Épisodes

  • Ep. 43 - "Shipping, Sustainability & Software Solutions for Global Growth” with Imtiaz kermali, VP of Sales & Marketing at eShipper

    Ep. 43 - "Shipping, Sustainability & Software Solutions for Global Growth” with Imtiaz kermali, VP of Sales & Marketing at eShipper
    Jul 14 2025
    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 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-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-DcqQAitoceShipper's end-to-end solutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvSGiG6hsIMeShipper platform capabilities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtsflENgjJcQuotes 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 elseBeing 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.
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    59 min
  • Ep. 42 - "The Beauty of Data Driven Digital Marketing” with Viola Ekene, CEO and Lead Strategist @ Social Butterfly Haven

    Ep. 42 - "The Beauty of Data Driven Digital Marketing” with Viola Ekene, CEO and Lead Strategist @ Social Butterfly Haven
    Jun 30 2025
    In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" Megan Young Gamble interviews international digital marketing strategist and beauty tech enthusiast Viola Ekene. Viola shares her journey from radio presenter to founder of Social Butterfly Haven, a digital marketing agency specializing in beauty and wellness brands. They cover the evolution and fundamentals of digital marketing, key platforms (including underutilized ones like Substack), and the importance of leveraging analytics like Google Analytics and SEO to track and grow brand visibility. Viola emphasizes setting a strong foundational strategy, tailoring content to target audiences and platforms, and balancing organic content with paid ads. She also discusses common mistakes brands make (like focusing on aesthetics over substance and neglecting data) and the growing role of AI and technology in marketing. Viola concludes by highlighting her agency’s offerings, her digital marketing school, and giving tips for brands looking to craft effective, data-driven marketing strategies right from the start.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 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-session[Powerhouse Guest Viola’s LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-ekene/? originalSubdomain=ngWebsite : https://socialbutterflyhaven.com/Quotes: If you're running a business and you don't start being intentional about gathering data from day one, then you're going to run blind for a very long period of time.Google Analytics is like the central aspect of your digital marketing where you're able to see, okay, the goal that I want to achieve, which of my marketing efforts are pulling in conversion, are pulling in leads, are pulling in trafficThe metrics that you should be looking at are highly dependent on your goal in a particular season of your businessWhen your eyes are so much on your competitor, you don't know when you subconsciously want to do what they are doing.Aesthetic feeds are cute. Data-driven strategies are profitable.Maximizing marketing ROI depends on one, an understanding of your target audience and your goal at that particular point in time so that you don't waste money.Organic content is like setting your house in order. It is the foundation you need for high-converting paid ads.You need an entirely different approach for Instagram, a different one for TikTok, because the psychographics are not the same. It’s a different terrain altogether.
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    58 min
  • Ep. 41 - "WTF! What the TariFfs! pt2 ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC

    Ep. 41 - "WTF! What the TariFfs! pt2 ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC
    Jun 9 2025

    In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble continues her "WTF! What the TariFfs!" series, discussing the recent and significant impacts of US-imposed tariffs (especially under the Trump administration) on packaging and product costs for beauty, health, and wellness brands. She discusses how increased tariffs on materials like aluminum (notably from Canada and Mexico) and other packaging components are forcing both startups and conglomerates to rethink sourcing, reformulation, and pricing strategies. Megan explains the importance of cross-functional teamwork and adopting agile and SCRUM methodologies to stay nimble in the face of constantly changing regulations. She highlights recent moves by big brands like ELF raising prices and calls for ongoing, intentional conversations among all stakeholders. Key insight: most brands, facing tight margins, will have to pass these increased costs onto 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
    • 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


    🎙️ Listen to WTF! What the TariFfs! pt1 here


    Quotes:

    1. This is really the WTF moment for all of us - brands, suppliers, consumers.
    2. Brands from startup to conglomerate are having to re-strategize every piece of their supply chain.
    3. Fenty Hair’s aluminum bottles might look great, but if tariffs hit hard, that beauty comes at a high cost.
    4. Even Elf Beauty is raising product prices from August 2025 to manage inflation and tariffs. If they can’t absorb the cost, imagine the pressure on indie brands.
    5. Everyone must be at the table - founders, project managers, suppliers, retailers. No one can sit this out.
    6. The only country exempt from the 50% aluminum tariff? Britain. Everyone else, brace yourself.
    7. Use your Scrum toolkit. Two-week sprints are essential when policies shift this fast.
    8. This isn’t just a packaging problem. This is a pricing, sourcing, strategy, and survival problem.
    9. Brands aren’t just reacting to tariffs, they’re redefining what resilience looks like in beauty.
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    17 min
  • Ep. 40 - "The Power of Formula Ownership” with Cynthia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC

    Ep. 40 - "The Power of Formula Ownership” with Cynthia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC
    Jun 2 2025
    In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" Megan Young Gamble interviews powerhouse guest Cynthia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cindy J Cosmetic Labs, LLC, who breaks down the power and importance of owning your own cosmetic formulation, both for legacy and legal reasons. Cynthia shares her journey into cosmetic science, the benefits of custom formulations over private labels, and why indie beauty brands should invest in testing, consumer evaluation, and compliance from day one. She introduces her “Cosmetic Concept” planner to help brands map out their product launch journey and discusses her lab’s new small-batch manufacturing option to help brands test the market without massive inventory. The conversation also touches on sustainability in formulations, how tariffs impact raw material sourcing, and why beauty entrepreneurs should take ownership seriously if they want long-term growth and credibility in the industry.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 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-session[Powerhouse Guest Cynthia’s LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiajohnson0512/Email Address: cjohnson@cindyjlabs.comCompany Website: https://cindyjlabs.com/Cosmetic concept planner : https://thecosmeticconceptllc.com/products/the-planner-for-product-developmentThe Cindy J Expo : https://cindyjlabs.com/cindy-j-expo/Black Women in Cosmetic Chemistry NGO : https://www.bwiccinc.org/Additional Links -Listen to the podcast on “the Power of Brand Value & Resilience in Procurement” - Rachel Hassall, VP of Procurement @ Harvest Hill Beverage. Listen hereCosmetic software recommended by Cynthia : IthosQuotes: If you don’t own the formula, you don’t own the brand.Please, please, please do package compatibility. It’s imperative.Consumer evaluation is not optional, it’s essential.Custom formulation without ownership is like renting your own vision.Your team comes before your accomplishments.Be okay with starting small. You don’t need 1,000 units to make an impact.
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    58 min
  • Ep. 39 - "WTF! What the TariFfs! pt1 ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC

    Ep. 39 - "WTF! What the TariFfs! pt1 ” with Megan Young Gamble, PMP®, Chief Project Officer @ GLC
    May 19 2025
    In this episode of "Product & Packaging Powerhouse," host Megan Young Gamble returns from maternity leave for her first episode with her baby daughter Amaiyah as her co-host. She dives into how the rising tariffs, particularly under President Trump’s administration, are massively impacting the cost and availability of goods, especially in the beauty and packaging industries. Megan breaks down the rising tariffs as of May 13, 2025 (with China seeing up to 245%), which in turn affects everything from packaging materials (aluminum, plastics, paperboard) to everyday goods and manufacturing costs. She shares real-world examples of how businesses are having to pivot: reevaluating suppliers, renegotiating contracts, and making tough decisions like layoffs, all to adapt to the new normal of higher costs and supply chain disruption. Megan also gives actionable advice for brands and suppliers, like diversifying suppliers, ordering packaging in advance, considering fractional support and being strategic about launches and pricing.The bottom line: Tariffs are shaking up the entire supply chain and affecting everyone from big brands to startup founders, suppliers, and even regular consumers. Megan encourages listeners to stay agile, rethink strategy, and keep an eye on evolving tariff policiesAffiliate & 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 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/ppptopicformAdditional podcast episodes mentioned in the episode above:Intersection of Business & Marriage with my Husband - listen hereTwo non-negotiables with Rachel Hassall on Power of Brand Procurement - listen hereQuotes and HooksAs Rapper Fat Joe would say from a rap song, yesterday's price is not today's, and that applies to packaging too.Tariffs aren’t just a business issue, they’re hitting households, retailers, and supply chains all at once.Beauty brands now need to think like strategists, not just creatives.Aluminum may feel like a sustainability win, but it comes with a 25% tariff hit.We’re not just sourcing packaging, we’re sourcing resilience.Consumers expect sustainability without sacrificing price or performance. That’s the new standard.Diversify your packaging suppliers like you would diversify your financial investments.
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    40 min
  • Ep. 38 - "Are Labels Really Sustainable?” with Christopher Doerr, President of Validators

