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Product & Packaging Powerhouse

Product & Packaging Powerhouse

Written by: Megan Young Gamble
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We talk about the good and the ugly truth of the product and packaging industries from various sectors of the business. You will hear raw conversations from industry powerhouses for real impact to help you save money, time, and know what's coming down the pipeline. Pull up a seat and join us in the 'House as we discuss key essentials that will help you advance, ascend and accelerate your products to market.

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Episodes
  • Ep. 53- “Kicking Off 2026: Top Beauty and Packaging Trends Shaping the Industry ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC

    Ep. 53- “Kicking Off 2026: Top Beauty and Packaging Trends Shaping the Industry ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC
    Jan 12 2026
    Megan Young Gamble kicks off 2026 with a focus on consistency and real industry impact, sharing the top trends shaping the beauty and packaging industries. Key highlights include the rise of health-first beauty and holistic wellness, AI-powered hyper-personalization, the increasing dominance of digital and social commerce, and accelerated biotech innovation for sustainability. On the packaging front, Megan details trends like mono-material design (driven by new regulations like Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), accessibility and inclusive packaging, smart connected packaging using QR, AR, and AI, personalized eco-luxury packaging, and the continued importance of refill and closed-loop systems. Throughout, Megan emphasizes practical advice for brands and startups, regulatory compliance, and the ongoing shift towards a consumer-centric, sustainable future. She also encourages listener engagement and ongoing conversation around industry changes. Listen to the additional podcasts mentioned on the show Kickoff 2025 Trends & Transitions. Listen hereInside MakeUp in New York: Day 1 - Innovation and Tech. Listen hereInside MakeUp in New York: Day 2-Packaging & Sustainability. Listen hereSustainability and Cost-Effective Measures in Packaging and Product Development. Listen hereWhen to Optimize Your Packaging. Listen hereHow Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability. Listen hereWTF! What the TariFfs! Pt1. Listen hereWTF! What the TariFfs! Pt2. Listen hereAffiliate & 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/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comAre you a STARTUP Brand? Join my FREE COMMUNITY ->https://theacceleratesquad.com Work with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicformAdditional Resources:NIQ’s State of Beauty 2025 preview report : https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/2025/niqs-state-of-beauty-2025-beauty-breaks-boundaries-with-10-growth-digital-surge-wellness-shift/Genz Focused Trend Report : https://www.designerpeople.com/blog/packaging-design-trends-2026/Myers Packaging Report : https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/2025/niqs-state-of-beauty-2025-beauty-breaks-boundaries-with-10-growth-digital-surge-wellness-shift/Quotes and Hooks: It’s a new year, but it’s the same impact that we’re delivering.I really believe in not giving fluff. I really believe in just giving straight facts.Beauty is evolving to more of a holistic lifestyle category.Personalization has always been consistent within the beauty realm.Digital and social commerce continues to dominate retail strategy.Sustainability means something different to everybody.Packaging is becoming the digital passport.in 2026 sustainability is becomes a compliance priority in the US because states are activating EPR extended producer responsibility laws that makes brands responsible for packaging waste
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    42 mins
  • Ep. 52- “Building a Seven-Figure Haircare Brand Rooted in Sustainable Ingredients, Packaging & Community (without Amazon)” with Kate Assaraf, CEO and Founder, DIP Hair Care

    Ep. 52- “Building a Seven-Figure Haircare Brand Rooted in Sustainable Ingredients, Packaging & Community (without Amazon)” with Kate Assaraf, CEO and Founder, DIP Hair Care
    Nov 17 2025
    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/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot 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 : @dipalreadyQUOTES: 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.
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    58 mins
  • Ep. 51- “Inside MakeUp in New York: Day 2-Packaging & Sustainability” with Megan Young Gamble

    Ep. 51- “Inside MakeUp in New York: Day 2-Packaging & Sustainability” with Megan Young Gamble
    Oct 30 2025
    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 episodeInside MakeUp in New York: Day 1 Innovation and Tech” with Megan Young Gamble. Listen HerePackaging Design, Influence, & Integrity" with Vicki Strull, Founder, Vicki Strull Design. Listen HereThe Truth About Stress, Skincare, and Your Immune System” with Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, Immunologist and founder of AveSeena and ChicScience Labs. Listen HereRoundtable: 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 HereHow Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability” with John Dwyer, Smart Packaging Expert at Smurfit Westrock & Maurizio Carano, Innovation & Marketing Director IML @ MCC Label. Listen HereAffiliate & 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/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicformContact details of Jennifer Lehto, Senior Business Development Manager at APC PackagingLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlehtoEmail id - jenniserl@apcpackaging.comRoberta Sironi, Chief Commercial Officer at Pibiplast SpaLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-sironi-0636982/Pibiplast academy - https://pibiplast.com/certificationsQuotes 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.
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    37 mins
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