In this engaging conversation, Megan Young Gamble interviews Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip Haircare, a sustainable haircare brand that emphasizes community, effective products, and a commitment toward reducing plastic waste. Kate shares her journey of creating Dip from a personal need for sustainable haircare, the importance of understanding true sustainability in beauty, and her advocacy for synthetic fragrances when done correctly. The discussion also covers the iterative process of product development, the significance of community support, and the lessons learned on the path to building a seven-figure business, without launching on Amazon.. Kate's vision for the future includes empowering local retailers and fostering a deeper connection with consumers.

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay 
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
• Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform

[Powerhouse Guest Kate's LINKS]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-assaraf-b25a741a7/
• Company Website: https://dipalready.com/
• Company Instagram : @dipalready

QUOTES:

• It is very serious hair care for not so serious people.
• Chemicals aren’t the problem. 2D understanding of sustainability is.
• Talking about soap as if it's gonna save the world is just not genuine.
• We’re living in a world of digital pollution, fake reviews, fake hype, and the best filter is your own gut.
• There is a karma to when you launch a business. When you’re kind to people along the way, that energy comes back to you when you start.
• Don’t fear change. You don’t want to look the same in all your photographs, you want to have a wild time.
• We need to return to just the empathetic, human way of shopping.
• Use the money that you accumulate to pay it forward somewhere… it’s important to do that quietly and often.

In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble recaps her experience at Makeup in New York 2025, from day 1 and this episode focusing on day two themes of packaging innovation, sustainability, and beauty tech. She shares actionable insights from industry panels including advances in sustainable packaging (like APC Packaging’s patented mono-material droppers and refillable solutions), compliance considerations, smart packaging, and the importance of consumer psychology. Startup brand Rebel Queen’s all-in-one curly hair product is highlighted for its minimalistic approach, while expert Roberta Sironi provides a masterclass on mascara packaging, launching an academy for deeper industry education. Megan ties it all together with observations on tech (especially AI’s growing role in beauty and packaging), and offers advice for brands considering trade shows, encouraging startups to attend for valuable connections and inspiration. Be sure to check out Day 1 Recap HERE. 

Access our other podcast episodes mentioned during the episode

• Inside MakeUp in New York: Day 1 Innovation and Tech” with Megan Young Gamble. Listen Here
• Packaging Design, Influence, & Integrity" with Vicki Strull, Founder, Vicki Strull Design. Listen Here
• The Truth About Stress, Skincare, and Your Immune System” with Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, Immunologist and founder of AveSeena and ChicScience Labs. Listen Here
• Roundtable: Packaging, Plastics & Platforms toward Circular Economy” with Emily Anne Friedman (Recycled Plastics Editor, ICIS), Ryan Fox (Packaging Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence) and Nicole Toole (Founder of ECGO.) Listen Here
• How Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability” with John Dwyer, Smart Packaging Expert at Smurfit Westrock & Maurizio Carano, Innovation & Marketing Director IML @ MCC Label. Listen Here

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay 
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
• Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform

Contact details of Jennifer Lehto, Senior Business Development Manager at APC Packaging

• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlehto
• Email id - [email protected]

Roberta Sironi, Chief Commercial Officer at Pibiplast Spa

• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-sironi-0636982/
• Pibiplast academy - https://pibiplast.com/certifications

Quotes and Hooks:  

• We've always been very conscious about our scalp health because you have to make sure your scalp is clean to help with promoting hair growth.
• Smart packaging gives each product their own digital passport telling consumers what it is, where it came from and what to do at the end of life.
• Everybody wants sustainable packaging, but the real question is: what does sustainability mean to you and your brand?
• Glass is heavier, costs more to ship, and is prone to breakage, so is it really deemed sustainable? Something to think about.
• I struggled for years to find the perfect curly hair product and I finally created it, an all-in-one that hydrates, defines, and controls frizz. (Bleema, Rebel Queen)
• Mascara is a really complex product, you need a lot of technicity to make the magic and make the product work. (Roberta Cerroni, Pibi Plast)
• AI is here to stay, and I use ChatGPT as my daily assistant all the time to help me think through things and shorten cycle times.
• Would I attend Makeup In New York again? Absolutely. Is it a trade show that I would recommend any company to attend? Absolutely.

