Business Over Cocktails - Behind the Business - Real Talk with Female Entrepreneurs

She Tried to Quit Finance, But the Numbers Called Back

Lauren Najar, Julie Hankins Episode 37

What happens when you try to walk away from the thing you’re best at? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Julie Hankins, a financial strategist who once ran from the numbers—only to realize they were her true path to freedom, impact, and alignment.

We talk about the evolution from traditional accounting to becoming a fractional CFO, how data can unlock smarter decisions, and why understanding your numbers is one of the most empowering things you can do as a business owner.

Whether you’re creative, analytical, or somewhere in between, this episode will shift how you view money, decision-making, and the role finance plays in building a values-driven business.



Episode Highlights:

  • Fractional CFO vs. bookkeeper: what's the real difference
  • How to use financial data for business growth
  • Money mindset struggles and entrepreneurial identity
  • Why every founder needs financial clarity
  • Aligning business goals with personal financial freedom



Chapters:


00:00 — Behind the Mic: Starting the Conversation

01:58 — Falling in Love With Numbers

07:06 — From Bookkeeper to Financial Strategist

15:08 — What Founders Get Wrong About Finances

29:44 — Money, Intuition, and Deservingness


Connect with Julie Hankins:


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehankinsco/


Website:  https://www.juliehankins.com



Let’s Stay Connected:
Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar
Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com
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Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect

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