The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

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 compression, how U.S. and global players are making difficult operational choices, and why even the industry’s cost advantages aren't a guaranteed ticket to success. Victoria and John also discuss shifting strategies among buyers and sellers, the implications of recent structural changes and plant closures, and how companies are preparing for what could be several more years of pressured results. Despite the near-term headwinds, John underscores the long-term value of the U.S. cost position and the cycles that have always defined chemical markets, sharing practical insights for leaders seeking to navigate uncertainty and position their businesses for the future. Additional Links: Conversations On The Propylene And Olefin Market With John Stekla The State Of The Petrochemical Industry Post Hurricane Ida With John Stekla Victoria examines the following topics: Global chemicals face excess supply, flat demand, and rising competition. Companies are focusing on efficiency and cost-cutting to survive shrinking margins. The industry is restructuring with asset shutdowns and tough make-or-buy decisions. U.S. cost advantage persists, but fuels new competition as exports rise. Lessons from past cycles highlight the need for readiness and adaptability.  Killer Quote: "The bright and shiny thing really is ... the cost position that can't be reproduced anywhere in the world ... That puts us in a great position to take advantage of the demand when it bounces back. And it will, without a doubt. We're always in cycles and you could argue it's an eight or ten year cycle, but we've been through this before and we're in a very strong position to weather it." — John Stekla Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 priorities, bringing clarity and alignment to the team, strengthening key relationships, and setting personal leadership goals for the year ahead. Additional Link:  Get your worksheet!These steps go beyond simply completing tasks—they help leaders cut through year-end noise, avoid the common January “catch-up,” and step into the new year with clear purpose. Victoria draws from real-world executive coaching experiences, offering actionable questions and strategies for business professionals ready to boost their impact. Tune in to get a concise blueprint for finishing 2025 strong and building strategic momentum for 2026.  Victoria examines the following topics: How to use December’s final weeks to build momentum for a powerful start in January. Why intentional year-end decisions matter more than just task completion for lasting success in 2026. Four essential actions for chemical industry leaders to maximize impact and reset focus before year’s end. The importance of strengthening one key connection now to unlock new opportunities in the coming year. Personalize 2026: Set leadership goals for yourself to lead with clarity and purpose in the new year.   Killer Quote: “Closing the year strong isn't about doing more. It's not about finishing every task and checking off every task that showed up on your to do list for the year. It's really about focusing your energy, clarifying your impact, and creating momentum that carries into January.” - Victoria Meyer  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

