Inspiring Excellence: Most Visionary Business Leader to Watch, 2025

Digital Version

What inspired you to pursue a leadership role at DIPA, and how has your journey shaped your vision for the company?

Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh’s inspiration to lead the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) stems from his deep-rooted passion for technological innovation and his belief in the transformative power of digital infrastructure. With over 34 years of multidisciplinary management experience, including 16 years at Indus Towers, Mr. Singh has cultivated a vision that intertwines technological progress with sustainable growth. His journey in the telecom sector has been defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation, capacity building, and creating ‘Socially Acceptable Infrastructure Models’ – a term he pioneered to emphasize the importance of infrastructure that harmonizes with community needs and environmental considerations.

Empowering Excellence: Top Women Transforming the Healthcare Industry

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.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Director General, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association

What inspired you to pursue a leadership role at DIPA, and how has your journey shaped your vision for the company?

Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh’s inspiration to lead the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) stems from his deep-rooted passion for technological innovation and his belief in the transformative power of digital infrastructure. With over 34 years of multidisciplinary management experience, including 16 years at Indus Towers, Mr. Singh has cultivated a vision that intertwines technological progress with sustainable growth. His journey in the telecom sector has been defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation, capacity building, and creating ‘Socially Acceptable Infrastructure Models’ - a term he pioneered to emphasize the importance of infrastructure that harmonizes with community needs and environmental considerations.

Having been a driving force behind significant advancements in telecom infrastructure, Mr. Singh’s leadership philosophy aligns with DIPA’s mission to serve as the apex think-tank for digital infrastructure in India. His vision for DIPA revolves around fostering cross-sectoral collaborations, enabling a robust regulatory framework, and advocating for policies that ensure India’s leadership in the global digital economy. For Mr. Singh, DIPA is not just an organization but a platform to bridge the digital divide, promote sustainability, and drive India’s digital transformation agenda.

His background as a trusted leader with extensive experience in technology-backed business management makes him uniquely positioned to lead DIPA. Throughout his career, Mr. Singh has been passionate about conceptualizing and implementing solutions that drive business transformation. His expertise spans critical domains like energy, automation, digitalization, IoT, AI, and technological innovation, finally focusing on the social upliftment of society – all of which are pivotal in reshaping digital infrastructure. By representing approximately 65% of the telecom towers universe, Mr. Singh has seen an unprecedented opportunity to not just manage an industry association but to reimagine and redefine digital connectivity in India.

As Director General, how do you define visionary leadership, and how do you embody it in your role?

Visionary leadership, according to Mr. Singh, is the ability to anticipate future challenges and opportunities, craft innovative solutions, and inspire collective action to achieve transformative goals. In his role as Director General, he embodies this ethos by driving DIPA towards becoming a global leader in digital infrastructure advocacy and innovation.

Under Mr. Singh’s leadership, DIPA has embraced a forward-thinking approach, termed “DIPA 2.0,” which expands its focus beyond traditional telecom sharing to encompass emerging areas like data centers, cloud services, renewable energy, and optical fiber connectivity. He has championed cross-sectoral collaborations, engaging with industries like urban transport, energy, and public utilities to create a unified and resilient digital ecosystem.

For Mr. Singh, visionary leadership at DIPA is about anticipating and shaping the future rather than merely responding to current challenges. His vision extends far beyond traditional telecom sharing, focusing instead on creating an ecosystem of interconnected digital solutions. By working hand-in-hand with diverse sectors like power distribution companies (DISCOMs), urban transport, airports, and more, he aims to accelerate 5G deployment and multiply its use cases exponentially.

His leadership style is rooted in inclusivity and sustainability. He emphasizes the importance of bridging the digital divide by ensuring that advanced digital services reach the most remote corners of India. Additionally, his commitment to green energy and skill development underscores his visionary approach to creating a future-ready digital infrastructure sector.

Can you share a specific example of a challenge that required out-of-the-box thinking and how you overcame it?

One of the most significant challenges Mr. Singh faced was the deployment of “street furniture” to support small cell installations for 5G networks. Traditional approaches to telecom infrastructure were insufficient to meet the demands of 5G, which required denser and more distributed networks. Recognizing this, Mr. Singh spearheaded the concept of multi-utility infrastructure, integrating telecom equipment with urban utilities like streetlights, bus stops, and public amenities.

