E14 - Lab Bench to Boardroom: Leading Science-Driven Innovation | Ashley Zehnder, CEO, Fauna Bio

Join us for an inspiring episode of Lab Bench to Boardroom: Leading Science-Driven Innovation featuring Ashley Zehnder, CEO of Fauna Bio, as we explore the intersection of bold scientific thinking, biotech leadership, and nature-inspired therapeutics. In this conversation, Ashley shares how Fauna Bio is redefining drug discovery by leveraging multi-omics insights from hibernating species to tackle some of the most complex human diseases.Ashley reflects on her journey from veterinary science to leading a cutting-edge biotech company, offering candid insights into the challenges and opportunities of women in science and executive leadership. She recounts the founding story of Fauna Bio—sparked by a powerful realization that nature has already solved many biological challenges humans face—and how that “aha” moment evolved into a platform built on evolutionary biology and translational science.We dive into how Fauna Bio integrates genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to uncover protective mechanisms embedded in hibernation biology, and how those insights are translated into potential therapeutics. Ashley also discusses the scientific and operational complexities of working with non-traditional model species, building a science-first culture, and scaling innovation while staying grounded in rigorous data.Episode Highlights:A deep exploration of women’s leadership and representation in biotechAshley Zehnder’s path from veterinary medicine to biotech CEOThe origin story and vision behind Fauna BioHow hibernation biology can unlock transformative treatments in human healthReal-world examples of translating animal biology into therapeutic pipelinesLeadership lessons from building and scaling a mission-driven biotech companyWhether you're a scientist, entrepreneur, investor, or innovation leader, this episode offers a compelling look at how evolutionary biology and multi-omics technologies are converging to reshape drug discovery. Discover how science drawn from nature—combined with visionary leadership—can drive the next generation of breakthrough therapeutics.