Conscious Design Podcast™

How are AI and fractional leadership reshaping the future of work? 🚀 Host Ian Peterman sits down with Execnow founders Kahlil Dumas & Colin Smith to explore how they’re disrupting executive search, solving culture challenges in startups, and redefining leadership in 2025.

💬 Do you believe AI will actually fix hiring, or just make the problems worse? Let us know below!

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional executive search firms are broken

• The risks of relying on AI in recruitment

• Startup culture mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Change management strategies that actually work

• The rise of fractional leadership vs. consulting

• How to hire and integrate leaders for long-term success

⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:

00:59 The Origin Story of Execnow

02:08 Disrupting Executive Search

04:38 Challenges in Talent Acquisition

07:44 The Role of AI in Recruitment

09:29 The Importance of Change Management

14:18 Integrating New Employees

23:32 The Culture Challenge in Startups

26:23 Innovative Design Teams

27:40 Breaking Down Echo Chambers

29:59 Challenges in Traditional Corporate Structures

34:18 The Rise of Fractional Work

36:21 Benefits and Misconceptions of Fractional Work

38:29 Implementing Fractional Leadership

39:11 Fractional Work vs. Consulting

43:24 Future Trends in Fractional Work

About Kahlil Dumas, Colin Smith, & Execnow

Execnow is a next-generation talent partner that helps companies rapidly find and hire top performers. Their new platform, ExecnowOS, enables businesses to instantly identify and connect with top talent. The company was co-founded by Kahlil Dumas and Colin Smith.

🔗 Connect with 𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 & 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐧𝐨𝐰:

Website: Execnow.co 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/execnow/ 

LinkedIn (Kahlil): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahlildumas/ 

LinkedIn (Colin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/execnow/ 

Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬 Do you believe AI will actually fix hiring, or just make bias worse? Comment below!

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

From Hollywood TV sets to replacing 656M plastics — Host Ian Peterman sits down with Repurpose Co-Founder & CEO Lauren Gropper to reveal how she built the nation’s leading compostable tableware brand, disrupted single-use plastics, and made eco-friendly living affordable and easy for millions.

💬 Question for you: What’s the single-use plastic item you’d most like to replace in your home? Comment below — we’d love to hear your ideas!

⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:

00:00 - Intro

00:33 - Meet Lauren Gropper: CEO of Repurpose

00:50 - The Origin Story of Repurpose

02:43 - Challenges and Innovations in Sustainable Products

05:38 - Creating a Brand and Market Entry

10:07 - Product Range and Market Challenges

17:01 - Composting and Material Choices

22:54 - Future of Sustainable Products

32:51 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

About Lauren Gropper & Repurpose

Lauren Gropper is the founder and CEO of Repurpose, the leader in compostable household goods. An eco-entrepreneur and green architecture pioneer, Lauren began her career in sustainable design. Her early success led to a surprising career in Hollywood, working as a consultant to the industry with customers like Discovery Networks. Confronted with the waste generated by craft services, Lauren had an aha moment on- set. She founded Repurpose to extend the disposable lifespan of single use products and reduce waste. Today, Lauren leads Repurpose on its quest to change the world one low-impact cup, plate and fork at a time.

Repurpose offers a range of plant-based, non-toxic, and compostable alternatives to traditional single-use products, aiming to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability. Repurpose is the #1 eco-compostable tableware brand at U.S. grocery stores like Whole Foods, Albertson’s, Kroger and more, and is sold in 20,000 retailers nationwide. Since its founding, Repurpose has replaced 656 million pieces of plastic.

Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🔗 Connect with Lauren Gropper & Repurpose:

Website: https://www.repurpose.com/

LinkedIn (Repurpose): https://www.linkedin.com/company/repurpose-compostables/ 

LinkedIn (Lauren): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gropper-65b3102/

Instagram (Repurpose): https://www.instagram.com/repurpose/?hl=en 

Instagram (Lauren): https://www.instagram.com/laurengropper/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/repurpose/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAe_hzGzfysi_Bgy8nZbAQ

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

She walked away from two decades of luxury bag design to build carbon-negative, vegan bags that actually make a difference. Meet Alona Komsky, co-founder of AKKONIQ, the minimalist bag brand that’s reshaping sustainable fashion with innovation, function, and style.

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman explores how Alona turned her frustration with fast fashion and greenwashing into a mission: designing eco-friendly bags made from 3D-woven recycled materials, biodegradable fibers, and honest minimalist design.

If you're interested in ethical fashion, sustainable materials, slow fashion, or how to build a conscious product brand—this episode is for you.

⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:

00:52 - Meet Alona Komsky: Co-Founder of Akkoniq

01:03 - The Journey to Sustainable Design

02:06 - Challenges in the Industry

05:00 - Creating Sustainable Bags

14:30 - Innovative Materials and Techniques

17:10 - Customer Feedback and Education

26:38 - The Future of Sustainable Design

27:50 - Conclusion and Contact Information

About Alona Komsky & AKKONIQ

AKKONIQ is a new name in sustainable fashion, but co-founder Alona Komsky brings over 20 years of award-winning design experience across tech, travel, and fashion. Her products have won Red Dot, IDSA, and remain global bestsellers.

AKKONIQ blends minimalist aesthetics, functional innovation, and planet-first materials. Born from Alona’s mission to align design with values, the brand delivers truly sustainable bags—without compromise or greenwashing.

🔗 Connect with Alona Komsky & AKKONIQ:

Website: akkoniq.com

LinkedIn (AKKONIQ): https://www.linkedin.com/company/akkoniq/

LinkedIn (Alona): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonakomsky/

Instagram (AKKONIQ): https://www.instagram.com/akkoniq/

Instagram (Alona): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonakomsky/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akkoniq

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@akkoniq

Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬 What’s the #1 thing you look for in a bag? 🔍

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

What happens when used crayons become tools for healing? The Crayon Initiative has transformed over 500,000 pounds of wax into hospital-safe art supplies, bringing creativity, comfort, and color to children in medical care across the U.S.

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman speaks with Bryan Ware, the founder behind this purpose-driven nonprofit. What began as a simple question at a restaurant became a nationwide movement powered by sustainable thinking, community action, and compassionate design.

This story goes far beyond crayons. It’s about how thoughtful product reuse and conscious innovation can reduce waste, support healing, and inspire change. If you care about circularity, social impact, and sustainable product development, this episode is for you.

⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:

00:00 - Intro

00:23 - Welcome to the Conscious Design Podcast

01:06 - Meet Brian Ware: Founder of The Crayon Initiative

01:56 - The Crayon Initiative: Transforming Unwanted Crayons

02:56 - Challenges and Innovations in Crayon Recycling

05:09 - The Origin Story: How The Crayon Initiative Began

07:45 - Manufacturing and Supply Chain Insights

16:48 - Future Goals: Expanding Beyond Crayons

18:55 - Designing for Hospitalized Children

23:27 - How to Get Involved and Donate

26:04 - Outro

About Bryan Ware & The Crayon Initiative

Bryan Ware is the founder of The Crayon Initiative, a nonprofit that collects and recycles used crayons to make safe, hospital-friendly art tools for children in medical care. With over 500,000 pounds of crayons diverted from landfills, the project helps reduce waste while bringing therapeutic creativity to kids who need it most.

He is also the founder of WareWorks, a consulting firm specializing in manufacturing, product design, and packaging efficiency

🔗 Connect with Bryan Ware & The Crayon Initiative:

Website: https://thecrayoninitiative.org

WareWorks: https://wareworksgroup.com

LinkedIn (Bryan): https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-ware-8681525/

LinkedIn (The Crayon Initiative): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-crayon-initiative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrayoninitiative/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecrayoninitiative

Twitter/X: https://x.com/shareyourcolors

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user53090177

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬  What would you do with old crayons? Tell us below!

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Discover how Modern Mill is transforming the future of building materials with ACRE, a stunning, low-maintenance, sustainable alternative to wood.

CEO Chris Guimond joins host Ian Peterman on the Conscious Design Podcast to reveal how upcycled rice hulls are helping create hurricane- and fire-resistant materials that outperform traditional wood in durability, ease of use, and sustainability.

If you're a homeowner, builder, architect, or sustainability advocate, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

● Why old-growth wood isn’t a sustainable option anymore

● How ACRE performs better than cedar or PVC in extreme climates

● The surprising role of rice hulls in creating eco-friendly siding

● How ACRE’s biophilic design improves wellness and aesthetics

● Where ACRE is being used, from hospitals to million-dollar coastal homes

⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:

00:00 - Guest Intro

00:37 - The Origin of ACRE by Modern Mill

01:07 - The Importance of Sustainable Building Materials

02:08 - Why ACRE Beats Traditional Wood and Composites

07:47 - Performance and Installation of ACRE

15:23 - Sustainable and Easy-to-Maintain: ACRE’s Benefi ts

22:34 - The High Cost of Home Maintenance

23:58 - Psychological Perks and Biophilic Benefi ts of ACRE

27:13 - ACRE in Medical and Senior Care Facilities

29:10 - ACRE's Versatility in Interior Applications

36:08 - Sustainability and Longevity of ACRE

41:22 - ACRE's Fire and Hurricane Credentials

About Chris Guimond & Modern Mill

Chris Guimond is the CEO of Modern Mill, a sustainable building materials company creating eco-friendly wood alternatives from upcycled rice hulls.

