The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business
The Chemical Show is the #1 business podcast for the chemical industry, offering leadership insights, business strategies, and real-world lessons from executives shaping the future of chemicals. Hosted by Victoria Meyer, an experienced industry professional and high-performance coach, each episode features interviews with leaders from Fortune 50 companies to startups. Topics include business transformation, innovation, digitization, strategy, and supply chain. The podcast aims to help listeners grow their knowledge, network, and impact in the trillion-dollar global chemical industry.
Episodes
CEO: How Executive Orders are Reshaping Chemical Imports and Compliance with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics - Ep. 281
New executive orders and tougher enforcement are raising the stakes for trade compliance in the chemical industry. Victoria Meyer sits down with Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, to clarify what leaders need to know about customs, importer responsibilities, and real-time compliance demands. They outline how assigning ownership of trade compliance, strengthening internal processes,
INSIGHT: What Chemical Industry Deals Signal About the Future
Industry headlines are driving strategic shifts in the chemical sector, and Victoria Meyer gives her candid perspective on what these major moves really mean for industry leaders and decision makers. This episode puts a spotlight on recent deals and boardroom decisions involving Shell, Olin, Huntsman, Solstice Advanced Materials, and H.B. Fuller. From Shell’s planned chemical asset sale t
Navigating Economic Shifts and Industry Trends with Martha Moore, Chief Economist at American Chemistry Council - Ep. 279
Chief Economist Martha Moore of the American Chemistry Council joins Victoria Meyer to unpack the latest economic realities and policy challenges shaping the chemical industry. Martha shares insight from ACC’s member surveys, discusses key drivers behind current market trends, and covers what’s keeping executives awake at night—from rising raw material costs to global trade uncertainty. T
Strait of Hormuz & Red Sea Crisis Continues with Farid Tahvildari of NUCO Logistics - Ep. 278
This episode of The Chemical Show features Farid Tahvildari, Managing Director of NUCO Logistics. Returning to the podcast, Farid provides a straightforward analysis of the ongoing Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea crises and their far-reaching impacts on global shipping, freight costs, and chemical supply chains. He explains how even those not directly trading through these regions are affect
INSIGHT: Leadership Under Pressure: When Everything Demands Your Attention - Ep. 277
Facing increasing demands, complex organizational shifts, and economic uncertainty, many leaders in the chemical industry are under more pressure than ever. In this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer explores emerging patterns in executive and senior leadership she's noticed from her conversations with industry leaders, coaching, and real-world experience. Victoria explains the
INSIGHT: What's Ahead for Chemicals? | Insights from 2Q2026 Chemical Earnings - Ep. 276
Victoria Meyer breaks down second quarter 2026 earnings results from across the chemical industry, pulling out the trends, strategies, and market shifts that matter to business leaders. With Q2 numbers in and disruption still echoing from the ongoing war in Iran, many companies saw stronger results. Victoria cuts through the headlines to clarify what’s really happening beneath the surface
Beyond Price: Building Competitive Advantage with Bob Tauchen of Coim - Ep. 275
Navigating growth, leadership, and innovation in polyurethanes, Robert (Bob) Tauchen, VP of Polyurethanes at the Coim Group, joins Victoria Meyer for an expert look at how the industry is adapting to shifting markets and new technologies. Bob explains Coim’s global strategy as a family-owned Italian company investing deeply in the US, first in New Jersey, and now expanding to Texas to add
Talent Shifts Reshaping the Chemical Industry with Geoff Smith of Mercer - Ep. 274
On this episode of The Chemical Show, Geoff Smith, partner at Mercer, joins Victoria Meyer to unpack what’s really changing in the chemical industry’s talent landscape. Drawing on Mercer’s recent Global Talent Trends Survey, Geoff explains why employee thriving is down, especially among managers, and what leaders can do to support and engage their people in a fast-changing, tech-enabled w
How AI Is Transforming Chemical Shipping and Supply Chains with Josh Luby of Veson Nautical - Ep. 273
AI is fundamentally changing the game for maritime shipping and supply chain management, especially when global disruptions and unstructured data make traditional approaches less effective. Victoria Meyer sits down with Josh Luby, Director of Product Management at Veson Nautical, to discuss how artificial intelligence, through tools like Veson’s Co Captain, is helping companies move from
