

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

Mar 5, 2024 • 7min
Don’t Let Growth Bankrupt Your Business | Ep 104
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Today, we're delving into a critical topic: "Don’t Let Growth Bankrupt Your Business." It's a cautionary tale we often overlook amidst the allure of expansion. Ignoring or inadequately managing working capital can swiftly lead to financial turmoil, particularly during rapid growth phases. Picture this: as your business scales up, revenue streams increase, but so do operational expenses. Without careful attention to working capital, the gap between cash inflow and outflow widens, potentially crippling your company. Join us as we dissect the intricacies of working capital management and explore strategies to safeguard your business's financial health amidst growth. Stay tuned for invaluable insights on navigating the growth journey without risking bankruptcy._______________________________________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

Feb 28, 2024 • 15min
Financial and Economic News: February 28, 2024
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMajor stories developing on the global economic front, including:Budget Battle in Congress as Shutdown LoomsUS Dollar is Riding HighNVIDIA Surge Sparks Market ShakeupsApple Ditches EV for AIWood Trades Chips for CodeBuffet Sits on Record ReservesAnt Overruns CitadelTelecom Titan Considers TakeoverXi Scrutiny Spurs China Brain DrainElon’s Tunnel Vision Proves Short-SightedFinWeekly has the latest updates on top market topics and other financial news: In Congress, the looming threat of a shutdown sparks concerns beyond Capitol Hill, while the US dollar rides high amidst global economic uncertainty. NVIDIA's soaring success prompts market shifts, Apple pivots from EV to AI, and Cathie Wood reshuffles her portfolio. Warren Buffett's record reserves contrast with frustration over scarce investment opportunities. Ant Group's bold bid against Citadel signals a power shift in finance, while President Xi's crackdown sparks a brain drain in China's financial sector. Telecom titan Charter eyes a takeover, and Elon Musk's Boring Company faces criticism over its Vegas Loop project. Tune in for insights into these dynamic economic trends shaping our world.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Feb 26, 2024 • 9min
3 Financial Terms that Will Make You Sound Smarter in Business | Ep 103
Delve into key financial terms like profit margins, capital expenditures, and free cash flow to enhance business acumen. Learn how mastering these terms can elevate financial intelligence and boost confidence in financial conversations.

Feb 23, 2024 • 7min
Tired of Living Check to Check? Listen to This... | Ep 102
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Today, we're diving into a critical issue affecting millions: living paycheck to paycheck. With over 60% of Americans caught in this cycle, it's clear that relying solely on wages makes it incredibly challenging to get ahead financially. However, there's hope. We'll explore the upside of equity participation in business and how it offers a path to building lasting wealth at a much faster pace than traditional methods. By investing in businesses, individuals can tap into the power of ownership and entrepreneurship to create multiple streams of income and secure their financial future. But it's not just about investing money; it's also about investing in yourself. I encourage you to prioritize improving your financial acumen and skills. By expanding your knowledge and expertise, you'll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the financial world and unlock opportunities for wealth creation. So, if you're tired of living check to check, tune in and learn how to take control of your financial destiny._______________________________________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

Feb 21, 2024 • 11min
Financial and Economic News: February 21, 2024
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMajor stories developing on the global economic front, including:Capital One Discovers Golden OpportunityTo Hike or To Hold?Home Depot’s Slumping SalesChina’s Rate Cut GambleJapan’s Economic ReckoningUK Recession Puts Sunak Under ScrutinyBarclays Banks on Bold TransformationProductivity Boom Powers Economic EfficiencyFinWeekly has the latest updates on top market topics and other financial news: Capital One's bold move to acquire Discover for $35 billion signals a seismic shift in the credit-card market, while investors speculate on potential Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes. Home Depot's slumping sales underscore broader challenges in the housing market, contrasting with China's ambitious rate cut to stimulate its property sector. Japan grapples with a technical recession, prompting discussions on effective policy measures, while the UK's mild recession tests economic promises and puts pressure on the Bank of England. Amidst this backdrop, Barclays unveils a transformative plan to boost returns and confidence in the UK's financial sector. Finally, Wall Street economists predict a post-Covid productivity boom driving economic growth and stability, fueled by factors like AI tools and government investments. Tune in for insights into these dynamic economic trends shaping our world.Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Feb 20, 2024 • 18min
What You Need to Know About Financial Statements | Ep 101
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve Coughran delves into the crucial topic of "What You Need to Know About Financial Statements." As a seasoned financial expert, Coughran guides listeners through the essential components of the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. By breaking down these key financial documents, he empowers business professionals to gain a deeper understanding of their company's financial health and make informed decisions. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring entrepreneur, grasping the intricacies of financial statements is paramount for success and profitability in any business venture. Tune in to enhance your financial acumen and take your strategic decision-making skills to the next level._______________________________________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

