In recounting her education, Natalie Friedman points out that she started at Wake Forest University as a history major. “I love learning about history, reading about it, watching the History Channel. But once in classes, I realized that I didn’t like writing about it, especially very long papers,” she laughs.
On the suggestion of her best friend, an accounting major, Friedman opted for accounting, finding her new field of pursuit. “After I switched, the question was whether to pursue tax or audit, in light of Wake Forest’s internship requirement as part of the five-year degree,” she says. “Fortunately, a great group of older students took the time to share their thoughts and experiences. This allowed me to make a tangible decision and put me on the trajectory into the world of tax.” (Never losing her affinity for history, Friedman also picked up a history minor.)
Entering Corporate Tax
After an internship with PwC, Friedman joined the firm. “I was lucky to be part of their state and local tax group, which was much smaller than the federal tax group,” she says. “This afforded me the chance as a brand-new associate, with no state and local background, to work one-on-one with my manager and director and my partner. It was an amazing experience. They were a very smart bunch that really put in the time to help me learn and grow.”
Despite these extraordinary relationships, Friedman found the hours required for public accounting were demanding. “I decided that it was probably best if I started exploring in-house opportunities to gain more work-life balance,” she explains.
Again, she says, good fortune was on her side. A former colleague reached out to her about an available in-house position at Charter Communications. “After meeting with her, I was intrigued, but what really sealed the deal was my interview with four different members of the Charter team, all of whom had come from public accounting,” she says. “It spoke volumes to me that they shared the perspective that I was looking for and found with the company—interesting, challenging, and engaging work within a reasonable workday.”
Now a director in the strategic tax group, Friedman has worked at Charter for seven years. “I’m beyond gratified with the work I do, and I thank my lucky stars for the people I work with,” she says. “They are incredibly smart, hardworking, knowledgeable, and experienced and are continuously pushing me outside of my comfort zone to take on new challenges. It’s incredible to have such a wonderful support system. I not only consider them colleagues, but also friends.”
Getting Involved With TEI
Friedman notes that she was unfamiliar with TEI until she worked for Charter. “Once I was able get my footing after starting at Charter, my boss Jamie Laiewski strongly encouraged me to join TEI,” she says. “She knew it would be the right opportunity to meet with my peers, stay on top of tax issues, and continue to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Through Laiewski, Friedman was introduced to several members and officers, including Executive Director Pilar Mata and Tax Counsel Todd Lard, both of whom she has great regard for. Over time, she joined the State and Local Tax Committee. “It was intimidating at first, meeting professionals that have decades of experience,” she says. “But they came up, introduced themselves, and warmly greeted me with ‘hello’ and ‘welcome.’ I felt like I belonged.”
Three years ago, Friedman became chair of the SALT Committee. “We’ve been increasing our membership, getting people involved, having discussions, and hearing about their perspectives. I’m proud of that,” she says.
Although her term is expiring, she’s grateful for the experience. “I cannot thank TEI enough for all that they’ve provided me, and I consider my committee colleagues as friends and family,” she says. “I’m fortunate to be a part of an organization that provides such a supportive and collaborative environment for its members, with leaders that will continue to steer the ship in the right direction.”
Embracing Life in Charlotte
Although she was raised in Houston and will always consider herself a Texan at heart, Friedman has no qualms about her adopted home of Charlotte, North Carolina. “I’ve been here for thirteen years, have a house, and don’t plan to leave! It’s a midsized city with a big-time feel,” she says, adding that it offers premier sporting events, concerts, and festivals as well as incredible restaurants and breweries.
Yet, it is very family-friendly and diverse, offering something for everyone. “The location is also ideal for accessing the natural beauty of the region,” she says. “Spectacular mountains and serene coastal beaches are within a three-hour drive.”
Friedman counts exploring the city’s greenways, practicing Pilates, playing mah-jongg, spending time at the pool, and resuming her love of golf as continuing goals. At the moment, she’s also engrossed in home improvement. “I’m attempting my first real DIY upgrade to my house, so fingers crossed that I don’t make a big or expensive mistake,” she jokes.
She’s gardening as well, growing tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, and hydrangeas—her favorite flower. “I’m looking forward to working on and planning future projects. If you’d asked me a few years ago if I would enjoy this, I’d laugh,” she says.
