From Bean to Experience: The Q Café Company’s Recipe for Modern Hospitality
In today’s dynamic food service industry—where customer expectations evolve rapidly and sustainability, quality, and trust define leadership—The Q Café Company continues to set a gold standard. With over two decades of culinary excellence and ethical practice behind it, Q Café has grown from a visionary idea into one of Ireland’s most respected and trusted contract catering companies. Today, it delivers far more than just meals; it creates meaningful dining experiences that connect people, nourish communities, and inspire change across every sector it serves.
For Roula Youssef Halabi, Senior Vice President of Global Fertility Services at CooperSurgical, the pursuit of excellence in healthcare has been a lifelong mission.
Born and raised in Lebanon, her formative years were influenced by a culture that valued resilience, adaptability, and community—qualities that would later define her leadership style. Roula’s journey from a trained midwife to leadership roles in the fertility industry is not only a testament to her unwavering commitment to the health of women, babies, and families – the very mission she strives toward at CooperSurgical – but her dedication to excellence in everything she does.
CooperSurgical is a fertility & women’s health company rooted in a dedication to upholding the highest standards and reaching new heights as a leader in the industry: a guiding principle with which Roula found perfect harmony. Since 2023, she has led the global fertility services business, placing paramount importance on excellent quality care for customers and their patients, around the world.
Read on for excerpts from our interview with Roula where she brings to light how she inspires excellence in her teams through passionate leadership and empowering others.
The Path to Leadership
My journey began in the delivery rooms, where I witnessed firsthand the complexities and joys of bringing new life into the world. My education and training as a midwife gave me a deep understanding of the human side of healthcare. However, I felt a pull toward broader challenges in leadership, particularly in the domain of infertility—a field often fraught with emotional and physical hurdles for patients.
I’ve always been driven by the desire to create meaningful change and impact. Transitioning from midwifery to the infertility world having the opportunity to see the business from different lenses, the lens of a patient and the lens of a customer where I was the COO for the largest fertility network in the Middle East, and the lens of a supplier allowed me to address not only the clinical aspects, but also the emotional and social dynamics, of building families, along with the innovation and advanced technology that ensure access to care and improve outcomes.
After a few years in the field, I transitioned into business, combining clinical expertise with strategic acumen. I now bring 24 years of global healthcare expertise and leadership experience to my role, including managing a quarter-billion-dollar P&L and leading M&A endeavors. My journey has also been shaped by effective collaboration within complex organizations, strategic goal-setting, and international expansion initiatives. My multilingual skills (English, French, and Arabic) and dual nationalities (Lebanese and American) have enriched my ability to navigate diverse markets and cultures.
Staying Motivated in a Dynamic Role
For me, motivation stems from my dual focus: advancing medical innovation and making a real difference in patients’ lives. Every product we develop, every solution we deliver, has the potential to change someone’s story and help people achieve their dream of parenthood. That’s incredibly powerful.
Staying driven in a global leadership role requires balancing a demanding schedule with personal values. I credit my family for keeping me grounded; their support is my anchor. My commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, including my active participation in the F45 High-Intensity Team Challenge, helps me maintain the energy and focus needed for my responsibilities.
Integrating Technology and Empathy
In a field as sensitive as fertility, the challenge lies in integrating cutting-edge technology without losing the patient focus. We can’t just innovate for innovation’s sake. We need to ask, ‘How does this improve the patient journey and the patient outcome? How does it support clinics in delivering better care for their patients?’
At CooperSurgical, we have introduced solutions and services that simplify complex processes, such as electronic witnessing systems and advanced genomic testing. But the real triumph lies in ensuring these innovations are accessible and empowering for patients and clinics alike.
Empowering Women Professionals
As a woman in a leadership role, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive. I have championed initiatives that promote mentorship, career development, and a culture of inclusivity. I believe that diverse voices drive innovation.
Empowerment is about creating opportunities and removing barriers. It’s about recognizing potential and investing in people, providing them with the tools to succeed.
My advice to young women aspiring to lead in healthcare is to believe in your vision and don’t be afraid to take risks. Seek mentors, build your network, and never stop learning. Most importantly, measure your success by the people you uplift, and don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. Overcoming Challenges
My career has not been without its hurdles. Navigating a transition from a regional role to a global leadership position in a traditionally male-dominated industry came with unique challenges. These experiences, however, provided invaluable opportunities to break barriers, challenge biases, and pave the way for greater inclusivity.
Leadership is not just about making tough decisions in difficult times. It’s also about transparency, empathy, and ensuring that those decisions align with the organization’s values and long-term vision. As COO at Fakih IVF, I contributed to a significant industry acquisition and gained hands-on experience in board-level operations, preparing me for my current leadership responsibilities at CooperSurgical.
Board Memberships and Industry Contributions
Beyond my executive role at CooperSurgical, I serve as a board member for MECOMED and AVL Skincare, where I leverage my expertise to drive strategic initiatives and foster industry growth. My involvement underscores my dedication to advancing healthcare and related sectors through collaboration and innovation.
Defining Success and The Future of Fertility
Looking ahead, I see a future shaped by more personalized treatment, increased accessibility, and the integration of AI in clinical decision-making. The next frontier is making fertility solutions available to more people, irrespective of geography or socioeconomic status.
