Driving Health with Humanity: Lisa Jennings on Inclusive Innovation and Sustainable Growth
Driving Health with Humanity: Lisa Jennings on Inclusive Innovation and Sustainable Growth
"It’s human health and planetary health at the same time—and how we don’t make it a win-lose equation, but a win-win."
Lisa Jennings has spent her career at the intersection of consumer brands, sustainability, and social impact. As Global Category Leader at Haleon, a leading consumer health company, she brings decades of leadership from Procter & Gamble and GSK, as well as a deep belief in the potential of business to drive meaningful change.
In this ChangeLeaders conversation as part of our Earth Day series, Lisa reflects on her journey through the beauty and healthcare sectors, the lessons learned from unexpected challenges, and the role of inclusive innovation in making health more accessible and sustainable for all.
A Career Rooted in Purpose and Curiosity
Lisa's path began with a degree in history from the University of Oxford, which she describes as "teaching you how to think, not what to think." This mindset, paired with an early career at Procter & Gamble, shaped her human-centric approach to business. From her first roles in beauty, she saw how consumer brands could influence not only behaviour but wellbeing.
"Beauty is often seen as frivolous," she says, "but it’s where consumers started asking early questions about ethics, supply chains, and sustainability."
It was while leading the Head & Shoulders brand that Lisa had what she calls a "pivotal moment". A Greenpeace campaign drew attention to environmental concerns linked to supply chains, triggering a deeper exploration into the company’s practices. Rather than reacting defensively, Lisa leaned in, using the experience to push for more transparency and sustainability.
"That moment made me realise there were more questions I needed to ask as a business leader. It was a turning point."
Merging Business, Sustainability and Wellbeing
After decades in beauty, Lisa transitioned into healthcare, taking on leadership roles at GSK and eventually Haleon. The move was both strategic and personal. Having experienced chronic pain following an accident, she was drawn to the opportunity to improve access to pain relief and self-care.
Haleon, formed as a spin-off from GSK, is focused on over-the-counter health products, from Panadol to Sensodyne. Its purpose - "delivering everyday health with humanity" - aligns closely with Lisa's belief in putting people first.
"We're seeing the rise of self-treatable healthcare," she explains. "Giving people the tools and knowledge to manage their own health, especially in parts of the world where access to doctors is limited, is an essential step toward equity."
Driving Health Inclusivity with AI
One of Lisa's most recent focus areas has been health inclusivity - ensuring that health information is accessible, understandable, and representative. Under her leadership, Haleon has rolled out a new Health Inclusivity Index, combining accessibility standards, inclusive representation, and literacy best practices.
The breakthrough? Leveraging AI to audit health communications at scale and ensure they are written at a reading age of nine. It sounds simple, but as Lisa points out, it makes communications more inclusive and more memorable.
"We’re using AI not for the sake of tech, but to empower better communication. It means more people understand their treatment, remember the guidance, and act on it."
This approach, she argues, is a clear example of how business goals and impact goals can align.
Lessons in Leadership: Brand Purpose and Systems Change
Lisa believes that brands have a powerful role to play in driving societal change, especially when they align their sustainability goals with their core purpose. As she puts it, "If your brand stands for 'no flakes,' like Head & Shoulders, then it should also strive to 'leave no trace' on the planet." This thinking inspired a pioneering partnership with TerraCycle and other collaborators, which turned beach-collected plastic waste into shampoo bottles—an initiative that earned global recognition and helped reimagine the value of discarded materials.
Lisa and her team’s commitment to purpose-led innovation earned them a UN Momentum for Change Award for a pioneering project with TerraCycle. Together, they developed recyclable FMCG packaging made from ocean-bound plastic collected from beaches—plastic that might otherwise have been incinerated or sent to landfill. “It was a small start,” Lisa reflects, “but it proved that with creativity and the right partners, waste can be transformed into value.”
She acknowledges that businesses must balance purpose with profit. "We're not charities. But the intersection of doing what’s right for people, the planet, and your business is where real progress happens."
