Podcasts about tough things first

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. […]

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, founder and long-time CEO of Micrel Semiconductor, explains how leadership systems, respectful culture, and disciplined management create resilient companies. In this episode of Startuprad.io, Zinn shares lessons from decades in Silicon Valley on why listening, integrity, and people-centered leadership outperform founder ego and hypergrowth narratives. Guest Micro-BioFeaturing Ray Zinn, Founder and former CEO of Micrel Semiconductor. Ray Zinn co-founded Micrel in 1978 and ran the company for 37 years. He is the author of Tough Things First and The Essential Leader. Host Micro-BioHosted by Jörn Menninger, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Startuprad.io — the authority on German, Swiss & Austrian startups. If this episode helped you, follow the podcast and share it with a founder who needs this playbook. Enjoy the show?

Ray Zinn led Micrel Semiconductor for 37 years, making him the longest-serving CEO in Silicon Valley. Instead of raising venture capital, he bootstrapped the company using bank financing and disciplined growth. Over nearly four decades, Micrel survived eight semiconductor downturns, stayed profitable almost every year, and ultimately created more than $800 million in equity value. In this conversation, Ray explains the leadership principles behind that endurance — including why founder burnout is usually caused by internal conflict rather than workload, and how companies should prepare for industry downturns. Guest Micro-BioFeaturing Ray Zinn, Founder and former CEO of Micrel Semiconductor. Ray Zinn co-founded Micrel in 1978 and ran the company for 37 years. He is the author of Tough Things First and The Essential Leader. Host Micro-BioHosted by Jörn Menninger, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Startuprad.io — the authority on German, Swiss & Austrian startups. If this episode helped you, follow the podcast and share it with a founder who needs this playbook. Enjoy the show?

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Ray Zinn, the longest-serving CEO in Silicon Valley history, joins the show to share the discipline required to lead a company for 37 years. From his roots as the oldest of 11 on a cattle ranch to inventing the Wafer Stepper and co-founding Micrel, Ray's journey is a masterclass in grit. We discuss the "boot camp" phase of starting a business, the benefits of self-financing, and his "Tough Things First" philosophy—learning to love the tasks you hate to overcome adversity. Whether you're a veteran entrepreneur or a corporate leader, Ray's insights on risk, profitability, and leadership will challenge you to sharpen your focus and tackle your biggest challenges head-on. Episode Resources: Tough Things First Zinn Starter   About Our Guest Raymond D. Zinn is an inventor, entrepreneur, and the longest serving CEO of a publicly traded company in Silicon Valley. Zinn is known best for conceptualizing and in effect inventing the Wafer Stepper, and for co-founding semiconductor company Micrel (acquired by Microchip in 2015), which provides essential components for smartphones, consumer electronics and enterprise networks. He has served as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of its Board of Directors and President since the Company's inception in 1978. About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union's cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you're a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

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, […]

In the volatile world of Silicon Valley, where the average CEO tenure is often less than five years and startups burn out as quickly as they rise, Ray Zinn stands as a monumental exception. For 37 years, Zinn served as the CEO of Micrel, the semiconductor company he founded in 1978, holding the record as the longest-serving CEO of a publicly traded company in the Valley. His tenure wasn't just about longevity; it was a masterclass in disciplined consistency. Under his leadership, Micrel achieved a staggering record of being profitable for 36 out of those 37 years, a feat almost unheard of in the tech industry.This video dives deep into the story of the man they call the "Iron Man" of the semiconductor industry. We explore how Zinn famously rejected the standard Venture Capital model, choosing instead to bootstrap Micrel using his own savings and bank loans to maintain total control over the company's culture and destiny. You will learn about his unique management philosophy, "Tough Things First," which prioritized discipline and employee well-being over short-term stock manipulation.Beyond the business metrics, we also uncover the incredible personal resilience of Ray Zinn. Later in his career, he went legally blind, yet continued to run the company effectively, relying on his vivid memory and the deep trust he had built with his team. From the early days of 1978 to the final acquisition by Microchip Technology in 2015, this is the definitive story of an outlier who proved that slow, steady, and disciplined leadership can outlast the hype of Silicon Valley.Support the show

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 […]

You have your “bandwidths”, your “synergies” and your “lean-ins,” to name a few and what do they all have in common? They are cliche' and overused. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn says you need to cultivate a growth mindset, not a worthless vocabulary. Ray Zinn: Hello, Rob. Good to be with you today. Rob Artigo: We've seen […]