CEO: From Transformation to Advantage with Hexion’s Michael Lefenfeld (Revisited) - Ep. 272
With the 2026 Chemical Summit on the horizon and Michael Lefenfeld set as the keynote speaker, this timely re-release spotlights his leadership at Hexion as the company moves beyond traditional chemicals into technology-enabled solutions. Victoria Meyer and Michael dig into the pressures facing the industry, from increasing customer demands and global competition to the need for digital t
INSIGHT: Mid-Year Reset Checklist for Leaders (2026 Edition) - Ep. 271
Download the Executive Discussion Guide: https://www.thechemicalshow.com/midyear How do you reset your business and leadership strategy when the world refuses to stick to the plan? Victoria King Meyer brings a midyear perspective on the dramatic changes shaping the chemical industry in 2026, ranging from supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions to the accelerating implemen
China’s Opportunistic Moves and Changing Dynamics in Asia’s Chemical Industry with John Richardson - Ep. 270
John Richardson, Director of Market Insights at ICIS, joins host Victoria Meyer to unpack the turbulence of 2026 in the global chemical markets. John shares perspectives on how the Middle East conflict rapidly shifted the market from chronic oversupply to acute undersupply, sending shockwaves through supply chains. The conversation highlights China’s evolving strategy, moving from a net i
INSIGHT: How Leading Companies are Reshaping Chemical Industry Landscape in 2026 - Ep. 269
Restructuring, mergers, and a fundamental reevaluation of competitive advantage are reshaping the chemical industry at a rapid pace. Host Victoria Meyer reviews recent headline-making events, from Evonik's major portfolio changes and Huntsman and Olin’s proposed merger to Trinseo’s bankruptcy and Syensqo’s portfolio review. Victoria explores what it means for companies to build sustainabl
INSIGHT: 5 Critical Success Factors for Enterprise AI Success | Beyond the Chat Prompt with Victoria King Meyer - Ep. 268
What truly sets apart companies succeeding with AI from those still stuck in pilot mode? Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the five critical capabilities every organization needs to translate AI experimentation into measurable business value. Drawing on industry research and real-world conversations with chemical leaders, Victoria highlights why enterprise AI success depends less on technology
Unlocking ROI with AI in Chemicals | Insights from Kendall Justiniano - Ep. 267
On this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer talks with Kendall Justiniano, Managing Director of Growth Arc Advisors, about the state of AI in the chemical industry. Kendall argues that the “exploratory phase” is over, and the focus must now shift to achieving real business value. They discuss why many companies remain stuck in experimentation mode and what it takes to move beyond
INSIGHT: Business of Beauty: 5 Key Insights from NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2026 - Ep. 266
Fresh from NYSCC Suppliers' Day, host Victoria Meyer shares key updates on the changes shaping personal care. This episode covers top takeaways for chemical suppliers, manufacturers, and value chain partners—featuring on-the-floor conversations with Neslihan Utkan of Croda and Syensqo’s Jennifer Zientek and Tom Brophy. Victoria highlights how companies are responding to demands for better
Tech Transfer, Innovation, and the Future of Chemicals with Cameron Begley - Ep. 265
Turning groundbreaking ideas into real market value is more challenging than most realize. Victoria Meyer and Cameron Begley, host of Tech Transfer Talk (sponsored by Spiegare), explore the pitfalls and successes of technology transfer, innovation, and commercialization within the chemical industry. They draw on years of experience to reveal why many innovations face roadblocks and what c
INSIGHT: Q1 Chemical Earnings are Sending Mixed Signals - Ep. 264
Examining Q1 2026 earnings in the chemical industry, Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show, breaks down what company reports really reveal about demand, pricing, and outlook for the rest of the year. Victoria focuses on the critical signals from Q1 and what business leaders should watch as market disruptions continue.This episode tackles the nuanced difference between stabilization an
INSIGHT: 5 Fundamental Shifts Redefining Success In Chemicals - Ep. 263
Five years of volatility have reshaped how chemical businesses define advantage. On this 5th anniversary episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria King Meyer uncovers the industry's most significant shifts since 2021, including the normalization of disruption, the move from efficiency to resilience in supply chains, and the new balance between global and local strategies. She shares how AI i
