Building Margin

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, your host Steve Coughran dives into the critical topic of "It's Time to Fire that Toxic Employee." Drawing on his extensive experience working with companies of various sizes and industries, Steve sheds light on the game-changing impact toxic employees can have on an organization. Sh...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Join host Steve Coughran as he tackles "The Dangers of Straddling" in the world of modern business. Dive into the detrimental effects of pursuing multiple strategies simultaneously, a trap many ambitious companies fall into. Explore why a less-is-more approach, focusing on a single, well-executed strategy...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this insightful conversation, Steve sits down with Matt Clark, the visionary Founder of Virtual Edge, to delve into the world of "B2B Leads on LinkedIn with Automation and AI." Together, they explore the critical elements of successful B2B lead generation on LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of defi...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In today's episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Katrin Zimmermann, the esteemed CEO of TLGG Consulting, as we unravel the intricacies of "What you should know about AI in Innovation." Steve engages Katrin in a thought-provoking discussion, exploring how AI is not just a technological adv...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Today, we have two distinguished guests, Roderick Jones, Executive Chairman, and Mike LeFever, CEO, of Concentric, sharing their wealth of experience on "Leadership Strategy for Navigating a Crisis." Steve engages them in a thought-provoking conversation, exploring the key attributes and skills that leade...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Today, we delve into the fundamental choices businesses face when crafting their strategic paths: Pursuing Differentiation or Cost Leadership. In this episode, we break down the two dominant approaches, exploring their distinct characteristics and critical considerations. Differentiation involves creating a unique...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Steve finds himself in the hot seat as his good friend, Sam Meldrum, takes the opportunity to delve deep into Steve's entrepreneurial journey. Titled "Lessons from an Entrepreneur," this conversation goes beyond the surface-level discussions and explores the critical aspects of getting started in bus...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In a special session, host Steve Coughran is interviewed by Jess Meehan to discuss important financial topics. Explore key aspects of assessing business health and performance by monitoring financial ratios and metrics. Discover potential risks and challenges when scaling a business and learn effective strategies t...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Today's episode covers tracking your strategy for long-term success. Start by defining clear objectives and KPIs to align efforts and measure progress. Set baselines and targets for each KPI, and consider using a strategy management platform for real-time tracking. Engage employees and gather feedback to foste...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this insightful episode, Steve discusses the critical aspects of knowing when to revisit your strategy and why it is of utmost importance in today's ever-changing business landscape. He delves into the steps and best practices for conducting a strategy offsite, providing valuable insights and practical advi...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Join host Steve Coughran as he sits down with David Arato, the remarkable founder of Gelato 101, California's premier gelato destination. Discover the strategies that propelled Gelato 101 to become a beloved brand known for its exceptional customer experience. David shares insights on training staff, sourcing...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Steve dives into the five crucial steps he takes to turn around struggling companies. With an informative and educational approach, Steve emphasizes the importance of measuring and benchmarking financial performance as the first step towards identifying areas of improvement. He then delves into defining the strateg...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran talks with Bruce Kraynak, founder of Systems Plumbing, about "The Grind, Grit, and Rewards of Entrepreneurship." Bruce shares his journey of starting a business, finding the right partner, and balancing work and home life. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration for y...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran talks with Michael Bannon, VP of CSG Partners, about "The Essentials of ESOP Planning." They discuss what an ESOP is, its benefits, and which companies are best suited for it. Michael outlines the steps for setting up an ESOP, legal requirements, and how to align it with lo...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran is interviewed by Keith Downham, Co-Founder of Coltivar Growth Partners, on "The Ins and Outs of Strategic Finance." They discuss Steve's entrepreneurial journey, the synergy between strategy and finance, and the difference between a strategic CFO and a traditional CFO...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran hosts Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute, to explore the critical role of strategic thinking in today’s volatile business world. They discuss common strategic missteps, the concept of Strategic Fitness, and how strategic leadership drives long-term value and team p...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In the latest episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran dives deep into the world of startups with a special guest, Thomas Walle, the CEO of Unacast. Together, they explore the critical role that momentum and speed play in the success or failure of a startup. Throughout the conversation, Walle s...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, hosted by Steve Coughran, listeners are enlightened about the criticality of clearly identifying their strategic problem. Steve emphasizes that understanding and articulating the strategic problem at hand is fundamental to pursuing the right initiatives that will effectively overcome the challenge....

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, hosted by Steve Coughran, listeners are guided through the art of crafting an ideal customer profile. With an emphasis on clear, concise language and a persuasive tone, Coughran dives into the process of identifying customer values, digging deep into their urgent problems, and analyzing macro trend...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, host Steve Coughran sits down with renowned Business Strategist Dawn Bloomer to delve into the critical topic of aligning business strategy with exit planning. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the significance of making informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right business entity....

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, Steve Coughran explores the importance of choosing the right entity structure when starting or scaling a business. From sole proprietorships to LLCs and corporations, Steve highlights how aligning your structure with your strategy can protect assets and drive growth...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran sits down with the Founder of Meier Skis, based in Denver, Colorado, to delve into his remarkable journey from selling Christmas trees to building a thriving business of crafting handmade skis. The conversation touches on the various pivots and t...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode of the Business Strategy Podcast, host Steve Coughran talks with Dr. Shan Nair, President of Nucleus, about key strategies for expanding businesses abroad. They discuss the importance of hiring culturally competent leaders, leveraging local experts, and evaluating a company's readiness based on...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, Steve Coughran discusses the importance of integrating finance with strategy. He explains how clear strategic initiatives guide financial decisions, resource allocation, and long-term success. Coughran highlights the need for a financial plan that aligns with busine...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In the podcast episode, host Steve Coughran engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Debbie Levitt, Chief Experience Officer at Delta CX. This captivating discussion delves into the power of adopting a customer-centric strategy and its potential to enhance various aspects of business performance. By placing...