Most Influential Leader to Watch in the Hospitality Sector

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Kahraman Yigit, Co-Founder and CEO of Olive by Embassy, is revolutionizing India’s hospitality landscape with his visionary approach to hybrid accommodations. With a career spanning two decades in global real estate development and operations, his expertise in creating community-driven, technology-integrated living spaces is reshaping the industry. Under his leadership, Olive by Embassy has emerged as a pioneering force, offering a seamless blend of hotels – Co-living and premium hospitality experiences.

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.

Redefining Hospitality: The Visionary Leadership of Kahraman Yigit

The Journey into Hospitality

Kahraman’s foray into hospitality was shaped by his extensive experience in purpose-built student housing in Turkey. Working closely with institutional investors, he recognized the potential for innovative, community-oriented living solutions. Upon entering the Indian market in 2019, he identified a significant gap—urban professionals, students, and long-stay travelers lacked flexible, well-managed accommodations. The onset of the pandemic further emphasized the need for adaptable hospitality models.

“Innovation is born from necessity. The world was changing, and hospitality needed to evolve with it. Olive by Embassy was built to create a next-generation living experience—one that seamlessly integrates technology, service excellence, and community.”

This led to the inception of Olive by Embassy in 2020, repurposing underutilized hotels into dynamic hybrid hospitality spaces.

Defining Success: A Multifaceted Vision

For Kahraman, success is measured by impact—on guests, employees, and the hospitality sector. At Olive by Embassy, this translates into:

Guest Satisfaction: Providing an unparalleled, enriching experience that adapts to both short- and long-term stays.
Scalability & Impact: Expanding the brand without compromising service excellence.
Innovation & Flexibility: Leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance guest convenience.
Industry Transformation: Setting new standards in hybrid hospitality by blending co-living, hotels, and serviced apartments into one seamless model.

The Olive by Embassy Differentiator

Olive by Embassy stands out in India’s competitive hospitality sector with its unique hybrid model. Key differentiators include:

Multi-Brand Offerings: From Olive Life (co-living for professionals) and Olive Zip (affordable hotels) to Olive Hotel (premium stays) and Villa by Olive (luxury rentals), the brand caters to a diverse clientele.
Tech-Driven Experiences: Olive is among the first global hospitality brands to integrate AI-driven operational systems, smart property management, and digital guest engagement platforms.
Flexible Stay Options: Unlike traditional hotels or rentals, Olive offers complete flexibility—whether for a night, a month, or longer.
Community-Centric Approach: Olive is redefining hospitality by fostering vibrant social spaces and curated guest experiences.

“In today’s world, hospitality is not just about offering a place to stay; it’s about creating an experience. We are making hotels exciting again by blending technology, service, and community.”

Opportunities and Challenges in Indian Hospitality

Kahraman sees immense potential in India’s hospitality industry but acknowledges the hurdles:

Opportunities:

The rise of hybrid accommodations catering to changing work-travel dynamics.
The growing demand for tech-enabled hospitality experiences.
The expansion of premium economy accommodations into Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Challenges:

Ensuring scalability while maintaining operational consistency.
Overcoming infrastructure gaps in emerging cities.
Keeping pace with rapidly evolving consumer expectations.

However, with a strong focus on innovation, Olive by Embassy is well-positioned to address these challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Olive by Embassy has been instrumental in redefining the industry through:

Transforming underperforming hotels into profitable hybrid spaces.
Implementing AI-driven property management for operational efficiency.
Expanding flexible accommodation models to cater to the evolving needs of urban travellers.

“The future of hospitality is dynamic, and Olive by Embassy is at the forefront, blending technology and personalized service to create an entirely new category of living spaces.”

Cultivating a Culture of Service Excellence

At Olive by Embassy, a people-first philosophy drives the brand’s service excellence:

Investing in Talent: Continuous training and leadership development ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Technology as an Enabler: Streamlining processes through AI and automation allows staff to focus on guest engagement.
Community-Driven Service: Encouraging meaningful guest interactions to create a true sense of belonging.

Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Entrepreneurs

For those looking to make an impact in the hospitality industry, Kahraman offers key insights:

Understand the Market: Stay ahead of evolving consumer trends and expectations.
Prioritize Guest Experience: Hospitality is built on delivering exceptional service.
Leverage Technology: Use automation and AI to optimize operations and enhance guest engagement.
Be Adaptable: The industry is ever-changing—success comes from agility and innovation.
Build a Strong Team: Passionate, service-driven professionals are the foundation of a successful hospitality venture.

The Future of Olive by Embassy

Looking ahead, Olive by Embassy is focused on ambitious growth strategies:

Expansion Through Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with global hospitality brands and real estate developers.
Tech-Enabled Franchise Model: Launching remotely managed hotels for nationwide scalability.
Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing eco-conscious practices across properties.
Major Portfolio Expansion: Partnering with Hilton to introduce 150 ‘Spark by Hilton’ hotels across India, marking a milestone in hospitality innovation.

“The hospitality industry must evolve, and we are committed to leading that change—creating spaces that are more than just accommodations; they are experiences.”

Kahraman Yigit’s leadership at Olive by Embassy is a testament to visionary thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence. By redefining hospitality through technology, community, and service, he is setting a new benchmark for the industry. With a future-oriented mindset, Olive by Embassy is poised to become a leader in hybrid hospitality, shaping the way people experience accommodations in India and beyond.