Testimonials
Recent Virtual Zoom Workshop Feedback
"The program for our senior leaders created tremendous value for our company"
CEO, Biotech Company
"I wanted to drop a note to let you know that I very much enjoyed the first session of the influential leadership training. For me it was practical and filled with important insights and reminders. I seriously faced things throughout the week that came up in the training. Also, while maybe not the primary intent, it was also a fun team builder. The group work connected me with other {company colleagues} (in the “groups” we were working together, laughing, etc.). At first I thought, why are we doing this training online? Then after, I realized that it was one of the best meetings and opportunity to connect with others that I’ve had in a LONG time! Thank you for investing here for the group.
Vice President, Life Science Company, in an email to the company CHR
"Gwen, sharing a glass door recommendation for [our company], very positive reference to your workshops"
Email from Head of People & Culture, Biotech Company
"I thought the topics were relevant and helpful. It is great that the organization has invested time and effort in order to provide support to the organization in developing and achieving goals. Well done!"
COO, Life Science Company
"I liked how interactive this was considering it was virtual. I am normally dreading interactive seminars due to being a little on the shy/introverted side but this boot camp was so helpful in helping me come out of my shell a bit. I felt this was very well set up considering the zoom format which can be challenging but it worked out well."
Lab Operations Manager, Life Science NonProfit
Virtual Zoom Program Participant Ratings
Examples of ratings from participant surveys conducted after virtual programs to assess virtually delivered content:
- Overall rating of the program content: 4.7 (out of 5) = 94%
- Overall rating of the instructor: 4.8 (out of 5) = 96%
- How relevant was the program to your career and work? 4.8 (out of 5) = 96%
- Would you recommend this program to others? 4.8 (out of 5) = 96%
- Likelihood that you will share some of what you learned with at least one person in the next two weeks? 84%
- Likelihood that you put what you learned into practice in the next two weeks? 92%
Virtual vs In-Person Ratings Case Study
A comparison of in-person vs. virtual delivery formats was conducted for a client. The same program with identical content was delivered both in person and virtually for the same company, to similar groups of employees. After both programs, participants were given identical feedback surveys by the client to assess the impact of the content.
RESULTS: Participant feedback was statistically indistinguishable between virtual and in-person delivery, and virtual delivery was rated higher in some aspects. Example: How valuable are the concepts in this session to you?
- In-Person: 5.7 (out of 6) = 95%
- Virtual: 5.8 (out of 6) = 97%
Other Feedback
"I've seen Gwen help a new working group clarify mission, build trust, and stay on task over the course of multiple meetings. As a facilitator Gwen can be task focused, while still making space for participants to express themselves. This group has been lucky to have her."
Jay Vogt, Founder of Peoplesworth
“Vivo Group did a terrific job helping us to better understand ‘soft’ issues at our company. We gained some valuable insights on our culture and how it impacts our productivity, as well as some useful tools that we can apply to improve our ROI now.”
Executive Director, Pfizer
"The morning event you facilitated was much more than I had expected – a broad range of really very interesting people with valuable specialties and an almost instantly created sense of group with the ability to speak comfortably and openly."
Gerry Sherman, Principal at NorthStar Management Partners, LLC
“Your talk was one of the best we've had and you did a great job of engaging the audience and sharing a lot of interesting and substantive content!”
Jennifer von Briesen, President, Association for Strategic Planning (ASP), Boston Chapter
Gwen Acton is an engaging speaker who makes you feel like she is having a personal conversation with just you, even though she has the attention of an entire audience. She is knowledgeable about both the scientific and the business sides of the biotech industry, so she can speak effectively to both camps. Her insights can ultimately help your company and your career.”
Julie Schwedock, PhD, VP Programs, Association of MIT Alumnae (AMITA)
"An amazing presentation at our College Chapter director's training! The women there definitely appreciated the discussion about leadership and enjoyed speaking with you."
Connie Chow, PhD, Executive Director, Science Club for Girls
“Gwen uniquely combines her scientific background and experience with her great communication skills. She really knows exactly how to structure and deliver quality programs. Her exceptional attention to detail and her warm and easy personality just adds another dimension to her attributes.”
Shelley Amster, Executive Director, New England Women in Science Executives (WISE) Club
“Gwen is one of those rare scientists who can be clear as day to non-scientists like myself, while being hilarious.”
Betsy Raymond Stevenson, President Raymond Stevenson Healthcare Communications
“I went to see Gwen Acton, CEO of Vivo Group speak last night at the MIT Women in Biotech Series talk on the Intersection of Science and Business. I find the topic fascinating (and the fact that Gwen is a great and lively speaker didn’t hurt) I absolutely agree with her definition of the differences in culture. And I think it is a great service to help others navigate these differences.”
Angela Bassa, Vice President, Kerdan Group