Tough Things First

How does, and how should, a business leader set expectations for employees? In this episode of the Tough Things First podcast, Silicon valley’s longest serving CEO discusses the public and private motivations employees have, and what a leader needs to consider. Guy Smith: Hello again, and welcome to another episode of the Tough Things First podcast. I’m your guest host […]

Automation could be a good thing for a company, but transparent cost cutting that frustrates your customers may backfire. Ray Zinn explores the value and risks of automation in this edition of the Tough Things First podcast. Rob Artigo: Rob Artigo here once again, your guest host for another edition of the Tough Things First podcast. I’m a writer and […]

How do front-line managers deal with millennial employees, who have a much different outlook on business+society than previous generations. Ray Zinn, who has led employees from boomers to millennials has some thoughts. Guy Smith: Hello once again, and welcome to the next episode of the Tough Things First podcast, where we get to chat with Ray Zinn, the longest serving […]

There are good partners, and the other kind. Pick your startup partner well and your odds of success skyrocket. Here is how. Guy Smith: Hello, everybody, and welcome to another episode of the Tough Things First podcast where we get to have a conversation with Silicon Valley’s longest serving CEO, Mr Ray Zinn. And I’m going to find this one […]

How should entrepreneurs make decisions? Ray Zinn, the epitome of Silicon Valley entrepreneurship discusses the rigors of starts decisions. Guy Smith: Hello again, and welcome to another episode of the Tough Things First podcast, where we engage Ray Zinn, the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley. And we talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, executive management, and a little bit about society and […]

Relations between China and the United States is fractured by theft of intellectual property. Ray Zinn, the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley discusses the what and hows of the dispute and options for dealing with it. Guy Smith: Welcome again to another episode of the Tough Things First podcast. I’m your guest host today, Guy Smith and as always, […]

Ray Zinn, Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurship godfather, covers some New Year resolutions entrepreneurs should make and keep. Guy Smith: Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Tough Things First podcast, where we pick the brains of Ray Zinn, the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley, and the epitome of entrepreneurship with insight of the Valley. Good morning Ray, how […]

Hard times are bound to come for any company and that uncertainty can be a real struggle for employees. Ray Zinn has employed thousands over his career, and in this edition of the Tough Things First podcast, he talks about having the courage to meet that challenge honestly. Rob Artigo: I’m Rob Artigo, your guest host for this edition of […]

It is not always easy to decide when to authorize big company purchases, but you can take steps to ensure when you do it’s for all the right reasons. In this edition of the Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn discusses his personal experience with due diligence. Rob Artigo: Welcome back to another edition of the Tough Things First podcast. […]

There is no time like the holidays when employees and management alike tend to think about anything but work. In this Tough Things First podcast, Ray Zinn is quizzed on dealing with employee seasonal distractions. The give and take of making it through the holiday hump. Rob Artigo: Rob Artigo here, your guest host for another edition of the Tough […]