Women leaders from Taiwan, who exemplify tenacity, intellect, and creativity, have achieved notable advancements in a range of sectors. Wendy Wu is one of the most notable of them all as an example. Combining a deep cultural heritage from Taiwan with a global perspective from her many experiences, Wendy has become a leader to be reckoned with on the international scene. Presently holding the position of Managing Director of Phibro Animal Health, Wendy is committed to promoting innovation and expansion within the animal health industry in the Asia-Pacific area. She is leading efforts to promote sustainable farming methods and improve animal welfare through her strategic leadership and enthusiasm for developing veterinarian solutions. Engaging in an idiosyncrating interaction with The Global Woman Leader magazine, Wendy shares her strategies, leadership guidelines, and much more. Let’s delve into it.

What inspired your transition from human medical technology to the veterinary field, and how has your background influenced your approach to addressing health challenges in both realms?

Microbiology, public health, and disease diagnostics were the subjects I studied in the field of human medical technology during my academic career. Having grasped the necessary knowledge, I made the decision to go into animal health.

Despite being members of separate species, humans and animals are treated in remarkably similar ways. Through candid discussions and forums, I have personally seen the efficacy of veterinary and human care working together. Our ability to combat different animal diseases has improved as a result of this. It is my firm belief that through collaborative efforts, we can leverage the expertise, insights, and advancements in the field of human health to establish a healthy future for everybody.

Tell us about Phibro Animal Health. What are the key responsibilities you shoulder as the company’s Managing Director?

Based out of U.S., Phibro Animal Health company is among the top five animal health company with a strong presence in U.S., Canada, and Latin America. We strive to offer various solutions such as disease control, vaccines, medications, and nutritional products to optimize farm management. These are complemented by innovative technology to enhance profitability and sustainability of the food animal industry. This helps us achieve our mission to ensure reliable and safe sources of protein for human consumption. Phibro has set out on a mission to expand its reach geographically to Asia in 2020. Over the last four years, as the Managing Director of Southeast Asia region, I have been working on supporting the company’s mission for sustainable sourcing of animal protein for humans.

What is your current focus areas in terms of driving growth for Phibro Animal Health?

Phibro has had tremendous development over the past four years, despite global economic uncertainty and the pandemic. Our present goal is to use a variety of transformational projects to drive the company toward sustained growth. These initiatives will be concentrated on making the most use of available resources and opportunities in order to improve our company and accomplish our main objectives of sustainability, high-quality food, and animal welfare.

Tell us about the major challenges that you encountered as a business leader in today’s business climate? How did you overcome these roadblocks?

We have witnessed changes in the world economy due to the pandemic and geopolitical unrest. These have also had an adverse effect on the operations in the food animal and cattle industry.

"Innovation, Research & Collaboration Are The Only Way To Ensure Sustainability & Growth In Animal Health"

To navigate these challenges, I prioritize focus and alignment to the organization’s goals. Open communication becomes crucial because it guarantees that all stakeholders are aware of the outcomes to enhance the power of teamwork. Another important component is flexibility to modify plans in response to the changing conditions.

In your opinion, what have been the biggest milestones that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

Over the past 25 years, my career in the Asia Pacific region has been incredibly rewarding. I have been working as an ambassador, bridging the gap between Asia and other developed nations such as U.S. and Europe, by introducing cutting edge innovation and research to support the growth of the industry. Seeing how these developments have improved everything from farm management techniques to research projects is immensely satisfying.

Another important accomplishment is to closely witness the journey of my clients, from small scale farms to thriving businesses. Several of these clients, have not only grown their business but also established themselves in the international markets as exporters and are listed on stock markets.

Last but not the least, I am proud to have developed local talents for a variety of professional roles. Along with bolstering our sector, this also supports the APAC region’s growth and sustainability.

A business leader you admire and why: Kristin Peck, the CEO of Zoetis which is the number one animal health company in the world now, for her courage to take tough decisions on what should focus and what should not to do to drive business growth substantially over the last eight years.

Message for aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs: Be open for listening and learning instead of comments; be kind and respect to others, treat others how you want others to treat you. Set a good example for others by demonstrating your knowledge, professionalism, and sincere concern for people and the organization.

Wendy Wu, Managing Director, Phibro Animal Health

Wendy Wu is an accomplished professional with an MBA from International East and Western University and a degree in human medical technology from Yen Pei Medical University. She started working at Johnson & Johnson before switching to IDEXX's veterinary diagnostic division. Having worked in the field for more than 25 years, Wendy held important positions at Elanco and EW Group before joining Phibro Animal Health as Managing Director in 2021. Wendy is also serving as Vice President of Asian Animal Health Association currently to promote the fair trade and encourage science-based policymaking in supporting animal health industry in Asia.