We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this installment, we interview Ugne Marchionno of Aim to wow
Tell us about your business:
In my business, I help purpose-driven entrepreneurs grow by offering two key services that work hand-in-hand: Digital Strategy Wellness and my upcoming AI Business Growth assistant for women-owned businesses.
With Digital Strategy Wellness, I focus on creating personalized, scalable marketing and sales strategies that align with each business’s unique DNA. I work closely with business owners to identify what’s holding them back and guide them in developing clear, effective strategies that drive real, measurable growth. It’s all about unlocking their full potential and making sure their business thrives while staying true to their purpose.
On the tech side, I’m developing a SaaS AI assistant that simplifies AI, making it as intuitive as pressing “enter.” The assistant offers personalized business insights based on the business’s data. The aim is to help women entrepreneurs break through the barriers and stereotypes that often make technology feel intimidating. I want to empower them with a tool that supports their business decisions without requiring technical expertise, making AI a real asset in their growth journey.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Empowering; Intuitive; Innovate; Personalized; Purpose-driven
What are your most popular products or services?
Strategy Session – a three-hour intensive 1:1 session where I work closely with entrepreneurs to analyze their business, realign their goals, and set them on a clear path to growth. During this session, we dig deep into what’s working, what’s not, and create a well-defined strategy that aligns with their business purpose and long-term vision. This personalized approach provides clarity and actionable steps, making it a highly effective way for business owners to unlock their full potential and move forward with confidence.
What do you like best about owning a business?
What I like best about owning a business is the freedom to create and shape something that’s truly my own. I get to combine my passions for digital strategy and AI with my mission to empower women entrepreneurs. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others grow their businesses, knowing that the tools and strategies I provide can make a real difference in their success.
Finally, the impact I’m able to make on my clients’ lives and businesses is something that drives me. Seeing entrepreneurs gain confidence, break through tech barriers, and achieve their goals gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired to start my business because I was searching for a position that didn’t seem to exist—yet I could clearly envision it. I wanted a space where I could fuse my strengths in creativity and data, and use that combination to impact others in a meaningful way. The blend of these two elements—creative strategy and data-driven insights—felt like the perfect way to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses purposefully and sustainably.
What makes your products/services special?What makes my services special is the personal connection and genuine care I put into every aspect of my work. When I work with clients, it’s not just about delivering a strategy or tool—it’s about deeply understanding their business, their challenges, and their dreams. I take the time to connect with each entrepreneur, because I know that every business has its own unique story, purpose, and potential.
We don’t just focus on numbers or tactics; we dig into the heart of the business, the “why” behind it all. I love helping rediscover the passion and helping fall back in love with the business over again.
It’s this blend of creativity, empathy, and data-driven insights that really sets my services apart. I care about aligning growth strategies with the authentic vision of each entrepreneur I work with.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
What motivates me daily is deeply personal. I’m a mom of two girls, and every day, I’m driven by the desire to show them that reaching for your dreams is possible, no matter how hard it may be. My ambition fuels me, but it’s also about setting an example for them—demonstrating that success isn’t just handed to you, it’s something you work for, persist through challenges, and believe in yourself to achieve.
I want them to see that even though it’s tough sometimes, hard work, resilience, and passion can open doors. I’m building this business not only for my own goals but to show them that they can create their own paths, too. They motivate me to keep pushing, even on the hardest days, because I want them to grow up knowing that anything is possible if you go after it.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
My advice to women starting a business is to trust yourself and your vision, even when things get tough or uncertain. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start, but you do need to be committed to learning and adapting as you go. Don’t let self-doubt or fear hold you back—every challenge you face will teach you something valuable that you can use to grow stronger.
Also, don’t be afraid to create your own path. Sometimes, the templates or examples you’re looking for won’t exist, and that’s okay. Build what you need, stay focused on the needs of your customers, and remember that your personal experiences and perspective are a strength, not a limitation. Most importantly, surround yourself with a supportive community.
What is your favourite business book?
One of my favorite business books is “The Entrepreneur Mind” by Kevin D. Johnson. What I love about it is its simplicity and clarity. Johnson breaks down the entrepreneurial journey into practical, digestible lessons, which makes it easy to relate to and apply to real-life situations.