Supply Chains Under Stress | Live from AFPM International Petrochemical Conference 2026 - Ep. 262
Once considered a back-office function, supply chain management has become crucial to business strategy as disruptions and geopolitical events reshape the chemical industry. Host Victoria Meyer is joined by Jennifer Jewson (LyondellBasell), Claudia Moshiri (Brenntag), and Chad Burke (Economic Alliance Houston Port Region) live from AFPM International Petrochemical Conference to discuss ho
CEO: How Policy Impacts Competitiveness with Chris Jahn of American Chemistry Council - Ep. 261
Trade uncertainty, regulatory hurdles, and rail consolidation are reshaping the U.S. chemical sector’s path to competitiveness. Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, sits down with host Victoria Meyer to break down how shifting tariff policies, global supply chain complexity, and potential rail mergers are influencing costs, innovation, and industry alignment. C
Bringing Chemical Innovation to Market with Eric Appelman of Aduro Clean Technologies - Ep. 260
Scaling up chemical recycling technologies is transforming how the industry tackles plastics waste and circularity. Eric Appelman, Chief Revenue Officer of Aduro Clean Technologies, joins Victoria Meyer to discuss Aduro’s journey, from innovative pilot projects to a commercial demonstration plant in the Netherlands, following their NASDAQ listing. The conversation covers the challenges of
How War with Iran Affects Chemicals | Insights from WPC and WCF 2026 - Ep. 259
Geopolitics, energy volatility, and persistent oversupply are reshaping the global chemical industry as 2025 draws to a close. Victoria Meyer sits down with Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale from S&P Global to address the forces driving today’s market dynamics, the impact of government policies, and the shifting landscape heading into 2026. They break down how new sanctions, tariffs, and e
How AI is Shaping Energy & Petrochemical Landscape with Amy Jaffe of NYU - Ep. 258
AI’s rapid growth is transforming the energy landscape, sparking critical questions about grid reliability, electricity costs, and future solutions. Host Victoria Meyer talks with Amy Myers Jaffe of NYU to discuss how data centers are pressuring regional grids, why battery storage and grid flexibility matter, and what new market rules could mean for consumers and industry. The conversatio
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: How Oil and Chemicals Are Affected Worldwide with Farid Tahvildari - Ep. 257
Stranded ships and blocked oil routes in the Strait of Hormuz are causing far-reaching disruptions across the global chemical industry. NUCO Logistics Managing Director Farid Tahvildari joins host Victoria Meyer to explain how the Iran war has sparked shipping delays, rising surcharges, and new uncertainties—impacting everything from inventory planning to supply chain strategy for chemica
Digital First Customer Journey in Chemicals with Julie Roberts of ChemPoint - Ep. 256
ChemPoint’s digital-first model is reshaping the chemical distribution landscape by pairing technology-driven sales with a personal touch. Director of Supplier Growth Julie Roberts joins Victoria Meyer to discuss ChemPoint’s evolution from inside sales pioneers to leveraging AI and real-time data for specialty chemicals. Julie highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are—
CEO: Jennifer Abril, ACI at 100, and the Future of the Cleaning Industry - Ep. 255
Record attendance, industry transformation, and the push for science-backed clarity are setting the tone for the American Cleaning Institute’s centennial year. Jennifer Abril, ACI’s new leader, joins host Victoria Meyer to share how the organization is meeting member demands for authoritative guidance and consumer trust amidst regulatory pressures and rapid industry change. Jennifer provi
Chemical M&A Trends for 2026: Insights from Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews - Ep. 254
Uncertainty is fading and M&A activity is heating up in the chemicals and materials industry for 2026. Host Victoria King Meyer speaks with Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews about why the year ahead is shaping up to be strong for dealmaking. They discuss how greater strategic clarity, market stability, and disciplined capital deployment are spurring renewed confidence among buyers and selle
Overcapacity or Opportunity? Critical Chemical Decisions Shaping 2026 with Steve Lewandowski and Adrian Calcaneo of OPIS - Ep. 253
The dramatic rise of AI, shifting geopolitics, and industry overcapacity are putting energy and chemicals at a crossroads. Victoria Meyer sits down with Steve Lewandowski and Adrian Calcaneo of Chemical Market Analytics to unpack how these forces are driving volatility and change across global markets. From increased US exports of natural gas liquids to oversupplied chemical sectors and t
