Conquering Complexity: WildBird Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth

How do I? with Matt Putra

How do I? with Matt Putra

26:28

Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…

about a year ago 40:19

MP3•Episode home

Financial management evolves significantly as businesses grow.
Many entrepreneurs start without a solid financial background.
Working backwards from goals can clarify financial strategies.
Supplier relationships can provide crucial financial leverage.
Data analysis is essential for accurate inventory forecasting.
Building a strong team allows for better data management.
Cash flow management is critical for business sustainability.
Negotiating better terms with suppliers can improve cash flow.
Understanding the story behind the data enhances decision-making.
Entrepreneurs should focus on their end goals and work backwards.

Connect with Nate Gunn on LinkedIn.

Connect with Matt Putra

Email me at matt@eightx.co to set up a conversation to discuss how you can break free from the cycle of reactive decision-making and regain control over your financial complexity, anticipate challenges, and build the systems that will support your growth.

10 episodes

Conquering Complexity: WildBird Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth

How do I? with Matt Putra

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Financial management evolves significantly as businesses grow.
Many entrepreneurs start without a solid financial background.
Working backwards from goals can clarify financial strategies.
Supplier relationships can provide crucial financial leverage.
Data analysis is essential for accurate inventory forecasting.
Building a strong team allows for better data management.
Cash flow management is critical for business sustainability.
Negotiating better terms with suppliers can improve cash flow.
Understanding the story behind the data enhances decision-making.
Entrepreneurs should focus on their end goals and work backwards.

Connect with Nate Gunn on LinkedIn.

Connect with Matt Putra

10 episodes

All episodes

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
How do I know what insurance I need? w/ Jeff Brewer 1:11:01

2 days ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Episode Overview Jeff Brewer, CEO of Cornerstone Insurance and a US Coast Guard veteran, breaks down everything you need to know about business insurance for eCommerce companies. With over 25 years of experience and licensed in all 50 states, Jeff explains how to select the right coverage, choose reliable agents, and avoid costly mistakes that could bankrupt your business. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic liability to cyber insurance, helping entrepreneurs protect their companies without overpaying for unnecessary coverage. Jeff Explains Why business insurance is like a compass - how it pools risk and protects against unintended consequences that could destroy your company The 5 essential types of commercial insurance - errors & omissions, cyber liability, employment practices, general liability, and property coverage How to choose between captive vs. independent agents - and why shopping with 3-5 different agents can save you thousands The critical factors that affect insurance pricing - including industry type, revenue size, claims history, and coverage limits When to make a claim vs. paying out of pocket - strategic decisions that impact your future premiums and risk profile Red flags to avoid when selecting insurance partners - how to verify agent credentials and spot inadequate coverage Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Jeff's Coast Guard background 02:20 - What is insurance and how it works 04:44 - Common insurance terms business owners need to know 07:00 - The bad stuff: events, losses, and claims 09:17 - Types of insurance explained 11:41 - Errors and omissions insurance deep dive 16:12 - Data and cyber liability coverage 21:19 - Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) 23:39 - Directors and officers insurance (D&O) 25:29 - General liability and property insurance 28:21 - Workers compensation requirements 30:08 - What affects insurance pricing 32:29 - Compliance triggers and requirements 34:52 - How to choose the right insurance partner 42:29 - Captive vs. independent agents explained 46:59 - Tips for avoiding under-insurance 51:38 - Annual policy reviews and relationship building 53:32 - Cornerstone Insurance services overview 56:12 - Contact information and next steps Follow Jeff Follow Jeff Brewer Website: coveredbycornerstone.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffreyabrewer About Jeff's Company Cornerstone Insurance (operating as Integrity First Insurance) is a premier provider of commercial insurance solutions specializing in financial services, fintech, and regulated industries. Founded over 25 years ago, the company serves thousands of clients nationwide with expertise in complex compliance requirements and risk management. Jeff's team offers full market access across 14 different carriers, providing transparent pricing and coverage comparisons to help businesses make informed decisions. For podcast listeners, they offer dedicated agent support through Donna Talbot at D.Talbot@coveredbycornerstone.com or 888-846-4192. Services include: Errors & omissions insurance for professional services Cyber liability coverage for data protection Employment practices liability insurance Directors and officers insurance General liability and property coverage Workers compensation insurance Transparent pricing across multiple carriers About How Do I? The How Do I? Podcast gives you 60 minutes with industry experts who teach their expertise to eCommerce founders and business operators. Each episode centers on a single "How do I...?" question, providing actionable tactics you can implement immediately. Host: Matt Putra, Founder & CEO of Eightx Our Sponsors Eightx helps eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies scale profitably with expert CFO services and financial architecture. Founded by Matt Putra, Eightx specializes in cash flow optimization, financial planning, and strategic growth guidance for businesses between $5-80MM in annual revenue or venture-backed companies. Their team of experienced CFOs provides the knowledge and proven strategies that make scaling, growing, and lasting effortless. Services include: Fractional CFO and financial leadership Cash flow management and optimization Strategic financial planning and forecasting Marketing ROI analysis and optimization Operational efficiency improvements Website - eightx.co…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
How Do I Know If An Agency Is Good Or Not? w/ Natalie Kaminski 40:17

