The Women of Medigrowth

Powerful Leadership for the Renaissance of Medicinal Cannabis

Medigrowth Australia, alongside its integrated ecosystem spanning medicines, patient care, research, and technology, is committed to empowering patients, healthcare professionals, and the wider community through education on the therapeutic potential of nature to enhance quality of life.

Co-founders Guskich (CEO)  & McClellan (MD)  have curated talent and curiosity, kindness, and collegiate culture, rarely seen. The ‘clinically cool’ guys of industry are all about the plant, people, and the planet. They are intentional, informed, and open – holding space for their small-and-mighty team of hand selected experts to light and lead the way. It’s respectful, intelligent leadership. More than half of the Medigrowth team are women.

“As founders of Medigrowth, we are humbled by the extraordinary team around us. To build a world-class company, you must have a world-class team -individuals whose passion, integrity, and shared belief in our mission transform bold ideas into reality, enabling us to create something that not only grows a company, but genuinely improves lives and leaves a lasting impact.” – Guskich & McClellan

Exceptional leadership, informed by cultural and demographic insight, creates lasting market advantage by building solutions that resonate with everyone. It takes brands beyond the boardroom and into homes and communities, ensuring that long term vision is not merely an abstract concept, but a guiding north star that illuminates the shared journey of those with the ambition, talent, and determination to pursue it together.

In the health sector, and especially in the heavily regulated medicinal cannabis sector, this leadership relies not only on innovation, but on continuous quality improvement, firm and flexible governance, and contemporary ethics. Teams must be stacked with the right professionals; with world-class expertise, a warm appreciation for the patient journey, and the tenacity to bring it all together in a competitive market.

Medigrowth has talent in spades. This high-performing circle of female leaders are strikingly different, in background, expertise, and lens on industry; and that is exactly what makes Medigrowth stronger. Diverse excellence and unified innovation, on a shared mission fueled by compassion.

Building and Delivering at the Coalface of Clinical Care

Patient focus, innovation, collaboration, integrity, and quality assurance form the foundation of our company values. Delivering on those values within a complex clinical and regulatory environment is no small task — one that Clinic Operations Lead Shanni Zilouff rises to every day with dedication and leadership.

Highlighting her warmth, Managing Director McClellan shares “Shanni is the caring, trusted voice of understanding and support to both patients and prescribers. She makes it happen with a smile.”

CEO Guskich builds: “Working with Shanni is a lesson in what it means to be the ultimate problem solver; she seamlessly holds together the many moving parts with precision and care. Her genuine warmth breaks down barriers and builds trust, earning deep respect across the board. In a role that demands both sharp business acumen and a deep understanding of people, Shanni brings both—effortlessly turning complexity into cohesion.”

High praise well deserved, as Shanni’s care and commitment to excellence are apparent both in her work and her manner. She is delightful, and dedicated to Medigrowth’s patients. In her own words:

• Patient health outcomes first; every decision is guided by what’s best for the patient.
• Team collaboration; companies grow when colleagues communicate well, support one another, and work as a unified team.
• Ownership mindset: I approach my work as if it were my own business, taking responsibility for driving profitability, ensuring compliance, and fostering a positive, high-performing culture. ‘It’s the people. Medigrowth is made up of people who are down-to-earth, collaborative, ethical and genuine. It’s authentic, honest and makes the organisation a place where people want to work and contribute. The true strength of the company is reflected in the people who bring it to life every day.

Clinical strategy, sustainable growth, and a rigorous approach to compliance underpin Shanni’s innovative leadership style and long-term vision for business growth. She is passionate about driving meaningful patient outcomes through continuity of multidisciplinary care, leading the high-performing, ethical, and patient-centred team at Azure Health, with clinical interests spanning chronic disease management, paediatrics, women’s health, and pain care.

Shanni Zilouff – Azure Health Clinic Operations Lead

“As more healthcare practitioners embrace cannabinoid therapeutics, they will become an increasingly integral part of contemporary medicine — grounded in accurate, evidence-based prescribing. Achieving that requires meaningful research, which remains a core priority for Medigrowth, and one of the many reasons I am proud to be part of the company.”

Looking forward, Shanni believes the biggest trend in medicinal cannabis will be the growth of the evidence base. Let’s hope she’s right.