Trends to Watch: From Global to Local and Inclusive by Design
Lisa notes that sustainability strategies must evolve alongside global complexity. One key shift she sees is a move from "global-first" to more localised approaches. "We're realising that global solutions don’t always fit local realities. We need to meet people where they are."
She also sees increasing demand for cross-industry collaboration, whether on health equity or the circular economy. "One company alone can't transform a plastic supply chain. But together, industries can redesign systems."
Her advice to companies: start by asking what your brand truly stands for. Then, align your sustainability strategy to that purpose and empower your teams to lead the change.
Final Reflections: Making the Impossible Possible
As someone who once felt unprepared for the complexities of sustainability, Lisa is a firm believer in learning by doing—and in the power of optimism.
"If you give up, why are we here? History shows us change is always possible. Sometimes it takes a crisis. Sometimes it just takes asking the right question."
And when those questions lead to actionable insight, the potential for transformation is immense.
—
About We Make Change
If you'd like to have a greater impact, find out how We Make Change makes impact easy for individuals and teams across the world.
This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.
Interview & Article: James Sancto & Laura De Alba
"It’s human health and planetary health at the same time—and how we don’t make it a win-lose equation, but a win-win."
Lisa Jennings has spent her career at the intersection of consumer brands, sustainability, and social impact. As Global Category Leader at Haleon, a leading consumer health company, she brings decades of leadership from Procter & Gamble and GSK, as well as a deep belief in the potential of business to drive meaningful change.
In this ChangeLeaders conversation as part of our Earth Day series, Lisa reflects on her journey through the beauty and healthcare sectors, the lessons learned from unexpected challenges, and the role of inclusive innovation in making health more accessible and sustainable for all.
A Career Rooted in Purpose and Curiosity
Lisa's path began with a degree in history from the University of Oxford, which she describes as "teaching you how to think, not what to think." This mindset, paired with an early career at Procter & Gamble, shaped her human-centric approach to business. From her first roles in beauty, she saw how consumer brands could influence not only behaviour but wellbeing.
"Beauty is often seen as frivolous," she says, "but it’s where consumers started asking early questions about ethics, supply chains, and sustainability."
It was while leading the Head & Shoulders brand that Lisa had what she calls a "pivotal moment". A Greenpeace campaign drew attention to environmental concerns linked to supply chains, triggering a deeper exploration into the company’s practices. Rather than reacting defensively, Lisa leaned in, using the experience to push for more transparency and sustainability.
"That moment made me realise there were more questions I needed to ask as a business leader. It was a turning point."
Merging Business, Sustainability and Wellbeing
After decades in beauty, Lisa transitioned into healthcare, taking on leadership roles at GSK and eventually Haleon. The move was both strategic and personal. Having experienced chronic pain following an accident, she was drawn to the opportunity to improve access to pain relief and self-care.
Haleon, formed as a spin-off from GSK, is focused on over-the-counter health products, from Panadol to Sensodyne. Its purpose - "delivering everyday health with humanity" - aligns closely with Lisa's belief in putting people first.
"We're seeing the rise of self-treatable healthcare," she explains. "Giving people the tools and knowledge to manage their own health, especially in parts of the world where access to doctors is limited, is an essential step toward equity."
Driving Health Inclusivity with AI
One of Lisa's most recent focus areas has been health inclusivity - ensuring that health information is accessible, understandable, and representative. Under her leadership, Haleon has rolled out a new Health Inclusivity Index, combining accessibility standards, inclusive representation, and literacy best practices.
The breakthrough? Leveraging AI to audit health communications at scale and ensure they are written at a reading age of nine. It sounds simple, but as Lisa points out, it makes communications more inclusive and more memorable.
"We’re using AI not for the sake of tech, but to empower better communication. It means more people understand their treatment, remember the guidance, and act on it."
This approach, she argues, is a clear example of how business goals and impact goals can align.