8 days ago40:17

40:17

Episode Overview This episode tackles one of the most critical decisions eCommerce founders face: how to identify and select a quality agency partner. Natalie Kaminski, CEO and co-founder of JetRockets, brings 15 years of software development agency experience to break down her proven framework for evaluating agencies. With JetRockets maintaining an impressive 99% project completion rate and serving clients from startups to enterprises like eBay, Natalie shares the insider knowledge that separates exceptional agencies from costly mistakes. Her multicultural background spanning Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and the US provides unique perspective on building successful agency partnerships that drive real business results. Natalie Explains Why agencies that say "yes" to everything are massive red flags - and what they should ask instead The business-first approach - how quality agencies focus on your goals before technical features Transparent communication standards - including team access and project involvement requirements Smart budgeting strategies - why being honest about budget leads to better solutions Reference checking tactics - the specific questions that reveal how agencies handle problems Partnership vs vendor mentality - what separates great agencies from order-takers Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:26 Do They Ask The Right Questions? 04:30 Focus On Business Goals, Not Features 06:28 Pushing Back On Bad Ideas 08:27 Handling Unqualified Client Requests 10:19 Real Example: Wellness Platform Redesign 11:57 Partnership Over Vendor Relationship 13:45 Transparent Communication Requirements 15:44 What Happens When Clients Go Missing 17:49 Meeting Your Development Team 19:56 Client Selection Process 21:48 Relevant Case Studies Matter 23:35 Industry Experience Requirements 25:32 B2B vs B2C Experience 27:41 No Over-Promising Policy 29:58 Budget Transparency Importance 31:59 Pricing Red Flags 33:26 Reference Checking Strategy 35:16 The Ultimate Reference Test 37:24 How Agencies Handle Problems 39:25 Building Long-Term Partnerships Follow Natalie Follow Natalie Kaminski Website: jetrockets.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nataliekaminski/ About Natalie's Company JetRockets is a full-service software development agency specializing in Ruby on Rails, React, and AI/ML solutions for eCommerce, healthcare, fintech, and enterprise clients. Founded in 2011, the company has grown to 75+ professionals with offices in New York and Georgia, maintaining a 99% project completion rate. JetRockets operates with a unique partnership approach, focusing on long-term client relationships rather than high-volume transactions. The agency offers comprehensive services including project planning, UX/UI design, development, testing, and maintenance, with hourly rates starting at $80. Their client roster includes major brands like eBay, and they specialize in helping startups and enterprises build custom web and mobile applications that drive business growth. About How Do I? The How Do I? Podcast gives you 60 minutes with industry experts who teach their expertise to eCommerce founders and business operators. Each episode centers on a single "How do I...?" question, providing actionable tactics you can implement immediately. Host: Matt Putra, Founder & CEO of Eightx Our Sponsors Eightx helps eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies scale profitably with expert CFO services and financial architecture. Founded by Matt Putra, Eightx specializes in cash flow optimization, financial planning, and strategic growth guidance for businesses between $5-80MM in annual revenue or venture-backed companies. Their team of experienced CFOs provides the knowledge and proven strategies that make scaling, growing, and lasting effortless. Services include: Fractional CFO and financial leadership Cash flow management and optimization Strategic financial planning and forecasting Marketing ROI analysis and optimization Operational efficiency improvements Website - eightx.co…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
How Do I Track Real-Time Profits for My eCom Business? 23:02