“Stronger research will give clinicians confidence, improve dosing precision, and integrate therapies into mainstream care. A deeper understanding of the endocannabinoid system will lay the foundation for new treatments and more precise, targeted drugs. This may expand access to current therapies in the short term, while ensuring that over time, patients have the safest and most effective options available.”

With safety, patient experience, and outcomes as quality care benchmarks, Shanni prioritises communication to ensure the patient and all members of the care team are aligned and wrapping care around the patient, noting ‘This approach not only supports sustainable expansion but also ensures continuity of care, patient safety, and compliance.’

Digital R&D Solutions Manager Aigul Galieva

Described by McClellan as a credit to the team, Digital R&D Solutions Manager Aigul Galieva is a rare find. ‘Aigul’s vision and positive attitude make for great guidance in developing all of the digital solutions. Any challenges are always met with resilience and solution-based thinking.’

Aigul is a digital strategist dedicated to high-integrity healthcare. Specialising in the infrastructure that powers Medigrowth, she focuses on humanising technology to ensure a seamless experience for patients and partners alike. She believes that behind every line of code, there should be a heartbeat. Sitting at the intersection of healthcare and technology Aigul’s role is to listen to the needs of Medigrowths patients, pharmacists, and doctors, and build the digital tools that make their lives easier. She famously turns ‘what if’ into ‘how it works.’

‘We put a strong emphasis on building relationships and solving our users’ problems – and it’s important to never forget about the people behind the screen – the direct end user. Our strategy is to support the people responsible for running daily operations and create a seamless loop … When you take the time to solve daily pain points for employees, you build a level of genuine trust that the global giants usually overlook.

In the digital space, it’s easy to get caught up in flashy features, but if a tool doesn’t solve a real-world problem, it has no value. I believe in being a “foundational partner” to our network, which means being consistent, being honest when things aren’t perfect, and always building with the end-user’s problems in mind. I try to make the complex platforms feel simple, and industry leaders have to be the moral compass.

In tech, it’s tempting to move fast and break things, but in healthcare, you can’t afford to break trust. Azure’s role is to lead by example showing that you can be highly innovative while maintaining strict ethical standards and sustainability. We have to be the ones who prioritise patient safety and long-term integrity over short-term gains.’

CEO Guskich recognised early on what Galieva would bring from concept to creation:

‘Working with Aigul is defined by a deep sense of responsibility that underpins everything she does — expressed through a highly structured, disciplined, and deeply professional approach. She balances quiet independence and unwavering resolve with a strong collaborative mindset, bringing clarity and precision to complexity at every stage. Aigul also holds a powerful vision for Medigrowth that bridges today with tomorrow, where technology becomes the ultimate enabler of meaningful, positive change.’

Dr Ashleigh Osborne adds:

‘In today’s fast-moving technology landscape, there is often a ‘move fast and break things’ mentality. But for medicinal cannabis to achieve broader acceptance within mainstream medicine, organisations like Medigrowth must operate with the standards and responsibility expected of true healthcare companies. That means leading with ethics, sustainability, and an unwavering patient focus.

At Medigrowth, we have built the business with a long-term vision grounded in compliance and integrity, helping to maintain the trust of healthcare professionals, researchers, partners, and patients alike. We are committed to setting a strong example for responsible progress within the cannabinoid sector and the broader healthcare industry, and having Aiguls lens on tech leadership places us in great stead.’

Galieva sees cannabinoid therapy being so deeply integrated into global medicine that it’s no longer viewed as ‘alternative’ within five years. She lights up when describing her vision of a world where treatment is deeply personalised, not just a one-size-fits-all approach, and data-informed at the patient level. ‘The industry will have matured into a transparent, highly efficient landscape where patients can trust their medicine as much as their provider.’

Supporting our Kindred Spirits

Medigrowth’s ecosystem spans medicines, research, health technology, and direct clinical care — with that continuum extending even further through KINDRED, Medigrowth’s animal therapeutics division. Led by pharmacist and Chief Operations Officer Emma Delaney, the team’s reach across the healthcare landscape reflects a holistic approach to care that supports not only patients, but the wellbeing of the family pet as well.1

KINDRED Chief Operations Officer, Emma Delaney

‘My goal is to contribute to a meaningful shift in how we care for animals. That includes improving the health and wellbeing of pets and their families by helping create a safe, legal, and accessible pathway to CBD therapies. I also hope to play a role in educating veterinarians about the incredible potential of medicinal cannabis – supporting its evolution into a trusted, evidence-based option that enhances patient outcomes on a global scale.’