This innovative approach not only addressed the technical challenges of 5G deployment but also enhanced urban aesthetics and utility efficiency. By collaborating with municipal authorities, urban planners, and technology providers, Mr. Singh ensured the successful implementation of this model, setting a benchmark for sustainable and scalable telecom infrastructure development.

One of Mr. Singh’s most innovative solutions has been the concept of "Street Furniture" and multi-utility infrastructure deployment. Recognizing the evolving needs of digital connectivity, he pioneered an approach that transforms urban infrastructure into multifunctional digital platforms. The challenge was to create infrastructure that was not just technologically advanced but also space-efficient, sustainable, and economically viable. By developing smart multi-utility poles that could integrate telecommunications, electric vehicle charging, city surveillance, and other digital services, Mr. Singh demonstrated remarkable out-of-the-box thinking.

This innovative approach was exemplified in three smart city projects in New Delhi, Visakhapatnam, and Kochi, where he successfully integrated diverse technological solutions. By creating versatile infrastructure that serves multiple purposes, he addressed both technological and urban planning challenges while opening new revenue streams for infrastructure providers.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind as a business leader?

Mr. Singh aspires to leave a legacy defined by innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. He envisions a digital infrastructure landscape where multi-utility solutions and green energy are integral to the industry’s growth. The term “Street Furniture,” coined by Mr. Singh, reflects his commitment to creating infrastructure that serves multiple purposes while minimizing environmental impact.

His leadership at DIPA aims to establish the association as the world’s largest and most influential body in digital infrastructure advocacy. By fostering cross-sectoral collaborations and championing policies that support renewable energy adoption, Mr. Singh hopes to position India as a global leader in digital connectivity and sustainability. His legacy will be one of bridging the digital divide, enabling last-mile connectivity, and creating a future-ready telecom ecosystem.

The cornerstone of his legacy is the concept of "Multi-utility Infrastructure" – a holistic approach that views digital infrastructure not as a standalone sector, but as an integrated, cross-functional platform driving socio-economic development. By emphasizing sustainable energy access, cross-sectoral collaborations, and responsible technological innovation, Mr. Singh aims to create a blueprint for future digital infrastructure development that balances technological advancement with environmental and social considerations.

How do you maintain a work-life balance while managing the responsibilities of a visionary leader?

For Mr. Singh, maintaining a work-life balance is a conscious effort that involves prioritizing time management and fostering a supportive work environment. He believes that a well-rounded leader is one who values both professional excellence and personal well-being. By delegating responsibilities effectively and empowering his team, Mr. Singh ensures that he can focus on strategic initiatives while maintaining personal time for reflection and rejuvenation.

He believes in continuous learning and personal development, viewing professional challenges as opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress. By maintaining a holistic perspective that sees technological innovation as a means of solving societal challenges, he finds deep personal satisfaction in his work. He also emphasizes the importance of staying connected to his family and pursuing hobbies that provide mental clarity. For Mr. Singh, work-life balance is not just about managing time but about creating harmony between professional and personal aspirations, enabling him to lead with purpose and passion.

What are your key priorities and goals for DIPA in 2025 and beyond?

Mr. Singh’s priorities for DIPA in the coming years are ambitious yet grounded in the association’s core mission. Key goals include:

Global Leadership and Innovation: DIPA aims to establish itself as the world's largest and most influential digital infrastructure association by expanding its membership base, fostering international partnerships, and setting global benchmarks for infrastructure development. The association will focus on creating comprehensive industry standards that drive innovation while ensuring sustainable growth.

6G Readiness and Future Technologies: Understanding the rapid pace of technological advancement, DIPA is committed to positioning India at the forefront of 6G development. This includes establishing research partnerships, creating innovation testbeds, and developing future-ready infrastructure frameworks that will support emerging technologies. The focus extends to building strong academia-industry collaborations that will drive technological innovation and develop indigenous solutions.

Cross-Sectoral Integration: DIPA envisions creating a unified digital ecosystem by integrating telecommunications infrastructure with various sectors including smart cities, urban development, and utility services. This integration will maximize resource utilization, reduce redundancy, and create efficient service delivery models that benefit both urban and rural communities.

Clean and Green Energy Transformation Adoption: Environmental sustainability stands as a cornerstone of DIPA's future vision. The association is committed to driving the adoption of renewable energy solutions across digital infrastructure, developing green energy corridors, and establishing industry-leading sustainability standards. This includes innovative approaches to energy storage, carbon credit trading, and circular economy practices in infrastructure deployment.

