Tough Things First

On this episode of The Tough Things First Podcast, Ray Zinn argues that a goal should do more than nudge last year's number. It should make you look up, lengthen your stride, and reach past what you already know how to do.  Rob Artigo: Today we're talking about ambitious but smart goal setting. The standard is not a little bit […]

Hewlett and Packard didn't just build HP in a garage—they built it because a Stanford professor saw what they could become and pushed them to start before they felt ready. In this The Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn shows why the fastest way to become the founder you admire is to find that kind of mentor early and then […]

Most people file repentance under religion and then keep repeating the same expensive mistakes at work, at home, and in the mirror. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn talks about how it is a leadership skill to own the miss, change course, and make it right. Rob Artigo: Ray, today's topic is, usually you think of this as […]

In this Tough Things First podcasts, Ray Zinn discusses treating your own time, health, and focus as strategic assets rather than unlimited resources. Rob Artigo: Today we're talking about something many leaders treat as an afterthought, but is actually one of the most important disciplines they can ever do, personal energy management. Why should leaders treat their own health and focus […]

Businesses that intend to scale need teams of the right people to do it, but is there a difference between a functional team and a team built on work ethic and culture? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn says of course the answer is obvious. (Watch Now!) Rob Artigo: Ray, this is a special edition of the Tough Things […]

The cult of personality can only do so much. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores how to build systems, culture, and next-generation leaders who can carry the vision forward. Rob Artigo: Today, let's talk about moving beyond founder-centric leadership. How do you build systems, culture, and next generation leaders who can carry on the vision without you […]

Disciplined, customer-grounded innovation outperforms “move fast and break things.” In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses how to turn ideas into profitable reality without falling for the hype. Rob Artigo: Today, Ray, we're talking about innovation discipline, how to turn ideas into profitable reality without falling for the hype. So Ray, why does disciplined, customer-grounded innovation consistently outperform the […]

A focus filter is for making better decisions like getting rid of good but not great projects, and creating daily rituals that leaders can use to audit their own calendars and team building meetings. Ray Zinn Discusses that a decision tool for alignment with core vision, resource cost, long-term payoff) Rob Artigo: Ray, today we're discussing a practical tool for […]

How do you attract and grow talent that cares more about becoming better humans than just getting rich? Ray Zinn explores hiring and developing people who build legacy companies. Rob Artigo: Today we're talking about one of the most important responsibilities for any leader, hiring and developing people who help build legacy companies. Specifically, how do you attract and grow talent […]

Ever wonder why some leaders build unbreakable teams while others fuel endless conflict? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores how true civility comes from one essential skill: seeing through the other person's eyes—strengthens relationships and drives real business results. (Watch Now!) Rob Artigo: Ray, as you know, a couple of times each month we do a video […]

You've probably heard people say that morality is declining — but is it really? And what's the real difference between being a moral person versus an amoral one? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn cuts through the noise with clear thinking on why the distinction matters more than ever. Rob Artigo: Today we're tackling a foundational but often […]

You have heard it said many times, but most people get it wrong. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn uses smart business logic not magic to demystifying the proverb “Trust But Verify.” Rob Artigo: I'm Rob Artigo, joined once again with Ray, as you've just heard his voice right there, founder, longtime CEO at Micrel Semiconductor for 37 profitable […]

THIS PODCAST WAS RECORDED BEFORE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITH THE US AND IRAN. IT REMAINS RELEVANT. Can an entrepreneur succeed and staying profitable even when some much seems out of control? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn has a reality check and some words of inspiration. (Watch Now!) Ray Zinn: Hey Rob, good to be with you today. […]

Every founder dreams big. But there's a razor-thin line between ambition that builds empires and optimism that quietly destroys them. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores the subtle but critical difference between an ambitious founder and an overly optimistic one. Rob Artigo: Ray, today we're exploring a subtle but critical distinction. What's the difference between an ambitious founder […]