In this special episode on the Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble recaps her first postpartum event at Makeup in New York 2025, sharing personal insights on overcoming mom guilt and traveling for work. She highlights major trends and innovations she discovered on day one, including Korean skincare (K-Beauty), with an emphasis on new ingredients like PDRN (extracted from Salmon). Megan also reviews winners from the Makeup in New York Beauty Innovation Awards across categories like accessories, formulation, full service, packaging, and ocean beauty, spotlighting standout products and sustainable packaging solutions. She also explores the integration of AI and AR technology in beauty, featuring virtual try-on platforms and their growing role in consumer experiences. The episode wraps with practical advice for brands on innovation, sustainability, and preparing for future beauty industry events. Check out the following episode for day 2 recap at MakeUp in New York, with emphasis in packaging and ocean bound packaging. 

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay 
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
• Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform

Access our other podcast episodes mentioned during the episode

• Megan’s Car Rental to Packaging Journey. Listen here 
• Connected Packaging. Listen here

[Contact details] Arbelle

• Website (DEMO) : https://arbelle.ai/demo/
• Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/company/arbelle-ai/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arbelle.ai/

MaquillAR studio

• Sofi Chernyak linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofi-chernyak/
• MaquillAR studio linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maquillar-studio/posts/?feedView=all

Quotes:

• I birthed my daughter March 2025 and this was my first postpartum event. I almost didn’t go because mom's guilt really kicked in.
• Sometimes innovation can also be taking something that’s already existing and revamping it… changing the aesthetics, collaborating with another partner, or increasing efficacy.
• K Beauty has been something that I have been following since my time in corporate because of the efficacy, because of the innovation they incorporated in their formulation.
• PDRN is actually extracted from salmon sperm. It is filtered, sterilized, and very gentle on sensitive skin.
• We do have packaging EPR, extended producer responsibility. In the US, seven states have passed legislation thinking about end-of-life use of packaging.
• Ocean bound plastic is waste collected within 50km of the coastlines before it enters the ocean. It's different from ocean plastic.
• AI is here to stay. If you’re not progressing with the times you are behind. We have to leverage AI to become more efficient and extract data quicker.

In this episode of the Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble sits down with Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, an immunologist, molecular medicine expert, wellness coach, and founder of AveSeena and ChicScience Labs. Dr. Ebru explains the critical impact of stress and inflammation, especially “inflammaging” on skin health, and why acute inflammation is necessary while chronic or persistent low-level inflammation is harmful. She shares her journey combining science with intentional daily rituals and discusses her focus on creating multitasking skincare products that address inflammatory issues, especially for busy women. Dr. Ebru also highlights the importance of compliance, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and not following fleeting beauty trends, urging new brands to focus on targeted needs and sound partnerships. The episode covers myths in the beauty industry (like “clean” meaning chemical-free), TikTok trends to avoid, and how packaging matters but real results keep customers loyal. There’s also a fun sci-fi rapid-fire round at the end!

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay 
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
• Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform

[Powerhouse Guest Dr Ebru’s LINKS]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrukarpuzoglu/
• Company Website: www.aveseena.com
• Company Website: www.chicsciencelabs.com 

Additional Resource 

[Podcast] "MoCRA, Misconceptions and Regulatory Risk" - Ariana Farina, Regulatory Consultant @ Ariana Farina. Listen here

Episode Quotes:.

• Don’t follow the trends, find your niche, find a good partner, and be intentional.
• Clean doesn’t mean chemical-free. Everything is a chemical, even water
• Everything inside is mirroring outside
• You're an open system. Your skin is your outer layer, but it's designed to feel everything.
• If you don’t have inflammation, you will die. Inflammation keeps us alive.
• Chronic stress induces inflammation, and you see it right away on your face and in how your body feels.
• Inflammaging is that silent, low-level inflammation that slowly makes you look tired and age faster.
• Science doesn’t work against you, it works for you.
• Be ethical, be transparent. When you put your head on the pillow at night, you should know you did it right.

