

Strategy Meets Finance
Steve Coughran
Welcome to Strategy Meets Finance, the podcast for business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start, grow, and run a business that lasts.Most business owners struggle because they treat strategy and finance as separate. But without a clear strategy, your finances won’t support long-term growth. And without strong financial planning, even the best business ideas fall flat.On this show, we bring both sides together—so you can grow your business with confidence, improve cash flow, increase profit, and make better decisions.Hosted by Steve Coughran, a former CFO and founder of Coltivar, each episode shares simple tools, real examples, and practical advice from working with companies of all different sizes. You’ll learn how to set smart goals, fix money leaks, build stronger teams, and create lasting value.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2025 • 32min
What Makes a Great CFO (and How Owners Can Tell) with Tim Anderson | Ep 191
Not sure what your numbers are telling you? Get a free review: coltivar.com/financial-review Learn more about Ready Electric: readyelec.com What separates a good CFO from a great one?Steve sits down with Tim Anderson, CFO of Ready Electric, to talk about what it really takes to lead the financial side of a business. They unpack how the CFO role has evolved from number-crunching to strategic partnership, how owners can tell if their CFO is truly adding value, and what skills future CFOs should develop to reach the top.From AI’s impact on finance to finding balance between work, family, and leadership, this conversation reveals what great financial leadership looks like in the real world._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Oct 6, 2025 • 14min
3 Finance Skills That Separate Successful Leaders from the Rest | Ep 190
Not sure what your numbers are telling you? Get a free review: coltivar.com/financial-review Most business owners avoid finance because it feels complicated—but it doesn’t have to be.Steve breaks down three simple financial concepts that will put you ahead of 90% of people in business: understanding your unit economics, mastering cash flow, and knowing the eight levers that drive profit. He explains how small shifts in how you read your numbers can lead to massive gains in cash flow, clarity, and control. If you’ve ever felt lost in the financial side of your business, this episode will change that._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Oct 2, 2025 • 11min
Financial and Economic News: October 2, 2025
Not sure what your numbers are telling you? Get a free review: coltivar.com/financial-review Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including:OpenAI Hits $500B Valuation OpenAI Launches TikTok-Style Video App Meta to Use AI Chats for Ads AI Spending Reaches Bubble Territory Tesla Delivers Surprise ReboundTune in for smart commentary, sharp context, and the financial insight you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 29, 2025 • 26min
Listen to This If You’re Ready to Change Your Life | Ep 189
Not sure what your numbers are telling you? Get a free review: coltivar.com/financial-review If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or on the edge of giving up, you’re not alone. Steve opens up with his raw and uncut transformation story—from growing up broke, hitting rock bottom with bad habits and toxic relationships, to rebuilding his life and business with clarity, strategy, and purpose.This episode is about more than business. It’s about what happens when you take ownership, connect the pieces of your life, and commit to becoming better, day by day._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

13 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 30min
What is Strategy in Business? | Ep 188
Discover the crucial distinction between strategy and planning, highlighting how to elevate your business focus. Explore the importance of defining a single strategic problem and using a scientific approach for effective problem-solving. Learn why customer-centric strategies are essential and the significance of aligning tactics with unique capabilities. Delve into the dynamics of reassessing strategies in the face of market uncertainties, and understand the metrics that determine if your strategy is truly successful.

Sep 18, 2025 • 12min
Financial and Economic News: September 18, 2025
Not sure what your numbers are telling you? Get a free review: coltivar.com/financial-review Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Nvidia Gives Intel a $5B LifelineFed Cuts Rates With More Likely AheadThe Truth About Mortgage RatesWhat It Takes to Afford a $1M HomeMeta Bets on Glasses as the Future of AITune in for smart commentary, sharp context, and the financial insight you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 15, 2025 • 31min
From $10M to $50M: Strategy and Clarity Behind Timberline One’s Growth | Ep 187
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Learn more about Timberline One: timberlineone.com Most landscape companies stall out at a few million in revenue. Timberline One didn’t. In less than a decade, they scaled from $10 million to $50 million, and they’re still growing. Steve talks with CEO Judd and Chief of Staff Stephanie about the choices, discipline, and clarity that fueled their rise. From messy beginnings to bold acquisitions, from aligning strategy with financial reality to keeping people engaged through rapid change, their story shows what it really takes to break through growth ceilings without losing control. _______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 11, 2025 • 12min
Financial and Economic News: September 11, 2025
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Stocks Rally as Fed Cut NearsJob Growth Revised Sharply LowerMortgage Rates Hit 11-Month LowOracle Signs $300B Deal with OpenAISaudi Arabia Bets Big on SolarTune in for smart commentary, sharp context, and the financial insight you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 9, 2025 • 8min
Part 12: The Cash Flow Scorecard | Cash Flow
This is Part 12 of Steve Coughran’s book Cash Flow. Steve introduces the Cash Flow Scorecard—a simple framework to diagnose where your business is leaking cash across the seven key levers. By scoring each area, you can pinpoint constraints, prioritize fixes, and build a roadmap for stronger free cash flow and long-term value.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 9, 2025 • 9min
Part 14: The Cash Flow Formula for a Thriving Business | Cash Flow
This is Part 14 of Steve Coughran’s book Cash Flow. In the conclusion, Steve shares the personal lessons and turning points that shaped his obsession with cash flow. He emphasizes why business leaders have a fiduciary duty to master it, how cash flow fuels stability, growth, and community impact, and why discipline—not just profit—ultimately determines whether a business thrives or fails.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com