MORE THAN A SPEAKER

  • 2X Bestselling Author
  • TEDx Speaker
  • Podcast Host
  • Over 15 years of working with students
Hire Me

HEY, I’M NICK ZIZI
The Zebra

Helping students and educators make better decisions
and lead effectively with the Z-Print™.

Students don’t need a thousand steps; they need a repeatable way to choose well under pressure.

I teach them to identify their unique strengths, their Z-Print, and apply a simple decision loop so they can lead with confidence in class, on campus, and in life.

Bestselling author & TEDx speaker; host of the Z-Rated Success podcast; 10+ years teaching and training. Husband since 2007; dad of five (HS/MS/elementary).

FREQUENTLY booked for

  • School assemblies
  • Student leadership conferences
  • Orientation & welcome-back programs
  • College & career readiness events
  • Graduation and commencement keynotes
  • Educator PD workshops & training

REVIEWS

“Nick Zizi reinforced the what we teach in a fun and memorable way through the Unleash Your Zebra presentation. Our students were so moved that many of them wrote letters expressing their gratitude and what they plan on changing as a result of hearing Nick Zizi’s message. I highly recommend Nick Zizi to any school.”
MS. DEEETTE NAUKANAPRINCIPAL | SUNED HIGH OF BROWARD
The ability to provide faculty, staff, and students quality information is essential to the programming my division offers. Nick Zizi provides the quality we desire. He delivers in a way that is not engaging but also impactful.
Keisha JonesDean of Student Engagement & Completion
“Nick is electrifying, insightful and he’s genuine. He speaks from the audience’s point of view. He brings out the greatness that is within them. I highly recommend Nick.”
Les BrownWorld Renown Speaker
“Although I could not stay for the entire “Unleash Your Zebra” presentation, I enjoyed what I heard. The students are still ranting and raving about it.”
DEBORAH K. STUBBSASSISTANT PRINCIPAL | PLANTATION HIGH SCHOOL
“Nick Zizi, a captivating speaker presents his audience with words that leave an indelible impression. He tries to tailor his words to fit the needs of the audience as well as the objectives of the conference organizers. I highly recommend Nick Zizi for your next event.”
DR. ISCHAJI ROBERTSONTEEN COURT
"Your message was absolutely moving/mesmerizing and inspiring. One student fluttered to share your message with some of her classmates who couldn’t be in the audience. We applaud you in your endeavor to instill hope in the hearts of our young people.”
MRS. NOELCOUNSELOR | BROWNSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Our students were high fiving each other, taking notes and fully engaged in his presentations. We have three words to describe Nick and his presentations.. Inspirational, Informative and Leadership Driven!"
Sonya Russell, M.EdFL BPA State Advisor
“Unleash Your Zebra! Nick is the best speaker we have ever had come to our school. Our students were fully engaged in his presentation. He has an uncanny ability to connect with students while providing great content. I highly recommend Nick Zizi to speak at your school!”
SIMONE SHAKERTEACHER AND ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR NEW YORK
“Reactions from students were enthusiastic, energized and inspired. In our conference evaluation students used words like, ‘impactful’, ‘’ and ‘motivating’ to describe Nick’s presentation. He was able to tailor his message for our audience and that detail resonated with our students, teachers and other conference attendees. Nick’s keynote presentation would fit well into any student leadership event.”
Bailee GardunioExecutive Director & State Advisor | Colorado HOSA
“From graduating high school in the top 5% of my class to receiving a fully paid scholarship to the University of Miami, if it weren’t for Nick Zizi’s inspiring words and guidance, I would not have made it this far.”
Guerdiana ThelomarMaster’s student | University of Pennsylvania
Mr. Zizi’s presentation was interactive, entertaining, and value packed. He encouraged students to embrace what makes them different, and use it to their advantage. Additionally, he encouraged faculty and staff to help students hone their gifts. I would highly recommend Mr. Zizi to any higher educational event. 
Marquita Richardson Completion Coach Davidson-Davie Community College

Better decisions today. Better futures tomorrow

Help students lead with their Z-Print™ and equip educators and higher-ed professionals to build decision-friendly campuses.

Keynotes, workshops, and half-day training for schools, districts, and colleges.

Book Nick

Ideal Audience: Student groups, grade-level assemblies, orientation/welcome-back

Length/Formats: 45–60-min keynote or assembly

Program Snapshot
Zebras stand out because of their stripes. Students learn that being different is an advantage—and how to make better daily decisions by knowing their strengths and choosing the right “dazzle” (supportive peers).

