2 Minutes With ... June Carnegie, CCO at Calcium + Company

June Carnegie, CCO at Calcium + Company, has more than 20 years of industry experience that spans professional, direct-to-patient, medical education and managed market communications. She has motivated and mentored multiple agency teams to produce award-winning work in numerous therapeutic categories—such as SSRIs, cardiology, hematology, immunology, vaccines, women’s health and rare disease. June has led high-profile launches including Advair Diskus, Botox Cosmetic and Crestor. Her experience is rounded out with several OTC brands that included Aleve, Bayer Aspirin, Flintstones Vitamins and Citracal. 

We spent two minutes with June to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.

June, tell us…

Where you grew up, and where you live now. 

Grew up in Sayreville, New Jersey, raised my family in Chelsea, NYC, now in my heart place—New Orleans.

How you first got interested in health.

I started my own design business and took on a couple of annual reports for two hospital networks. I learned young how data could be designed to show whatever you really want it to convey.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on, and why.

Drive4COPD, which introduced me to NASCAR! I loved the ballsiness to drive respiratory disease recognition in a sport that used to be called The Winston Cup—a tobacco sponsored sport. To this day, I still make tight LEFT turns!

A recent project you’re proud of.

I Don’t Have A Box. Just this year, Calcium launched an important initiative that highlights the racial and ethnic shortcomings in our health data collection systems. I Don’t Have A Box drives conversation and education around the “race box” and how it limits self-identification for multiethnic and multiracial persons. The campaign’s objective is to advocate for the expansion of the demographic capture and ultimately legislative change. I’m so proud to be part of a company investing time and energy in this conversation. #idhab

One thing about how health is evolving that you’re excited about.

The reach and inclusion of health—in healthcare, lifestyle, retail and community service. Connecting treatments that consider whole-person health, integrating all facets of a patient’s physical, mental and emotional health.

Someone else’s work, in health or beyond, that you admired lately.

Anything and everything my good friend Nick Capanear puts out.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

It’s carnival season—I people watch! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

I have a deep connection to all things New Orleans, from Tennessee Williams to Professor Longhair to so many graffiti artists. I’m so impressed by the importance and culture that surrounds our big brass sounds—how Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste have taken it from the streets to mainstream without missing a beat.

Your favorite fictional character.

Hands down, Bill Parrish—Anthony Hopkins’ character in Meet Joe Black. He is wise and caring, a billionaire with a good heart. A man who sees the beauty that life has to offer and importantly faces death graciously and with no regrets. 

“Love is passion, obsession, someone you can’t live without. I say, fall head over heels. Find someone you can love like crazy and who will love you the same way back. ‘Cause the truth is, honey, there’s no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love, well, you haven’t lived a life at all. But you have to try, ’cause if you haven’t tried, you haven’t lived.”—Bill Parrish.

I also have a one candle wish—to sing with rapture and dance like a dervish.

Someone worth following in social media.

Oh, I can’t answer this. I absolutely love the variety of vast subjects and personalities—I’m a bit of a rabbit-holer. I go far, I go deep. Whichever way the wind takes me today.

Your main strength as a marketer/creative.

The thirst for new ways of communicating—new technology, new platforms—being open to everything from skywriting to AR and VR.

Your biggest weakness.

Bourbon neat.

One thing that always makes you happy.

Boring—the unconditional love of my dogs, the feel of fur under my fingers—but it’s true.

One thing that always makes you sad.

Seeing anyone’s wings clipped, spirits tamped, potential diminished.

Something people would find surprising about you.

I don’t drive.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in health.

Hard to see myself outside of health. Likely find me sitting at the end of the bar, bourbon neat in my hand—listening, laughing, connecting and encouraging. So still health!