In this special roundtable episode of the Product and Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble sat down with industry experts Emily Anne Friedman (Recycled Plastics Editor, ICIS), and Ryan Fox (Packaging Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence) and Nicole Toole (Founder of ECGO) to unpack definitions of sustainability, the impact of data and technology, consumer education, and policy approaches like EPR. The panel considers how to move toward a more circular economy, while acknowledging the real-world constraints of infrastructure, cost, and market incentives.

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
• Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform

[Powerhouse Guests Social Links]  

1. Emily Anne Friedman - Recycled Plastics Senior Market Editor, Americas ICIS

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyannefriedman/
• Company Website: https://www.icis.com/explore/

2. Nicole Toole - Founder & CEO at ECGO

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-toole/
• Company website: https://www.ecgo.co/

3. Ryan Fox - Corrugated Packaging Market Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence 

• Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandfox/
• Company website: https://www.green-markets.com/BOX/Index.html

Additional Resource: 

• Pizza box recycling - https://www.westrock.com/blog/pizza-box-recycling 
• Here's a great resource to help understand curbside recycling trends. - https://recyclingpartnership.org/residential-recycling-report/ 
• [Podcast] Be a Packaging Steward": Packaging Sustainability, Sales and Intentional Connections with Adam Peek “Packaging Pastor” SVP of Meyers | Host of People of Packaging Podcast. Listen here
• [Podcast] How Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability” with John Dwyer, Smart Packaging Expert at Smurfit Westrock & Maurizio Carano, Innovation & Marketing Director IML @ MCC Label. Listen here

Episode Quotes:.

1. It's one thing to give someone a recycling bin, it's another thing for them to actually treat it like one. - Emily
2. Your PCR, which is post-consumer recycled content, is very important, but you also have to ask, where is that recycled material coming from and what’s the overall carbon footprint? - Emily
3. Ultimately when we think about shifting people's behavior, it’s adopting the values of waste stewardship and ensuring products have the best end-of-life process. - Nicole
4. The biggest barriers are incentives and confusion, so we built technology to make it easy, local, and rewarding. - Nicole
5. Every year, corrugated captures about 35 million tons of old containers and turns them into a brand-new version that circularity is sustainability. - Ryan
6. One of the challenges is inspiring people at home to take a bigger role in recycling. That's where the biggest difference will come. - Ryan
7. Sometimes the greenest thing from a greenhouse gas perspective is actually plastic, but it’s the one that gets hit the hardest. - Ryan

In this episode of the Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble reconnects with longtime friend Marc Winston, Senior Director at National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.® (NMSDC®) and the President and CEO of Marc Winston Enterprises. Marc and Megan reminisce on growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, along with Marc’s journey from early sports and educational influences, a robust corporate career in logistics, supply chain and supplier diversity at Walmart. The conversation dives deep into the value of supplier diversity, the power of certifications (like NMSDC and WBENC), and the importance of intentional networking and relationship-building for brands and businesses seeking corporate partnerships. Marc emphasizes how certifications provide access, not guarantees,  sharing actionable advice on leveraging networks, staying resilient, and scaling businesses. The episode wraps with rapid-fire fun facts and practical takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to grow through inclusion and strategic connections.

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie”  [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay 2
• [WATCH OUR EPISODES] Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List  [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• [FOLLOW & CONNECT] with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• [WORK WITH MEGAN]  @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call   [link] https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session

[Powerhouse Guest Marc’s LINKS]

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marc-winston-774179151 
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_m.winston/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.winston.8?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.® (NMSDC®) : https://nmsdc.org/

Episode Quotes:.

• Certification is like a passport,  it opens the door, but you still have to take the trip.
• Everybody needs someone advocating for them in rooms they’re not in.
• A fast no isn’t failure. Sometimes it’s the first step toward a slow yes.
• Supplier diversity is about access, advocacy, and advancement, not handouts.
• Your why gets you in the room. Your execution keeps you there.
• The salt from rejection today can turn into sugar tomorrow, if you put in the work.
• Resilience in sports taught me resilience in business, you adjust, you pivot, and you keep playing.
• Success in supplier diversity isn’t about luck. It’s about showing up, following up, and staying ready.

