Enjoying the Ecommerce Coffee Break Podcast? Here are a few ways to grow your business: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/level-up/
---
In this episode, we explore an unconventional approach to goal setting that helps entrepreneurs stay focused and achieve what matters most.
Our featured guest is Nate Littlewood, Founder and Fractional CFO at Future Ready. With nearly a decade on Wall Street and experience founding a seven-figure e-commerce brand, Nate shares practical insights on financial sustainability for mission-driven e-commerce and CPG founders.
He discusses why traditional goal setting fails, the power of the OKR framework, and how to identify the critical 20% of activities that truly move the needle in your business.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Why goal setting fails: Entrepreneurs chase too many “shiny objects” instead of the 10-20% that matters.
- How OKRs help: They balance strategy and execution.
- Revenue vs. profit gap: Founders focus on top-line growth but miss key profit metrics.
- Why profit strategy matters: Prioritize improvements aligned with your strengths.
- Founder time value: Weigh your “salary opportunity cost.”.
- Fractional CFO value: Maximize ROI through smarter resource allocation.
- Early-stage struggle: They need financial guidance but can't afford CFOs.
- E-commerce founder types: Creatives, marketers, and self-aware learners.
- Financial blind spots: Founders often miss key metrics like COGS ratios.
- Work “on” the business: Regular check-ins prevent misalignment.
Links & Resources
Website: https://www.getfutureready.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanlittlewood/
Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at
https://tinyurl.com/zj8fhusy
MORE RESOURCES
Enjoying this episode? Here are a few ways to grow your business: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/level-up/
Store Optimization Beginners Guide: Instant PDF Download! It's FREE. 👉 https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/essential-conversion-optimization-guide/
Top Tools, Apps, and Services used by leading Ecommerce Brands: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/quiz-results/
Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecommerce-coffee-break-digital-marketing-podcast-for/id1567749422
Advertise on ECB - https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/podcast-sponsorship/
Follow the podcast to catch all the bonus episodes I am adding. Hit that follow button now!
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!