Modern Mill’s flagship product, ACRE, offers a no-compromise alternative to traditional wood. It is durable, beautiful, low-maintenance, and fully recyclable. Made in the USA, ACRE is reimagining how sustainable design meets performance.

🔗 Connect with Chris Guimond & Modern Mill:

Website: https://modern-mill.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mill/posts/?feedView=all

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern.mill/

Twitter: https://x.com/ModernMillAcre

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern-Mill

Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬 What do you think about using sustainable alternatives like ACRE? Let us know below.

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Discover how Modern Mill is transforming the future of building materials with ACRE, a stunning, low-maintenance, sustainable alternative to wood.

CEO Chris Guimond joins host Ian Peterman on the Conscious Design Podcast to reveal how upcycled rice hulls are helping create hurricane- and fire-resistant materials that outperform traditional wood in durability, ease of use, and sustainability.

If you're a homeowner, builder, architect, or sustainability advocate, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why old-growth wood isn’t a sustainable option anymore

• How ACRE performs better than cedar or PVC in extreme climates

• The surprising role of rice hulls in creating eco-friendly siding

• How ACRE’s biophilic design improves wellness and aesthetics

  
  

Where ACRE is being used, from hospitals to million-dollar coastal homes

Jump to your favorite parts:

00:00 - Guest Intro

00:37 - The Origin of ACRE by Modern Mill

01:07 - The Importance of Sustainable Building Materials

02:08 - Why ACRE Beats Traditional Wood and Composites

07:47 - Performance and Installation of ACRE

15:23 - Sustainable and Easy-to-Maintain: ACRE’s Benefits

22:34 - The High Cost of Home Maintenance

23:58 - Psychological Perks and Biophilic Benefits of ACRE

27:13 - ACRE in Medical and Senior Care Facilities

29:10 - ACRE's Versatility in Interior Applications

36:08 - Sustainability and Longevity of ACRE

41:22 - ACRE's Fire and Hurricane Credentials

About Chris Guimond & Modern Mill

Chris Guimond is the CEO of Modern Mill, a sustainable building materials company creating eco-friendly wood alternatives from upcycled rice hulls.

Modern Mill’s flagship product, ACRE, offers a no-compromise alternative to traditional wood. It is durable, beautiful, low-maintenance, and fully recyclable. Made in the USA, ACRE is reimagining how sustainable design meets performance.

🔗 Connect with Chris Guimond & Modern Mill:

Website: https://modern-mill.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mill/posts/?feedView=all

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern.mill/

Twitter: https://x.com/ModernMillAcre 

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@Modern-Mill

Get the “Conscious Design” book:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬 What do you think about using sustainable alternatives like ACRE? Let us know below.

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Your Makeup Might Be Hurting the Planet. Here’s How One Brand Is Fixing It.The beauty industry creates billions of pieces of waste every year, most of which never get recycled. But what if your makeup could be completely zero waste, refillable, and designed to last for decades?

In this episode, host Ian Peterman sits down with Chris Tarling, founder of Izzy Zero Waste Beauty, to reveal how his brand is building the world’s first truly closed-loop, sustainable beauty line. Every mascara, lip product, and skincare jar is returned, sterilized, and reused instead of ending up in the trash.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• How Izzy Zero Waste Beauty is transforming the eco-friendly makeup industry
  

• The truth about why most “recyclable” beauty packaging still harms the planet
  

• The surprising connection between dental tech and refillable cosmetics
  

• How closed-loop systems are reshaping sustainable beauty
  

• Tips to reduce waste in your beauty routine without sacrificing performance

Jump to your favorite parts:

00:00 - Guest Intro

00:36 - The Origin Story of Izzy

02:00 - Reusability and Design in Sustainable Cosmetics

04:57 - Closed Loop System and COVID Launch

07:04 - User Experience and Subscription Model

08:35 - Recycling and Reusability Process

14:19 - Expanding Product Lines and Skincare Innovations

19:04 - Global Expansion and Supply Chain Strategy

22:08 - Designing with Purpose: Carbon and Storytelling

23:37 - Challenges in Marketing Sustainable Products

24:44 - Importance of Product Performance

27:30 - Focusing on Wholesale Partnerships

29:39 - Collaborations and the Startup Journey

35:45 - The Future of Sustainable Practices

About Chris Tarling & Izzy Zero Waste Beauty

Chris Tarling is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, engineer, and environmentalist dedicated to disrupting the beauty industry with sustainable, circular economy solutions. 