For me, success is about impact. It’s not just about hitting numbers or launching products. It’s about leaving a legacy of innovation, compassion, and empowerment. It’s about the lives we touch and the futures we help create.
As I continue to lead CooperSurgical’s fertility services with vision and heart, I am committed to excellence and inspiration to change fertility care for generations to come.
From Bean to Experience: The Q Café Company’s Recipe for Modern Hospitality
In today’s dynamic food service industry—where customer expectations evolve rapidly and sustainability, quality, and trust define leadership—The Q Café Company continues to set a gold standard. With over two decades of culinary excellence and ethical practice behind it, Q Café has grown from a visionary idea into one of Ireland’s most respected and trusted contracts catering companies. Today, it delivers far more than just meals; it creates meaningful dining experiences that connect people, nourish communities, and inspire change across every sector it serves.
A Purpose Beyond Profit
Founded on the belief that great food can do great things, The Q Café Company was built with a purpose that extends far beyond profit. Since its inception, the company has embedded integrity, innovation, and impact into the very fabric of its culture. These values guide every aspect of its operations—from the leadership that shapes its strategy, to the chefs and service teams who bring that strategy to life, to the partnerships that strengthen its supply chain.
At Q Café, food is not treated as a simple product or service—it’s seen as a language of care, connection, and community. Every menu, every ingredient, and every plate served reflects a deeper commitment: to serve food that makes people feel good, inside and out.
A Commitment to Fresh, Local, and Honest Food
Q Café’s philosophy of fresh, local, and honest food has been a cornerstone of its success. This commitment is not a passing trend or a marketing slogan—it’s a long-standing principle rooted in respect for Irish farmers, producers, and artisans. By sourcing the majority of its ingredients locally and seasonally, Q Café supports Ireland’s agri-food economy while guaranteeing freshness, traceability, and quality in every dish.
Each menu is carefully designed to celebrate Irish produce at its peak, blending tradition with creativity. The company’s chefs combine local heritage ingredients with global influences to create vibrant, flavour-rich meals that appeal to diverse palates while staying true to their sustainable ethos.
Equally important is Q Café’s dedication to health and wellbeing. With tailored menu planning, nutritional balance, and dietary inclusivity at the forefront, the company ensures that every diner—whether in a healthcare facility, corporate office, or educational institution—has access to food that nourishes both body and mind. This holistic approach to dining has made Q Café a trusted partner for organisations that prioritise the health and happiness of their people.
A People-Led Approach to Excellence
Behind every great meal is a great team—and at Q Café, people are truly at the heart of everything. The company’s leadership has long recognised that the key to sustainable success lies in empowering and valuing its people at every level. From chefs and baristas to nutritionists and operations managers, each individual is given the support, training, and encouragement needed to grow.
Through initiatives such as culinary development programmes, mentorship opportunities, and continuous professional training, Q Café invests deeply in its staff’s development. This not only enhances the company’s standards of service and innovation but also fosters a culture of pride, purpose, and belonging.
Moreover, the company champions an inclusive and collaborative workplace where creativity is encouraged and every voice matters. Employees are invited to share ideas, contribute to menu innovation, and take part in community initiatives—making them active participants in Q Café’s journey rather than just team members.
This human-first approach extends well beyond the company walls. Q Café builds authentic, long-lasting relationships with its clients, suppliers, and communities. Their philosophy of listening first, then collaborating ensures that each client feels like a true partner in co-creating dining solutions tailored to their unique needs and environments.
Building Trust, One Partnership at a Time
In an industry that can often be dominated by short-term contracts and price-driven competition, Q Café has charted a distinctly different path—one defined by authenticity, consistency, and transparency. Its clients, many of whom have been with the company for years, often describe Q Café as a partner they can truly rely on.
This trust is built on more than just exceptional food; it stems from reliability, open communication, and shared values. Whether designing flexible catering models for evolving workplaces or adapting to the sensitive requirements of healthcare dining, Q Café has consistently demonstrated its ability to evolve without compromising on quality or care.
In every partnership, the company’s goal remains the same: to deliver genuine value and memorable experiences that strengthen relationships and exceed expectations. This is how Q Café continues to redefine what excellence looks like in contract catering.
Innovation with a Human Touch
As technology and sustainability reshape the global food service landscape, Q Café embraces innovation as a tool for good. The company is investing in smart kitchen technologies, sustainable packaging, and waste reduction systems that improve efficiency and environmental impact. At the same time, it ensures that innovation never overshadows its core humanity—the warmth of a welcoming smile, the comfort of familiar flavours, and the authenticity of service that feels personal.
Its environmental initiatives align with Ireland’s broader sustainability goals. From reducing food waste and energy consumption to sourcing ethically produced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, Q Café is taking active steps to minimise its footprint while inspiring others in the industry to follow suit.
A Vision for the Future
As Ireland continues to navigate the changing dynamics of health, sustainability, and consumer behaviour, The Q Café Company stands ready to lead with purpose and passion. Its future vision is clear—to continue making every meal a moment of nourishment, connection, and meaning.
This future includes further expansion of its digital platforms, deepening engagement with local producers, and introducing innovative wellness-focused programmes that reflect the needs of modern diners. Yet, even as it evolves, Q Café remains rooted in the same values that have guided it since day one: people, integrity, and purpose-driven excellence.
