

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

8 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 6min
The X Factor and How it Drives Higher Profits | Ep 150
Discover the power of the 'X Factor'—a simple yet transformative formula that can reshape your approach to business finances. Learn how this concept can clarify decisions, enhance communication, and boost profitability. Hear a personal success story of turning chaos into cash flow, proving that understanding this key financial metric can save your business thousands. Don't overlook how one number can revolutionize your financial strategy!

5 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 10min
The 4 Levers of Profit You Must Know | Ep 149
Discover the four essential levers of profitability that can transform your business finances. Learn how small changes in pricing can lead to significant profit boosts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of decreasing costs and increasing volume to maximize returns. Explore common pitfalls in pricing strategies that can leave money on the table. Plus, gain insights into critical financial concepts that support better business decisions. This is your chance to unlock strategies that put you ahead of the competition!

Jan 13, 2025 • 14min
If You Are 15-25 Years Old, Listen to This | Ep 148
Young adults face pivotal financial decisions that can shape their future. The journey from a minimum wage job to a multimillion-dollar business highlights the lessons learned from struggle and hard work. Sacrifices made during this journey illustrate the power of perseverance. Making informed choices in education and career paths lays the foundation for future success. Listeners are encouraged to embrace financial literacy and consider a free program designed to build essential skills for better opportunities.

Jan 6, 2025 • 21min
Want to Increase Your Financial IQ? Here's Exactly How to Get Started | Ep 147
Discover a transformative opportunity to enhance your financial skills for free. Learn how to turn theoretical knowledge into practical financial abilities through a structured program. The importance of taking action in achieving financial literacy is emphasized, urging listeners to actively pursue their goals. With ongoing support from a vibrant community, elevate your career or business by mastering personal finance. Tune in to unlock the power of financial literacy!

5 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 17min
I Promise This Will Change Your Financial Future | Ep 146
Discover the power of financial literacy and its impact on success. The hosts celebrate their growth and the value of free educational resources for entrepreneurs. A game-changing announcement reveals that premium financial literacy courses are now completely free, aimed at empowering more people. They also share insights on how listener feedback has shaped their mission, underscoring the importance of mastering financial skills for a brighter future.

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.

18 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


