Most leadership decisions are handed down instead of developed.

Former superintendent Wade Stanford believes that inviting people into a meeting does not automatically make a decision collaborative. When leaders arrive with the answer already determined, they may be creating compliance, not genuine ownership.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Wade draws from 43 years in education, including 10 years as a superintendent, to share practical lessons about listening, student voice, shared leadership, communication, and turning vision into execution.

Nick and Wade discuss:

• Why leaders must listen to understand
• How one parent caused Wade to reconsider a school rule
• Why leaders do not have time not to listen
• The difference between delegation and shared leadership
• How ego can prevent others from contributing
• Why every idea deserves to be heard and respected
• How leaders can protect educators’ personal time
• Why strong visions lose momentum during execution
• What superintendents carry that others may never see
• How to develop leaders who multiply leadership

Wade also explains how his advisory work with Matt Yeager and MJYC helps superintendents and leadership teams strengthen decision-making, build leadership capacity, and create sustainable systems for execution.

Connect with Wade Stanford:
wstanford@mjycgroup.com

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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.

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

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

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