Meet Yasmine Shakibi, StageBio's West Coast Business Development Manager, bridging science and strategy to support biotech teams in drug development.

In this Employee Spotlight, we sit down with Yasmine Shakibi, Business Development Manager at StageBio, to learn about her role supporting biotech and research teams across the West Coast. With a strong foundation in histology and pathology services, Yasmine brings both scientific expertise and strategic thinking to her work, serving as a vital connector between clients and StageBio's scientific teams.

1. Can you introduce yourself, share your role at StageBio, and explain what initially drew you to join the team?

I'm Yasmine Shakibi, a Business Development Manager at StageBio supporting biotech and research teams across the West Coast. I come from a scientific and CRO-focused background, with several years in histology and pathology services, particularly supporting translational biology and discovery-stage programs.

At StageBio, my role is twofold: I focus on identifying and growing the right accounts while also serving as the bridge between our clients and our scientific teams to ensure projects run smoothly. I was drawn to StageBio because of the depth of expertise here the science is strong, the people are collaborative, and it felt like a place where I could combine both strategy and relationships to make a real impact.

2. What does a typical day look like for you at StageBio?

My day usually starts with outreach and pipeline work identifying new biotech and translational biology companies that could benefit from our services and engaging them through targeted campaigns. I use our CRM, data tools, and AI to prospect strategically rather than broadly.

From there, I connect with existing clients, manage active opportunities, and coordinate closely with our scientific teams to align on scopes, timelines, and expectations. A big part of my day is making sure communication is clear and everything is documented so nothing gets lost. It's a mix of hunting, growing accounts, and facilitating smooth execution.

3. How do you see your role supporting both our internal scientific teams and our clients throughout the lifecycle of a program?

I see myself as both a growth partner and a connector.

Externally, I identify and build relationships with the right accounts and help expand opportunities within existing clients. Internally, I make sure our scientists have the context and clarity they need to deliver successfully.

I'm not designing studies directly, but my scientific background helps me understand what clients are trying to accomplish so I can connect them with the right experts and keep everyone aligned.

4. What types of challenges or questions do clients most often come to you with, and how do you help guide them toward the right StageBio solutions?

Clients often aren't sure where to start they may know they need histology or pathology support but don't know exactly what services or timelines make sense. Many discovery-stage teams are moving fast and working lean.

Because I understand histology workflows and CRO operations, I can quickly assess their needs, connect them with the right specialists, and simplify the process. My goal is to make StageBio easy to work with and responsive, especially when timelines are tight.

5. Can you share a memorable example of a client engagement where close collaboration led to a particularly strong outcome?

I've worked with several early-stage biotech companies that started with a small project and, through consistent communication and trust, expanded into larger partnerships. By staying close to their evolving needs and proactively identifying where I could add value, I was able to grow those relationships into long-term collaborations rather than one-off studies.

That kind of organic growth is always the most rewarding.

6. How do you stay fluent in StageBio’s scientific capabilities and technologies so you can effectively translate them for clients?

My foundation comes from years of working in histology and CRO sales, so I'm comfortable speaking the scientific language of our clients. I stay close to our scientists, attend conferences, and continuously learn about new capabilities.

On the business side, I heavily leverage technology CRM systems, analytics, and AI to design smarter outreach campaigns, forecast opportunities, and prioritize the right accounts. Combining science knowledge with modern tools helps me be both strategic and efficient.

7. From your perspective, what is one common misconception or overlooked consideration drug developers have when planning preclinical programs?

Many teams underestimate how important early coordination and planning are. Even strong science can be slowed down by simple communication gaps or unclear expectations. Bringing partners in early and aligning upfront saves time and reduces risk later.

8. How does engaging StageBio early in development help clients make more confident, lower-risk decisions?

Early engagement gives clients clarity. They know what's possible, what timelines look like, and who to talk to. It also allows us to align internally from the start. That reduces surprises and helps projects move forward more confidently and efficiently.

9. As the drug development landscape evolves, what trends or shifts are you seeing in how companies evaluate therapeutic assets, and how is StageBio responding?

Especially on the West Coast, biotech companies are lean, tech-savvy, and moving fast. They expect quick responses, clear communication, and efficient processes.

To meet that, I focus on a more modern, tech-enabled approach to business development using AI-assisted outreach, targeted campaigns, and data-driven account planning to reach the right clients faster and support them more effectively. StageBio's responsiveness and expertise fit very well with this shift.

10. For biotech teams selecting a CRO partner, what key questions should they be asking to ensure they're choosing a true strategic partner rather than a transactional vendor?

They should ask:

• Will I have a dedicated, responsive point of contact?

• Do they understand my science and timelines?

• Can they scale with me as my study projects grows?

• Do they feel like a partner or just a vendor?

11. What differentiates StageBio's approach to client partnerships from other CROs you've worked with or encountered in the industry?

StageBio combines deep scientific expertise with a very personal, collaborative approach. Clients have direct access to real people who care about their success. It feels less transactional and more like an extension of their team. That level of responsiveness and partnership really stands out.

12. Can you describe a time when you had to navigate a particularly complex client need that required creative problem-solving?

I've worked with clients who had multiple stakeholders and evolving needs, which can easily create confusion. By centralizing communication, improving CRM tracking, and setting clear checkpoints between the client and our internal teams, we kept everything aligned and avoided delays.

Sometimes creative problem-solving isn't about changing the science it's about building better systems and communication so everyone can work efficiently.

13. How do you like to spend your time outside the lab?

I'm usually exploring food, culture, and movement. I love cooking globally-inspired meals, experimenting with new spices and recipes I've picked up while traveling, hiking and staying active, and spending time fostering rescue dogs. I'm also passionate about art and music and enjoy visiting galleries, building playlists, and finding creative inspiration wherever I can. It's how I recharge and stay curious :)

Yasmine's unique blend of scientific knowledge and business acumen makes her an invaluable asset to both StageBio and the clients she serves. Her commitment to building genuine partnerships and her forward-thinking approach to business development exemplify the collaborative spirit that defines StageBio's client relationships.

Ready to explore how our preclinical expertise can support your development goals?
Connect with our team today.