Insights on leadership, entrepreneurialism and management
Dealing with Renegade High Achievers
Read moreI was a renegade employee. I got fired for it. That led me to becoming the longest serving CEO in Silicon Valley. This historical tidbit helps to explain why I understand and have affection for corporate renegades and know...
Enjoy Adversity
Read moreMy marketing director was into martial arts, and always trained with someone at least 10% heavier and three inches taller. His theory was “if I can take down the big man, then I can take down anybody.” He understands...
How small businesses can plan for the next cyclical downturn
Read more“Economists have predicted twenty-three of the last four recessions.” This ancient joke has a bit of wisdom to it. We never really know, with precision, when the next macro-economic cycle causes an economy to shrink. As such, planning for...
ParkStash – Pivoting in a young startup
Read morehttp://toughthingsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/Ray-Samir-ParkStash01.mp3The essence of adapting a startup. In the episode of the Tough Things First podcast, ZinnStarter Fellow Sameer Saran and ParkStash president discusses the new opportunities with their company, market and ask Ray some question about next steps. Ray...
Alpha, Beta, Blended Leadership
Read moreHave you ever watched a wild stallion? They effortlessly switch between being rather tender nurturing of their harem and colts, and into being a fiery beast ready to bite and kick marauding stallions, mountain lions, and other threats. Would...
Startup Scaling
Read moreAnyone who has gone rock climbing knows that scaling a wall is hard, takes a long time, and if done incorrectly can be fatal. Same for scaling your business. Every entrepreneur wants to scale their operations, and venture capitalists...