Beyond Business: How GS Consulting Team Transforms Surrogacy Journeys Through Personal Dedication

Preparing for today’s interview with Tamari Kachlishvili, founder and CEO of GS Consulting, involved reflecting on nearly three years of dedication. From the outset of founding the agency, her primary motivation has been to offer intended parents reliable support and provide some relief on their challenging journey with infertility.

Considering the complexities of the surrogacy process, along with specific medical terminology, can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with nuances, often leading to additional stress. The initial challenge was simplifying these challenges, ensuring that patients could easily grasp each step of the surrogacy journey. Tamar committed herself to guiding patients alongside her team from the beginning to the end of the process. I recall her frequently emphasizing the importance of maintaining an individualized approach as a core principle of GS Consulting. So, it happened, and today GS Consulting prioritizes the well-being of both parents and surrogates equally, consistently putting their interests first and following ethical standards by upholding the rights of surrogates and respecting their bodily autonomy.  Over the years, there have been numerous instances where the GS consulting team frequently arranged online meetings late at night—sometimes as late as 1 am—when necessary to support patients. Whether providing moral support or swiftly coordinating medical teams across continents, they are dedicated to addressing challenges and ensuring the best possible care in complex cases.

Tamar, what do you consider the most valuable part of the GS Consulting team?

It’s the people who embody the GS Consulting brand and engage daily with parents, surrogates, lawyers, and doctors. Their dedication is central to everything we do, and I feel my most significant achievement is assembling this incredible team. Without their contributions, GS Consulting wouldn’t have reached its current level of success.

I know that the last few months were particularly challenging for the GS Consulting team. How do you manage the difficulties that arise in the processes? What keeps you motivated?

Indeed, the last couple of months of 2024 were one of the most challenging since our company’s inception. While we are prepared for a variety of challenges, the unexpected can still catch us off guard. In the field of surrogacy and reproductive medicine, ethics and integrity are of utmost importance to me. Our team shares common values and a unified vision, though this month revealed that some of our business partners do not align with these principles. Despite the challenges, I find solace in the strength and unity our team demonstrated during this crisis. Everyone remained focused on our most critical priority—the trust our patients placed in us. It is through our dedication and effective management that they anticipate the birth of their child. We cannot afford to waver or let them down. During this trying time, we made every effort to provide timely responses and navigate each challenge together. I am deeply grateful to each team member for their unwavering commitment.

What types of difficulties do you face most often in the work process?

The most challenging moments in our work often revolve around the unexpected outcomes of the surrogacy journey. One of the hardest experiences is receiving a negative pregnancy test result. We stand alongside the intended parents, sharing their hopes, analyzing every detail, every hormone level, convinced that this time, everything will align perfectly. Yet, despite all the positive indicators, sometimes the result is not what we anticipated. Those negative results are particularly hard to bear. Equally difficult are complications that arise during the pregnancy itself. When a surrogate faces unexpected health issues that require hospitalization or medical intervention, it weighs heavily on all of us. Fortunately, such instances are rare, but when they occur, the emotional toll is significant. Each ultrasound, each heartbeat, and every indicator of fetal health feels personal. I remember a rare and distressing case where a surrogate was diagnosed with syphilis. It was a day I’ll never forget, as it came entirely out of the blue. Every surrogate undergoes thorough infection screening every six months, yet this case slipped through. That day, I consulted three different doctors, and we acted swiftly to ensure all necessary treatments were administered. The period before the condition was under control was intensely stressful. Thanks to the quick actions of our team, the child was born on time and in good health. However, the parent’s disappointment was palpable, and I felt it personally. Despite understanding their anxiety, we were just as deeply invested in ensuring a positive outcome. The strength of GS lies in our ability to navigate such challenges collectively. Even though those parents may hold lasting concerns, I take comfort in knowing we did everything within our power, and today they have a healthy child. Beyond medical challenges, we also navigate legal complexities. Changes in the legal landscape of the countries where surrogacy is facilitated can present significant hurdles. Argentina, for instance, presented us with a particularly tough period, yet we managed to adapt and move forward. From the outset, I emphasized the importance of teamwork—without this cohesion, overcoming such challenges would be impossible.

Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving it all up—from the inception of GS Consulting to where we are now?

Yes, there were times when I questioned whether it was worth living in a constant 24-hour work mode, perpetually thinking about our patients and their needs. I wondered if all the stress, the anxiety, was justified. There was a moment when I wanted nothing more than to shut the computer and step away from it all for a while. But… Here comes the biggest but- there was something more powerful that held me back—the immense responsibility and trust bestowed upon me by future parents and by my incredible team. These extraordinary people dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to ensuring that our clients face no obstacles and have the chance to experience the joy of parenthood. Right on Christmas Day, December 25th, when we were really at the peak of tension, I received a photo from one of our couples who had finally welcomed a child after ten long years of infertility. They sent me a message saying, “Tamar, you will always be a part of our story.” At that moment, it was as though I had been given a new breath of life. That was the strength, the motivation that reignites our purpose and ensures we never give up. That day, I received several such photos, each one filled with the joy and warmth of smiling families celebrating the festive season. It’s tough—sometimes incredibly so. We do everything we can to empathize with each future parent, knowing how difficult it is for them to place their trust in strangers. I only wish for intended parents to feel that we share the pain of every negative test and every setback they have and we are walking this challenging journey of surrogacy right alongside them.

What would you like to achieve in 2025?

A sense of peace and the joy that comes from seeing the smiles of all the intended parents whose lives we touch (Tamari smiles). Every new life brings with it more purpose, and I can think of no greater wish. It means being where we are meant to be, guiding each parent through the challenges of surrogacy with compassion and support every step of the way.