18 days ago23:02

23:02

Master Daily Profit Tracking with Advanced Automation Episode Overview Matt Putra is the founder and CEO of Eightx, a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies scale profitably between $5-80MM in annual revenue. With experience across 60+ brands including Tru Earth, The Tumeric Co., and Lusomé, Matt has mastered the art of financial architecture for direct-to-consumer businesses. As a seasoned fractional CFO with a proven track record, Matt specializes in aligning financial strategy with business goals, whether preparing for exits or navigating cash flow challenges. This episode reveals his most powerful tool for real-time profit tracking that transforms how eCommerce businesses make daily decisions. Matt Explains ◽️ How to build a real-time daily profit tracker using Google Sheets and API automation that updates every morning ◽️ The exact system his clients pay thousands for - complete setup walkthrough with Data Slayer integration ◽️ Why waiting for monthly reports kills growth and how daily profit visibility enables smarter, faster scaling decisions ◽️ The profit target strategy that lets you reinvest confidently when you're ahead of monthly goals ◽️ Advanced contribution margin analysis including CM3 calculations and variable cost optimization ◽️ How to use profit data for strategic growth - when to harvest profits vs. when to over-invest in marketing Get DataSlayer here - https://dataslayer.idevaffiliate.com/445.html Get the template - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MyLRAmN-FWu8Lm46IDwboprzx_VjIznl7LJa38at0t8/edit?usp=sharing Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Daily Profit Tracking 01:58 Setting Up Data Slayer Integration 04:20 Connecting Facebook Ads Data 06:25 Adding Google Ads Integration 08:37 Shopify Orders API Setup 11:02 Building Sales Formulas 12:51 Variable Cost Calculations 15:19 Contribution Margin Analysis 17:46 Setting Monthly Profit Targets 20:05 July Planning and Duplication 21:21 Strategic Implementation and Results Follow Matt Follow Matt Putra: Website: eightx.co LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mattputra About Eightx Eightx helps scale companies profitably with expert financial guidance, strategic insights, and powerful tools to optimize growth. They work with eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies who are between $5–80MM in annual revenue or are venture-backed. Founded by Matt Putra, the company specializes in e-commerce financial architecture, helping businesses achieve more cash and less stress. Results typically show current fires put out in 4 weeks and a full financial plan delivered in 8 weeks. Their services range from bookkeeping and controller support to comprehensive fractional CFO services, all designed to increase cash flow, improve margins, and increase valuations for scaling businesses. About How Do I? The How Do I? Podcast gives you 60 minutes with industry experts who teach their expertise to eCommerce founders and business operators. Each episode centers on a single "How do I...?" question, providing actionable tactics you can implement immediately. Host: Matt Putra, Founder & CEO of Eightx Our Sponsors Eightx helps eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies scale profitably with expert CFO services and financial architecture. Founded by Matt Putra, Eightx specializes in cash flow optimization, financial planning, and strategic growth guidance for businesses between $5-80MM in annual revenue or venture-backed companies. Their team of experienced CFOs provides the knowledge and proven strategies that make scaling, growing, and lasting effortless. Services include: - Fractional CFO and financial leadership - Cash flow management and optimization - Strategic financial planning and forecasting - Marketing ROI analysis and optimization - Operational efficiency improvements Website - www.eightx.co…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
How Do I Know When to Fire Somebody and How Do I Do It? w/ Dave Sifry 30:44

