fix everything.

Hanan also gives a powerful reminder for education leaders: first-generation students may be resilient, but even resilient students get tired. This episode is a valuable conversation for educators, student affairs professionals, TRIO/GEAR UP leaders, advisors, and anyone who wants to better support students as humans first.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Hanan’s journey into student activities and higher education
• The behind-the-scenes work of advising student organizations
• Why student organizations teach leadership skills students may not learn in the classroom
• How cultural organizations help students find belonging
• What students are carrying that education leaders may not always see
• Why first-generation students need support beyond the “resilience” label
• Communication and conflict resolution among student leaders
• Why students need advisors who listen, care, and ask better questions
• The balance between compassion and accountability
• How leaders who develop leaders can change the world

Key Takeaways

1. Student activities are leadership labs.
Students learn budgeting, event planning, teamwork, communication, delegation, and conflict resolution through student organizations.

2. Belonging requires more than words.
Students feel belonging when they have spaces where their culture, voice, leadership, and lived experience are valued.

3. Educators must see the person behind the behavior.
Sometimes leaders see the behavior, but they miss the burden behind the behavior.

4. First-generation students are carrying more than academics.
They may be navigating family expectations, financial pressure, trauma, lack of support, and the responsibility of breaking generational cycles.

5. Compassion needs structure.
Hanan shares that compassion is important, but advisors also need boundaries, deadlines, and accountability.

Memorable Quotes

“Sometimes leaders see the behavior, but they may not always see the burden behind the behavior.”

“Even resilient people get tired.”

“Students are human too.”

“Leaders who develop leaders will ultimately change the world for the better.”

“Listen first and ask questions later.”

Guest Contact

Hanan Allen
Website: hanangosglobal.com

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Today’s college students are carrying more than many education leaders realize.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Brittany Blackwell Broussard, Director of Culture and Climate and Psychology Instructor at Northwestern State University, to talk about culture, climate, belonging, empathy, and what it really means to help students feel safe, seen, supported, and valued.

Brittany shares how campus culture shows up in everyday student life, why empathy empowers students, and why education leaders must pay attention to what students are carrying before they assume laziness, attitude, or disinterest.

This conversation is for education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, advisors, and anyone committed to building campus environments where students can thrive.

In This Episode:

• What culture and climate mean in real life
• How empathy empowers students
• Why today’s college students are carrying more than many leaders realize
• How work, family responsibility, commuting, finances, and first-generation expectations affect students
• Why leaders should be careful not to misread overwhelm as laziness or disinterest
• How small moments help students feel seen and supported
• Why belonging must move beyond performative statements
• How educators can build trust through authenticity, personal outreach, and practical support
• Why students need to hear, “You belong here”

Key Takeaway:
Empathy empowers. When education leaders take time to understand what students are carrying, they are better equipped to build trust, create belonging, and support students before small challenges become bigger decisions.

Memorable Quote:
“Students want to be seen. They want to feel heard and actually feel valued.”

Knucklehead Decision Segment:
Brittany shares why a lack of communication and transparency can become a major leadership mistake. When something happens and leaders do not communicate clearly, students fill in the blanks, rumors grow, and trust can be damaged.

Best For:
Education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, academic advisors, culture and climate leaders, student support professionals, and anyone who wants to create stronger campus belonging.

Connect With Brittany Blackwell Broussard:
LinkedIn: Brittany Blackwell Broussard

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Community college is not the end of the road. For many students, it can be the beginning of a bigger academic journey.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Dr. Tiffany Paige, Director of the McNair Scholars Community College Program at Jackson State University, to talk about helping students move from simply trying to finish a semester to seeing themselves as scholars, researchers, and future graduate students.

Dr. Paige shares her own educational journey as a first-generation college student, the importance of exposure and early intervention, and how education leaders can help students connect today’s decisions to tomorrow’s opportunities.

This conversation is especially valuable for TRIO professionals, GEAR UP leaders, advisors, faculty, student support professionals, and anyone committed to helping students see and pursue bigger possibilities.

In This Episode

• Why community college can be a powerful stepping stone
• How leaders can help students build scholar identity earlier
• Why exposure matters for first-generation and transfer students
• The role of McNair Scholars programs in preparing students for research and graduate school
• How advisors and program leaders can help students prepare for bigger academic opportunities
• The myth that research is only for science students
• Why students must communicate early and stop waiting until the last minute
• How listening helps leaders guide students without forcing their own lived experience onto them

Key Quote

“Community college is not the end of the road. For many students, it can be the beginning of a bigger academic journey.”

Knucklehead Decision Segment

Dr. Paige shares why lack of communication is one of the biggest decisions that can cost students opportunities. Waiting until the last minute for recommendations, applications, funding, or graduate school preparation can make it harder for advisors and mentors to help.

Best Takeaway

Students are capable, but they need exposure, preparation, support, and leaders who will listen closely enough to connect them with the right opportunities.

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, share it with an educator, advisor, TRIO professional, community college student, or future graduate student who needs to hear that bigger academic opportunities are possible.

Connect With Dr. Tiffany Paige

LinkedIn: Tiffany R. Paige

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Nick Zizi sits down with Brittany Jackson, Director of Orientation and New Student Programs at North Carolina A&T State University.

Brittany shares why orientation is not just a checklist or a schedule of events. It is often the first real experience students and families have with a campus community, and it can shape how they feel about belonging, safety, support, and student success.