KINDRED is an Australian pet wellness brand founded by a team of animal lovers with expertise across clinical, business, and creative fields. As part of Medigrowth, KINDRED harnesses the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD to support pets suffering from health conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and osteoarthritis. With a focus on safety, efficacy, and education, KINDRED provides high-quality medicinal cannabis products while empowering veterinarians with the knowledge to integrate this natural therapy into their practice. Underpinned by compassion, KINDRED supports the RSPCA, helping improve the lives of animals in need.

‘KINDRED stands out through its commitment to quality and clarity’ Delaney shares… ‘We offer premium products, supported by education that is practical, relevant, and easy to understand. Our focus isn’t just on what we provide, but how we communicate – breaking down the latest research into accessible, informative insights for both veterinarians and pet parents. It’s this combination of high standards and simplicity that builds trust and loyalty.’

And what does that look like on a typical day?

It’s incredibly energising! I’m so grateful to be collaborating with such wonderful ladies (and gents!) There’s a genuine culture of support, both personally and professionally.

Everyone is invested in each other’s success, and we celebrate each other’s wins. It creates a workplace where ideas are shared openly, effort is acknowledged, and challenges are approached together. That kind of environment is not only empowering – it’s what drives progress.

When asked about consumer trends in the space she is preparing for, Delaney shared ‘There’s two:

• Consumer Behaviour:  There is a shift toward plant-based therapies for both people and their pets, as well as a more proactive, wellness-focused approach to health. In many cases, people are moving away from traditional pharmaceuticals in search of natural alternatives which often come with less side effects.
• Sustainability: Consumers are becoming more conscious of how products are sourced and produced. Businesses that prioritise environmental responsibility and transparency will have a significant advantage in building trust and long-term relevance.

Medigrowth (and KINDRED) MD McClellan who works closely with Emma reflects: ‘The passion for pet health and wellbeing shines through everything Emma focuses her energy on at KINDRED. From Vets to pets, Emma makes time for them all.’

Emma, a qualified Pharmacist, and certified Veterinary Cannabis Guide works closely with veterinarians and pet parents to simplify complex care, champion evidence-based cannabinoid therapy, and improve patient outcomes. Passionate about health, wellness, and education, she is helping shape the future of veterinary medicine.

‘I am watching medicinal cannabis become a core part of a veterinarian’s prescribing repertoire, slowly, but in real time. Eventually It will move beyond integrative practices into mainstream veterinary medicine, with more and more clinicians confidently initiating treatment alongside traditional therapies.

From a business perspective, this will align with the rapid growth and premiumisation of the global pet industry. As pets are increasingly viewed as family members, demand for high-quality natural therapies will continue to rise. Cannabinoid medicines sit at the intersection of science, wellness, and consumer trust – creating a significant global market opportunity which KINDRED is well placed to meet.’

Science is the Foundation of True Progress

Whether caring for Medigrowth’s human or animal patients, Medical & Research Director Dr Ashleigh Osborne, BMHlthSc (Hons I), PhD, plays a central role in supporting the women and men of Medigrowth to uphold excellence in the research, development, and implementation of medicines designed to improve patient outcomes.

Medical & Research Director Dr Ashleigh Osborne, BMHlthSc (Hons I), PhD

Dr Ash is a Medical Affairs professional and scientist with more than thirteen years of experience in cannabinoid medicine and research. She is deeply committed to strengthening the evidence base for cannabinoid therapeutics to support broader adoption among the patient populations most likely to benefit. Passionate about education, she excels in guiding healthcare professionals on the safe, effective, and meaningful use of cannabinoid medicines within real-world clinical settings.

‘I look forward to seeing medicinal cannabis integrated into healthcare as a mainstream, evidence-based therapeutic not as an ‘alternative’ medicine.

I would love to see education on the endocannabinoid system integrated at the tertiary level for all undergraduate science degrees, exposing future healthcare professionals to medicinal cannabis education before they enter the real world and see patients (humans or animals!).

Starting at the ‘grass roots’ will help move us towards acceptance, understanding, and integration of medicinal cannabis as a mainstream medicine.’

