Fall starts in Georgia – Meet Shota Jibuti, M.D., General Director of our Tbilisi office.
Which office are you based in?
I am based in GCT’s Tbilisi office in Georgia, where I serve as General Director, Project Manager and SCRA.
Could you tell us more about your role and your professional background?
My career has developed within clinical research, a field that I find both challenging and deeply meaningful. Today, as General Director for GCT in Georgia, my role combines operational oversight, team leadership, and close collaboration with our partners and research sites. My experience in clinical research has given me a strong understanding of how important quality, trust, communication, and teamwork are to achieving successful outcomes.
What aspects of GCT’s corporate culture are most important to you?
What I value most about GCT’s culture is the combination of professionalism, trust, and genuine teamwork. Clinical research requires high standards and accountability, but the best results are achieved when people also feel supported, respected, and comfortable sharing their ideas. I appreciate that at GCT, strong professional standards and strong human relationships go hand in hand.
What have you learned during your time at GCT?
My time at GCT has taught me that leadership is not only about making decisions; it is also about listening, supporting people, and creating an environment where they can do their best work. The right environment for people to succeed is just as important as achieving the immediate objective. Supporting colleagues, listening to different perspectives, and encouraging ownership can have a lasting impact on both individual and organizational performance. I have also learned the importance of remaining flexible and solution-oriented, because clinical research constantly presents new challenges and opportunities to grow.
What motivates you to come to work each day?
I am motivated by two things: purpose and people. Knowing that our work can contribute to the development of new treatment options and ultimately make a difference in patients’ lives gives real meaning to what we do. At the same time, working with committed and talented colleagues and seeing what we can achieve together makes even the most challenging days rewarding.
What do you believe GCT’s mission is?
To me, GCT’s mission is to connect science, people, and expertise to move clinical research forward. Our responsibility is not simply to deliver studies successfully, but to do so with integrity, quality, and a clear understanding that behind every study there is the potential to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
What does GCT’s 25th anniversary mean to you personally?
To me, GCT’s 25th anniversary represents much more than a milestone in time. It reflects 25 years of experience, trust, resilience, and the contribution of many people who have shaped the company along the way. I am proud to be part of this journey and especially proud to contribute to GCT’s presence and continued growth in Georgia. It is a moment to appreciate how far we have come while also looking forward to what we can achieve together in the years ahead.
What do you think has enabled GCT to remain successful for 25 years?
Twenty-five years of success cannot come from standing still. I believe GCT has remained successful because it has continuously adapted to an evolving industry while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term relationships. Most importantly, GCT has invested in its people, because ultimately they are the ones who drive the company forward.
What is something special about the people you work with at GCT?
The people at GCT bring together different experiences, cultures, and perspectives, but we share a common commitment to doing meaningful work well. What I appreciate most is that behind the professionalism there is genuine kindness and a willingness to support one another. That combination makes GCT not only a strong organization, but also a rewarding place to work.
Which GCT value resonates most with you, and how do you see it reflected in everyday work?
The value that resonates most with me is integrity. In clinical research, integrity is fundamental – it shapes how we make decisions, communicate with our partners, support our sites, and protect both patients and the quality of the research. I see it reflected in everyday work through transparency, accountability, and the commitment to doing what is right. For me, integrity is the foundation of lasting trust, both within our team and with the people and organizations we work with.