Lessons in Leadership: Brand Purpose and Systems Change
Lisa believes that brands have a powerful role to play in driving societal change, especially when they align their sustainability goals with their core purpose. As she puts it, "If your brand stands for 'no flakes,' like Head & Shoulders, then it should also strive to 'leave no trace' on the planet." This thinking inspired a pioneering partnership with TerraCycle and other collaborators, which turned beach-collected plastic waste into shampoo bottles—an initiative that earned global recognition and helped reimagine the value of discarded materials.
Lisa and her team’s commitment to purpose-led innovation earned them a UN Momentum for Change Award for a pioneering project with TerraCycle. Together, they developed recyclable FMCG packaging made from ocean-bound plastic collected from beaches—plastic that might otherwise have been incinerated or sent to landfill. “It was a small start,” Lisa reflects, “but it proved that with creativity and the right partners, waste can be transformed into value.”
She acknowledges that businesses must balance purpose with profit. "We're not charities. But the intersection of doing what’s right for people, the planet, and your business is where real progress happens."
Trends to Watch: From Global to Local and Inclusive by Design
Lisa notes that sustainability strategies must evolve alongside global complexity. One key shift she sees is a move from "global-first" to more localised approaches. "We're realising that global solutions don’t always fit local realities. We need to meet people where they are."
She also sees increasing demand for cross-industry collaboration, whether on health equity or the circular economy. "One company alone can't transform a plastic supply chain. But together, industries can redesign systems."
Her advice to companies: start by asking what your brand truly stands for. Then, align your sustainability strategy to that purpose and empower your teams to lead the change.
Final Reflections: Making the Impossible Possible
As someone who once felt unprepared for the complexities of sustainability, Lisa is a firm believer in learning by doing—and in the power of optimism.
"If you give up, why are we here? History shows us change is always possible. Sometimes it takes a crisis. Sometimes it just takes asking the right question."
And when those questions lead to actionable insight, the potential for transformation is immense.
—
About We Make Change
If you'd like to have a greater impact, find out how We Make Change makes impact easy for individuals and teams across the world.
This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.
Interview & Article: James Sancto & Laura De Alba
"It’s human health and planetary health at the same time—and how we don’t make it a win-lose equation, but a win-win."
Lisa Jennings has spent her career at the intersection of consumer brands, sustainability, and social impact. As Global Category Leader at Haleon, a leading consumer health company, she brings decades of leadership from Procter & Gamble and GSK, as well as a deep belief in the potential of business to drive meaningful change.
In this ChangeLeaders conversation as part of our Earth Day series, Lisa reflects on her journey through the beauty and healthcare sectors, the lessons learned from unexpected challenges, and the role of inclusive innovation in making health more accessible and sustainable for all.
A Career Rooted in Purpose and Curiosity
Lisa's path began with a degree in history from the University of Oxford, which she describes as "teaching you how to think, not what to think." This mindset, paired with an early career at Procter & Gamble, shaped her human-centric approach to business. From her first roles in beauty, she saw how consumer brands could influence not only behaviour but wellbeing.
"Beauty is often seen as frivolous," she says, "but it’s where consumers started asking early questions about ethics, supply chains, and sustainability."
It was while leading the Head & Shoulders brand that Lisa had what she calls a "pivotal moment". A Greenpeace campaign drew attention to environmental concerns linked to supply chains, triggering a deeper exploration into the company’s practices. Rather than reacting defensively, Lisa leaned in, using the experience to push for more transparency and sustainability.
"That moment made me realise there were more questions I needed to ask as a business leader. It was a turning point."
Merging Business, Sustainability and Wellbeing
After decades in beauty, Lisa transitioned into healthcare, taking on leadership roles at GSK and eventually Haleon. The move was both strategic and personal. Having experienced chronic pain following an accident, she was drawn to the opportunity to improve access to pain relief and self-care.
Haleon, formed as a spin-off from GSK, is focused on over-the-counter health products, from Panadol to Sensodyne. Its purpose - "delivering everyday health with humanity" - aligns closely with Lisa's belief in putting people first.
"We're seeing the rise of self-treatable healthcare," she explains. "Giving people the tools and knowledge to manage their own health, especially in parts of the world where access to doctors is limited, is an essential step toward equity."
