Inspiring Excellence: Most Visionary Businesswomen to Watch, 2025
Rupanshi Agarwal, the Co-Founder and CEO of QUA, is redefining the Indian fashion industry with her vision of sophisticated, functional, and empowering clothing for modern women. Her journey from identifying a gap in the market to creating a revolutionary brand is an inspiring testament to resilience, passion, and innovation. Under her leadership, QUA has grown into a pioneering force, setting new standards in tailored, high-quality clothing that seamlessly blends professionalism with style.
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.
Defining Elegance and Empowerment: The Visionary Journey of Rupanshi Agarwal
The Birth of QUA: From Frustration to Innovation
QUA was born from a deeply personal need. As a working woman navigating a fast-paced lifestyle, Rupanshi struggled to find clothing that was both professional and modern. She recognized a significant gap in the Indian fashion market—a lack of sophisticated, high-quality clothing designed for ambitious, multi-faceted women.
“I wanted pieces that would support my lifestyle, offering both elegance and functionality. That’s when I realized that if I was facing this challenge, many other women were too. That realization became the foundation of QUA,” she shares.
What began as an entrepreneurial ambition soon transformed into a purpose-driven brand that champions empowerment through fashion. Rupanshi set out to design apparel that allows women to transition seamlessly from boardrooms to social settings without compromising on sophistication or comfort.
Leadership Shaped by Experience
Rupanshi’s leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by her personal and professional experiences. She fosters a culture of open communication, collaboration, and innovation at QUA, ensuring that every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best work.
“Empowerment, collaboration, and integrity define my leadership style. I want my team to take ownership, innovate fearlessly, and celebrate each other’s successes,” she explains.
Her background has also instilled in her the resilience needed to navigate challenges. Establishing a new brand in a highly competitive industry was no easy feat, but she turned obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.
What Sets QUA Apart?
QUA stands out in India’s fashion landscape for its unique approach to design and quality. Unlike fleeting fashion trends, QUA focuses on creating timeless, well-structured pieces tailored for the modern Indian woman. Each design is meticulously crafted with premium fabrics and an impeccable attention to detail.
“We want our pieces to be investments in a woman’s wardrobe, not just momentary fashion statements,” Rupanshi says.
QUA’s approach ensures that women have clothing that reflects their strength, sophistication, and individuality while providing the versatility to adapt to different aspects of their busy lives.
Overcoming Challenges: Establishing a Brand in a Competitive Market
One of the biggest challenges Rupanshi faced was positioning QUA as a credible and desirable brand in an industry dominated by fast fashion and well-established names. Brand awareness, trust, and differentiation were critical hurdles she had to navigate.
“We focused on our core strengths—exceptional tailoring, modern yet timeless designs, and understanding the lifestyle of our customers. That consistency and commitment helped us build a strong and loyal customer base,” she reflects.
Additionally, staying ahead in fashion requires constant innovation. By closely monitoring market trends, engaging with consumers, and refining collections based on feedback, QUA has been able to stay relevant and continually evolve.
The Future of Indian Fashion: AI and Personalization
Looking ahead, Rupanshi believes that AI will play a transformative role in the Indian fashion industry. From AI-powered styling recommendations to virtual try-ons, technology will enhance customer experience and drive efficiency.
“Fashion is becoming increasingly personalized. AI will allow brands to understand consumer preferences more accurately and offer tailored solutions that enhance shopping experiences,” she predicts.
QUA is already working towards integrating these advancements to provide a seamless and personalized shopping experience, setting the stage for the future of fashion in India.
Staying Motivated: The Balance of Work and Life
For Rupanshi, motivation comes from seeing the impact QUA has on women’s confidence and self-expression.
“Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s about how you feel when you wear it. Seeing our customers embrace their individuality through our designs is incredibly fulfilling,” she says.
Balancing a high-intensity entrepreneurial role with personal life is always a challenge, but she prioritizes setting boundaries and making time for self-care. Whether it’s lifting weights at the gym, spending time with her dog, or simply unwinding with a book, she ensures she recharges to bring her best self to both her business and personal life.
Advice to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Rupanshi is a strong advocate for women in business and encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
“Believe in your vision. Take risks. Build a strong team. Be resilient—setbacks will happen, but they will also make you stronger. And most importantly, stay authentic to your values,” she advises.
Her journey with QUA has shown that when passion meets perseverance, extraordinary things happen.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation
As a leader in India’s fashion industry, Rupanshi hopes to leave behind a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and meaningful fashion.
“I want QUA to be remembered not just for its designs, but for how it made women feel—confident, powerful, and unapologetically themselves. If I can inspire future designers and entrepreneurs to create with purpose and lead with authenticity, that would be the most rewarding legacy,” she says.
Through QUA, she is not just reshaping fashion; she is reshaping the way women experience it—one timeless piece at a time.