One of the quotes that stands out to me is, “Success in business is simple. Focus on your vision, ignore the noise, and do the work.” That simplicity resonates with me because it cuts through all the complexities and reminds me that clarity, persistence, and focus are at the heart of entrepreneurship. It’s a great reminder that while the path isn’t easy, the principles that guide us can be.
What are your future plans?
My immediate focus is the launch of my AI assistant, designed specifically for women-owned small businesses. This tool will make AI accessible and easy to use, offering personalized, data-driven insights to help entrepreneurs grow with confidence. I’m excited to introduce it to the world and continue refining it to better serve the needs of women entrepreneurs.
Thank you, Ugne!
For more information about Ugne Marchionno visit Aim to wow.
We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this installment, we interview Ugne Marchionno of Aim to wow
Tell us about your business:
In my business, I help purpose-driven entrepreneurs grow by offering two key services that work hand-in-hand: Digital Strategy Wellness and my upcoming AI Business Growth assistant for women-owned businesses.
With Digital Strategy Wellness, I focus on creating personalized, scalable marketing and sales strategies that align with each business’s unique DNA. I work closely with business owners to identify what’s holding them back and guide them in developing clear, effective strategies that drive real, measurable growth. It’s all about unlocking their full potential and making sure their business thrives while staying true to their purpose.
On the tech side, I’m developing a SaaS AI assistant that simplifies AI, making it as intuitive as pressing “enter.” The assistant offers personalized business insights based on the business’s data. The aim is to help women entrepreneurs break through the barriers and stereotypes that often make technology feel intimidating. I want to empower them with a tool that supports their business decisions without requiring technical expertise, making AI a real asset in their growth journey.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Empowering; Intuitive; Innovate; Personalized; Purpose-driven
What are your most popular products or services?
Strategy Session – a three-hour intensive 1:1 session where I work closely with entrepreneurs to analyze their business, realign their goals, and set them on a clear path to growth. During this session, we dig deep into what’s working, what’s not, and create a well-defined strategy that aligns with their business purpose and long-term vision. This personalized approach provides clarity and actionable steps, making it a highly effective way for business owners to unlock their full potential and move forward with confidence.
What do you like best about owning a business?
What I like best about owning a business is the freedom to create and shape something that’s truly my own. I get to combine my passions for digital strategy and AI with my mission to empower women entrepreneurs. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others grow their businesses, knowing that the tools and strategies I provide can make a real difference in their success.
Finally, the impact I’m able to make on my clients’ lives and businesses is something that drives me. Seeing entrepreneurs gain confidence, break through tech barriers, and achieve their goals gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired to start my business because I was searching for a position that didn’t seem to exist—yet I could clearly envision it. I wanted a space where I could fuse my strengths in creativity and data, and use that combination to impact others in a meaningful way. The blend of these two elements—creative strategy and data-driven insights—felt like the perfect way to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses purposefully and sustainably.
What makes your products/services special?What makes my services special is the personal connection and genuine care I put into every aspect of my work. When I work with clients, it’s not just about delivering a strategy or tool—it’s about deeply understanding their business, their challenges, and their dreams. I take the time to connect with each entrepreneur, because I know that every business has its own unique story, purpose, and potential.
We don’t just focus on numbers or tactics; we dig into the heart of the business, the “why” behind it all. I love helping rediscover the passion and helping fall back in love with the business over again.
It’s this blend of creativity, empathy, and data-driven insights that really sets my services apart. I care about aligning growth strategies with the authentic vision of each entrepreneur I work with.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
What motivates me daily is deeply personal. I’m a mom of two girls, and every day, I’m driven by the desire to show them that reaching for your dreams is possible, no matter how hard it may be. My ambition fuels me, but it’s also about setting an example for them—demonstrating that success isn’t just handed to you, it’s something you work for, persist through challenges, and believe in yourself to achieve.