In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble has a heartfelt conversation with her husband and business partner, Brandon Gamble, CEO of Pallet Pros and Pallet Pros Academy. They discuss building a business legacy together, balancing entrepreneurship with new parenthood, and the realities of running two companies as a family. Brandon shares how Pallet Pros was inspired, the importance of creating a strong vendor network, and why consistency is key in the pallet industry. They also discussed the impact (or lack thereof) of tariffs on their business, the importance of community, and their vision for legacy with their newborn daughter, Amaiyah. The episode wraps up with fun rapid-fire questions and practical advice for entrepreneurs.

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
• Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform

[Powerhouse Brandon Gamble Links]

• Pallet Pros: www.palletprosga.com
• Pallet Pros Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palletprosga/?locale=ko-KR&hl=ar
• Pallet Pros email: [email protected]
• Pallet Pros Academy: https://www.palletprosacademy.com/

[Additional Resources]

Podcast Episodes on Tariffs 

• WTF! What the TariFfs! Pt1. LISTEN HERE
• WTF! What the TariFfs! Pt2. LISTEN HERE
• X Intersection of Business & Marriage. Listen HERE

Episode Quotes:

1. I don't like to hoard information. If I can do it, you know, if I can give somebody a bit of information that can help them out, then I want to be able to share that information with them.
2. Pallet Pros is more of your brick and mortar distribution side. So we physically have a physical building. We have pallets there and we have workers.
3. So at my level, I'm not really seeing an impact with tariffs. I have strategically placed my business where I work with small and medium sized businesses that for the most part ship within the country so they're not having to ship stuff overseas.
4. My network is built around redundancy. So where if I'm not physically available, I have other people that can do the work for me
5. When I come home, my brain switches from entrepreneur to now husband and father.
6. It’s beautiful chaos, running two businesses while raising a five-month-old.
7. Legacy, for me, is building something that still operates after I’m gone. - Brandon
8. Consistency is the number one thing if you want to succeed in the pallet business.

In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" Megan Young Gamble speaks with Rhodes Yepsen, Executive Director of Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI )to break down the differences between compostable and biodegradable packaging, the importance of clear certification, and how labeling and policy can help fight greenwashing. Rhodes shares his unique journey from journalist to industry leader, explains how BPI is building bridges between brands, retailers, composters, and policymakers, and highlights why systems and collaboration are essential as composting infrastructure develops in the U.S. The episode also provides actionable resources for both consumers and businesses on composting best practices, debunks common misconceptions, and previews the upcoming BPI Summit in Atlanta. If you’re interested in sustainable packaging, circular systems, or composting policy, it’s packed with insights and practical advice.

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session 
• Try eShipper Today and earn $25* (min. $300) https://share.hsforms.com/11zvIArO_QRCyH5Dy-DcqQAitoc

[Powerhouse Guest Rhodes Yepsen’s LINKS]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodesyepsen/
• Company Website : https://bpiworld.org/

Additional Links

• Learn about Biodegradable Vs Compostable here : https://bpiworld.org/biodegradable-vs-compostable
• BPI Summit in Atlanta (September 15th–17th) : https://bpiworld.org/events

Quotes and Hooks:  

1. Biodegradability is the big circle and compostability is the smaller circle as a subset.
2. You need the consumer to understand what they’re going to do with that item when they’re finished with it.
3. Composting is inherently local, we’re not going to ship our food scraps over to another country in Asia to reprocess them.
4. The exciting thing, and the daunting thing, about systems change is how complex it is.
5. Water your home compost bin like you water your garden. (A practical tip from BPI’s backyard composting study.)