The world of information is transforming at light speed, and getting sucked into a misinformation vortex is a constant problem. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn says, “Just the Facts, Ma'am.” Rob Artigo: Ray, looking at page 26 of your first Zen of Zinn book, Zen of Zinn one. It says, you wrote this, “Get it right and […]

Will Ai help develop a new generation of leaders or turn human brains off to the idea of decision-making with out it? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn explores the nature of this serious question. Rob Artigo: Got a good topic here, Ray. Let's dive into how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping leadership roles like decision-making and […]

Work life balance. Is it a recipe for long term success, or a surefire way to fail? In the Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn counters the case made by some enormously successful CEOs. (Watch Now on YouTube) Ray Zinn: Hello, Rob. Good to be with you today. Rob Artigo: Well, Ray, this is a special edition of the Tough […]

Leading with emotional intelligence is a major part of success in any leadership role. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn outlines what is at the heart of developing this difficult skill to master. Rob Artigo: We have talked at length on this show about your management style, walking around, getting to know employees, and you've written about it […]

Making timely, smart decisions can be an everyday occurrence. But what happens when the pressure is turned up and the stakes the highest you have ever faced? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses the key elements of navigating decisions under pressure. Rob Artigo: Ray, as CEO of Micrel for nearly four decades, you have had to make […]

How do successful people master resilience for career and life success? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn says it comes down to mental toughness and the key to that comes from within you. Rob Artigo: Well, Ray, let's talk about how we can develop mental toughness to adapt, to change, and overcome setbacks. This goes to mastering resilience […]

This isn't politics, it's madness. In this Tough Things First podcast Ray Zinn discussing the murder of Charlie Kirk and the sickness that plagues the American political landscape. (At the time of this post, no suspect had been arrested.) Ray Zinn: Hi Rob. How's it going today? Rob Artigo: It's a tough day because we had a 31-year-old conservative activist […]

If you had more than four decades of experience and knew all there was to know about hiring people for important positions, what would you say described a winning resume? Let's ask Ray Zinn in this Tough Things First podcast. Rob Artigo: Ray as CEO of Micrel, I'm very interested in your take on this, and you were involved in […]

It has been quite the ride on the stock market in 2025, but it hasn't been the one many expected in January. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn talks about how the market tanked but came back in what seemed like record time. Ray Zinn: Hi, Rob. Good to be with you today. Rob Artigo: Well, it wasn't […]

Do you often think of the words that exist within words and how they expand and deepen meaning? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn talks an about the word inspiration. Rob Artigo: This is a good reading that we're going to do here. This is from the Zen of Zinn 3, your third book in this series, inspirational […]

There are differing views on justifying dishonesty. Revenge or righting wrongs with more wrongs seems to be the default position of many these days. But in this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn says there is an honest answer to this question. Rob Artigo: Ray, you recently wrote a musing that caught my attention. I thought this is surely going to […]

It's not enough to succeed at first. We must continue to excel. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn talks about the need for constant self improvement and professional development. Rob Artigo: So I guess the question here is when is it okay to neglect skill building and updating knowledge, your knowledge of work or whether just self-improvement? I […]

It turns out chat bots for chat or phone-in help lines are a mixed bag of results. Is the pendulum swinging back in favor of live human help? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn talks pros and cons of Ai assistance and human communication barriers. Ray Zinn: Hi, Rob. Good to be with you today. Rob Artigo: I […]

Now more than ever, we are all forced to question what we see and hear, but where our own biases are involved we usually don't. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses the imperative of recognizing how easily we are duped by ourselves.   Rob Artigo:  Well, Ray, I was reading Zen of Zinn 3. On page 244, […]

Why strong leadership doesn't mean leading with power. In this Tough Things First podcast Ray Zinn offers some thoughts on why many organizational leaders get it wrong. Rob Artigo: Well, you recently wrote, Ray, “The essence of leadership is not the wielding of power, but rather the wielding of grace and nurturing.” This is in line with what you wrote […]

Is the push for American Made an open door to a would be entrepreneur? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn tells us how it could be done for those seeking the American Dream. Ray Zinn: Hi Rob. How's it going today? Rob Artigo: Great. So with a nation, I feel like we're in a mode of… There's turmoil […]

Failure happens. But is it really a failure if you learn something valuable? In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses how a few business failures paved the way to a massively successful semiconductor company. Rob Artigo: Here with me is Ray Zinn, the longest-serving CEO in Silicon Valley history. Being invited back is always great, Ray. Ray Zinn: […]