Tough Things First

This is part two of Ray Zinn’s conversation about balancing tech efficiencies with empathy to keep teams motivated and loyal. Plus, more on why you should embrace change. Rob Artigo: I’m Rob Artigo. I’m a former radio personality, writer, and entrepreneur in California. This is human-centered leadership in an automated age. This is part two of our discussion. It went […]

Trust and Value in People. As AI and automation reshape roles, is investing in people—through servant leadership and culture—still the key to the ultimate competitive edge? In this two part Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn offers guidance on balancing tech efficiencies with recognition and development to keep teams motivated and loyal. Rob Artigo: I just saw a story recently […]

A start-up entrepreneur who is hunting for followers, likes, and popularity, but can’t achieve profitability, is falling victim to his or her own ego. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn offers a realistic view of this pre-profit folly. Rob Artigo: Well, we have another great question from a San Jose State University student, part of the ZinnStarter program. […]

“Do The Tough Things First” is Ray Zinn’s motto. Part of that is asking yourself the tough questions first. In this podcast, Ray Zinn explores what signals show that your are the problem and you are the bottleneck in your own startup. Rob Artigo: We have another great question from a San Jose State University student who is part of […]

People who start businesses can be fooled into thinking turn and burn, short term plans make them entrepreneurs. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn dives into another great question from a ZinnStarter college student. Rob Artigo: Once again, another question coming from San Jose State University, another great ZinnStarter student, and this student is asking, how do you […]

President Trump’s recent state visit to China shows some promise, but where does it fall short? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores the politics and the economics. (Watch Now…) Ray Zinn: Hello, Rob. Rob Artigo: Ray, this is a special edition of the Tough Things First Podcast where we are also on video, so our listeners can […]

Failure, it is said, is not an option. So why do entrepreneurs make so many first year mistakes? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn takes a question from a San Jose State Zinn Starter student. Rob Artigo: Ray, we have a question from one of your awesome ZinnStarter students, this one over at San Jose State University. And he […]

The Remarkable thing about Ray Zinn is he is a walking library. In this Tough Things First Podcast Ray takes your questions. Watch Now! Rob Artigo: This is a special edition of the Tough Things First podcast where we are also on video. If you want to watch instead of just listen, you can navigate to toughthingsfirst.com. On the pull down […]

You can solve lots of problems in life and work and it does not have to be a herculean effort. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn says if something is broken, fix it. Don’t wait until it becomes a disaster.   Rob Artigo: Ray, April 28th, 2026, you wake up in the morning ready to do the tough […]

In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn tells us about how embedding careful spending habits (without being cheap) builds discipline across the company. Rob Artigo: Some leaders treat spending like a scorecard. The more you spend, the more successful you look. I’m Rob Artigo, your host for this edition of the Tough Things First podcast with Ray Zinn, the […]

Has fail fast been the mantra upsetting your company’s culture? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn contrasts superficial “fail fast” advice with a proven approach: quickly acknowledging errors. Rob Artigo: I’m a former radio personality and reporter for KGO 810 in San Francisco and a writer. Here with me, once again, is Ray Zinn, the longest serving CEO in […]

Explore how the Essential Leader hands off responsibility effectively and avoids the “I’ll just do it myself” trap. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores why it is essential to maintain accountability and quality, without obsessing and micromanaging. Rob Artigo: Many leaders say that they delegate, but secretly they’re thinking it’ll be faster if I just do it […]

Hoping for short memories may not be the best way to regain trust once it is shaken. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses the unfortunate knack some leaders have for rosy outlooks on everything without realizing they may lose support in the long run. (Watch Now…) Rob Artigo: President Trump has recently tried to be encouraging, but […]

Is the question, “which end is up?” The nagging question is where will this economy end with all that is going on. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn puts his well earned economist hat on and cuts through the chaos. – OR – (Watch Now!) Rob Artigo: Ray, this is a special edition of the Tough Things First […]

Flashy leadership fails long-term, even when it seems to be sailing along carefree much of the time. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explains why the remedy to loud overconfidence is quiet competence. Rob Artigo: Ray, I think we got a great topic on this one. We see a lot of high profile leaders today who thrive on, […]

Yes, you can own the Ugly Truth by keeping your mouth closed, or own it by speaking up! In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn says, owning the ugly truth by speaking up is the fastest way to resolve serious problems. Even when it feels a little scary. Rob Artigo: Ray, your slogan is … I’m not telling you […]

This time of year, many people around the world celebrate renewal, rebirth, and transformation. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn digs into his book Zen of Zinn Daily to say, “you can do better. Here’s how.” Rob Artigo: Ray, as we record this, it’s March 31st, 2026. Your new book, Zen of Zinn Daily, compiles the best of your […]

“Who’s on my team?” goes right to the heart of what appears to be a verbal civil war in public discourse. So, how do we build a team back after deep division? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn has the answer. (Watch Now!) Rob Artigo: Well, Ray, this is, as we do a couple of times a month, […]

A comfortable chair and money in the bank can shorten your career. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses why discomfort moves people forward while comfort kills. Rob Artigo: Ray, most people pursue comfort as a goal. If it’s comfort you’re after each day, you’re liable to just become lazy. Am I wrong? Ray Zinn: No, you’re 100% […]

Ray Zinn is not just the Longest Serving CEO in Silicon Valley History, he’s a man that does not retire or quit. In this special edition of the Tough Things First Podcast, Ray talks about his new book aimed at inspiring the next generations to do the same. One day at a time. Zen of Zinn Daily is 365 days […]

The smallest daily rituals can be transformational if not ignored. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores the idea that what do everyday, when you least feel like it, builds grit unlike anything else. Rob Artigo: Ray, I know this is a rhetorical question for you because I know the answer already in advance, but I’m going to […]

Bridging divides between veteran executives and younger talent, emphasizing mutual respect to foster innovation without losing foundational principles. Join Ray Zinn, the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley history for answers. (Watch Now On YouTube…) Rob Artigo: This is a special edition of the Tough Things First Podcast, Ray. It is available on video. If listeners want to watch it, they […]

You might not think so, but interviewing a candidate for a job is not easier than being interviewed. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explains the process from both sides. Rob Artigo: This is a quote from page 46 of Zen of Zinn, your book, page 46, and here it is: “When looking for a job, are you […]