She Tried to Quit Finance, But the Numbers Called Back w/ Julie Hankins

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 differenceHow to use financial data for business growthMoney mindset struggles and entrepreneurial identityWhy every founder needs financial clarityAligning business goals with personal financial freedomChapters:00:00 — Behind the Mic: Starting the Conversation01:58 — Falling in Love With Numbers07:06 — From Bookkeeper to Financial Strategist15:08 — What Founders Get Wrong About Finances29:44 — Money, Intuition, and DeservingnessConnect with Julie Hankins:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehankinsco/Website:  https://www.juliehankins.comUpcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.