Tough Things First

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 f...

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...

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 […]