Driving Health Inclusivity with AI
One of Lisa's most recent focus areas has been health inclusivity - ensuring that health information is accessible, understandable, and representative. Under her leadership, Haleon has rolled out a new Health Inclusivity Index, combining accessibility standards, inclusive representation, and literacy best practices.
The breakthrough? Leveraging AI to audit health communications at scale and ensure they are written at a reading age of nine. It sounds simple, but as Lisa points out, it makes communications more inclusive and more memorable.
"We’re using AI not for the sake of tech, but to empower better communication. It means more people understand their treatment, remember the guidance, and act on it."
This approach, she argues, is a clear example of how business goals and impact goals can align.
Lessons in Leadership: Brand Purpose and Systems Change
Lisa believes that brands have a powerful role to play in driving societal change, especially when they align their sustainability goals with their core purpose. As she puts it, "If your brand stands for 'no flakes,' like Head & Shoulders, then it should also strive to 'leave no trace' on the planet." This thinking inspired a pioneering partnership with TerraCycle and other collaborators, which turned beach-collected plastic waste into shampoo bottles—an initiative that earned global recognition and helped reimagine the value of discarded materials.
Lisa and her team’s commitment to purpose-led innovation earned them a UN Momentum for Change Award for a pioneering project with TerraCycle. Together, they developed recyclable FMCG packaging made from ocean-bound plastic collected from beaches—plastic that might otherwise have been incinerated or sent to landfill. “It was a small start,” Lisa reflects, “but it proved that with creativity and the right partners, waste can be transformed into value.”
She acknowledges that businesses must balance purpose with profit. "We're not charities. But the intersection of doing what’s right for people, the planet, and your business is where real progress happens."
Trends to Watch: From Global to Local and Inclusive by Design
Lisa notes that sustainability strategies must evolve alongside global complexity. One key shift she sees is a move from "global-first" to more localised approaches. "We're realising that global solutions don’t always fit local realities. We need to meet people where they are."
She also sees increasing demand for cross-industry collaboration, whether on health equity or the circular economy. "One company alone can't transform a plastic supply chain. But together, industries can redesign systems."
Her advice to companies: start by asking what your brand truly stands for. Then, align your sustainability strategy to that purpose and empower your teams to lead the change.
Final Reflections: Making the Impossible Possible
As someone who once felt unprepared for the complexities of sustainability, Lisa is a firm believer in learning by doing—and in the power of optimism.
"If you give up, why are we here? History shows us change is always possible. Sometimes it takes a crisis. Sometimes it just takes asking the right question."
And when those questions lead to actionable insight, the potential for transformation is immense.
—
About We Make Change
If you'd like to have a greater impact, find out how We Make Change makes impact easy for individuals and teams across the world.
This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.
Interview & Article: James Sancto & Laura De Alba
"It’s human health and planetary health at the same time—and how we don’t make it a win-lose equation, but a win-win."
Lisa Jennings has spent her career at the intersection of consumer brands, sustainability, and social impact. As Global Category Leader at Haleon, a leading consumer health company, she brings decades of leadership from Procter & Gamble and GSK, as well as a deep belief in the potential of business to drive meaningful change.
In this ChangeLeaders conversation as part of our Earth Day series, Lisa reflects on her journey through the beauty and healthcare sectors, the lessons learned from unexpected challenges, and the role of inclusive innovation in making health more accessible and sustainable for all.
A Career Rooted in Purpose and Curiosity
Lisa's path began with a degree in history from the University of Oxford, which she describes as "teaching you how to think, not what to think." This mindset, paired with an early career at Procter & Gamble, shaped her human-centric approach to business. From her first roles in beauty, she saw how consumer brands could influence not only behaviour but wellbeing.
"Beauty is often seen as frivolous," she says, "but it’s where consumers started asking early questions about ethics, supply chains, and sustainability."