Izzy Beauty Inc a global beauty brand centered around close loop performance beauty. Live Beautifully, Waste Less. Award-winning and patented, Izzy Beauty offers customers a life changing performance in makeup, with forever-changing waste free packaging experience

Connect with Chris Tarling & Izzy Zero Waste Beauty:

Website: www.yourizzy.com

LinkedIn (Chris): https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-tarling-92722317/

LinkedIn (Izzy Zero Waste Beauty): https://www.linkedin.com/company/izzy-zero-waste-beauty/

Instagram (Shelli): https://www.instagram.com/shellibrunswick/

Instagram (Izzy Zero Waste Beauty): https://www.instagram.com/izzyzerowastebeauty/ 

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬 Would you switch to zero waste makeup? Why or why not? Tell us below!

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Couldn’t find a safe sunscreen during pregnancy? That’s how Mama Sol was born, an award-winning, sustainable skincare brand changing the way people think about SPF. Discover how Arielle Moody, a beauty industry veteran, co-founded Mama Sol to create pregnancy-safe, non-toxic, luxurious sunscreen that people actually love to wear.

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Arielle joins host Ian Peterman to share how Mama Sol's mineral sunscreen became a spa favorite, won top beauty awards, and is helping people protect their skin without compromising on health, beauty, or the planet.

⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:

00:00 - Guest Intro

00:19 - Meet Arielle Moody: CEO and Co-founder of Mama Sol

00:33 - The Origin Story of Mama Sol

01:56 - Challenges and Innovations in Sunscreen Formulation

08:21 - The Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen

16:59 - Expanding the Product Line and Future Plans

21:14 - The Journey of Building Mama Sol

26:46 - Conclusion and Special Offer

👉 Shop Mama Sol: https://shopmamasol.com

Use code ConsciousMama15 for 15% off.

About Arielle Moody & Mama Sol

While pregnant with her first child, Arielle Moody was shocked by the number of toxic ingredients in everyday products, especially sunscreen. Frustrated by natural options that felt greasy, left a white cast, or smelled unpleasant, she set out to create something better.

With years of beauty industry experience at brands like Smashbox, Dr. Perricone, and Skinn Cosmetics, Arielle co-founded Mama Sol, a 100% mineral luxury suncare brand created to make SPF safe, gentle, and enjoyable for everyone, including pregnant and nursing moms.

Mama Sol’s silicone-free, multi-tasking formulas glide on clear, nourish the skin, and come in sustainable packaging, turning sun care into a daily ritual you’ll love.

🔗 Connect with Arielle Moody & Mama Sol:

Website: https://shopmamasol.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shopmamasol

LinkedIn (Arielle): https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-moody-2325a422/

LinkedIn (Mama Sol): https://www.linkedin.com/company/mama-sol/

Instagram (Arielle): https://www.instagram.com/ariellesilbermoody/

Instagram (Mama Sol): https://www.instagram.com/shopmamasol/

Facebook (Mama Sol): https://www.facebook.com/shopmamasol/ 

Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products?

👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬 What’s your biggest sunscreen pet peeve: greasy, white cast, or forgetting to apply it? 😂 Drop a comment below!

🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

🚀 Want to SKYROCKET your career and leadership skills even without a STEM degree?

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Ian Peterman sits down with Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation and global expert in space technology and inclusive innovation.Discover how lessons from the space industry can inspire your personal growth, career success, and leadership — no matter your background!

🔥 Here’s what you’ll learn:

• 10 powerful leadership lessons from the space industry
  

• How failure became Shelli’s greatest teacher for growth
  

• Why space careers are NOT just for astronauts or engineers
  

• Real-world impacts of space tech on healthcare, education & sustainability
  

How women and underrepresented groups are shaping the future of STEM & space careers 

⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:00:00 - Guest Intro

00:49 - The Journey of Writing a Book

01:54 - Insights from the Book and Global Experts

02:50 - The Reality of Ups and Downs in Careers

04:16 - Book Insights and Opportunities in the Space Industry

09:34 - Space Technology's Impact on Earth

11:40 - Encouraging Diversity in Space Careers

20:27 - Future Trends and Opportunities in Space

27:38 - Shelly's Upcoming Book and Author Journey

36:38 - Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Shelly

About Shelli Brunswick & Space Foundation Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation, brings extensive experience from her career in space acquisition, program management, and as a U.S. Air Force congressional liaison. She now leads key initiatives that promote space innovation, diversity, and inclusion worldwide.