Digital Skill Enhancement: Recognizing the critical role of human capital, DIPA will focus on creating comprehensive skill development programs that address the evolving needs of the digital infrastructure sector. This includes specialized training initiatives, professional certification programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to create a future-ready workforce.

Cross-Border Collaboration: DIPA will work towards establishing international frameworks for infrastructure sharing and technology exchange, positioning India as a global hub for digital innovation. This includes developing standardized protocols for cross-border connectivity and fostering international partnerships that drive technological advancement.

Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Framework: The association will continue to work closely with government bodies to develop forward-looking policies that support digital infrastructure growth. This includes advocating for streamlined regulations, simplified approval processes, and incentives for sustainable infrastructure development.

Research and Development: DIPA will establish dedicated research centers focusing on emerging technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative infrastructure solutions. These centers will collaborate with global institutions to develop cutting-edge solutions for digital infrastructure challenges.

What are the key milestones or achievements that you are most proud of during your tenure?

Mr. Singh's distinguished career has been marked by transformative achievements that have shaped India's digital infrastructure landscape. As a key industry leader, he played an instrumental role in the development and implementation of the landmark Telecommunications Act, 2023, which modernized the regulatory framework after 135 years.

His expertise and advocacy were crucial in shaping the Right of Way Rules and Cyber Security regulations of 2024, establishing new standards for infrastructure deployment and security.

Throughout his career, Mr. Singh has demonstrated exceptional leadership in policy implementation and business transformation. He successfully led the alignment of Green Energy Open Access policies across many States and UTs and spearheaded the implementation of Composite Billing systems in multiple regions.

Mr. Singh’s tenure has been marked by several significant milestones, including:

Business Achievements:

Engaging with the Board for the creation, development, and adoption of disruptive technologies.
Monetizing existing assets and locations beyond telecom to mitigate the shrinking customer base.
Creating uniform Ways of Working across the organization (Team of 500+ HC).
Creating Business Verticals: Technology (Ops & Innovation), Renewable Energy, Regulatory, and Sustainability (CSR).

Awards & Recognitions:

Change Maker Awards 2022 for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Green Technology Adoption for Telecom Network (IMC 2018-19).
Global Award for Excellence in Sustainability Innovation (2018-19).
Confederation of Indian Industries Industrial Innovation Award - Top 25 Innovative Companies (2018-19).
Confederation of Indian Industries Industrial Innovation Award - Winner, Services Segment (2018-19).
GSMA Green Mobile Award for Enabling Green Telecom Project (2015-16).

New Business Opportunities:

Diversifying businesses by designing and developing smart multi-utility poles.
Executing 3 smart city projects: NDMC, VMC, and Kochi.
Foraying into EV charging solutions (Integrated & Standalone).

Projects:

Greenfield implementation of Power Plants (Thermal, Hydro, Gas-based, Solar, Wind).
DPR preparation, techno-economic clearances, and statutory approvals.
Sub-vendor development, subsidy claims, and incentive reimbursements.

Power Trading & Carbon Credits:

Power Purchase agreements with SEBs and third-party power trading.
CDM project registration, carbon audits, and trading.

Automation & Engineering Functions:

Complete automation of process plants and utilities.
Preventive & predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and inventory pooling.

Environmental Focus:

Innovating eco-friendly cooling solutions and developing tamper-proof, energy-efficient power products (99%).

Excellence & Capability Building:

Setting up an in-house Tower Excellence Center.
Automation for tower analysis, customer request processing, and New Product Development portals.

Training & Competence:

Reskilling for new business streams like fiber, small cells, and smart city technologies.

If you could summarize your leadership philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

“Challenges are the Opportunities”.

Additional Highlights:

Mr. Singh’s distinguished career in the digital infrastructure sector, including his roles as Chief Regulatory Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Indus Towers, reflects his deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics. His expertise spans areas like energy efficiency, policy advocacy, and digital transformation, making him a visionary leader who consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible.

At DIPA, Mr. Singh’s leadership is defined by his ability to anticipate challenges, craft innovative solutions, and inspire a collective vision for a digitally empowered India. His contributions are shaping a resilient and sustainable digital ecosystem that will serve as a model for the world.