INSIGHT: Inside ACI Annual Meeting 2026: Strategic Trends Shaping Cleaning Products - Ep. 252
Science continues to shape the cleaning products industry, but trust and pragmatism are driving real decisions. Host Victoria King Meyer reports back from the American Cleaning Institute’s 100th annual conference, highlighting five essential themes impacting chemical and cleaning product businesses. From scalable sustainable solutions and the power of consumer-driven labeling to the need
CEO: How Regional Focus Shapes Customer Partnerships with LSB Industries CEO Mark Behrman - Ep. 251
From investment banking to the CEO seat at LSB Industries, Mark Behrman joins Victoria Meyer to discuss strategic transformation, market dynamics, and leadership in the chemical industry. Hear how LSB evolved from a traditional industrial conglomerate to a leading North American ammonia and nitric acid producer through operational integration, a focus on people, and strong customer partne
How Energy and Geopolitics Influence Chemical Industry in 2026 with S&P Global - Ep. 250
Global volatility, trade shifts, and new government policies are reshaping the chemical industry for 2026. Industry leaders Olivier Maronneaud and Pooja Jain from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to share S&P’s economic outlook and discuss supply-driven cycles, plant closures, and rising government intervention. They explore how North America, Europe, and Asia are responding to
INSIGHT: Top Risk Trends for Chemicals, Energy, & Mining in 2026 - Ep. 249
Geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies, and changing business models are reshaping risk for chemicals, energy, and mining companies as they look ahead to 2026. Host Victoria Meyer explores the top risk trends impacting these sectors with firsthand insights from Marsh industry leaders including Kimberly Mann, Bill Kost, Cynthia Hazard, Steve Horstkamp, and Raoul Munoz after attending t
CEO: What’s Ahead for Marine Logistics in 2026 with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics - Ep. 248
Trade policy volatility, supply chain disruptions, and the fast adoption of digital tools are rapidly reshaping marine logistics for the chemical industry. Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, joins Victoria Meyer to reflect on the market forces that defined 2025—including overnight tariff changes, ongoing geopolitical conflicts affecting the Suez Canal, and the rebound of the Panama
2025 Wrapped and Replayed - Ep. 247
Chemical industry professionals turned out in record numbers to hear insights from top leaders, with Peter Huntsman’s interview on innovation, learning, and the regulatory landscape named the most popular episode of the year. Host Victoria Meyer breaks down 2025’s Wrapped highlights, sharing a data-driven look at global listener demographics, preferred audio platforms, and the surprising
Chemical Talent Insights for 2026: Transformation, Succession, and Specialized Hiring - Ep. 246
Unprecedented transformation is shaping the chemical industry's talent landscape as companies prioritize digitalization and commercial fluency over traditional experience. Victoria Meyer is joined by Lisa Brantley, Head of Client Consulting and Executive Search for the Americas at Mercuri Urval, to discuss how global market shifts, AI, and structural change are redefining what chemical ex
Is Recovery on the Horizon? Hard Realities Facing Petrochemicals in 2026 with John Stekla of Perin Resources - Ep. 245
Global oversupply, uncertain demand, and tough cost structures are reshaping the chemical industry, leaving many companies facing unprecedented challenges. John Stekla, Director at Parin Resources, joins host Victoria Meyer for a frank conversation about the realities facing chemical producers, traders, and buyers as the industry moves into 2026. They examine the drivers of margin compres
INSIGHT: 15-Minute Leadership Reset: Your Year-End Momentum Plan - Ep. 244
Leaders who finish strong in December are the ones who start January ahead—both in focus and momentum. Victoria Meyer offers a practical 15-minute leadership reset for chemical industry professionals looking to close out 2025 with intention while laying the groundwork for a high-impact 2026. With just three weeks left in the business year, Victoria shares four core actions: resetting prio
INSIGHT: What to Take to Thanksgiving Dinner: 5 Truths Shaping the Chemical Industry - Ep. 243
What’s the one thing you should always bring to Thanksgiving dinner? According to host Victoria Meyer, it’s a great conversation starter—especially about topics that matter in the chemical industry today. From questions about the future of plastics and the impact of AI to navigating a challenging job market and redefining leadership, Victoria lays out five key talking points to help spark