Ray Zinn is no gambler. In business, his trump card is knowledge. In this Tough Things First podcast, we explore why smart persistence is educated decision making. Rob Artigo: Well, today it's really about smart persistence, knowing when to double down and when to just walk away gracefully. This is one of the toughest calls any leader can make. So […]

In a world seemingly drowning in division and anger, why does hatred spread like a virus—and is it truly hardwired into human nature? On this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn unmasks the hatred and explores practical ways to stop what makes us toxic, before it poisons everything we value. Ray Zinn: Hello, Rob. Good to be with you. Rob […]

In a world divided by competing visions of prosperity, today on Tough Things First we tackle one of the most consequential debates in human history: Capitalism versus Socialism. Ray Zinn cuts through the ideology, examines real-world outcomes, and explores which system better delivers freedom, innovation, and human flourishing. (Watch Now…) Rob Artigo: Big topic, Ray, in modern America, capitalism versus […]

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 […]

In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores the often maligned idea that, when it comes to leadership, kindness and positive reinforcement are more effective at persuasion and achieving desired results than an iron fist. Rob Artigo: You have been an example of servant leadership leading with grace, not power. That's part of your philosophy. In your book, The […]

A thousand dollars to open investment accounts for newborns. The hardest to change to make this a priority may lie with the parents. Is it worth it? Why Ray Zinn says the answer is simple in the Tough Things First podcast. (Watch Now…) Rob Artigo: Ray, the Trump Accounts, we've been hearing a lot about them lately because they've just […]

Business leaders who foster a culture of gray areas are not great role models. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses the dangerous game of compromising your values. Ray Zinn: Hello there, Rob. Rob Artigo: Ray, leaders often face intense pressure to compromise on core values like integrity or honesty. Whether it's inflating metrics for investors, or overlooking ethical […]

You can build resilience in your life and business so that no matter how bad it gets, you are ready. Ray Zinn knows a thing or two about navigating rough seas even when it seems nearly impossible. Rob Artigo: At Micrel as CEO for so many years, your company was thriving in uncertain times, not just a survivor, it was […]

Integrity isn't just an idea of basic ethics. As Ray Zinn tells us, in this Tough Things First podcast, a real commitment to integrity is a competitive advantage that leads to greater profits in business and benefits in life. (Watch Video Rob Artigo:.. Ray, we have a great topic today. Integrity as the ultimate competitive advantage. So many leaders face […]

Taken from a page of Ray's book Zen of Zinn 3, in this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses how honest assessment is the difference between gambling and investing. Rob Artigo: Ray, let's turn to page 89 of Zen of Zinn 3, your book in the series of three books. Page 89, and this is what it said, very […]

In this Tough Things First podcast with Ray Zinn, Ray looks at what creating a personal culture does for the people around you and what it really means for you. Ray Zinn: Hello, Rob. Rob Artigo: You had the idea of talking about culture and suggested that people should define their culture. For starters, you asked the question, who do […]

Fear of risk, fear of  danger, fear of going it alone. Fear can be healthy, but it can also hold us back. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores the most important factor in overcoming fear. Rob Artigo: Ray, many people are held back by fear. I know this personally, and I've had times in my life where […]

When you just start out in life, you may think very little about how you will be remembered. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses why that approach may lead to very little legacy at all. Rob Artigo: One thing you do at this podcast, and your books, and everything that you're doing is you're creating a lasting […]

Some people believe equality and equity are the same thing. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn dives into what equality really means. Rob Artigo: … We fairly recently did a podcast on so called equity and inclusion. So, let's turn our attention to what it actually means to be equal. Are we talking about equal outcomes like wealth, status, […]

Workplace conflicts are going to happen and the word “yes” can produce remarkable results to help your teams grow. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores the toughest workplace conflicts and the “Yes Principle.” Ray Zinn: Hi, Rob. Good to be with you today. Rob Artigo: Sure. Let's talk about creative teams and managing conflict because there'll be […]