

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

Dec 23, 2024 • 12min
What is Invested Capital and Why Should You Care | Ep 145
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthIs your business truly profitable, or is it running on borrowed time?In this episode, Steve dives into the game-changing concept of invested capital—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform your decision-making and growth strategy. Learn how to measure efficiency, allocate resources wisely, and avoid the pitfalls that can drain your business.Tune in now to uncover the keys to smarter investments and sustainable success. Your business can't afford to miss this._______________________________________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

Dec 16, 2024 • 11min
Profit Explained. The Difference Between Gross, Operating, and Net | Ep 144
Explore the crucial distinctions between gross, operating, and net profit—three essential metrics for any business leader. Learn how each type sheds light on your company's financial health, influencing decision-making and performance. Discover common pitfalls to avoid and gain insight into strategies that can enhance profitability. This engaging discussion will elevate your financial literacy and empower your career.

5 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 7min
Neglecting This Aspect of Revenue Recognition Can Harm Your Business | Ep 143
Is your profit just an illusion? Dive into the hidden traps of cash-basis accounting and discover how tools like QuickBooks can mislead business owners. A striking construction industry example reveals the dangers of premature revenue recognition. Uncover the secrets of GAAP and learn how to align your financials with reality. This discussion is essential for anyone wanting clarity in their numbers and a healthier bottom line.

9 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 14min
Want to Learn Finance? Here's How to Get Started | Ep 142
Explore how personal struggles can turn into a blueprint for financial success. Discover the transformative journey of learning that emphasizes the importance of mentorship and practical application. Dive into a story about a troubled student inspired by an unexpected teacher, showcasing how curiosity fuels self-improvement. Understand why prioritizing financial education over entertainment can unlock new opportunities. Packed with personal anecdotes and actionable insights, this discussion is a roadmap to boosting your financial IQ!

Nov 25, 2024 • 8min
Lessons from Three Decades of Financial Expertise | Ep 141
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Ever wondered what separates successful business leaders from the rest?In this episode, Steve shares his journey from a broke 16-year-old hustling at Dairy Queen to creating over a billion dollars in value for companies. Packed with real-life lessons, hard-earned insights, and straightforward advice, this episode explores why mastering financial literacy is the ultimate career and life game-changer.Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or starting your own venture, these straight-up tips will help you skip the costly mistakes and unlock your true potential._______________________________________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

Nov 18, 2024 • 31min
Finance, Business, and Life: Q&A with Steve | Ep 140
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve dives into an engaging Q&A session fueled by real questions from listeners who took the Financial IQ Assessment.From bootstrapping your business and mastering financial strategies to overcoming setbacks and seizing opportunities, Steve shares his personal journey, practical tips, and inspiring insights to help you level up your financial acumen, business savvy, and life strategies.Tune in to learn how to make smarter decisions and unlock your full potential in business and life._______________________________________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

Nov 11, 2024 • 14min
Is Your Company Really Making Money? | Ep 139
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Is your business truly profitable, or just looking good on paper? In this episode, Steve Coughran dives deep into the often-misunderstood world of profitability.Drawing insights from his book Outsizing and research on 300+ companies, he explains why accounting profit doesn’t always reflect a company’s real financial health. Steve reveals the critical metrics every business owner should know—like return on invested capital (ROIC) and cash flow—and shares surprising findings on how only a small percentage of businesses capture the majority of profits.Tune in to uncover what it really takes to drive lasting value!_______________________________________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

Nov 4, 2024 • 11min
Why You Should Pay Yourself First | Ep 138
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthIn this episode, Steve emphasizes the importance of proactively managing finances in both business and personal life by following a simple yet powerful principle: pay yourself first. He guides listeners on how to set aside profit consistently by calculating a desired profit percentage, establishing a separate profit account, and making monthly transfers.He discusses managing accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable to maintain healthy cash flow and sustain business operations. Applying this approach enables smarter financial decisions, enhances long-term growth, and avoids common pitfalls that can undermine profitability._______________________________________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 21, 2024 • 12min
I Spent 8 Years Studying Finance In School. Here's What I Learned | Ep 137
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Not understanding cash flow can put your business at serious risk. In this episode, Steve Coughran emphasizes the critical importance of mastering free cash flow for business success. Drawing from his own experiences and real-world examples, Steve highlights how businesses often focus too much on profit while overlooking cash flow, which can lead to devastating consequences. Whether you're a student learning the ropes or a seasoned business owner, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to effectively manage your cash flow and prevent potential financial pitfalls._______________________________________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 14, 2024 • 10min
How to Start Learning Finance to Avoid Costly Mistakes | Ep 136
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Not understanding financial statements can cost your business big time. In this episode, Steve shares his personal experience of guessing his way through business finances early on and the costly mistakes he made. Steve discusses why mastering financial literacy is critical for making smarter decisions and running a profitable business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your financial knowledge, this episode will help you understand the numbers that truly matter for long-term 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