As passionate change agents devoted to advancing research and sharing the therapeutic benefits of plant-based medicine, Medigrowth is actively involved in clinical trials and research projects. CEO Guskich captures Osbornes critical leadership in this space; ‘Working with Ash is a powerful reminder that science is the foundation of true progress. With deep academic roots and a rare ability to translate complex research into real-world impact, she bridges the gap between academia and everyday practice. While many speak to the promise of medicinal cannabis, Ash brings the science – grounding our vision in evidence, and strengthening Medigrowth’s commitment to advancing the industry with credibility and purpose.’

MD McClellan further recognises Osborne as central to Medigrowths success; ‘Her eye for detail and depth of knowledge are keys to the foundational work in all of the research and development initiatives here at Medigrowth.’

Osborne heads up the soon-to-launch EMPOWER Project, a real-world data collection program in partnership with Azure Health and Medigrowths research partners Deakin University. The project will collect data from Australian patients who are using Medigrowth, Haiiku and Bakery cannabinoid medicines for a variety of chronic health conditions, with a focus on mental health outcomes. It is hoped the EMPOWER Project will provide real-world insights into how Medigrowth’s medicines are being used in clinical practice, helping to inform clinicians about indications, dosing, effectiveness, and safety. It will also serve as the basis for future controlled clinical studies.’

Social responsibility and environmental sustainability are embedded at the core of everything Medigrowth do.

For patients, they are increasing access by providing concession and compassionate access pathways; and are prioritising the patient voice (a critical move) through the newly formed Medigrowth patient advisory panel. KINDRED, donates a percentage of profits to the RSPCA to help support animals nationwide. And Medigrowth go even further, reducing their environmental footprint through global reforestation initiatives – in partnership with Evertreen, Medigrowth planted more than 6,000 trees in 2025 alone.

Medigrowth are walking the walk (taking action), talking the talk (continuing to educate and collaborate), and conducting themselves entirely in line with their values: Plant, People, Planet.

What sets Medigrowth apart for Osborne?

‘Medigrowth has earned respect through rigorous science, transparency, and patient-focused care. Prioritising respect for the plant, we have developed a bench-to-patient research program that spans pre-clinical innovation, controlled clinical trials in under-researched populations, and real-world data capture. By actively building the medicinal cannabis evidence base, we have established ourselves as trusted partners with healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, and organisations across the sector.’

World Leading Voices Driving New Narratives in Healthcare

Melanie Wentzel – Director of Healthcare Partnerships & Clinical Innovation

A recent addition to the Medigrowth team, Wentzel, an experienced senior leader in healthcare and the cannabis industry both in Australia and abroad, has already made a significant impression at Medigrowth. MD McClellan citing ‘an exuberance and experience brought to all engagements with a deep understanding of all perspectives from patient to plant.’  That exuberance, backed by experience, is apparent from the moment you meet Wentzel:

• ‘Medigrowth has been an innovative organisation from the very start – long before I joined the team. We are clear on our direction and supported to consider divergent and creative solutions to healthcare – which is not the healthcare of the past. Contemporary health populations require new ideas, new solutions, and sometimes that means looking to the past (as far back as Ancient societies) and reimagining traditional medicines for today’s world.
• Innovation is deeply embedded in our company culture, and now as the Director of Healthcare Partnerships & Clinical Innovation it is my privilege to translate that into direct patient care pathways and tools, and to innovate our Medigrowth, Haiiku, Bakery, and in-development medicines ranges with new formats and formulations designed specifically for, and in consultation with specific health populations.
• For the 94% of Australian women who experience Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) there are simply too few therapeutic solutions, so in the next six months we will be releasing a range of innovative, gender-responsive, and therapeutically targeted products to address this exact issue. This really is my dream role – I have spent over a decade working in population health and health system reform, and now I get to take those learnings and create solutions for women just like me.’

Wentzel is the reigning ‘Top Healthcare Strategist’ globally (IAOTP, USA, 2026). She is deeply passionate about women, their communities, and their careers, and believes the reemergence of cannabis as a therapeutic tool is our greatest opportunity to improve patient outcomes and experience and relieve pressure on health systems globally. Prolific in her championing of women and the plant, she is the best-selling author of ‘Women Making a Difference,’ and of ‘Cannabis Queens,’ an influential thought leader working and speaking globally from Africa to Iceland and beyond.