23 days ago30:44

30:44

When it comes to making tough leadership decisions like terminating employees, having the right framework makes all the difference. Dave Sifry, veteran software entrepreneur and founder of Warmstart.ai (previously founded Technorati and 8 other companies), joins us to break down the challenging but essential process of knowing when to fire someone and how to handle that conversation with both clarity and compassion. Drawing from decades of executive experience building and managing teams, Dave provides practical insights on making these difficult decisions while maintaining business effectiveness and human dignity. Dave Explains: ◽️ The key red flags that signal it's time to consider termination - from performance issues to behavioral problems and cultural misalignment ◽️ How to implement improvement plans effectively before making the final decision to let someone go ◽️ The critical legal considerations and documentation requirements to protect your business and handle terminations properly ◽️ Step-by-step scripts and frameworks for conducting termination conversations with dignity and professionalism ◽️ How to address team morale and communication after an employee departure to maintain organizational trust ◽️ Why most leaders fire too late rather than too early, and how this impacts business performance and team dynamics Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Employee Termination 02:19 When to fire and how to fire 04:43 Red flags in remote work environments 07:04 Making termination conversations easier through documentation 09:23 SMART goals for employee improvement plans 11:39 Legal compliance in employee termination 13:51 Best practices for documentation and record keeping 15:53 Firing for cause vs severance considerations 18:11 Understanding business vs family dynamics 20:27 How to prepare for termination conversations 22:48 Scripts for professional termination discussions 25:12 Communicating with remaining team members 27:31 Introducing Warmstart.ai and launch special 29:46 Closing thoughts on leadership decisions Follow Dave: Follow Dave Sifry Website: warmstart.ai LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dsifry About Dave's Company: Warmstart.ai helps professionals transform cold outreach into warm connections by leveraging their existing relationships. This AI-powered platform analyzes your Gmail conversations and social media interactions to create personalized outreach campaigns that feel authentic and get responses. Dave's company addresses the common problem of forgetting to follow up with valuable contacts in your network. Key Features: • AI-powered analysis of your email history to build contact profiles • Personalized outreach campaign creation based on your writing style • Daily curated lead suggestions with relationship context • 10-15 custom email drafts delivered each morning Special Launch Offer: Currently available for just $99/month until you close enough business to pay for itself, then switches to regular price of $349/month. Most customers see 300-400% ROI within three months with just 15 minutes of daily use. About How Do I? The How Do I? Podcast gives you 60 minutes with industry experts who teach their expertise to eCommerce founders and business operators. Each episode centers on a single "How do I...?" question, providing actionable tactics you can implement immediately. Host: Matt Putra, Founder & CEO of Eightx Our Sponsors Eightx helps eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies scale profitably with expert CFO services and financial architecture. Founded by Matt Putra, Eightx specializes in cash flow optimization, financial planning, and strategic growth guidance for businesses between $5-80MM in annual revenue or venture-backed companies. Their team of experienced CFOs provides the knowledge and proven strategies that make scaling, growing, and lasting effortless. Services include: • Fractional CFO and financial leadership • Cash flow management and optimization • Strategic financial planning and forecasting • Marketing ROI analysis and optimization • Operational efficiency improvements Website: eightx.co…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
Conquering Complexity: Lusome Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth 21:56

32 weeks ago21:56

21:56

In this episode, Matt Putra interviews Lara Smith, CEO of Lusome Sleepwear, who shares her journey of launching a sleepwear brand focused on comfort and functionality for women undergoing cancer treatment. Lara discusses the challenges of financial management in small businesses, the importance of cost control, and how data-driven decision-making shapes her business strategy. She emphasizes the significance of understanding the customer and the personal motivation behind her entrepreneurial journey, while also addressing the joys and challenges of e-commerce. Her key takeaways are: Cash flow management is a daily challenge for small businesses. Frugality and cost management are essential for sustainability. Understanding the customer is key to successful product development. Data-driven decision-making helps navigate the complexities of e-commerce. Personal experiences can drive entrepreneurial passion and purpose. Involving consumers in the product development process yields valuable insights. Forecasting inventory requires a blend of art and science. Building a strong company culture around cost consciousness is vital. E-commerce presents unique challenges that require adaptability. Creating a supportive community for women is a powerful mission. Connect with Lara Smith on LinkedIn . Connect with Matt Putra Email me at matt@eightx.co to set up a conversation to discuss how you can break free from the cycle of reactive decision-making and regain control over your financial complexity, anticipate challenges, and build the systems that will support your growth.…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
Conquering Complexity: WildBird Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth 40:19

