Dr. Zachary Robbins is a proven educational leader who works with schools and communities to build culturally responsive practices that emphasize values of equity and inclusion. Active with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, he leads Schools That Move Souls (STMS), providing consulting that analyzes educational policy, and helps teachers and administrators develop best pedagogical practices. Dr. Zachary Robbins’ restorative justice approach aims to empower students and boost school graduation rates, while addressing behavioral issues that lead to suspensions and expulsions.
Dr. Zac Robbins’ background includes 15 years as principal of Cheyenne High School in Las Vegas, where he helped ensure a 90 percent or higher graduation rate within an economically marginalized campus setting. He also launched the Clark County School District’s first-ever restorative justice program and achieved a 98 percent success rate, with the school’s relative risk ratio dropping to less than 2.0.
Dr. Zac Robbins has attained numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Education Award for leadership in student advocacy and equity-based reform. Regularly speaking at national conferences, Dr. Robbins is the author of The Teachers Black Students Need and has published numerous articles on Edutopia.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day starts with movement—exercise is the first thing I do to energize my body and sharpen my focus. After that, I spend dedicated time writing, usually on the manuscript I’m currently developing. It’s important to me to chip away at big projects consistently.
Later in the day, I split time between applying for jobs, prepping for an upcoming move in June, and doing meal prep to keep things running smoothly.
Throughout the day, I also engage in online education communities. I respond to educators, share insights, and participate in thoughtful discussions. It’s a rhythm that blends creativity, progress, and connection.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, execution is everything. I don’t just sit around thinking or dreaming—I believe ideas should have legs. I bring them to life by first creating a concrete plan with specific goals and deadlines.
Then, I vet those plans by running them past a few trusted thought partners—critical friends who give honest feedback and help identify any gaps I might have missed. That feedback loop helps me refine the idea and increases its chances of success.
Once that’s done, I commit. I carve out the time, do the work, and give the idea the energy it deserves. Execution—with intentionality and collaboration—is where the magic happens.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m genuinely excited about how AI is helping people process dense information more efficiently.
It’s not just about automation—it’s about amplification. AI is enabling people to analyze data faster, identify patterns more clearly, and spend more time thinking critically about what the numbers actually mean.
This shift is creating more space for strategic thinking and deeper insight, which is game-changing across fields like education, research, and business.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One of my core habits is intentionally looking at things through multiple perspectives. It’s easy to get stuck in your own worldview, but I’ve found that asking, “What am I not seeing?” opens the door to innovation and growth.
The world is too vast and complex to assume you’ve got the whole picture. That simple question helps me uncover blind spots, embrace complexity, and make better decisions.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it.
I’d tell my younger self that setbacks are where some of the most important lessons live. You grow by trying, failing, reflecting, adjusting, and trying again. That cycle is how you improve and ultimately reach your goals.
And most importantly: your worth isn’t tied to your wins or losses. It’s tied to your willingness to show up, grow, and keep going.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Relish does not belong in chicken salad. I know that might be controversial in some kitchens, but to me, it completely ruins the texture and flavor. It’s just… wrong.
Also, Ric Flair delivered the greatest wrestling promos of all time. His charisma, timing, and delivery were unmatched. He wasn’t just entertaining—he was electric.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Talk to new people—regularly. Whether it’s at an event, in an online forum, or a chance encounter, connecting with someone new always leads to fresh insights.
Different people see the world differently. When you expand your circle, you expand your thinking. It’s one of the simplest but most powerful ways to grow both personally and professionally.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I pause and get still. I let the noise settle so I can think clearly. Then, I start breaking things down into manageable parts—whether it’s a project, a problem, or a decision.
I also make lists. Seeing things visually helps me prioritize and regain a sense of control. That clarity helps me move forward with confidence instead of reacting out of stress.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being authentic has been the game-changer. Early in my career, I sometimes held back—worried about being too bold or how others would perceive me. Eventually, I realized that leading with authenticity, especially when rooted in strong values, creates trust. When people see that you’re acting with integrity and purpose, they respond.
You don’t need to conform to be successful. You just need to be consistent, honest, and committed to doing the right thing—even when it’s uncomfortable.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
As a principal, I didn’t push my teachers enough to take creative risks until later in my career. Many educators are high achievers—they’re used to getting things “right” and often fear failure. I should’ve encouraged more experimentation. Teaching is both an art and a science, and innovation can only happen when people feel safe to try something new—even if it doesn’t go perfectly.
I learned to create a culture where risk-taking is encouraged, where failure is seen as a part of learning, and where growth is celebrated over perfection.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s a real opportunity for someone to build a platform that curates motivational content based on deep personal resonance.
If someone figures out how to deliver messages that speak to people’s core values and lived experiences—at the right moment—they’ll not only build a wildly successful business, but they’ll help people in powerful ways.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Calendar is indispensable for me. It helps me structure my time, block off writing sessions, and keep track of meetings and deadlines.
I don’t just use it for scheduling—I use it to protect my time and ensure I’m prioritizing the right things each day.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book that’s had a big impact on me is The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. It shifted how I think about bringing people together—whether it’s a classroom, a meeting, or a community event.
She really pushes you to think intentionally about purpose: Why are we gathering? What are we trying to transform or create? That level of clarity applies far beyond events—it shows up in leadership, teaching, and everyday conversations.
It reminded me that structure and meaning can turn even small moments into something powerful.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched the new Alex Cross series on Netflix, and it was excellent. The writing was sharp, the characters were compelling, and the suspense kept me hooked.
It’s rare to find a series that balances strong dialogue, complex characters, and a gripping plot—but this one delivered.
Key learnings
- Execution matters more than ideation—turning ideas into action is what brings change.
- Authenticity is a career accelerator. Leading with values builds trust and impact.
- Risk-taking in education fosters innovation and should be encouraged in school leadership.
- AI is redefining how we process and interpret data, creating more space for human insight.
- Human connection and curiosity—especially through conversation—are catalysts for growth.