Exclusive Interview | Danielle Goad, Future Leaders 2026
As EMEA Director, Danielle Goad leads Specright’s European operations, driving the development of the leading Specification Data Management platform. She helps companies digitize technical packaging and product data to enhance sustainability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the packaging industry?
Danielle Goad – I feel fortunate to have discovered packaging during my studies. I was initially torn between architecture, engineering, new technologies, and the business side of things. At Cal Poly, I found a program that brought all of those interests together — with packaging at the core. I’ve always been intrigued by how everyday products come to life, and packaging is where creativity, engineering, and sustainability meet. As I learned more, I became fascinated by the data and collaboration needed to make packaging sustainable at scale.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a young leader in the packaging industry?
Danielle Goad – One of the biggest early challenges was earning credibility in rooms filled with experts who had been in the industry for decades. I learned quickly that the best way to lead was through curiosity, which also aligns with one of Specright’s core values: “We will be active learners.” I have been lucky to be surrounded by change makers on the packaging and R&D side of businesses by helping lead our Academia Program and the Sustainable Packaging Data Council at Specright. It’s less about age, more about contribution and curiosity.
If you could change one misconception about packaging, what would it be?
Danielle Goad – I’d challenge the idea that packaging progress is mainly about new materials, because the real barrier to sustainability and speed is fragmented, inaccessible data. Real change will come when brands, converters and regulators can collaborate on a shared digital foundation of specification data, ensuring that every claim, material choice or recycling target is grounded in traceable and credible information. With transparent, accessible data, packaging engineers can stop chasing documents and instead focus on designing smarter, more sustainable packaging.
