From Vision to Success: Tijen Onaran on Courage, Self-Belief, and Opportunity Intelligence

In the debut episode of ILI Digital’s On Point. podcast, our CEO Serhan Ili sits down with Tijen Onaran, entrepreneur, author, and diversity advocate, to discuss the entrepreneurial mindset and how courage, resilience, and networking drive business success.

The Entrepreneurial Journey – From Meetups to Vision

Tijen Onaran’s journey didn’t begin with a rigid business plan. It started with an idea: an event to connect women in business. That first meetup brought in a few thousand euros, but more importantly, it sparked the foundation of Global Digital Women GmbH.

Today, her company is a leader in diversity consulting and innovation, proving that success is built on persistence and vision.

Resilience as the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about adapting, learning, and evolving. Entrepreneurs must embrace uncertainty, viewing setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

Entrepreneurship is a state

between heaven and hell.

– Tijen

Failure is part of the process, and those who develop the ability to pivot and stay focused on their vision are the ones who ultimately succeed. The key lies in building a mindset that welcomes obstacles as opportunities for growth, ensuring long-term sustainability in an ever-changing business landscape.

“Entrepreneurship is a state between heaven and hell,” Tijen remarks. Every founder faces setbacks, but resilience is key to moving forward. Her formula for success? Recognizing small wins, leveraging a strong network, and continuously training the ‘courage muscle.’

Diversity: A Competitive Advantage

For Tijen, diversity isn’t just about representation—it’s a business success strategy. She helps companies understand that embracing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better decision-making and long-term growth.

Business success strategies require both adaptability and determination. Through her work at Global Digital Women, Tijen actively supports female entrepreneurs and leaders, fostering an inclusive ecosystem where resilience and empowerment go hand in hand. By connecting diverse professionals and championing visibility, her platform helps individuals turn challenges into opportunities.

Networking: Building Authentic Relationships

Networking is a long-term investment, not a short-term gain. Tijen’s advice: “Deposit more into the relationship bank than you withdraw.” Authenticity builds trust, and strong connections often lead to unexpected opportunities.

Networking isn’t just about taking, it’s about giving first, building trust, and creating meaningful connections.

– Serhan

Serhan Ili echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that meaningful professional relationships require consistency and genuine engagement. In the digital age, networking goes beyond exchanging business cards, it’s about fostering partnerships built on shared values and long-term vision.

Both Serhan and Tijen agree that those who actively nurture their networks and give before they take will ultimately open doors to new opportunities and sustainable business growth.

Watch the first episode of On Point. on our YouTube channel now.

Three Key Concepts for Entrepreneurial Success

As the conversation draws to a close, Serhan and Tijen share their blueprint for entrepreneurial success, three essential pillars that define a strong entrepreneurial mindset:

• Courage – Believing in yourself is the first step.
• Self-Belief – Trusting your abilities helps overcome challenges.
• Opportunity Intelligence – Recognizing and seizing opportunities, even in uncertain times.

Tijen Onaran’s journey demonstrates that with the right mindset, success is within reach.