35 weeks ago40:19

40:19

In this episode of Conquering Complexity, Matt Putra interviews Nate Gunn, founder of GoldState Group and co-founder of WildBird. They discuss the evolution of financial management in businesses, the importance of cash flow management, and the strategies for effective supplier negotiations. Nate shares his personal journey in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of data-driven decision-making and the value of building strong relationships with suppliers. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes in the consumer products space, offering insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses sustainably. His key takeaways are: Financial management evolves significantly as businesses grow. Many entrepreneurs start without a solid financial background. Working backwards from goals can clarify financial strategies. Supplier relationships can provide crucial financial leverage. Data analysis is essential for accurate inventory forecasting. Building a strong team allows for better data management. Cash flow management is critical for business sustainability. Negotiating better terms with suppliers can improve cash flow. Understanding the story behind the data enhances decision-making. Entrepreneurs should focus on their end goals and work backwards. Connect with Nate Gunn on LinkedIn . Connect with Matt Putra Email me at matt@eightx.co to set up a conversation to discuss how you can break free from the cycle of reactive decision-making and regain control over your financial complexity, anticipate challenges, and build the systems that will support your growth.…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
Conquering Complexity: JIBE Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth 33:57

37 weeks ago33:57

33:57

In this episode of 'Conquering Complexity, Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth', Matt Putra interviews Steve Krueger CEO of JIBE. They discuss the evolution of financial management in businesses, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship. Steve shares insights on how he has navigated the complexities of financial systems, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges faced in the e-commerce landscape. The discussion emphasizes the need for long-term thinking and the role of personal values in business success. Steve's key takeaways are: Complexity in business often outpaces revenue growth. Having a fractional CFO can provide essential insights. It's crucial to delegate financial tasks appropriately. Understanding your financial gaps is key to success. Long-term planning helps mitigate daily stress. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in decision-making. Building a business around personal values can lead to fulfillment. E-commerce requires a focus on profitability and longevity. Mentorship can come from peers and personal networks. Connecting with other entrepreneurs can provide valuable support. Connect with Steve Krueger on LinkedIn . Connect with Matt Putra Email me at matt@eightx.co to set up a conversation to discuss how you can break free from the cycle of reactive decision-making and regain control over your financial complexity, anticipate challenges, and build the systems that will support your growth.…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
Conquering Complexity: Get Fresh Ventures Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth 36:33

39 weeks ago36:33

36:33

In this episode of 'Conquering Complexity, Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth', Matt Putra interviews Diraj Goel, founder of Get Fresh Ventures. They discuss the evolution of financial management, the importance of insights and data in business, and how to assess company growth and sales funnels. Diraj shares his experiences and strategies for navigating business challenges and achieving hyper growth for startups. Diraj's key takeaways are: Finance is often perceived as boring, but it is crucial for growth. Inertia in business processes can hinder progress. Understanding insights and data is essential for effective decision-making. Assessing a company's growth involves looking at cash flow and margins. Sales funnel analysis is key to understanding business performance. Cost savings can be achieved by re-engineering top-of-funnel activities. Predicting sales outcomes requires a deep understanding of the sales process. Root cause analysis helps identify flaws in business predictions. ROI for investment should be calculated at each stage of the funnel. Effective financial management is vital for startup success. Connect with Ian Diraj Goel on LinkedIn . Connect with Matt Putra Email me at matt@eightx.co to set up a conversation to discuss how you can break free from the cycle of reactive decision-making and regain control over your financial complexity, anticipate challenges, and build the systems that will support your growth.…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
Conquering Complexity: Brushee Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth 24:11

40 weeks ago24:11

24:11

In this conversation, Matt Putra speaks with Ian Rollin Berry, CEO or Brushee about his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of financial management in business, and the importance of building effective systems for growth. Ian shares insights on data-driven decision-making, competing in a competitive market, and his personal experiences that shaped his passion for entrepreneurship. The discussion also touches on the challenges of e-commerce, consumer feedback, and the influences that inspire Ian in his business endeavors. Here are his key takeaways: Initial focus on vanity metrics hindered business growth. Weekly cash flow reviews improved financial clarity. Aligning financial systems with business goals is crucial. Data should inform decisions, not overwhelm them. Competing in established markets requires patience and strategy. Creating tangible products is a rewarding experience. Consumer feedback is vital but can be slow to implement. Simplicity in business leads to better outcomes. Connect with Ian Rollin Berry on LinkedIn . Connect with Matt Putra Email me at matt@eightx.co to set up a conversation to discuss how you can break free from the cycle of reactive decision-making and regain control over your financial complexity, anticipate challenges, and build the systems that will support your growth.…

How do I? with Matt Putra

1
Conquering Complexity: Salty Face Breaking Barriers to Sustainable Growth 38:29

41 weeks ago38:29