Tough Things First

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, […]