Mark Bouzyk, Ph.D., is a prominent biotechnology executive and scientist with over three decades of experience leading breakthroughs in genomics, precision medicine, and digital health. He currently operates a boutique healthcare consultancy serving a select group of key clientele. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Bouzyk has held numerous influential executive and academic positions, consistently working to bridge the gap between pioneering laboratory research and real-world clinical applications.
Dr. Bouzyk co-founded and served as CSO of AKESOgen, Inc., a premier genomics and precision medicine company. Under his leadership, AKESOgen became an Inc. 500 fastest-growing firm, securing landmark contracts such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Million Veteran Program—one of the world’s largest genomic research efforts. The company was successfully acquired by Tempus AI in 2019.
Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Bouzyk spent six years as a faculty member in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University. During his tenure, he served as the Director of the Emory Biomarker Service Center and played a critical role in helping the Winship Cancer Institute achieve its first-ever National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation. His academic career followed nine years at GlaxoSmithKline, where he was the Director of Genetic Laboratory Sciences, leading the company’s genomics and pharmacogenomics initiatives across Europe.
Dr. Bouzyk’s extensive background also includes scientific positions at Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council’s WHO Influenza Laboratories. His professional interests and contributions span digital health, precision oncology, rare genetic disorders, and infectious disease. Beyond the laboratory, he is recognized for his commitment to global health equity, having helped establish the first major genetics laboratory in West Africa, and for his support of over 20 animal welfare organizations. Dr. Bouzyk earned his PhD in Human Molecular Genetics from the University of Hertfordshire.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day is highly structured into blocks: No work before 10 am. That’s family time, reflection, and meditation. Answer emails only twice a day – Mornings and late afternoons. Spend most of the day meeting people or talking on video. Face-to-face human interaction is always the best for business and beyond. I always keep an hour free for exercise of some sort. Evenings are protected family time!
How do you bring ideas to life?
I always seek the opinions of other professionals and clients in the field as to what their needs are for an outstanding product. This is especially true for understanding the needs of MDs.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Well, it has to be AI where we are seeing more and more examples of the power of this technology, particularly in healthcare, where patients are being diagnosed more effectively than humans, and the shift now is that the majority of physicians are using these tools to aid in various aspects of their practices. Of course, we have to ensure proper guardrails on the technologies and regulatory oversight.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A good night’s sleep. I believe sleep is the most underrated activity for a well-functioning person. I am fortunate that I can get an average of 8-9 hours of sleep per night.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have more confidence in yourself. It’s amazing what I knew then and did not realize the importance of the knowledge and the unique skills I had at that time. Also, talk to as many older professionals and seek mentorship from them wherever and whenever possible.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That Wales was the greatest rugby team in the world in the Seventies (and still is now)!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Find a hobby or pastime that is totally different from your professional life and practice it as often as possible. I am a scientist, and I love to paint and draw as much as possible.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I meditate. I used to think meditation was hard to do, but one teacher showed me there are countless ways, times, places, and positions to meditate -and everyone can find their own ‘personal’ way to practice. Meditation certainly clears my mind and helps me to focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Be persistent and resilient in everything you do. It really pays off. You have to do this simply by working hard, through the ups and downs of your journey to your end goal. You will also always get recognized.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I lost a large contract for our company. I thought I could win it by myself, but realized I needed other people on the team who had different perspectives, opinions, and approaches, which would have likely made a big difference in obtaining the business.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Ensuring that the idea is properly modeled with a well-written business and marketing plan. Thinking of a commercial strategy for your business soonest will always be advantageous – even if it means pivoting from time to time. I have never known any start-up businesses that have not pivoted at some time in their evolution.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use ‘Slack’ to communicate with others both internally and externally. It is a fast and reliable mode of communication with clients, other professionals, and family! You can never communicate enough!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?/
Oh, that has to be a Keurig coffee machine. So simple to use and the tea and coffee in the mornings keep me going for the rest of the day.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
That has to be ‘Deep Work’, by Cal Newport. It is an amazing book to help you be more productive in your life, avoid distractions, and help with creativity.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I love rewatching the ‘Spaghetti Westerns’, which are a series of movies back in the Sixties starring Clint Eastwood. They are all gritty movies that teach you a lot, especially about supporting the underdog!
Key learnings
- People are your best asset when it comes to business or otherwise. Always treat your fellow colleagues with the utmost respect and be humble. You will learn a lot from them.
- Ensure you time-manage as best you can. Especially so with the ‘work and family’ balance. Ultimately, it is your family who will be grateful.
- Move!-at all stages in life, exercise is key to thriving and being your best self. The older you get, the more important it is to pursue an active lifestyle.