INSIGHT: Chemical Industry Q3 Results: Key Trends, Risks, and 2026 Strategy Guidance - Ep. 242
The chemical industry is navigating its longest down cycle in two decades, with oversupply, weak demand, and tariff uncertainty shaping a challenging landscape for business leaders. Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the third quarter 2025 earnings reports, highlighting five key themes impacting the industry: soft demand, price and margin pressures, disciplined cost control, shifts in supply cha
Energy and Chemical Industry Outlook for 2026 with S&P Global - Ep. 241
Geopolitics, energy volatility, and persistent oversupply are reshaping the global chemical industry as 2025 draws to a close. Victoria Meyer sits down with Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale from S&P Global to address the forces driving today’s market dynamics, the impact of government policies, and the shifting landscape heading into 2026. They break down how new sanctions, tariffs, and e
Inside Syensqo’s Innovation Engine: AI, Customer Impact & Growth with CTIO Mike Finelli - Ep. 240
What does it take to transform a legacy chemical business into a cutting-edge innovation engine? Mike Finelli, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Syensqo (formerly Solvay), shares his journey from mailroom to C-suite and outlines how the company is leveraging sustainability, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence to drive growth and solve some of the world's toughest challenge
How TFS Is Transforming Sustainable Procurement Across Chemical Companies - Ep. 239
Accelerating sustainability through industry-wide collaboration is changing how chemical companies approach procurement, carbon reduction, and risk management. Victoria Meyer welcomes Jennifer Jewson, Chief Procurement Officer at LyondellBasell and President of Together for Sustainability (TfS), alongside Danielle Warnock, Senior Manager at Nouryon and TfS Regional Lead, to discuss how st
Turning Industrial Efficiency into Real-World Sustainability with ACC’s Mitch Toomey - Ep. 238
Efficiency and innovation have quietly embedded sustainability into the DNA of the chemical industry—long before the hype cycles and regulatory pressures. Mitch Toomey, VP of Sustainability and Responsible Care at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss how sustainability priorities are shaped by business needs, customer expectations, and practical reali
Insights from Chemical Summit 2025: Culture, Agility, and Technology - Ep. 237
People and culture are at the heart of transformation in an AI-enabled world—especially for chemical industry leaders navigating rapid change. Host Victoria Meyer recaps the highlights from The Chemical Summit 2025, where leaders gathered in Houston to share perspectives on business strategy, workforce evolution, technology, and sustainability. The central themes included the critical rol
Chemical Industry Transformation: Startup Mindset with Jimmy Jett of Integrity Biochem - Ep. 236
Taking on a 100-year-old industry with a startup mentality requires equal parts resilience, adaptability, and trust. Jimmy Jett, CEO of Integrity Biochem, joins host Victoria Meyer for an insightful fireside chat that uncovers the challenges and strategies behind transforming a traditional chemical business. Jimmy shares how his team moved innovative technology from the pharmaceutical sec
Surviving the Long Downturn: Dewey Johnson of Chemical Market Analytics on Chemicals, Strategy, and Change - Ep. 235
Oversupply, uncertainty, and shifting global forces are reshaping the chemical industry in unprecedented ways. Dewey Johnson, Senior Vice President of Dow Jones and global head of Chemical Market Analytics, joins host Victoria Meyer to dissect what’s driving the deepest and longest industry downcycle on record—from China’s march toward chemical self-sufficiency to the impact of sustainabi
Q4 2025 Priorities: How Chemical Leaders Can Position For 2026 Success - Ep. 234
As the chemical industry closes out a turbulent 2025, leaders are facing another critical inflection point. In this solo episode, host Victoria Meyer lays out the key market trends, leadership strategies, and execution tactics that matter most for finishing the year strong and setting up for success in 2026.Victoria unpacks how permanent asset shutdowns, trade and tariff volatility, tight
Modern Pricing Challenges and Value Drivers in the Chemical Industry with James Hogan of Simon-Kucher - Ep. 233
Pricing remains one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood levers for growth and profitability in the chemical industry. James Hogan, partner at Simon Kucher and expert in pricing strategy and customer behavior, joins host Victoria Meyer to break down today’s evolving landscape—from regional market differences and shifting supply dynamics to the rising role of digital tools and sust
