In this episode of Introvert Ally, Jennifer Kahnweiler speaks with Gwen, a scientist and leadership innovator who shares her transformation from a shy high schooler to earning a PhD in Biology at MIT. Gwen discusses introverts' unique strengths in technical fields and how leadership plays a critical role in successful science and technology teams.
Gwen emphasizes that while introverts may feel more comfortable with technical discussions, leadership requires stretching into more emotional and interpersonal territory. She introduces an AI-powered conversation tool designed to help managers improve their leadership and communication skills through realistic simulations and feedback.
Key Themes and Highlights
🔬 Introverts in STEM
Gwen reflects on her early introversion and how she gradually built confidence by asking questions.

She notes that many scientists and engineers thrive in technical conversations but may feel drained by emotional or non-technical interactions.

📢 Why Leadership Matters in Tech
Gwen and Jennifer discuss the critical role of communication and collaboration in science and technology innovation.

Gwen cites research showing that their direct manager shapes 70% of an employee’s experience.

🤖 AI Tools for Leadership Development
Gwen introduces an AI-driven tool that allows leaders to simulate real-time employee conversations.

The tool gives feedback on both the content and tone of responses, helping leaders grow in confidence and effectiveness—ideal for introverts who value preparation.

🌱 The Future of Leadership Training
Gwen sees great potential in AI tools that provide safe practice spaces for leaders, similar to how athletes train before a game.

She highlights how these tools support both introverts and extroverts in honing critical soft skills.

This episode reminds us that great leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about listening, practicing, and continuously learning. Gwen’s story reinforces how introverted strengths like deep thinking and careful communication can be amplified through tools like AI. Her perspective encourages organizations to support quieter leaders by giving them the resources and space to grow into their full leadership potential.

Gwen Acton, PhD, is an expert at the intersection of science and business. She is CEO of Vivo Group, where she helps life science and tech companies boost innovation and productivity through strategic leadership development. Dr. Acton earned her PhD in biology from M.I.T., where she trained in a Nobel Prize-winning lab, and later taught at Harvard University. She authoredThe Bluffer’s Guide to Genetics and has written extensively for outlets like NPR, the Associated Press, and Technology Review. Her latest book is Leadership for Scientists and Engineers: Transforming Brilliant Technical Experts Into Great Managers (2025), a practical guide for technical professionals stepping into leadership roles. She also wrote The Bluffer’s Guide to Genetics and has contributed to outlets like NPR, the Associated Press, and Technology Review. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Dr. Acton is a sought-after speaker known for making complex science accessible and actionable.

Resources
Check out Gwen’s new book! Leadership for Scientists and Engineers

Reach her on LinkedIn

This week's guest is Jennifer L. Fitzpatrick, CSP, who discusses the importance of recognizing and accommodating introverts in healthcare settings. Her company works with healthcare and senior living organizations to improve patient and family caregiver experiences, recruitment, and retention

Take Breaks and Be Flexible

• The impact of burnout, particularly post-COVID, and the necessity for healthcare leaders to provide breaks to retain employees.

• Some in hospitals mention resorting to going to their cars or chapels for privacy, highlighting the lack of suitable break spaces in healthcare settings.

• Examples of positive changes include allowing mental health days and communicating clear role expectations.

• Healthcare leaders need to permit breaks to prevent burnout and improve overall performance.

• The importance of flexible work schedules and other accommodations to improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Patients and Providers are Teams

• The importance of patient advocacy suggests that patients complete reviews and politely request accommodations to enhance their healthcare experiences.

• Healthcare must be more open to disruption and change, emphasizing that treating employees well leads to better patient care and fewer complaints.

• Encourage patients to think of themselves as part of a team with their healthcare providers, working together for the best possible outcomes.

• Don’t make assumptions about people's introversion or extroversion; ask directly to understand their needs.

About the Guest:

Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP, is a respected speaker, consultant, and author with deep expertise in caregiving, aging, and healthcare education. She is the founder of Jenerations Health Education, Inc., and one of fewer than 800 professionals worldwide to hold the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. A former gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University, Jennifer brings a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience to her work.

She is the author of two impactful books—Reimagining Customer Service in Healthcare and Cruising Through Caregiving: Reducing the Stress of Caring for Your Loved One. Jennifer’s insights have been featured on ABC, CBS, SiriusXM, and in major outlets like Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Redbook, and Fast Company.

In addition to speaking and writing, she serves on several prominent boards, including Seth and Lauren Rogen’s nonprofit Hilarity for Charity (HFC), Salisbury University’s School of Health & Human Services, and Lifespan’s Beacon Institute.

In this week’s episode, Jennifer Kahnweiler speaks with renowned business relationships strategist Andy Lopata about the intersection of networking, mentoring, and introversion. Together, they explore how introverts can harness their natural strengths—like listening and thoughtful reflection—to build powerful professional relationships.

Andy shares his journey into business networking, which began with a family business and evolved into a global platform for relationship-building and mentoring. Drawing from his newest book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, co-authored with Ruth Gotian, Andy offers insights on developing strategic mentoring relationships and how introverts can thrive in these settings.

The episode also touches on the role of authenticity in social media, the use of AI in professional development, and actionable tips for introverts looking to build meaningful networks.

• Andy's personal and professional journey in networking
  
  

• Strategic mentoring: principles and practical guidance
  
  

• The strengths introverts bring to networking and relationship-building
  
  

• Andy’s 24-7-30 follow-up method for building connections
  
  

• Navigating authenticity and consistency on LinkedIn
  
  

• Using AI for productivity and communication
  
  

• Finding your voice online—without obsessing over engagement metrics
  
  

Andy’s Book: The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring co-authored with Dr. Ruth Gotian

→ A practical guide for building and sustaining mentoring relationships with intention and impact.

Andy interviewing Jennifer on his podcast,

• Andy Lopata’s website: https://lopata.co.uk/
  
  

• 7 Reasons Not To Accept LinkedIn Connection Requests From Strangers

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

“Introverts often make the best networkers—not by working the room, but by listening, engaging deeply, and following up with intention.” – Andy Lopata

For nearly 25 years, Andy Lopata, a self-defined Ambivert, has specialized in professional relationships and networking. The Financial Times called him ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists,’ and the Independent and Forbes.com called him a true master of networking.

A very experienced international speaker and podcast host, Andy is the author of five books, has been quoted in a number of other business books, and is regularly quoted in the international press. Andy’s sixth book, ‘The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring’, will be published in spring 2024.

Andy is a former President of the Fellows Community, a two-time Board Member of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA), and a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute and a Member of the Meetings Industry Association and Association of Business Mentors. He is also among just 32 recipients of the PSA’s top honour, the ‘Award of Excellence’.