In this episode of Power Talk Show, we sat down with Michael Straza, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Straza Consulting, who specializes in helping organizations optimize operations and financial structures through fractional COO/CFO services. With over 25 years of cross-industry experience, Mike brings a deep, tactical understanding of how businesses can scale without losing focus—or themselves.
From Entrepreneur to Fractional Leader
Michael began his journey with hands-on entrepreneurial experiences in healthcare, tech, and food industries. Now, as a fractional COO and CFO, he steps into companies to assess their operational efficiency and financial alignment.
“My job is to take the CEO’s vision and actually make it happen,” Mike explained.
He offers high-impact support to startups and small-to-mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need executive guidance without committing to full-time salaries.
Decoding COO vs CFO
Mike broke down the distinction between the two crucial roles:
- COO (Chief Operating Officer): Focuses on how the business operates—teams, systems, distribution, and execution.
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Oversees the financial heartbeat—cash flow, budgeting, projections, and investor alignment.
“Operations are what you do. Finances are how you afford to do them,” Mike summarized.
The Challenge of Scaling Smartly
According to Mike, many businesses confuse growth with scale. While growth often just increases overhead, scaling means increasing revenue without proportionally increasing costs.
“Scaling is about doing more with less—without burning out your team or the bottom line.”
He emphasizes building repeatable systems, analyzing patterns in people, and balancing automation with human capital.
The Role of AI in Consulting
Mike acknowledges AI’s rising presence but remains pragmatic.
“AI will enhance what we do, but it won’t replace critical thinking or leadership.”
He actively researches AI trends and tools to understand how technology can integrate with business consulting—particularly for financial forecasting and internal communications.
Advice for Today’s Leaders
The biggest hurdle for modern leadership, Mike says, is navigating noise—the overwhelming amount of content, trends, and external opinions.
“You have to focus on your mission while remaining aware—but not distracted—by the outside world.”
His top tip: Ask for help, bring in people smarter than you, and focus on doing less—but better.
Looking Ahead
Straza Consulting is now focused on building a tech-integrated consulting framework while nurturing a diverse network of thinkers—from creatives to technologists.
Mike also stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with fresh perspectives:
“You don’t need everyone to be a business person to make something happen.”