Accelerating the Speed of Decisions with Knowde CEO Ali Amin-Javaheri - Ep. 232
The chemical industry is facing a new wave of digital transformation, with artificial intelligence and data integration promising tangible productivity gains. Ali Amin Javaheri, CEO of Knowde, returns to The Chemical Show with host Victoria Meyer to share how the industry’s historically “laggard” approach to technology is giving way to practical applications that drive value—from automati
Inside Carpenter Company’s Evolution: CEO Brad Beauchamp Discusses Acquisitions, Company Culture, and European Strategy - Ep. 231
How does a 75-year-old manufacturing company successfully transform through bold acquisitions and shifting market conditions? Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company, sits down with Victoria Meyer to share Carpenter’s journey from “old-school” chemical company to global leader in comfort cushioning and consumer bedding. Brad offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Carpenter
What Employers and Employees Really Want with Milan Taylor of Mercer - Ep. 230
How companies manage people and talent is rapidly changing—especially in the chemical industry where agility, performance, and well-being are now critical business drivers. Victoria Meyer is joined by Milan Taylor, partner at Mercer and featured speaker at the upcoming Chemical Summit, to discuss how workforce redesign, skill-based development, and the integration of technology like AI ar
Q2 Earnings Insights: Leading Through Chemical Industry Transformation - Ep. 229
Economic uncertainty, supply chain complexity, and shifting global demand are shaping the chemical industry’s trajectory as businesses wrap up Q2 2025. Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the mixed earnings results from major chemical players and highlights what leaders need to focus on for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. From confronting persistent weak demand and managing operational excel
Lessons in Change: Adapting Technology, Data, and People in the Modern Shipping Industry - Ep. 228
How is artificial intelligence changing the world of maritime shipping and the broader chemical industry supply chain? Victoria Meyer speaks with Per Ostman, VP of Product Management at Veson Nautical, to explore the impact of technology and data-driven solutions on shipping operations. Per shares how Veson Nautical integrates advanced software and AI-enabled workflows to help shipping co
2026 Strategy Starts Now: Economic Forecasts for Chemical Executives - Ep. 227
With business leaders facing volatile headlines and uncertainty heading into 2026, understanding the real economic signals has never mattered more. Principal Economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce of Stantec join host Victoria Meyer to break down the trends shaping the chemical industry, from the current state of macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds to the impact of policy moves, intere
How Allied Microbiota Tackles PFAS and Pollution Through Biotech with Ray Sambrotto - Ep. 226
Can environmental biotech finally crack the code on PFAS, “forever chemicals,” and other persistent pollutants? Ray Sambrotto, CEO of Allied Microbiota, joins Victoria Meyer to share how advances in microbial technology are reshaping the landscape of remediation in the chemical industry. With a foundation in environmental microbiology and years of academic research, Ray explains his journ
Fostering Innovation: Practical Takeaways for Business Leaders in Mature Industries - Ep. 225
At the midpoint of 2025, the chemical industry is navigating a turbulent landscape marked by geopolitical conflicts, trade uncertainties, and shifting supply-demand dynamics. Host Victoria Meyer examines how leaders are driving innovation during times of economic uncertainty, sharing recent insights from established and emerging companies including Hexion, Lummus Technology, Pilot Chemica
Lummus Technology CEO Leon de Bruyn on Culture, Innovation, and the Future of Process Technology - Ep. 224
How does a century-old technology company stay at the forefront of industrial innovation? Leon de Bruyn, CEO of Lummus Technology, joins host Victoria Meyer to share Lummus’s transformation story and the company’s unique approach to navigating change in the chemical industry. Leon reflects on Lummus’s evolution into an independent, pure-play technology leader, the challenges and opportuni
Transforming Hexion: CEO Michael Lefenfeld on Innovation, AI, and Leading With Customer Focus - Ep. 223
Transforming a 150-year-old chemical business into a technology-driven solutions provider requires both innovative thinking and strategic agility. Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO of Hexion Incorporated, joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the company’s evolution from its roots as Borden to leading the engineered wood industry with advanced adhesives, resins, and AI-powered manufactu
