Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders

NICK ZIZI

Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Educational Leaders is where educators, leaders, and student success professionals unpack the decisions that shape students, teams, campuses, and communities. Hosted by Nick “The Zebra” Zizi, this podcast goes beyond surface-level success stories to explore the real choices, turning points, leadership lessons, and even the “knuckleheaded decisions” that help us grow. Each conversation is designed to be insightful, practical, and engaging—giving educational leaders fresh perspective, useful takeaways, and better questions to bring back to their work. Because in education, every decision is a direction. Better decisions. Better outcomes.

  1. 5d ago

    What Students Are Carrying with Brittany Blackwell Broussard

    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 lifeHow empathy empowers studentsWhy today’s college students are carrying more than many leaders realizeHow work, family responsibility, commuting, finances, and first-generation expectations affect studentsWhy leaders should be careful not to misread overwhelm as laziness or disinterestHow small moments help students feel seen and supportedWhy belonging must move beyond performative statementsHow educators can build trust through authenticity, personal outreach, and practical supportWhy 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 Listen to more episodes: zratedsuccess.com 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

    31 min

  2. Jun 16

    The Scholar Glow-Up: From Community College to Graduate School

    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 stoneHow leaders can help students build scholar identity earlierWhy exposure matters for first-generation and transfer studentsThe role of McNair Scholars programs in preparing students for research and graduate schoolHow advisors and program leaders can help students prepare for bigger academic opportunitiesThe myth that research is only for science studentsWhy students must communicate early and stop waiting until the last minuteHow listening helps leaders guide students without forcing their own lived experience onto themKey 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: Visit zratedsuccess.com Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference: Visit nickzizi.com

    40 min

  3. Jun 9

    Orientation Is Not a Checkbox with Brittany Jackson

    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. 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

    34 min

  4. Jun 3

    Don’t Let Fear Make the Decision: Helping Students Take Action with Bennie Williams

    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 opportunitiesHow to help students become comfortable being uncomfortableWhy trying matters, even when students do not know the answerHow educators can use accountability language without discouraging studentsWhy emotional regulation is critical before students get to collegeWhat actually sticks with students after a program, lesson, or experienceHow representation and real examples help students build identityWhy educators also need to reignite their passion and take care of themselvesMemorable 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 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

    39 min

  5. May 27

    Students Need Advocates and Translators with Robert Johnson

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

    55 min

  6. May 19

    Too Fast, Too Slow: Leadership Decisions That Shape Student Success with Dan La Bar

    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 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

    35 min

  7. May 11

    Overwhelmed by Options: Amanda Jeppesen on Student Employment, Career Decisions, and Real-World Learning

    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 experienceHow campus jobs help students build professional skillsWhy student employment is being viewed as experiential educationHow supervisors can design student jobs with learning in mindWhat students learn beyond earning a paycheckWhy many students feel overwhelmed by career decisionsHow career services can help students make better decisions earlierWhy asking clarifying questions matters in the workplaceWhat students often overlook about communication and responsibilityHow educators can connect students with the right people and opportunitiesAmanda’s “knuckleheaded decision” lesson about training supervisors clearlyMemorable 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: Visit z-ratedsuccess.com Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference: Visit nickzizi.com 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

    37 min

  8. May 4

    From High School Dropout to Doctorate: Dr. Angell Howard on Leadership, Change, and TRIO

    Dr. Angell Howard went from high school dropout to earning her doctorate. Now she helps education leaders and organizations navigate culture, leadership, and necessary change. In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Nick Zizi sits down with Dr. Angell Howard, Associate Director of Professional Development and Staff Recognition at Illinois State University and founder of Necessary Change Consulting. This conversation kicks off Season 2 and continues the journey as Episode 37 overall. Dr. Howard shares how community college, TRIO, motherhood, and perseverance shaped her path. She also opens up about what education professionals are carrying right now, from burnout and budget pressures to the emotional work of supporting students and staff. Together, Nick and Dr. Howard discuss professional development, culture change, leadership, conflict, psychological safety, and what it really takes to create transformation in organizations. As Dr. Howard says, “shock is temporary,” but real change requires care, honesty, listening, and the courage to address what others avoid. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Howard’s journey from GED to doctorateThe role of TRIO and community college in her lifeWhat education professionals are carrying right nowWhy self-care matters for leaders and educatorsWhat makes professional development actually change behaviorWhere leaders get culture change wrongWhy conflict is one of the decisions leaders delay too longHow psychological safety affects trust, creativity, and performanceWhy flexibility matters in a changing educational worldMemorable quote: “Shock is temporary. True transformation and change takes work.” Connect with Dr. Angell Howard: Dr. Angell Howard is the Associate Director of Professional Development and Staff Recognition at Illinois State University and founder of Necessary Change Consulting. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angell-howard-ncc Website: necessarychangeconsulting.com 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

    33 min
See All (44)

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Educational Leaders is where educators, leaders, and student success professionals unpack the decisions that shape students, teams, campuses, and communities. Hosted by Nick “The Zebra” Zizi, this podcast goes beyond surface-level success stories to explore the real choices, turning points, leadership lessons, and even the “knuckleheaded decisions” that help us grow. Each conversation is designed to be insightful, practical, and engaging—giving educational leaders fresh perspective, useful takeaways, and better questions to bring back to their work. Because in education, every decision is a direction. Better decisions. Better outcomes.

Information