From Corporate Finance to CFO Services: Natalie Cook's Entrepreneurial Journey
Every business owner has a pivotal moment that changes their trajectory. For Natalie Cook, founder of Copper8 Strategies and Finance Fight Club, that moment came while managing a $1B P&L at Starbucks. Despite having what many would consider a dream job in corporate finance, something was missing. The entrepreneurial spirit that had first sparked years earlier with a small Etsy shop couldn't be ignored.
The Path to Financial Leadership
Natalie's journey to becoming a trusted CFO advisor began at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she managed a portfolio of for-profit grants. This unique position combined two powerful elements: working directly with entrepreneurs and diving deep into financial strategy.
"There was a particular finance professor that spurred on a love for numbers by showing us the 'real world' strategy behind them – that's when it all clicked that I needed to be near finance," Natalie recalls of her MBA studies.
Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
In 2020, with a 3-year-old at home and another baby on the way, Natalie made the bold decision to leave the security of a corporate paycheck. She launched Copper8 Strategies, initially working with pre-revenue startups on fundraising strategies and forecasting models.
The business naturally evolved into comprehensive CFO services, but not without its challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Natalie faced periods of burnout and had to rebuild her sales strategy from the ground up. "Even on the worst days of being a business owner, I still choose this over going back to a corporate role. There's no comparison," she shares.
A Unique Approach to Financial Leadership
What sets Copper8 Strategies apart in the crowded field of financial services? Two key differentiators:
Scalable Solutions: The firm offers products supporting businesses from $0 to $1M in revenue, plus full CFO services for companies earning $1M-$10M.
Education-First Mindset: Taking a coaching approach, Natalie ensures clients truly understand their numbers. "I never want a client to feel like they aren't in control of their business," she emphasizes.
Services Designed for Growth
Copper8 Strategies offers several service levels to meet businesses where they are:
Fractional CFO Guidance: Ongoing monthly expert support
Strategy Sessions: One-time consultations for specific financial decisions
Forecasting & Analysis: Data-driven business planning
Finance Fight Club Membership: Budget-friendly guidance and tools
The Future of Financial Leadership
Today, Natalie's mission extends beyond traditional CFO services. Through Finance Fight Club, she's democratizing access to financial expertise, helping small business owners gain confidence in their financial decision-making.
"The goal is to guide clients from feeling overwhelmed by the financial side of the business into being in control of their financial decisions, having clarity in their numbers, and being the company leader they always imagined," Natalie explains.
Looking Forward
As Copper8 Strategies continues to grow, the focus remains on helping business owners get "more money in their pockets, higher revenue, more peace and calm, and more energy to do what they want to do."
For small business owners looking to strengthen their financial strategy or entrepreneurs considering the leap into business ownership, Natalie's journey offers valuable insights into the power of combining financial expertise with entrepreneurial spirit.
Want to learn more about strategic financial management for your business? Visit Finance Fight Club for regular insights and tips, or connect with Copper8 Strategies to explore how CFO services can transform your business.
