

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

Sep 9, 2025 • 13min
Part 3: What Creates Value in a Business? | Cash Flow
This is Part 3 of Steve Coughran’s book Cash Flow. Steve reveals what truly creates value in a business: generating more cash flow than the cost of your investments. He explains return on invested capital (ROIC), why growth without strong returns destroys value, and how to measure whether your business is actually creating or burning cash.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 9, 2025 • 11min
Part 6: Lever #2 – Price | Cash Flow
This is Part 6 of Steve Coughran’s book Cash Flow. Steve unpacks the second lever of cash flow: price. He explains why price is the most powerful driver of profitability, how perceived value determines what customers will pay, and how businesses can raise prices confidently without losing customers.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 9, 2025 • 22min
Part 1: The Foundation of Great Companies | Cash Flow
This is Part 1 of Steve Coughran’s book Cash Flow. Steve lays the foundation of why so many businesses struggle with cash even when they look profitable on paper. He explains the stages of a hidden cash flow crisis, why free cash flow matters more than revenue or profit, and introduces the seven levers that determine a company’s value.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Sep 8, 2025 • 32min
How SBA Financing Really Works When Buying a Business with Sean Goggins | Ep 185
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth This week, Sean Goggins, SBA Commercial Loan Officer at Cadence Bank, joins Steve Coughran to break down how SBA loans really work when buying a business. They cover how much cash you actually need, when seller financing helps, what banks look for in cash flow, and the mistakes that kill deals. If you’ve wondered whether you can buy a business with limited money, this episode gives you the answers. _______________________________________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 4, 2025 • 13min
Financial and Economic News: September 4, 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:Fed Faces Political Turmoil Ahead of CutsBuffett Bets on Build-to-Rent HousingGap and Old Navy Enter the Beauty MarketKraft Heinz Splits Up to Refocus StrategyElliott Targets PepsiCo for a Shake-UpTune 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

9 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 16min
Why Businesses Stall Between $1M–$3M and How to Scale Past It | Ep 184
Businesses often hit a wall in the $1M to $3M revenue range, known as the 'death zone.' Owners face cash flow issues and struggle with scaling, often relying on solopreneur strategies that fail post-inflection. Hiring experienced professionals can risk profits, while using fractional experts provides necessary skills without the burden of full-time employment. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of financial metrics, cash-positive unit economics, and the need for a solid growth plan to escape this challenging stage.

Sep 1, 2025 • 17min
Where Business Owners Should Start to Learn Finance | Ep 183
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Get free tools to grow your company, smarter: coltivar.com/tools Sign up for the free Financial Pro course: coltivar.com/byfiq If you had to start from scratch and get smarter with money fast, where should you begin? In this episode, Steve Coughran breaks down the three financial statements every owner must understand, the key numbers to watch, and the free tools you can use to spot profit gaps and cash flow needs. It’s a simple roadmap to raise your financial IQ quickly and make better decisions for your business. _______________________________________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

Aug 28, 2025 • 13min
Financial and Economic News: August 28, 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: Nvidia’s “New Normal” Still Looks StrongVenture Debt Firms Tilt Toward Bigger, Later-Stage DealsCracker Barrel Retreats After Logo BacklashAI’s Big Leaps Are Slowing—And That Might Be Good NewsAI-Skilled 20-Somethings Are Cashing InTune in for smart commentary, sharp context, and the financial insight you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________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

Aug 27, 2025 • 12min
How Fast Can You Grow Your Business Without Going Broke? | Ep 182
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Growing fast feels exciting—but grow too quickly without enough cash and you’ll find yourself in big trouble. In this episode, Steve breaks down the simple formula every business owner needs to know: how to figure out the maximum speed your company can grow before you run out of money. He also shares a free calculator so you can plug in your numbers and see for yourself. If you’ve ever wondered whether your growth plans are realistic or risky, this will give you the clarity to scale with confidence. _______________________________________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

Aug 25, 2025 • 23min
How to Read an Income Statement for Business Owners | Ep 181
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Levers of Profit Calculator: coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator Most business owners look at their income statement but don’t really know what it’s telling them. In this episode, Steve breaks it down so you can see where profit is really made and where it’s slipping away. He explains how to read revenue, cost of goods sold, and gross profit, and then shows you what operating profit reveals about your overhead and efficiency. You’ll also learn the three levers that drive profitability and how to use them to improve margins and protect cash flow. If you’ve ever wondered why your sales keep growing but your bank account doesn’t, this episode will give you the clarity to spot hidden profit and make smarter financial decisions. _______________________________________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