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Tune in as Jackie Zach and Mike McKay discuss the crucial role of setting clear expectations in a business environment. Jackie shares a story from a management class experiment where clear expectations around punctuality and accountability improved participants’ behavior without the need for penalties. Mike adds a more Draconian perspective from his experience in a union factory, where enforcing strict

In her interview on the podcast, Erin Ogden, managing partner at Ogden Glazer + Schaefer, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the insights she’s gained along the way. Erin discusses the gradual decision to start her business, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and client-focused innovation. She highlights how adapting to new technologies and managing employee expectations have been key to the

On today’s episode, hosts Jackie Zach and Mike McKay discuss the pervasive issue of making excuses in both business and personal life. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness in recognizing when excuses are holding back progress, and how leaders’ behaviors often reflect on their teams. Jackie shares personal anecdotes about excuse-making while Mike highlights how subconscious beliefs, such as the

The Peak-end Effect episode of the Tough Love for Business podcast delves into the “peak-end effect,” where the end of an interaction leaves a more vivid memory than the middle. Mike shares a personal story about a car service experience that started negatively but ended on a positive note, highlighting how a strong conclusion can reshape a customer’s overall perception.

In this podcast, hosts Jackie Zach and Mike McKay emphasize the critical role of coaching for business owners. They argue that coaching has evolved into a significant competitive advantage, with 15% of the population now engaging in it, a substantial increase from just 3% a decade ago. Coaching enables business owners to achieve better results, sharpen their competitive edge, and

In this episode of the Tough Love for Business podcast, Jackie Zach and Mike McKay emphasize the importance of avoiding impulsive decisions in business, likening such actions to road rage and the temptation to chase after “bright, shiny pennies” before completing ongoing projects. They stress that strategic planning and patience are essential for success, urging business owners to resist emotional

Discover key insights on leadership and team dynamics with hosts Mike McKay and Jackie Zach in this thought-provoking episode of the Tough Love for Business podcast. They emphasize the need for leaders to engage their employees by asking how they would like to be led, rather than assuming they share the same perspective. By fostering open communication and actively seeking

e latest episode of the Tough Love for Business podcast, Jackie Zach and Mike McKay discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership during a crisis, inspired by a recent article about Microsoft’s CEO and the company’s response to a challenging situation with OpenAI. They emphasize the importance of maintaining composure and focusing on what can be controlled rather than reacting

In another enlightening discussion, Mike McKay and Jackie Zach explore the importance of having a strategic approach to taxes, particularly in long-term business planning. They highlight the pitfalls of short-term tax avoidance tactics, such as deferring revenue or unnecessary spending to reduce tax bills, which can lead to higher taxes in the future. Jackie emphasizes the mindset shift needed for

Mike McKay and Jackie Zach share key insights on managing business debt, highlighting how to leverage good debt for growth and avoid bad debt traps. They explain that good debt typically involves investments that generate income, such as buying equipment or hiring staff to enhance business efficiency. Bad debt, on the other hand, often covers non-essential expenses like vacations or