I want them to see that even though it’s tough sometimes, hard work, resilience, and passion can open doors. I’m building this business not only for my own goals but to show them that they can create their own paths, too. They motivate me to keep pushing, even on the hardest days, because I want them to grow up knowing that anything is possible if you go after it.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
My advice to women starting a business is to trust yourself and your vision, even when things get tough or uncertain. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start, but you do need to be committed to learning and adapting as you go. Don’t let self-doubt or fear hold you back—every challenge you face will teach you something valuable that you can use to grow stronger.
Also, don’t be afraid to create your own path. Sometimes, the templates or examples you’re looking for won’t exist, and that’s okay. Build what you need, stay focused on the needs of your customers, and remember that your personal experiences and perspective are a strength, not a limitation. Most importantly, surround yourself with a supportive community.
What is your favourite business book?
One of my favorite business books is “The Entrepreneur Mind” by Kevin D. Johnson. What I love about it is its simplicity and clarity. Johnson breaks down the entrepreneurial journey into practical, digestible lessons, which makes it easy to relate to and apply to real-life situations.
One of the quotes that stands out to me is, “Success in business is simple. Focus on your vision, ignore the noise, and do the work.” That simplicity resonates with me because it cuts through all the complexities and reminds me that clarity, persistence, and focus are at the heart of entrepreneurship. It’s a great reminder that while the path isn’t easy, the principles that guide us can be.
What are your future plans?
My immediate focus is the launch of my AI assistant, designed specifically for women-owned small businesses. This tool will make AI accessible and easy to use, offering personalized, data-driven insights to help entrepreneurs grow with confidence. I’m excited to introduce it to the world and continue refining it to better serve the needs of women entrepreneurs.
Thank you, Ugne!
For more information about Ugne Marchionno visit Aim to wow.
We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this installment, we interview Shifa Ibrahim of SI Consulting BV.
Tell us about your business:
A niche consulting business with specialised services for individuals: Coaching and Mentoring to scale up business owners; for Corporates: Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Transformation, Change Management and HR advisory
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Agile, Pragmatic, Continuously learning and evolving, Delivery focused
What are your most popular products or services?
Business and HR Transformation advice within Corporates that encompasses change management, culture and leadership alignment. Executing transactions (Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestitures) from an HR perspective for global businesses. Partnering with small and medium sized businesses to scale up. Coaching CEOs on leadership and management challenges.
What do you like best about owning a business?
The ability to innovate and deliver to the customer’s requirements quickly. The freedom to make decisions that suit the business.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
Early in my career, I wanted to have the freedom to deliver high quality advice that was value adding and affordable for all clients just not blue chip corporates.
What makes your products/services special?
We provide niche services within Transformations and Transactions and bring years of experience to proactively deliver with confidence. We ensure the client has an end to end experience that is error and risk free. We are the only business who can deliver HR and Business transformation services in the market.
Who is your role model or mentor?
I find inspiration in learning from entrepreneurs, creators and artists. I don’t think I could name one person.
What is your biggest fear?
Not being current to the ever changing technology landscape.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
The impact we create and the change we bring for clients and people.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
Starting an english speaking consulting business within HR in NL.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
Believe in yourself and take the leap. There are no regrets in starting a business.
What is your favourite business book?
Steve Jobs – by Walter Isaacson.
What are your top tips for networking?
Be interested in people for who they are rather than what they do for you.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I am a new mom and my entire work life balance position on life is being reassessed at the moment! Haha
What is your motto or theme song?
A Head Full of Dreams – Coldplay
How do you relax?
Walk in nature, read and listen to great music.
What place inspires you and why?
Forests – I find trees inspiring, with stories untold yet providing shade and calm over decades. Trees are majestic, fragrant, and constantly changing and growing in silence.
What do you care most about, as a business owner?
Integrity is a core value for me. I believe in honest advice, and building honest relationships that can be built over time. Our business model operates under the same principle. We solve for clients and enable them to sustain the solution themselves when they are ready.
What are your future plans?
Something exciting is coming up in the new year. Stay tuned.
Are you running any offers or promotions that you would like us to mention?
For WBII members, we can offer a free one-on-one session to discuss scaleup aspirations/ideas. This is valid till the end of the year.
Thank you, Shifa!
For more information about Shifa Ibrahim, visit SI Consulting BV