‘Working with Mel is a masterclass in modern leadership, where unrivalled energy meets integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering belief in the power of cannabis therapeutics. She brings magnetic confidence, sharp instinct, and playful charisma, balanced by a relentless work ethic and uncompromising commitment to the mission.’ – CEO, Guskich

In the next breath, Wentzel demonstrates that unwavering belief with vigor.

‘The re-emergence of cannabis as a therapeutic tool is both critical and timely. Since the earliest recorded medical texts 5000 years ago, the cannabis plant has been used to treat a wide range of conditions safely and effectively, with particular focus on women’s health. That’s 99% of history. The past 1% of history has been the era of prohibition, and during that time we have seen the move towards single-molecule, patentable medicines and the requirement for medicines to pass highly rigorous randomised controlled trials amid the development of the pharmaceutical industry. That has its place, but real-world evidence and the patient voice have been muted. Plant medicines became fringe and cannabis was prohibited.

The good news is, there is a very meaningful middle ground, where plant medicines like cannabis, and contemporary medicines can co-exist – and be used in a complementary manner. Cannabis is learning to adapt to contemporary medicines’ rigid requirements; and contemporary medicine is learning to prioritise patient outcomes and experience, and re-adopt natural therapeutics that have been used effectively throughout history.

At Medigrowth, we are helping lead the next generation of cannabinoid medicine through the development and rigorous research of a diverse portfolio of cannabis-based therapeutics — and the results are already speaking for themselves. We recently published promising findings from our Phase I & II clinical trial investigating Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis plant, for children and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Alongside this, we curate a range of whole-plant medicines that more closely reflect the traditional use of cannabis. I am incredibly proud to be part of an organisation that understands the breadth of possibilities cannabinoid medicine represents. Companies like Medigrowth will help shape the future of healthcare and the evolving global health economy over the coming decade.’

Leading with Grace, Grit, and Gratitude

With their portfolios spread across the Medigrowth ecosystem, these powerhouse women remain clearly aligned, with each other and the wider company values. Here is what they each said when asked about the Medigrowth professional girl-gang they clearly enjoy:

With their portfolios spread across the Medigrowth ecosystem, these powerhouse women remain clearly aligned, with each other and the wider company values. Here is what they each said when asked about the Medigrowth professional girl-gang they clearly enjoy:

And a personal word of advice from each of ‘The Women of Medigrowth’:

Wentzel, on the courage to be seen: Start today – because you don’t become impactful by arriving ‘fully baked,’ your impact requires you to show up and learn, connect, collaborate, and contribute over time. That builds trust. That builds networks. That builds the foundation. My own ‘overnight success’ story over the past two years is built on 15 years of learning and trying and ‘failing forward’. I can tell you from experience that a little embarrassment, a lot of vulnerability, even more tenacity; many, many long days and nights, being pushed beyond your limits, and a few tears along the way are EXACTLY what make you great.
	Galieva, on the value of your individual lens: Don’t feel like you have to trade your empathy for authority. Also, don’t wait for the perfect version of yourself or your project to launch. Be brave enough to be in “beta” meaning fail fast, learn as you go, iterate often, and trust that your unique perspective is exactly what the industry is missing.
Osborne, on going first… Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and put your voice out there – you never know who needs to hear it.
	Delaney, on grit: Focus on what genuinely excites you, build expertise, and stay consistent. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you. Impact doesn’t happen overnight – it requires patience, resilience, and a delusional level of optimism.
Zilouff, on passion:  To have a transformative impact, you need to be truly passionate about what you do. Choose your career from a place of passion because that drive is what sustains you through challenges and inspires others around you.

Read Medigrowth’s research findings here:

• Effects of Cannabidiol on Social Relating, Anxiety, and Parental Stress in Autistic Children: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41452412/
• Cannabidiol Modulates Right Fronto-Parietal Connectivity in Autistic Children: A Secondary EEG Analysis from a Randomised Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.09.25335467v1

Contact Medigrowth Australia to learn more about our medicines, research, and to explore partnership:

• Phone: (Australia) 1800 842 223
• Email: info@medigrowth.com.au
• Website: https://www.medigrowth.com.au
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medigrowthaus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MediGrowthAus/
• AZURE HEALTH: https://azurehealth.com.au/
• KINDRED CBD: https://www.kindredcbd.com.au/