Jon’s Unexpected Journey: From Shakespeare to Biotech CEO

Wondering how someone might go from analyzing Shakespeare to leading a biotech incubator? MBA alum Jon Weaver has had anything but a “predictable” career path. His story shows how sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most incredible destinations.

It all started at Assumption, where Jon Weaver, an undergraduate English major, took a leap of faith and ran for student government president. “In retrospect, [I] had no idea the impact it would have on the rest of my career and life,” he admits. After winning the election, Jon got very involved with making connections between the campus and the community.

This community-orientation is how he ended up meeting with a local nonprofit called the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC). Here, he got a taste for real estate and economic development. “I was just kind of fascinated by what they did and [it was] certainly not something I’d ever really thought of or considered,” Jon recalls. He found the work “fascinating,” and it sparked a whole new direction.

But Jon knew he needed more than his English major could offer in the world of real estate. So after graduation, he returned to Assumption for his MBA, seeking a deeper understanding of finance. “[I] really needed to have a deeper knowledge of real estate, doing financial projections, being able to put together pro formas,” he explains.

Assumption let him design his own independent study with faculty member Professor Roy Angel, focusing on real estate development and finance.”It was one of the most impactful and important classes I ever took along the pathway. Assumption offered me that flexibility. They also had this great alum who was still connected with the university who was willing to take that journey with me. It was a pretty critical experience that I don’t know if I could have received anywhere but Assumption.”

Fast forward a bit, and Jon is now the President and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI). MBI is the longest-running life sciences incubator in Massachusetts. Since 2000, it has helped launch over 188 companies, creating 1,800 jobs generating an economic impact exceeding $2 billion. Jon emphasizes that his education at Assumption prepared him for a lifetime of learning. “Going to a more technical university might have given me the perfect key to open one set of doors. But I really think my liberal arts education gave me the keys to open a whole host of doors.”

Jon’s journey is a testament to the power of building community and taking risks. He led a major expansion at MBI, tripling the size of the organization and boosting the Worcester community. He also dedicates time to engaging young people in biotech, noting, “it was a moment like that where I was exposed to something at Assumption that I was totally unfamiliar with that sparked my whole shift in life.”

Jon’s story is a reminder that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. His journey from English major to biotech leader shows us that curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to take a chance can lead to incredible opportunities.