It was while leading the Head & Shoulders brand that Lisa had what she calls a "pivotal moment". A Greenpeace campaign drew attention to environmental concerns linked to supply chains, triggering a deeper exploration into the company’s practices. Rather than reacting defensively, Lisa leaned in, using the experience to push for more transparency and sustainability.
"That moment made me realise there were more questions I needed to ask as a business leader. It was a turning point."
Merging Business, Sustainability and Wellbeing
After decades in beauty, Lisa transitioned into healthcare, taking on leadership roles at GSK and eventually Haleon. The move was both strategic and personal. Having experienced chronic pain following an accident, she was drawn to the opportunity to improve access to pain relief and self-care.
Haleon, formed as a spin-off from GSK, is focused on over-the-counter health products, from Panadol to Sensodyne. Its purpose - "delivering everyday health with humanity" - aligns closely with Lisa's belief in putting people first.
"We're seeing the rise of self-treatable healthcare," she explains. "Giving people the tools and knowledge to manage their own health, especially in parts of the world where access to doctors is limited, is an essential step toward equity."
Driving Health Inclusivity with AI
One of Lisa's most recent focus areas has been health inclusivity - ensuring that health information is accessible, understandable, and representative. Under her leadership, Haleon has rolled out a new Health Inclusivity Index, combining accessibility standards, inclusive representation, and literacy best practices.
The breakthrough? Leveraging AI to audit health communications at scale and ensure they are written at a reading age of nine. It sounds simple, but as Lisa points out, it makes communications more inclusive and more memorable.
"We’re using AI not for the sake of tech, but to empower better communication. It means more people understand their treatment, remember the guidance, and act on it."
This approach, she argues, is a clear example of how business goals and impact goals can align.
Lessons in Leadership: Brand Purpose and Systems Change
Lisa believes that brands have a powerful role to play in driving societal change, especially when they align their sustainability goals with their core purpose. As she puts it, "If your brand stands for 'no flakes,' like Head & Shoulders, then it should also strive to 'leave no trace' on the planet." This thinking inspired a pioneering partnership with TerraCycle and other collaborators, which turned beach-collected plastic waste into shampoo bottles—an initiative that earned global recognition and helped reimagine the value of discarded materials.
Lisa and her team’s commitment to purpose-led innovation earned them a UN Momentum for Change Award for a pioneering project with TerraCycle. Together, they developed recyclable FMCG packaging made from ocean-bound plastic collected from beaches—plastic that might otherwise have been incinerated or sent to landfill. “It was a small start,” Lisa reflects, “but it proved that with creativity and the right partners, waste can be transformed into value.”
She acknowledges that businesses must balance purpose with profit. "We're not charities. But the intersection of doing what’s right for people, the planet, and your business is where real progress happens."
Trends to Watch: From Global to Local and Inclusive by Design
Lisa notes that sustainability strategies must evolve alongside global complexity. One key shift she sees is a move from "global-first" to more localised approaches. "We're realising that global solutions don’t always fit local realities. We need to meet people where they are."
She also sees increasing demand for cross-industry collaboration, whether on health equity or the circular economy. "One company alone can't transform a plastic supply chain. But together, industries can redesign systems."
Her advice to companies: start by asking what your brand truly stands for. Then, align your sustainability strategy to that purpose and empower your teams to lead the change.
Final Reflections: Making the Impossible Possible
As someone who once felt unprepared for the complexities of sustainability, Lisa is a firm believer in learning by doing—and in the power of optimism.
"If you give up, why are we here? History shows us change is always possible. Sometimes it takes a crisis. Sometimes it just takes asking the right question."
And when those questions lead to actionable insight, the potential for transformation is immense.
—
About We Make Change
If you'd like to have a greater impact, find out how We Make Change makes impact easy for individuals and teams across the world.
This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.
Interview & Article: James Sancto & Laura De Alba
Driving Health with Humanity: Lisa Jennings on Inclusive Innovation and Sustainable Growth
Discover how Haleon’s Lisa Jennings is driving inclusive health innovation through AI, sustainability, and purpose-led leadership—proving that better health for people and planet can go hand in hand.
