Tough Love for Business Podcast Archive

In this episode of the Make More Work Less podcast, Mike McKay and Jackie Zach discuss the concept of a unique hiring proposition (UHP), which is essentially the reason why someone should work for a company over its competitors. They emphasize that UHP is akin to marketing, not just to clients but also to potential employees, and the key component

In another insightful discussion, Mike McKay and Jackie Zach explore the importance of formalized processes in family-owned businesses and the challenges that arise from a lack of structure. They emphasize that many family businesses operate with informal, inherited methods that can lead to inefficiencies, ambiguity, and stagnation. This lack of systematization hampers growth, as employees and customers face unclear expectations,

Mike McKay and Jackie Zach discuss strategies for addressing hiring challenges in this podcast episode. The conversation focuses on the importance of using a cash flow forecast as a tool to evaluate payroll decisions, such as raises or new hires, and their impact on financial health. They emphasize that while many businesses are hesitant to increase wages, effective cash flow

In this episode, hosts Jackie Zach and Mike McKay delve into the “6 Cs of Leading,” a leadership model introduced by Linda Krei. The first two Cs discussed are competency and character. Mike emphasizes that leadership begins with competency—leaders must constantly improve their skills and learn to lead more effectively. He also explains that leaders’ character influences their competency and

In this podcast, Mike McKay and Jackie Zach explore the difference between efficiency and effectiveness in business. They discuss how efficiency focuses on achieving goals quickly, sometimes sacrificing important details, while effectiveness emphasizes the best path, even if it takes longer. Jackie notes that, especially in customer experience, the quickest route may miss key touchpoints that add value. Mike highlights

Join Mike McKay and Jackie Zach as they delve into the “Ladder of Adult Learning,” which explains the process adults go through when acquiring new skills, particularly in goal-setting. They break down each step, starting with unconscious incompetence—where individuals are unaware of what they don’t know—and move through conscious incompetence, where they become aware of their knowledge gaps. The conversation

In today’s episode, Mike McKay and Jackie Zach explore the damaging role excuses play in hindering success. They begin by discussing the difference between denial and excuses, with Mike explaining that excuses often involve shifting blame to external factors like the economy, rather than taking responsibility. Mike illustrates this by pointing out how some business owners use excuses like unemployment

This episode explores the concept of IVVM—Idealize, Visualize, Verbalize, and Materialize—as a structured approach to mindset transformation and goal achievement. Jackie Zach and Mike McKay emphasize that IVVM is not about wishful thinking but about combining intention with action. Idealization involves imagining your ideal life, while visualization helps you envision how it feels to live that reality. Jackie describes creating

In this episode, Mike McKay and Jackie Zach discuss the unintended consequences of being a highly successful business owner. They explore the challenge of finding purpose and fulfillment once a business is running smoothly, with systems and a competent team in place. As business owners transition from being heavily involved in day-to-day operations to stepping back, they often experience boredom

We have 100% control over our thoughts. What happens when we feel like we have no control? Our thoughts and mindset are what helps us make that change. Mike and Jackie discuss how mindset works and how to develop your new success mindset. Feeling like you have no control? Click to take advantage of a complimentary business strategy session to