How Chemical Leaders Can Thrive: Mentoring, Feedback, and Navigating Challenge with Jeff Hancher - Ep. 222
Great leadership is forged through adversity, not comfort. Leadership expert Jeff Hancher joins host Victoria Meyer to explore the evolving challenges of leading teams in today’s chemical industry—where post-pandemic disruption, hybrid work, and rising mental health concerns are reshaping expectations. Jeff shares how growing up in poverty, serving in the military, and climbing the corpor
Five Key Questions for Jennifer Abril: Leadership, Transformation, and the Future of Chemicals - Ep. 221
Leadership transitions can shape the future of entire industries. With Jennifer Abril stepping into the role of President and CEO at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), host Victoria Meyer spotlights Jennifer’s unique leadership journey, her approach to driving transformation, and the qualities that make her a strong fit for ACI. Through selected highlights from previous conversations,
View from the East - Petrochemical Markets - with John Richardson of ICIS - Ep. 220
Is China’s strategic push for chemical self-sufficiency reshaping the global petrochemical landscape? John Richardson, senior consultant at ICIS, joins The Chemical Show to share insights on how misjudged growth expectations for China, shifting demographics, and the rise of state-driven capacity expansions have led to the deepest, longest downturn in industry history. John and host Victor
What's Missing and What's Hot at NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2025 - Ep. 219
Performance is taking center stage in the beauty and personal care ingredients sector, as revealed on the floor of NYSCC Suppliers Day 2025. Host Victoria Meyer explores the notable shift away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” uncovering how companies are reframing their focus towards innovation, plant-based solutions, and advanced product performance. Victoria is joined
Classic Replay: Sustainability & Leadership with Bonnie Tully of Evonik - Ep. 218
Personal Care Ingredients Market Trends with Sunanda Desai of Kline & Co - Ep. 217
Innovation and uncertainty are reshaping the personal care ingredients market, driven by pressures ranging from sustainability and natural ingredient demands to regulatory shifts and the opportunities presented by AI. Sunanda Desai, Vice President at Klein and Company, joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the factors transforming the $30 billion personal care ingredients sector. They expl
Mid-Year Reset: Smart Moves For Leaders In Uncertain Times - Ep. 216
Uncertainty is the new normal for the chemical industry, but leaders still need to make smart decisions that drive business forward. Victoria Meyer tackles the critical actions leaders should be taking at the midyear point of 2025, offering strategic advice for operating in volatile markets, maintaining resilient supply chains, and effectively communicating through change. With insights f
How Crisis Communications Strategies Enable Fast Response with Gerard Braud - Ep. 215
The speed of communication during a crisis can determine whether a company maintains control of its story or loses it to speculation and misinformation. Gerard Braud, crisis communications expert, joins host Victoria Meyer to share real-world insights from decades of experience in both journalism and the chemical industry, emphasizing the critical need for rapid, clear, and well-prepared
Essential Career Advice for New Graduates - Ep. 214
Starting your career is more than landing that first job—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong growth and opportunity. With graduation season in full swing, Victoria Meyer shares her most impactful career advice for new graduates in and beyond the chemical industry, drawing on insights from industry leaders and her own journey. From embracing the career marathon to building a stro
Tariffs and Trade Wars with Joseph Chang and Al Greenwood of ICIS - Ep. 213
Tariffs are shaking up the global chemical industry this year, creating uncertainty and shifting longstanding trade routes in unexpected ways. Victoria Meyer is joined by Joseph Chang and Al Greenwood of ICIS Chemical Business to break down the latest round of tariffs, including the dramatic 145% rate on Chinese imports and the sweeping, if temporary, 10% baseline affecting nearly every o
How Dr. Charlie Landis Bridges Science and Market in Chemical Innovations - Ep. 212
What happens when scientific curiosity collides with entrepreneurial spirit? Dr. Charlie Landis shares his journey from studying geochemistry to becoming the Chief Technology Officer at Integrity Biochem. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Charlie elaborates on how his unique ability to connect disparate datasets has driven innovations in oilfield chemicals and beyond. This