Shelli is a passionate advocate for expanding access to space tech careers beyond traditional STEM fields, championing underserved communities and inspiring the next-generation workforce. She’s a published author, global keynote speaker, and futurist who has contributed to NASA and ESA research projects.

Honored with multiple industry awards, Shelli actively mentors through programs like Space4Women and plays a leadership role in several international organizations focused on space technology and inclusion.

🔗 Connect with Shelli Brunswick & Space Foundation: Website: https://shelli-brunswick.com/

YouTube: Shelli Brunswick Channel LinkedIn (Shelli): https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellibrunswick/

LinkedIn (Space Foundation): https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-foundation/mycompany/

Twitter (Shelli): https://twitter.com/shellibrunswick

Twitter (Space Foundation): https://twitter.com/SpaceFoundation

Instagram (Shelli): https://www.instagram.com/shellibrunswick/

Instagram (Space Foundation): https://www.instagram.com/spacefoundation/

Facebook (Shelli): https://www.facebook.com/shelli.brunswick

Facebook (Space Foundation): https://www.facebook.com/SpaceFoundation1

Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/

Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/

🤝 Let’s Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus

We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.

💬 What leadership lesson from Shelli inspired you most? Drop a comment below!

Are we finally saying goodbye to foam earplugs? 

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Lauryn Menard, Co-founder and CEO of GOB, joins host Ian Peterman to reveal how her team created the world’s first home-compostable, biology-engineered earplug—made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. 🍄👂

Lauryn shares her journey from working with global brands like Herman Miller and Target to building a regenerative product that’s redefining wearable wellness and creating real impact in the circular economy.

If you're interested in sustainable product design, material innovation, eco-friendly alternatives, or how to scale green tech products that consumers actually understand and want to use—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ What makes mycelium better than traditional foam

✅ How to scale a compostable product from R&D to market

✅ Why most “biodegradable” claims are misleading

✅ How GOB turns fungi into functional, high-performing earplugs

✅ The future of regenerative wellness products

✅ Sustainable marketing strategies that actually convert

🕒 Notable Moments (Click to Jump):

00:00 - Guest Intro

00:46 - Lauryn's Journey to Sustainable Design

02:30 - The Birth of Mycelium-Based Earplugs

05:12 - Material Innovation and Testing Mycelium Earplugs

12:35 - Performance and Use Cases of Mycelium Earplugs

19:18 - Compostability and Benefits of Mycelium

21:36 - Innovative, Regenerative, and User-Centered Earplug Design

25:44 - Scaling Sustainable Materials for the Masses

30:29 - Marketing Sustainable Products Effectively

33:10 - Connecting with Consumers: Removing Jargon

37:59 - Exciting Launch and Future Prospects

About Lauryn Menard & GOB

Lauryn Menard is an endurance junkie, material nerd, and the CEO and Co-founder of GOB Earth Inc. With a career fueled by innovation, she began in fashion and expanded into furniture, brand strategy, and product design. Throughout her journey, she has consistently pushed for a more responsible, mass-manufactured future. 

Previously, as Co-founder of PROWL, a design agency focused on regenerative materials, she partnered with powerhouse brands such as Herman Miller, Air Company, Lightship, Target, and more. PROWL’s work has been featured in over 90 publications, including The New York Times, Fast Company, CNN, Dezeen, and others, gaining significant global recognition. 

Lauryn is also an adjunct professor of Biomaterials at California College of the Arts. Her international experience has helped amplify GOB’s presence on the global stage. Now, with GOB’s game-changing mycelium-based earplugs, she is leading the charge in creating sustainable, biology-driven products that are redefining the future of wellness. 

GOB partners with nature to evolve your everyday life into a regenerative future. We are reinventing wearable wellness products, engineered with biology and designed with a long-term vision. As the world’s first earplug with a conscience, our product is made from lab-grown mycelium. 

These single-use plugs are designed by nature to tune your experiences to the right volume, without harmful materials or chemicals. They are completely home compostable and will nourish the earth wherever they land.

🔗 Connect with Lauryn & GOB:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauryn-menard/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gob.earth/

Website: http://gob.earth 

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