Feb 14, 2024 • 15min
Financial and Economic News: February 14, 2024
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMajor stories developing on the global economic front, including:January’s CPI SurpriseFed Moves Leave Bond Traders Second Guessing New Inflation Metrics Signal Rate-Cut RethinkThe Pricing Power PredicamentNavigating the Soft LandingPrivate Equity’s Diminishing ReturnsDiamondback’s Permian Power PlayTesla Hits the SkidsTemu’s Super Bowl BlitzCrypto’s Big Comeback FinWeekly has the latest updates on top market topics and other financial news: In our latest episode, we delve into the surprises and shifts in the financial landscape. January’s inflation spike in the US has dashed hopes for an imminent Fed interest-rate cut, with core consumer prices, especially in housing and services, seeing a notable increase. Meanwhile, bond traders are recalibrating their strategies in response to the Fed's signals, aligning predictions more closely with expectations for fewer rate cuts. Next up, the Fed is contemplating new metrics for rate adjustments amidst concerns about sustained inflationary pressures. We also explore private equity's recent challenges, Diamondback Energy's power play in the Permian Basin, Tesla's stock woes, Temu’s Super Bowl ad blitz, and Bitcoin's remarkable resurgence. Join us as we navigate the complexities of today’s financial landscape. Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Feb 13, 2024 • 28min
Automating the Finance Function | Ep 100
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve Coughran engages in an insightful conversation with Jesse Rubenfeld and Tom Zehentner from FinOptimal on the topic of "Automating the Finance Function." Together, they delve into the strategies and benefits of automating financial operations within organizations. Rubenfeld and Zehentner share valuable insights on how leveraging technology can significantly reduce the time spent on transactional and compliance accounting tasks, thus freeing up resources for more strategic endeavors. By automating finops, companies can redirect their focus towards forecasting, analysis, and other high-value financial activities that drive firm value. Tune in to discover how embracing automation can transform your finance function and propel your organization towards greater success._______________________________________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

Feb 7, 2024 • 17min
Financial and Economic News: February 7, 2024
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMajor stories developing on the global economic front, including:Powell’s Rate RollercoasterThe Big Apple’s Big SaleCanada’s Foreign Buyer BanTech Titans Defy GravityWage Hikes Signal Japan RecoverySnap Snips StaffBoeing Crashing Down to Earth?Xi Moves in Mysterious WaysWall Street Looks to the EastNew York Community Bancorp Rocks MarketFinWeekly has the latest updates on top market topics and other financial news: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell tempers expectations of a March rate cut, urging caution amid fluctuating economic data. Meanwhile, New York City landlords grapple with a $75 billion decline in rent-regulated property values, echoing global concerns over housing markets. Canada extends its ban on foreign homebuyers, aiming to curb rising housing costs in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Tech titans, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, defy market expectations, driving a surge in stock values. Japan's annual wage negotiations signal potential relief for households amidst economic revival efforts. Snap Inc. announces layoffs amid struggles to compete with industry rivals, while Boeing faces labor disputes amidst ongoing 737 Max controversies. Chinese regulators prepare to address stock market declines, while Wall Street pivots its focus towards India. Finally, New York Community Bancorp faces scrutiny and market volatility following financial adjustments prompted by regulatory pressure.We’re making sense of it all in this episode! Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Feb 6, 2024 • 22min
The Power of Financial Modeling and FP&A | Ep 99
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Welcome, financial enthusiasts, to another episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ with our host, Steve Coughran. Today, we have a captivating discussion with Paul Barnhurst, the visionary Founder of The FP&A Guy, focusing on "The Power of Financial Modeling and FP&A." Steve delves deep into the conversation, exploring not just the importance of financial modeling but also the critical skills required to decipher the narrative within the numbers. Paul sheds light on the art of not only understanding the story behind financial data but also mastering the ability to communicate it with precision, empathy, and clarity. In a world where influence is key, this episode provides invaluable insights on how to leverage financial acumen to inspire action and achieve impactful results. Get ready for a journey into the realms of financial strategy, modeling mastery, and effective communication that will elevate your financial IQ to new heights._______________________________________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