Surviving the Chemical Down Cycle: Strategies for Sustainability and Innovation - Ep. 211
As the world faces one of the longest chemical downcycles and a shifting global dynamic, Kendall Justiniano, founder and managing director of GrowthArc Advisors, offers a compelling perspective on how companies in the chemical industry can navigate the challenges of sustainability and innovation in today's economic climate. Justin and The Chemical Show host Victoria Meyer discuss the impo
Celebrating 4 Years of The Chemical Show: Victoria Meyer Shares Her Journey, Industry Insights, and What's Next - Ep. 210
Celebrating four years of chemical insights, Victoria Meyer takes a unique look back at what started as an ambitious idea and has now transformed into the number one business podcast in the chemical industry. Reflecting on the journey from 2021 to 2025, Victoria shares her personal and professional growth, marking pivotal shifts that have shaped both her career and the wider chemical land
Why Localization Matters in Global Sustainability with Jennifer Holmgren of LanzaTech - Ep. 209
Journey into the world of commercial carbon recycling with Victoria Meyer and Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, a groundbreaking company developing sustainable products from waste emissions. Discover how LanzaTech is leading the charge in turning industrial waste into valuable resources, focusing on carbon-smart ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel. Jennifer shares her fascinating per
Transforming Money Mindsets - Insights from CFO and Author Audrey Faust - Ep. 208
Explore the transformative journey of financial empowerment with Audrey Faust, a financial expert dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs master their money mindset. Audrey shares her compelling story of growth from financial adversity to becoming a CFO, financial business coach, and best-selling author. Her insights address the unconscious barriers women face in achieving financial inde
From Legacy To Innovation: Pilot Chemical's Path Forward With Christian MacIver -Ep. 207
Join Victoria Meyer as she unravels the dynamic journey of growth and transformation at Pilot Chemical with Christian MacIver, the company's President and COO. With a background in engineering and a penchant for problem-solving, Christian shares her passion for bringing innovation to the specialty chemicals market. She discusses the strategic initiatives driving Pilot's success, including
Women in Leadership: Road to the C-Suite with Emelia Nosser, Kristin Corbitt, Angie Griffin - Ep. 206
Learn how to reach the C-suite from women who've led the way in the chemical industry. Victoria Meyer hosts an enlightening panel discussion featuring Kristen Corbitt, President and CEO of Mays Chemical, a Ravago Company; Angie Griffin, Chief Commercial Officer of Third Coast; and Emelia Nosser, Chief Procurement Officer of Pactiv Evergreen. These leaders share their unique paths, highlig
Reshoring And Innovation In Specialty Chemicals with SOCMA's Jennifer Abril - Ep. 205
Amid a dynamic global landscape, the specialty chemical industry is navigating challenges and opportunities with “pragmatic confidence”. Join host Victoria Meyer and guest Jennifer Abril, CEO of SOCMA, as they explore the thriving specialty chemical industry and SOCMA's pivotal role in fostering connections and collaboration. With a focus on domestic production, Jennifer discusses SOCMA's
Unintended Consequences of Energy & Chemical Policy with Michael Kolodner of Marsh - Ep. 204
Explore the relationship between the chemical industry and energy in this discussion with Mike Kolodner, the US Energy and Power Leader and Global Renewable Energy Leader at Marsh. Victoria Meyer and Mike discuss the energy transition, the realities of energy consumption, and the role of chemical products in supporting renewable technologies. Discover how the energy demands of industrial
Critical Business Risks in 2025 and How to Mitigate - Insights from Marsh - Ep. 203
Navigating the complexities of risk management in the chemical industry is no small feat, and this episode of The Chemical Show brings experts from Marsh to share insights on how companies can thrive amid emerging challenges. Victoria Meyer is joined by industry leaders like Steve Horstkamp, Susan Gonzales, Mike Kolodner, and Randal Waters to explore the unique risks chemical companies fa
Investment Opportunities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland with Mark Plamondon - Ep. 202
Curious about the booming potential of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and its impact on the global petrochemical landscape? Join Victoria Meyer as she speaks with Mark Plamondon, Executive Director of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association, to uncover the immense benefits of investing in this strategic region. From low-cost feedstocks and world-class carbon management systems to a r