In this special solo episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble reflects on reaching the second anniversary of the show. She shares transparent insights into the evolution of the podcast, lessons learned, and the major themes that have emerged, especially prestige products, sustainability, and the importance of community. Megan discusses the parallels between her company GLC’s new focus and the podcast’s direction. In addition she expresses gratitude for her team and powerhouse guests while having her new co-host, daughter Amaiyah, and emphasizes building a legacy for the industry. She encourages listeners to think about their own impact, invites topic suggestions, and appreciates all the support as the podcast enters its "thriving twos" phase.

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session
• Got a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform

Additional Podcast Links:

• “8 Reflections of Starting the Podcast” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC. Listen here 
• [SOLO] Detour to Destination-A personal journey from Pharmacy to Car Rental to Packaging, Megan Young Gamble,CEO @GLC. Listen here
• "Be a Packaging Steward": Packaging Sustainability, Sales and Intentional Connections with Adam Peek “Packaging Pastor” SVP of Meyers | Host of People of Packaging Podcast. Listen here

GLC and Product and Packaging Powerhouse Podcast Links

• Explore all of GLC’s insightful blogs here 
• Watch Product & Packaging Powerhouse episodes on Youtube here 
• Listen on Spotify here 
• Tune in on Apple Podcast here 
• Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Quotes and Hooks:  

• You know, most people call the second year of life the terrible twos, but I am calling this the thriving twos of having the podcast.
• Just like Beyoncé said, we’re strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business.
• Our net worth is based upon our network.
• There’s not a lot of people that look like me, that speak like me, that identify like me, and I’m unapologetic about it.
• We are in a big technology boom, especially around AI. It’s here to stay. If you’re not adapting, now’s the time.
• Persistence is the name of building out the media division. I'm not backed by any major sponsors yet, but I’m claiming it.
• Even while holding my daughter, feeding her, or putting her to sleep, I showed up. And that’s my definition of authenticity.
• The podcast is the part of my business I love most, it keeps me learning, growing, and staying a student of the industry.

In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" Megan Young Gamble interviews Imtiaz Kermali, VP of Sales and Marketing at eShipper, to talk all things logistics for CPG and e-commerce brands. Imtiaz shares insights from his 17+ year career, highlighting why logistics strategy should be prioritized early in the product journey, not as an afterthought. He explains how eShipper platform is the "Expedia of shipping" with rate comparisons, leveraging their 4D boxing algorithm to cut cost, boost sustainability and support cross-border and global shipping strategy. The conversation dives into retail compliance, avoiding chargebacks, automation, and how being customer-centric and forming strategic partnerships unlocks scale and success. Imtiaz also busts myths about global shipping, emphasizing that international growth isn’t just for big brands. The episode wraps with a fun lightning round and actionable tips for brands aiming to level up their logistics, sustainability, and customer experience.

Affiliate & Other Links: 

[Megan Young Gamble Links]

• [AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan 
• [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager 
• [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay
• Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTube
• Join our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b 
• Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangamble
• Learn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com
• Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session 
• Try eShipper Today and earn $25* (min. $300) https://share.hsforms.com/11zvIArO_QRCyH5Dy-DcqQAitoc

[Powerhouse Guest Imtiaz Kermali’s LINKS]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imtiaz-kermali-0518b628/
• Website : https://www.eshipper.com/
• Try eShipper Today and earn $25* (min. $300) https://share.hsforms.com/11zvIArO_QRCyH5Dy-DcqQAitoc
• eShipper's end-to-end solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvSGiG6hsIM
• eShipper platform capabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtsflENgjJc

Quotes and Hooks:  

• But always take a step back and think about how you can build processes that can replicate and scale without you.
• The 4D algorithm or the 4D boxing algorithm is basically a proprietary technology that we developed at eShipper in order for a seller to select the right shipping box based on how many different items they were selling at checkout.
• The best businesses have really, really good partners that enable them to go do what they do best and take away the complexity of everything else
• Being in logistics, you have to be a problem solver, you have to be somebody who's very, very patient and somebody who can see something through from start to the end.
• Sustainability does not need to come at a premium. It often just starts with small, smart decisions in your supply chain.
• Even the best products can’t create value until they’re delivered.