Meet Misha Garg: Making Pet Healthcare Safer, Smarter and More Reliable

At Elita Genetics, storing stem cells isn’t just about science, it’s about safety, precision, and trust. That’s where Misha comes in. With a background in biomedical engineering and a career spent designing smart systems across startups and corporates from Vow through to BCG, she’s the one making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

We sat down with Misha to talk about how operations play a surprisingly important role in the future of Pet Healthcare and what it takes to build a process pet owners can rely on, now and in the future.

What drew you to operations, and how did your background in biomedical engineering shape the way you approach it?

What drew me to operations is actually pretty similar to what first drew me to engineering; solving complex problems. You're constantly looking for ways to make things run more efficiently, whether it's a process, a workflow, or a team dynamic.

My engineering background trained me to think analytically and take an iterative approach - test, learn, adjust. That mindset has been really valuable in operations, where you often don’t have perfect information, but you still need to move forward and adapt quickly. And I like that operations isn’t just about systems; it's also very people-oriented. You're working across teams, aligning different parts of the business, and making sure everything clicks.

What does ‘Head of Operations’ actually mean at a company like Elita Genetics? What does your day-to-day involve?

Honestly, the role covers a bit of everything. Which I know sounds unhelpful, but it’s true! No two days look the same. As Head of Operations, my main focus is making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, both internally and externally, so our customers and vets have a seamless experience.

Some days I’m deep in emails or troubleshooting with the team, other days I’m setting up systems, speaking directly with customers, or pulling out my trusty consulting frameworks (though now they come with a few more post-it notes and scrappiness). It’s a mix of hands-on problem solving, keeping the big picture in mind, and making sure things don’t fall through the cracks.

Stem cell banking sounds like a science-heavy role. Where do operations come into play, and why are they so critical?

Operations is what bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and everyday care for pets and their people.  We make sure the entire process, from coordinating with vets for timely sample collection, to managing cold-chain logistics for storage, to handling customer questions, is reliable, efficient, and easy to navigate. It’s what allows a complex medical service to feel simple and trustworthy.

When it comes to handling and storing something as important as a pet’s stem cells, what are some of the safeguards we’ve built into our processes?

We’ve built in safeguards at every step to protect each sample. From the moment it’s collected, it’s assigned a unique ID that’s tracked through our systems end-to-end, so we always know exactly where it is and who’s handled it. We also work with trusted courier partners and have strict protocols in place to make sure samples are packed, labeled, and transported according to our standards.

Once the sample reaches the lab via a controlled cold-chain, we process the sample under strict protocols and sterile conditions. We store samples in cryogenic tanks with real-time temperature and liquid nitrogen monitoring, along with backup systems for added redundancy. It’s all designed to make sure that when a family needs their pet’s cells in the future, they’re still viable and ready to use.

What’s one part of the ops process that pet owners probably don’t realise is super important, but makes a big difference?

One area pet owners probably don’t realise is how much coordination goes into ensuring everyone - vets, couriers, lab technicians, and customer service - are on the same page. The seamless communication between all these moving parts makes sure the whole process feels effortless for the pet owner, even if it involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

We’re a small team building something brand new. What’s been the most challenging part of your role so far, and what’s been the most rewarding?

The most challenging part is also the most rewarding. Building something brand new means we’re often solving problems that haven’t been addressed before, and asking our business partners to customise their services to fit our vision. It can take time to set things up and bring everyone on board, but the real reward comes from leading this change in vet care. Being part of something innovative that has a real impact on pets and their families makes the challenges worth it.

You’ve worked in a range of industries, what makes Elita Genetics different from past roles?

In many ways, my role at Elita Genetics is the perfect blend of my previous experiences. My time in consulting taught me to make decisions strategically and think critically about long-term goals. Working in startups gave me the ability to execute high-level strategies at pace, while also adapting quickly to change. And my experience in financial services honed my understanding of working in, and respecting, highly regulated industries. Combining these skills in a growing, science-driven company like Elita Genetics allows me to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, making sure we’re all on the same page and moving fast.

When you think about a pet owner reading this blog, what would you want them to feel after learning about your role?

After reading this, I want them to feel like they’re not just trusting us with their pet’s future, but that we’re here, providing care every step of the way, making sure the process is safe so their focus can stay on what matters most: their pet.

Finally, what excites you most about what we’re building at Elita Genetics?

I’m excited about making a real difference in pets’ lives, giving them the chance for better health and more time with the people they love.