Gwen Acton

Gwen Acton

Ph.D.MA, US

Optimizing Leadership of Innovation

Dr. Gwen Acton received a PhD in biology from MIT and is an expert on improving innovation leadership at the intersection of science and business. She is CEO of Vivo Group, a consulting firm that optimizes performance and innovation in life science, technology, and R&D organizations through strategic leadership development. Prior to this, Dr. Acton was a faculty member at Harvard University, and served as Director of Scientific Development at the MIT Whitehead Institute, where she ran the operations of the Functional Genomics Program, a $40 million sponsored research program and successfully managing alliances with industry sponsors.

Dr. Acton is the author of the book The Bluffer's Guide to Genetics, published by Oval Books. She has also authored industry reports published by the Cambridge Healthtech Institute, and has written over 50 freelance articles for organizations such as the Associated (AP), National Public Radio, and Technology Review Magazine. A popular speaker and moderator, Dr. Acton is a member of the National Speakers Association and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP).

Dr. Gwen Acton received a PhD in biology from MIT and is an expert on improving innovation leadership at the intersection of science and business. She is CEO of Vivo Group, a consulting firm that optimizes performance and innovation in life science, technology, and R&D organizations through strategic leadership development. Prior to this, Dr. Acton was a faculty member at Harvard University, and served as Director of Scientific Development at the MIT Whitehead Institute, where she ran the operations of the Functional Genomics Program, a $40 million sponsored research program and successfully managing alliances with industry sponsors.

Dr. Acton is the author of the book The Bluffer's Guide to Genetics, published by Oval Books. She has also authored industry reports published by the Cambridge Healthtech Institute, and has written over 50 freelance articles for organizations such as the Associated (AP), National Public Radio, and Technology Review Magazine. A popular speaker and moderator, Dr. Acton is a member of the National Speakers Association and is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP).

Innovation Leadership for Science, Technology & R&D Organzations

Attendees of this program will gain the key essential skills to effectively lead and manage  innovation in science, technology, and R&D organizations Tailored to the specific needs of leaders working in innovative fast-growing organizations, this workshop provides participants with the know-how to avoid the most common mistakes made by managers, the capability to apply appropriate leadership styles in varied situations, and strategies for conveying difficult information about...

InnovationLeadershipTechnologyAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / Specific

Influence Without Authority in Innovative Organizations

How do you get others to do what you need them to when you're not in charge? This is an increasingly common situation in many industries. This keynote provides insight into why others do (or don't) do what you want, how to positively influence them by better understanding their motivations, and the three major types of influence and how to use them.

Entertainment-basedEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

Leadership for Scientists and Engineers

This program provides specific skills helpful to scientists, engineers and other technical experts to lead effectively in complex R&D work environments.

Entertainment-basedAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

Leading Innovation: Lessons from the Cutting Edge of Science

This keynote provides insight from the cutting edge of science on how to best lead and manage innovation in organizations.

Entertainment-basedEducational / Informative

Innovation Leadership in R&D Organizations

Best practices for leaders in Innovative Research and Development (R&D) organizations.

InnovationLeadershipEngineeringPharmaceuticalTechnologyAudience ActivityEducational / Informative