Why I Love What I Do AS A CFO
Lynn Corazzi, The Data Magician
What’s my secret sauce? It’s turning your financial confusion into clear, actionable confidence with a blend of empathy, expertise, and a touch of fun. I help business owners see their financials not as a daunting mystery but as powerful tools for growth and wealth.
My journey to becoming a Fractional CFO was a long one, shaped by three key experiences:
Corporate Finance: I spent 14 years at Procter & Gamble, tackling assignments in both accounting and finance, supporting corporate, brand, and manufacturing leaders, including a role in Geneva, Switzerland. Over the years, I worked across the entire Income Statement! This corporate background gave me deep insights, but I wanted to make a more direct impact in a smaller company.
Data Champion: As a Director with Grande Cheese, I led two major initiatives. In manufacturing, we redesigned cost accounting and plant financial management processes. In marketing and sales, I created a vision and guided the design of CRM and proprietary data systems. These changes revolutionized how we managed sales and customers, driving growth by aligning strategies and incentive programs around precise numbers.
Founding Data2Profit: Six years ago, I started Data2Profit to bring big-company financial experience to smaller businesses. I became known as The Data Magician, and later, after looking back at client success, I overcame my self-limiting belief and accepted that I am, in fact, their CFO. I now work closely with business owners, especially women, who have determined they should no longer try to navigate the complex world of Finance on their own.
Why does this background matter? It’s because the experience and insights I bring to the table aren’t just about numbers—they’re about understanding the unique challenges and opportunities business owners face. As an entrepreneur, I aim to help you turn financial data into a powerful tool for growth and security, ensuring that your hard work translates into lasting success and a meaningful legacy.
The Power of Financial Confidence and Strategy
Finance isn’t just about balancing books; it’s about making informed decisions that shape your future. Take the story of a client who became CEO of two companies after her father’s death. For years, the two companies shared a single income statement, which masked their true performance.
As we separated the financials, we confirmed what she believed: the one she loved working with was doing reasonably well, while the other was draining her time and other resources and hurting profitability. With this insight, she decided to close the less successful business, allowing her to focus on the one she loved and had the most growth potential. Now, with a more transparent financial strategy, she’s not just running a business—she’s building her legacy, something her father, unfortunately, hadn’t been able to do.
This is the essence of financial strategy. What truly matters is clarity—understanding what’s working and what isn’t and making informed decisions that align with long-term goals. It’s transforming the numbers on the page into a roadmap for success. Ultimately, the focus is to ensure your business doesn’t just survive but thrives, helping you build business value and personal wealth to secure your future.
Why It All Matters
Numbers tell a story, but it’s the emotions behind those numbers that truly matter. Business owners carry the weight of responsibility that comes with running a business. The pressure to grow, the fear of making the wrong decisions, and the realization that your family, employees, and clients depend on you can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
Financial confidence means more than just understanding numbers; it’s about feeling secure in your decisions. Imagine the peace of mind knowing that your financial strategy is solid and your business is creating personal wealth and opportunities for the future.
Think about the peace of mind that a clear financial plan can offer. Picture the security of knowing that your business is not just generating revenue but creating personal wealth that can provide for your family, invest in your community, and create opportunities for the next generation. Let’s work together to ensure your financial story is one of success, security, and growth.
Because your business is more than just numbers—it’s your legacy. And that’s why I’m passionate about what I do.