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Gwen Acton

CEO of Vivo Group

Gwen Acton, PhD, is an expert on innovation leadership practices and strategic leadership at the intersection of science and business.12 She is the CEO of Vivo Group, a consulting firm that specializes in improving leadership skills of scientists and engineers to enhance their productivity and innovation in the science and technology industries.12

Dr. Acton's background includes:

  1. Education: She earned a PhD in biology from MIT, working in a Nobel Prize-winning molecular genetics laboratory, and has a BA in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania.1

  2. Academic experience: She served as a faculty member in Biology at Harvard University and was Director of Scientific Development at MIT's Whitehead Institute.12

  3. Authorship: Dr. Acton is the author of "The Bluffer's Guide to Genetics" and has an upcoming book titled "Principles of Leadership for Scientists and Engineers" due to be published in 2025.13

  4. Speaking engagements: She is a popular speaker and professional member of the National Speakers' Association.1

  5. Board memberships: Dr. Acton has served on the board of directors for The Bioscience Network, Forsyth Institute, and NE National Speakers Association.1

  6. Other roles: She previously led the non-profit group Women Entrepreneurs in Science & Technology (WEST) and served as Board Chair of The Bioscience Network.2

Dr. Acton is known for her expertise in improving the business skills of scientists and engineers, focusing on enhancing their productivity and innovation in the life science and technology industries.24

Highlights

Jun 5 · linkedin

Priorities shift quickly in innovative organizations.

That’s why it’s crucial for leaders to regularly adjust strategic goals.

When employees aren’t aligned with organizational objectives, efforts can be wasted, and morale can drop.

This issue is widespread—research indicates that 75% of employees are not aligned with strategic objectives.

How can you improve alignment? Ask employees to report their priorities regularly to you and review them to ensure alignment.

What are your thoughts? Have you noticed misalignment of priorities? How do you keep your team’s priorities aligned with your strategic goals?

Read more about the research on alignment here:

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Location

Greater Boston Area