Driving Health with Humanity: Lisa Jennings on Inclusive Innovation and Sustainable Growth
Discover how Haleon’s Lisa Jennings is driving inclusive health innovation through AI, sustainability, and purpose-led leadership—proving that better health for people and planet can go hand in hand.
Reimagining Waste and Community: Tessa Clarke on Building a People-Powered Circular Economy
Discover how Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder of Olio, is building a people-powered circular economy to tackle food waste, drive climate action, and reshape the role of business in society. Her journey shows how small actions can create global change.
Reimagining Waste and Community: Tessa Clarke on Building a People-Powered Circular Economy
Discover how Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder of Olio, is building a people-powered circular economy to tackle food waste, drive climate action, and reshape the role of business in society. Her journey shows how small actions can create global change.
Reimagining Change: Ben Keene on Community and the Power of Startups
From Fijian eco-villages to climate tech platforms, Ben Keene has spent 20 years building bold ventures rooted in community. In this inspiring Earth Day interview, he shares lessons on why startups matter, how real change happens, and the five essentials for building impactful communities.
Reimagining Change: Ben Keene on Community and the Power of Startups
From Fijian eco-villages to climate tech platforms, Ben Keene has spent 20 years building bold ventures rooted in community. In this inspiring Earth Day interview, he shares lessons on why startups matter, how real change happens, and the five essentials for building impactful communities.
Driving Health with Humanity: Lisa Jennings on Inclusive Innovation and Sustainable Growth
Discover how Haleon’s Lisa Jennings is driving inclusive health innovation through AI, sustainability, and purpose-led leadership—proving that better health for people and planet can go hand in hand.
Reimagining Waste and Community: Tessa Clarke on Building a People-Powered Circular Economy
Discover how Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder of Olio, is building a people-powered circular economy to tackle food waste, drive climate action, and reshape the role of business in society. Her journey shows how small actions can create global change.
Reimagining Change: Ben Keene on Community and the Power of Startups
From Fijian eco-villages to climate tech platforms, Ben Keene has spent 20 years building bold ventures rooted in community. In this inspiring Earth Day interview, he shares lessons on why startups matter, how real change happens, and the five essentials for building impactful communities.
Regenerative Sourcing at Scale: Seth Malley on Walmart’s Global Food Strategy
Discover how Walmart is rethinking food sourcing at scale with Seth Malley, Senior Vice President of Food Sourcing at Walmar. Learn how the retail giant is tackling food waste, boosting sustainability, and using technology to build resilient, transparent global supply chains.
Driving Health with Humanity: Lisa Jennings on Inclusive Innovation and Sustainable Growth
Discover how Haleon’s Lisa Jennings is driving inclusive health innovation through AI, sustainability, and purpose-led leadership—proving that better health for people and planet can go hand in hand.
Reimagining Waste and Community: Tessa Clarke on Building a People-Powered Circular Economy
Discover how Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder of Olio, is building a people-powered circular economy to tackle food waste, drive climate action, and reshape the role of business in society. Her journey shows how small actions can create global change.
Reimagining Change: Ben Keene on Community and the Power of Startups
From Fijian eco-villages to climate tech platforms, Ben Keene has spent 20 years building bold ventures rooted in community. In this inspiring Earth Day interview, he shares lessons on why startups matter, how real change happens, and the five essentials for building impactful communities.
Regenerative Sourcing at Scale: Seth Malley on Walmart’s Global Food Strategy
Discover how Walmart is rethinking food sourcing at scale with Seth Malley, Senior Vice President of Food Sourcing at Walmar. Learn how the retail giant is tackling food waste, boosting sustainability, and using technology to build resilient, transparent global supply chains.
Volunteer remotely with top impact startups matching your causes, skills, and schedule.
© We Make Change, 2025.
Volunteer remotely with top impact startups matching your causes, skills, and schedule.
© We Make Change, 2025.
Volunteer remotely with top impact startups matching your causes, skills, and schedule.
© We Make Change, 2025.
Volunteer remotely with top impact startups matching your causes, skills, and schedule.
© We Make Change, 2025.