This conversation explores orientation, student transition, first-year experience, family engagement, belonging, leadership, and the early decisions that can shape a student’s semester.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why orientation is more than logistics
• How orientation sets the tone for student success
• Why parents and families are part of the transition process
• What students are often unprepared for when they arrive
• Why students need to decide who they want to be
• How leaders can help students learn to pivot
• Why belonging matters from day one
• How authenticity creates connection with students
• What leaders should pay attention to during orientation
• Practical advice for students before and during orientation

Connect with Brittany Jackson:
LinkedIn: Brittany Jackson

Remember: Better decisions lead to better outcomes.

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In this episode of Z Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Bennie Williams for a powerful conversation about fear, opportunity, student success, and what it means to help students become comfortable being uncomfortable.

Bennie brings over 12 years of experience in higher education, student affairs, multicultural education, diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and now K–8 education as a third-grade ELA teacher. In this conversation, he shares lessons from his own journey, including the opportunities he missed because of fear and how that experience now shapes the way he encourages students to try, take risks, and keep going.

This episode is especially valuable for educators, school leaders, student affairs professionals, TRIO and GEAR UP teams, and anyone committed to helping students make better decisions and develop the confidence to grow.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why fear causes students and educators to miss opportunities
• How to help students become comfortable being uncomfortable
• Why trying matters, even when students do not know the answer
• How educators can use accountability language without discouraging students
• Why emotional regulation is critical before students get to college
• What actually sticks with students after a program, lesson, or experience
• How representation and real examples help students build identity
• Why educators also need to reignite their passion and take care of themselves

Memorable takeaway:
Fear should not be the thing that makes the decision. Students need educators who help them take risks, try, fail, learn, and keep moving forward.

About the Guest:
Bennie Williams has over 12 years of experience in higher education, particularly in student affairs, multicultural education, student leadership, and DEI work. He recently transitioned into K–8 education as a third-grade ELA teacher, where he continues helping students learn, grow, develop confidence, and prepare for real-life situations.

Connect with Bennie:
LinkedIn: Bennie Darnell Williams
Instagram: @theofficialmrcanisius

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Students are carrying more than many people realize, and education leaders have an opportunity to help them feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick Zizi sits down with Robert Johnson, Executive Director of the Agape Center for Human Dignity at Sacred Heart University, for a powerful conversation on student belonging, leadership, campus culture, and what students need right now.

Robert shares why students need advocates and translators, how leaders can help students find their voice, and why small decisions like showing up, asking for help, and going to the source can shape a student’s future.

This episode is for educators, advisors, student affairs professionals, TRIO professionals, campus leaders, and anyone committed to helping students make better decisions and experience better outcomes.

Connect with Robert Johnson:
LinkedIn: Robert Johnson
Website: RSJ Inclusion Consulting

Remember: Better decisions lead to better outcomes.

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Nick Zizi sits down with Dan La Bar, a seasoned K-12 public charter school leader, to explore how leadership decisions shape student outcomes.

Dan shares one of the most practical leadership lessons from his career: too fast, too slow. Move too fast, and you may leave out important voices, feedback loops, and stakeholders. Move too slow, and you may miss the urgency of the moment.

This conversation also explores what students need most, how trauma can derail a student’s day, why relationships make accountability possible, how innovation must fit the local community, and why leaders must take care of themselves if they want to serve others well.

If you lead students, staff, programs, or school communities, this episode will help you think more clearly about the decisions that create better outcomes.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The leadership danger of moving too fast or too slow
• Why quality teaching still matters
• How trauma can impact a student’s ability to learn
• Why relationships make accountability possible
• How schools can build pathways that fit their community
• Why innovation must be adapted, not copied
• Why leaders must take care of themselves first
• Why a leader’s words can stay with students for years

Guest: Dan La Bar

Connect with Dan: Search Dan La Bar on LinkedIn

Host: Nick Zizi

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In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Nick Zizi sits down with Amanda Jeppesen, Student Employment Specialist in Career and Student Employment Services at Western Michigan University.

Amanda works closely with students, supervisors, and campus partners to help student employment become more than just a paycheck. In this conversation, she explains how on-campus jobs can become powerful real-world learning experiences when supervisors build in reflection, transferable skills, professional norms, and opportunities for students to connect what they are learning in class to what they are doing at work.

Amanda also discusses why students are often overwhelmed by career decisions, how early they should start working with career services, and why asking questions is not a weakness. It is a sign of intelligence and engagement.

This episode is for education leaders, student affairs professionals, career services teams, TRIO and GEAR UP professionals, supervisors of student employees, and anyone helping students turn experience into confidence, clarity, and better decisions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why student employment can become a powerful learning experience
• How campus jobs help students build professional skills
• Why student employment is being viewed as experiential education
• How supervisors can design student jobs with learning in mind
• What students learn beyond earning a paycheck
• Why many students feel overwhelmed by career decisions
• How career services can help students make better decisions earlier
• Why asking clarifying questions matters in the workplace
• What students often overlook about communication and responsibility
• How educators can connect students with the right people and opportunities
• Amanda’s “knuckleheaded decision” lesson about training supervisors clearly

Memorable quote:
“You can do almost anything. But then it’s like, how do I decide?”

Connect with Amanda Jeppesen:
Amanda Jeppesen serves as the Student Employment Specialist in Career and Student Employment Services at Western Michigan University. She is active on LinkedIn and can be found by searching Amanda Jeppesen Western Michigan University.

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com