    Ep. 38 - "Are Labels Really Sustainable?” with Christopher Doerr, President of Validators
    Mar 24 2025
    In the "Product & Packaging Powerhouse" episode featuring Megan Young Gamble and powerhouse guest Chris Doerr, conversation explores sustainable labeling and packaging technologies. With over thirty years of experience, Chris shares insights on the various types of labels and the shift to sustainable practices. He emphasizes the importance of recycling and offers practical tips on reducing landfill waste through methods like composting, recycling LDPE bags, and leveraging digital technologies such as RFID and NFC to educate consumers. As labels are vital in multiple industries, Chris's expertise provides valuable guidance on incorporating sustainability and technology in 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 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 Chris LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdoerrprofile/Company Validators for Full-Service Packaging Services : https://www.validatorsllc.comCompany Simplify INC for Print & Packaging Consulting : https://www.validatorsllc.com/products-and-services/simplify-ink/ View Chris Patents U.S Patent #'s: 5,658,648; 6,267,152 B1; and 6,845,581 B2: https://youtu.be/L2Rc8oTOtd8?si=lSO3sNVvdvofbZXWComposting in Atlanta : https://www.compostnow.org/growth/compostnow-compost-services-atlantaQuotes and HooksAfter a while, I realized there's no new technology on the horizon that's gonna replace labels.Less is just smart, and using less and being smart has been around since the beginning of time.Your packaging has to be more than recyclable; it has to actually get recycled.Zero landfill should be the real goal; not just recycling claims.Most people don’t know if a label should be removed before recycling, and that’s a problem.Just because you use less material doesn’t mean it’s sustainable.
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    59 min
  • Ep. 37 - "Packaging Challenges around Sustainability, Technology and Regulations” with Brandon Frank, CEO of Pacific Packaging Components

    Ep. 37 - "Packaging Challenges around Sustainability, Technology and Regulations” with Brandon Frank, CEO of Pacific Packaging Components
    Mar 10 2025
    In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble along with guests Brandon Frank, CEO of Pacific Packaging Components, discusses the intersections of packaging, technology, and sustainability. Brandon shares insights on the challenges and changes within the packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the packaging value chain. The conversation covers topics such as recycling complexities, regulatory challenges, and the role of new packaging technologies. Brandon also shares personal anecdotes from his journey in the family packaging business and highlights the importance of sustainable practices both professionally and personally. Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps, such as separating glass for recycling, to contribute to environmental sustainability.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 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 Brandon’s LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-frank-ppc/Email Address: brandon@ppcpackaging.comCompany Website: www.ppcpackaging.comPackology Podcast: www.packology.ioBicycle Company: www.chaparralcycles.comQuotes and HooksProbably the best way to support, like, the recyclability or the recycling of items is to buy items that have are coming from recycled goods because that creates kind of this pull mechanism.The packaging world is kind of filled with potholes and speed bumps and downed trees just because the winds are horrible out here in California.Your packaging has to be more than recyclable, it has to actually get recycled.The biggest issue with recycling? Most of what we think is recyclable never actually gets recycled.A small change in packaging—like using 50% PCR—can have a massive environmental impact.Mono-material pumps could be the biggest game-changer in packaging recyclability.If we’re going to fix recycling, we need collaboration across the entire value chain.
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Ep. 36 - "Marketing & Growth Strategies in the Spirits Industry” with Lazar Favors, CEO of Black Spirits Legacy

    Ep. 36 - "Marketing & Growth Strategies in the Spirits Industry” with Lazar Favors, CEO of Black Spirits Legacy
    Feb 24 2025
    In this episode of Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble interviews Lazar Favors, the CEO of Black Spirits Legacy. Lazar discusses the importance of building a strong consumer base in the spirits industry, emphasizing the power of word-of-mouth and relationship-building. He shares his journey of promoting black-owned spirit brands through events like Taste of Black Spirits and the upcoming Collective Behavior Tour 2025, which aims to highlight over 60 black-owned brands. Lazar also provides insights into creating an effective marketing strategy, focusing on the significance of packaging, community engagement, and the importance of starting locally. The episode highlights the challenges and strategies involved in distributing wine and spirits, emphasizing the need for patience, research, and strong marketing budgets.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 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 Lazar LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lazar-favors-68626713b/Email id: blackspiritslegacy@gmail.comCompany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackspiritslegacy/Taste of Black Spirits: “COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR” TOUR 2025 : Learn more hereEpisode Quotes:Consumers are your most powerful asset. Build relationships, and they’ll share your brand everywhere.Own your hometown first. If you can’t win locally, how do you expect to go global?A product without a story is just another bottle on the shelf.Don’t rush it. A great brand takes time to build. Nail your identity before you hit the market.We need to move collectively; when we build together, we create opportunities for everyone.
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    1 h et 1 min