Wendy Lund isn’t just a powerhouse in healthcare marketing — she’s also a longtime family friend, thanks to her working alongside my sister Lisa years ago -- also in healthcare marketing -- then becoming neighbors and "besties." As a result, I also know Wendy is a longtime advocate for women's health, and is as passionate about promoting good information as she is about, well, her dog, Yogi!
Yogi
And that is one cute dog: spoiler alert in case you miss the video.
As Chief Client Officer of Health@WPP, former CEO of GCI Health, and former Chief Communications Officer at Organon, Wendy has been a force in transforming how we talk about — and invest in — women’s healthcare. In May 2025 she’s being honored with the Pinnacle Award by MM+M for her leadership and impact.
The Imperative for Information and Innovation around Women's Health - Health@WPP at SXSW
In yet another heartfelt, informative, and often funny conversation apropos Women's History Month, Wendy explains why Health@WPP believes wise innovation, factual and frequent information around women's healthcare is an imperative. Those are the pillars driving that progress — and why that’s not just good for society, but great for business.
🧠 Innovation: Women’s Health Is a Smart Investment
Wendy makes the case that women’s health should be seen as a business opportunity, not just a cause. From underdiagnosed conditions like menopause symptoms to overlooked opportunities in mobility, pain management, and nutrition, she shares how both pharma companies and mainstream brands can make a real difference — and a real impact.
She points to emerging tech, from CGMs for glucose management to smarter birth control options, and even a unique innovation from Ford Motor Company — a redesigned seatbelt for women post-mastectomy. Innovation, Wendy explains, must be fueled by insights and empathy.
“There are thousands of smaller innovations out there. The business community needs to see them not as one-offs, but as lasting solutions that can revolutionize care.”
📢 Information... and The Fight Against Misinformation
Wendy doesn’t shy away from the pitfalls of misinformation in healthcare — especially in a digital age. Or, as I like to say, "Paging Dr. Google!"
While social platforms have helped women access critical information, they’ve also opened the floodgates to false and harmful content.
Wendy shares how Health@WPP has partnered with platforms like NextDoor to connect neighbors and caregivers around trusted health information — particularly around cancer — and how listening to real people’s concerns is just as critical as broadcasting solutions.
“There’s a lot of information women aren’t aware of… We want to make sure they have what they need to take care of themselves — and each other.”
🚨 Imperative: Now Is the Time to Act
For Wendy, women’s health is personal — and urgent. She calls on companies in every industry, from QSR to automotive, to look for authentic ways to support women’s well-being. Whether it’s creating an inflammation-free menu, investing in reproductive health, or advocating through empathetic HR policies, the opportunity is real.
And yes, she also talks about the role of men as health allies — something that moved both of us deeply. From helping their wives track mammogram dates to sharing stories about caregiving, Wendy reminds us that men are essential to pushing this movement forward.
But companies are key, too. In fact, she says:
"Everybody has a role to play. We can’t afford to sit back. We have to push forward."
⏱ Key Highlights
[00:00:10] Meet Wendy ... and Yogi
[00:02:43] How Wendy’s early work at Planned Parenthood and NLN shaped her mission
[00:05:35] Why women’s health is smart business: overlooked innovation opportunities
[00:11:03] How Organon’s campaigns and podcast empowered real women’s voices
[00:16:06] Social media’s double-edged sword in health information