Hi, I’m Ilse
Your fractional COO
Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, I empower startups and scaleups to bring their visions to life. I thrive on clarity, bringing structure and momentum to growing businesses—whether it’s aligning strategy with execution, optimizing teams, or streamlining operations. You could say I’ve turned my passion into my profession.
As a two-time founder myself, I understand firsthand the challenges of scaling a business—the excitement, the chaos, and the growing pains that come with it. This experience allows me to connect deeply with entrepreneurs and offer pragmatic, hands-on solutions that truly make a difference.
Having worked across various industries and international markets, I understand the unique challenges founders face.
Originally from the Netherlands, I’m based in Dubai but fully accustomed to working remotely and traveling for projects when needed. Whether in person or online, I seamlessly integrate into teams and ensure businesses are set up for long-term success.
Empowering startups and scaleups with hands-on experience, passion, and humor
I speak Dutch, English, and French fluently, which allows me to work effortlessly with international teams and adapt to different business cultures.
I believe in honesty, loyalty, and commitment—values that guide me in everything I do. While I’m ambitious and driven, I also think business should be enjoyable. A good laugh is essential, because life’s too short to be grumpy!
When I’m not helping companies grow, you’ll find me traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or on a yoga mat (though I’ll never say no to good food and wine).
Global Mindset, Strong Values & Humor
What others say about me
What others Say about Me
Mariah Mansvelt Beck, co-founder Yoni, The Netherlands
“Ilse played a key role in our growth from a small founder led organization to a professional team ready to scale operations. Ilse was quick to identify what was needed and especially who we needed to put in place. She set out a way of working, ensuring that the right information was shared, and a culture was put in place making not only this a smooth transition but also a fun one with a strong and competent team”.
YONI
Lenny Houwaart, Int. Marketing Manager Dopper, The Netherlands
“Working together with Ilse was a great experience. She comes in, every day, with a clear goal and she puts mind & heart on reaching that goal. She’s a star in building the foundation that a company needs and she does it with an innovative eye for the happiness level of the employees. She makes sure she knows exactly what’s happening within the company but is also a strong believer of a self-sustaining structure. I sincerely hope working together with Ilse again in the future”.
Dopper
Jessica Kruger, founder Ethos Foods and Luxtra London, UK
I have worked with Ilse since 2014. As a sole founder she became my right hand, go-to advisor and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Ilse helped me to cement very strong foundations for my business (mission, purpose and "why") and from there we planned for the short, medium and long term. She has huge and varied experience and is just... wise... you know? Thank you Ilse, for your support and for helping to push me out of my comfort zone.
Ethos Foods & Luxtra
Wobbe van Zoelen, Founder, Haarlem, The Netherlands
“Ilse helps to separate the strategic issues from all the side issues that keep you busy too often. She helps you to choose a clear course and to map out sustainable policies to achieve goals for the (near) future.”
Anne & Max
Florien Stuyling de Lange, Co-founder, Dubai, UAE
Ilse was exactly the person we needed at this stage of our company. As a start-up, we were ready to take the next step, but we weren’t quite sure how to approach it or what that step should be. Ilse brought structure, clarity, and professionalism. On top of that, she added a great sense of fun! She provides guidance while still giving me the freedom to grow and develop my own business. I’m super happy to have her by my side.
ADAM BIKE
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