 

Students will learn to:

  • Different isn’t a deficit; it’s an advantage. Own it, and confidence follows..
  • The Z-Print™ Decision Loop (Stripe → Scan → Select → Sprint) for choices under pressure..
  • The little-known strategy for stepping out of their comfort zone without being fearful.
Request This Program

Student Leadership Assembly & Workshop

Ideal Audience: Student leadership, ambassadors, clubs, athletics, SGA

Length/Formats: 45–60-min keynote • 75–90-min workshop

Program Snapshot
Students don’t need a thousand tips—they need a repeatable way to choose well when it matters. This session builds confident leaders who act from their Z-Print™, not peer pressure.

Student leaders will learn to:

  • Leading self-first
  • The 3 Is Framework of Zebra Leaders
  • Cultivating the qualities of today’s top leaders
  • Leading others with integrity even when it’s not “cool”
  • Being a responsible leader
Request This Program

Student Leadership Groups

Ideal Audience: Student success courses, freshman seminars, career & college readiness

Length/Formats: 60–90-min workshop (hands-on) 

Program Snapshot
No two zebras share stripes; no two students share the same strengths. This interactive workshop helps students name their Z-Print™ and use it to make better course, club, and career decisions.

Students will leave with:

  • Clarify strengths, interests, and values to guide smart choices (major, clubs, peers).
  • Design a decision-friendly week: routines for study, phones, and friends.
  • Craft Z-Print™ stories for resumes, applications, and interviews to stand out.
Request This Program

Ideal Audience: Administrators, teachers, counselors, student affairs, advisors

Length/Formats: 60–90-min PD keynote • Half-day workshop

Program Snapshot
Give students a simple, shared language for better decisions. Educators learn routines that create decision-friendly classrooms and campuses while strengthening belonging (their “dazzle”).

Participants will leave with:

  • The Z-Print™ campus playbook: belonging first, then decisions.
  • Micro-routines that reduce decision fatigue (choice architecture, prompts, reflection).
  • A 30-day rollout plan to reinforce the Decision Loop across classes and advising.
  • What to measure: engagement, attendance, conduct, completion.
Request This Program

Type: Professional Development / Conference Session (Higher-Ed)

Ideal Audience: Career Services, Student Affairs, Orientation, Leadership, Advising, Res Life

Length/Formats: 45–60-min keynote/breakout • 90-min workshop • Half-day PD

Program Snapshot
From orientation to commencement, a common decision framework improves engagement, persistence, and career outcomes. This session shows how to embed the Z-Print™ Decision Loop across touchpoints—so students choose well, more often.

Attendees will learn to:

  • Map the Decision Loop to key milestones (involvement, internships, wellness, conduct).
  • Turn programs into decision labs, short experiences that build choice skills.
  • Equip staff and peer leaders with shared prompts and language.
  • Track leading indicators that predict retention and placement.
Request This Program
Teach Like A ZEBRA.

Keeping teachers motivated is just as important as keeping students motivated. With 50% of new teachers leaving the field in their first five years, teacher burnout is a reality. Help your K-12 teachers keep their passion for education.
  • You’re job as a teacher is THE most important career in the world!
  • Don’t give up on any student! EVERY child has potential!
  • It’s not what happens to you in life that matters, it’s what you do about what happens to you that makes the difference!
  • Revive your passion for relationship-building, and moving beyond “sensitivity” to “an understanding.”
  • Revive your passion for relationship-building, and moving beyond “sensitivity” to “an understanding.”
  • Recognize “blindspots” and become more creative with limited resources.
Request This Program
Teach Like A ZEBRA.

Keeping teachers motivated is just as important as keeping students motivated. With 50% of new teachers leaving the field in their first five years, teacher burnout is a reality. Help your K-12 teachers keep their passion for education.
  • You’re job as a teacher is THE most important career in the world!
  • Don’t give up on any student! EVERY child has potential!
  • It’s not what happens to you in life that matters, it’s what you do about what happens to you that makes the difference!
  • Revive your passion for relationship-building, and moving beyond “sensitivity” to “an understanding.”
  • Revive your passion for relationship-building, and moving beyond “sensitivity” to “an understanding.”
  • Recognize “blindspots” and become more creative with limited resources.
Request This Program

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