Sukhwant Gandhi - The Insightful Journey of a Healthcare Business Professional with Leadership and Innovation

 

Sukhwant Gandhi, Chief Operating Officer, Aveya Natural IVF

Could you start by briefly introducing yourself?

I am a healthcare business leader with over two decades of experience in business expansion, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Currently, as the Chief Operating Officer at Aveya Natural IVF, I oversee growth strategies, clinic expansions, and patient-centric innovations in fertility care.

Throughout my career, I have played a key role in scaling healthcare startups, optimizing operations, and implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. My passion lies in building sustainable healthcare businesses that balance profitability with high-quality patient care.
 

How has your academic journey contributed to your success in the healthcare and business sectors?

My academic background has provided a strong foundation for success in healthcare management. With a science degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA), I developed analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a structured approach to decision-making—essential for managing complex healthcare operations.

Beyond formal education, I have pursued executive programs in Total Quality Management (TQM), Personal Quality Initiative, and Time Management, which have been instrumental in driving operational excellence and optimizing resource utilization. Leadership programs like 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and 8th Habit have shaped my ability to inspire teams and foster innovation.

This combination of scientific rigor, technology-driven insights, and leadership acumen has enabled me to successfully expand healthcare businesses, launch new clinics, and drive operational efficiency for sustainable growth.

 
Could you tell us about your role as COO at Aveya Natural IVF?

As Chief Operating Officer at Aveya Natural IVF, my focus is on strategic growth, operational excellence, and patient-centric innovations in fertility care. I oversee end-to-end operations, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies and resource optimization.

My key responsibilities include:

·      Operational Efficiency & Quality Management – Implementing TQM principles to enhance service delivery and maintain high clinical standards.
·      Financial & P&L Management – Optimizing costs, improving revenue streams, and ensuring strong financial health.
·      Marketing & Brand Positioning – Developing innovative marketing strategies to strengthen Aveya’s market presence.
·      Team Leadership & Culture Building – Fostering a high-performance, patient-focused culture aligned with our mission of natural, minimally invasive fertility treatments.

At Aveya, we emphasize holistic and patient-friendly IVF solutions, and my role ensures that our business strategies align with this vision while scaling operations efficiently.
 

As a Servant Leader, how do you define your leadership style?

My leadership philosophy is based on Servant Leadership, which focuses on empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and making purpose-driven decisions. True leadership is about enabling others to excel by providing vision, tools, and support.

Guiding Principles Shaping My Leadership:

·    People-Centric Approach – I prioritize team development and employee well-being, believing that engaged and empowered teams drive operational excellence and patient satisfaction.
·    Vision-Driven Strategy – Every decision is guided by long-term impact, ensuring that business growth aligns with organizational values, patient care quality, and market sustainability.
·     Total Quality Management (TQM) & Operational Excellence – I integrate continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes, ensuring efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of care.
·     Ethical & Value-Based Leadership – Integrity, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of my leadership. I encourage open communication, ethical decision-making, and a strong sense of ownership within teams.
·     Empowerment & Delegation – I believe in trusting teams, giving them autonomy while providing strategic guidance. This fosters innovation, problem-solving, and a proactive work culture.
·    Patient-Centered Decision-Making – In healthcare, patient outcomes and experience are paramount. Every operational and strategic decision is made with the goal of enhancing patient care and accessibility.

By adopting a Servant Leadership approach, I have been able to drive business growth, optimize healthcare operations, and build high-performing teams, all while maintaining a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence.
 

What is your most significant career achievement?

One of my most significant career achievements has been leading the expansion and operational transformation of multiple healthcare organizations specially Startups, particularly in the IVF sector.

Key Milestones:

·     Clinic Expansion & Market Growth – Successfully launched new IVF centers, expanding access to advanced fertility treatments.
·     Operational Excellence & Profitability – Implemented TQM principles, streamlined workflows, and optimized P&L management for greater efficiency and revenue growth.
·     Building High-Performance Teams – Fostered a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation, ensuring alignment with our mission.

Beyond Aveya, my leadership roles at ZIVIA Healthcare and Medicover Healthcare have reinforced my expertise in business expansion, strategic planning, and operational leadership. Each milestone has strengthened my commitment to servant leadership, innovation, and quality-driven healthcare.
 

Among business strategy, marketing, and operations, which skill is most vital for a healthcare startup?

While all three are essential, business strategy is the most vital. A well-defined strategy forms the foundation for sustainable growth, market positioning, and operational efficiency.

Why Business Strategy Matters:

·    Clear Vision & Differentiation – Defines the startup’s unique value proposition in a competitive healthcare landscape.
·     Scalable Growth Model – Ensures long-term sustainability by identifying the right market opportunities.
·     Seamless Integration of Marketing & Operations – Aligns marketing efforts with patient needs while ensuring operational excellence.

While marketing drives patient engagement and operations ensure service delivery, a strong business strategy ties everything together, ensuring long-term success.
 

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in healthcare business management?

·     Master the Fundamentals – Develop a strong understanding of healthcare operations, finance, marketing, and regulatory compliance. A solid foundation in these areas is crucial for making informed decisions.
·     Adopt a Patient-Centric Approach – Success in healthcare is not just about business growth; it's about delivering quality patient care. Every strategy should align with improving patient outcomes and experience.
·    Develop Leadership & Problem-Solving Skills – The healthcare sector is complex and ever-changing. Adaptability, critical thinking, and servant leadership will set you apart as a future leader.
·    Embrace Technology & Innovation – Digital transformation is reshaping healthcare. Stay ahead by learning about AI, data analytics, and healthcare automation to improve efficiency and patient engagement.
·   Continuous Learning & Networking – Pursue executive programs, attend industry conferences, and connect with mentors. The healthcare business landscape is dynamic, and ongoing learning is key to staying competitive.
·   Be Resilient & Purpose-Driven – Challenges will arise, but maintaining a strong vision, ethical leadership, and perseverance will help you navigate complexities and drive meaningful impact.

By focusing on these principles, young professionals can build a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare business management, contributing to both organizational growth and better healthcare delivery.
 

Final Thoughts

My journey in healthcare business management has been driven by a passion for innovation, operational excellence, and patient-centered care. Whether leading business expansions, optimizing operations, or fostering high-performance teams, my goal remains the same: creating sustainable healthcare businesses that balance profitability with quality patient care.

For young professionals, my advice is simple—stay curious, be adaptable, and always prioritize ethical and patient-driven healthcare solutions.