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 smart, relevant discussions around the holiday table. Victoria explores the uneven state of the economy, the rapid adoption of AI, the real story behind plastics and sustainability, how leaders are recalibrating during times of transition, and why talent and skills gaps are shaping the future of the industry. Her practical insights deliver both context and clarity for professionals facing today’s market challenges—making this episode a timely resource for both your Thanksgiving conversations and your business strategy. Victoria explores the following topics: 1. Why the economy feels uneven and how chemicals give you unique insight. 2. How AI is already shaping your world—at work and at home. 3. What to say when tough plastics or sustainability questions arise. 4. How resilient leaders focus and adapt during rapid business shifts. 5. Why the biggest risk—and opportunity—is the people powering the chemical industry. Killer Quote: “Honestly, right now, the economy is a lot like the Thanksgiving table, the table that you'll be sitting at with all your friends and family and relatives and whatever you do. Everyone's having a different experience, but we're all in the same room.” - Victoria Meyer Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 chain strategy, and the increasing impact of tariffs and trade policy. Victoria shares strategies for business leaders looking to finish 2025 strong and prepare for 2026, including focusing on core value segments, strengthening regional supply chains, protecting margins, improving demand forecasting, and prioritizing cash and investment discipline. This episode delivers actionable insights for chemical industry professionals facing tough decisions and searching for clarity in uncertain times.  Victoria explores the following topics: Industry faces weak demand, uncertainty, and stalled recovery. Oversupply crisis: Prices and margins squeezed, except in specialty/innovation segments. Cost discipline intensifies: Cutting spending, optimizing portfolios, reducing dividends. Firms pivot to regional markets and supply chains to manage tariffs and simplify operations. Actionable strategies for leaders to drive clarity, control, and growth heading into 2026.  Killer Quote:"Cash is king, right? And that's what we're seeing. And getting smarter with how you're managing cash... This is around being crystal clear who your high value customers and your lesser value customers are and how you serve them. It is looking at your portfolio, your customer portfolio and optimizing it. Optimization gives you strength for your own business." - Victoria Meyer Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 energy transition policies are influencing everything from oil prices and supply chains to chemical production strategies worldwide. The episode explores regional strengths and vulnerabilities, with North America, the Middle East, and China taking leading roles amid rationalization and capacity closures in Europe and South Korea. Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale share insights on how chemical producers are responding to cost shifts, supply chain resets, and evolving consumer demand. The conversation also previewed the upcoming World Petrochemical Conference and CERAWeek, emphasizing the need for industry leaders to stay agile in response to accelerated change, emerging technologies, and global market imbalances.  Victoria, Kurt, and Andrew discuss the following this week:  Why government action, oversupply, and shifting demand are redefining 2025 in the chemical markets. How new sanctions, oil movements, and policy shifts impact feedstocks and chemical production. Real-world examples of how canal disruptions, freight rate swings, and tariffs are reshaping global sourcing. Regional winners and losers as energy prices, assets, and investments shift across Europe, China, and the US. Key strategies for chemical leaders navigating consolidation, energy transition, and market shifts ahead.  Killer Quote:  "We’ve gone from that globalization to regionalization—that almost helps some of your high cost players very short term...that’s a very near term. How long that lasts if we have another round of tariff movements—European, and we will, but European, I don’t know what it is, but we will in Q2."  —Andrew Neale Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com (00:01) - - Introduction & Welcome (01:31) - - Energy Market Shifts & Government Actions (05:27) - - Tariffs, Trade, and Global Uncertainty (09:40) - - Chemical Demand and Investment Cycle (12:55) - - Feedstock Price Trends & Impact (18:09) - - Regional Winners & Losers in Chemicals (21:43) - - Deepening Structural Shifts (27:52) - - Energy Transition: Progress & Roadblocks (33:06) - - Looking Ahead: Preparing for 2026 (34:48) - - Conferences & Final Remarks

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 challenges. With a 160-year heritage and a fresh start after splitting from Solvay, Syensqo’s focus spans advanced materials for aerospace, automotive, healthcare, electronics, water filtration, and more. Host Victoria Meyer and Mike discuss building a culture where AI becomes a daily tool for everyone, the company’s research priorities, and the launch of customer innovation centers designed to foster collaborative, customer-centric solutions. They also address leading through change—both technological and organizational—offering candid insights on managing culture shifts, developing future leaders, and the role of purpose-driven innovation in attracting and retaining talent in the chemical industry.  In this week's episode, Victoria and Mike talk about: From Mailroom to C-Suite: Mike Finelli’s journey highlights the power of a growth mindset in chemicals. How Syensqo balances tradition with a culture of innovation after its split from Solvay. Syensqo puts sustainability at the core of R&D, tackling global challenges with biotech and renewables. Building an AI-driven organization where generative tools accelerate discovery and everyday productivity. Driving innovation by partnering closely with customers in globally connected labs for faster solutions.   Killer Quote: "Our job is to turn molecules into money... and we do that by solving our customers' biggest challenges. You can't do that if you're not interacting with the customer."  —Mike Finelli

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 strategic alliances like TfS are driving real progress on sustainable procurement across the chemical industry. Victoria, Jennifer, and Danielle examine the foundations and impact of TfS: standardizing supplier engagement, launching shared audit platforms, and advancing product carbon footprint measurement to address complex Scope 3 emissions. The conversation covers how sustainable procurement is intertwining with business strategy, the challenges and realities of delivering on corporate sustainability promises, and how companies are equipping teams and the next generation of leaders to advance long-term change. Discover how collaborative platforms and disciplined governance are helping shape the future of chemicals, and why staying committed to sustainability is critical for competitiveness, growth, and continued license to operate.  Victoria, Jennifer, and Danielle discuss the following topics on this week's episode:  Together for Sustainability unites chemical companies to create shared sustainable procurement goals. Sustainable procurement explained: What it means and why it matters How TfS members use common platforms and audits to simplify supplier engagement and data exchange. Companies balance regulation, market shifts, and sustainability priorities to future-proof the industry. Passionate professionals and peer learning accelerate supply chain sustainability. Killer Quote:  “We do together what we cannot do alone.” — Jennifer Jewson, on the collaborative power of the Together for Sustainability alliance Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 realities. Mitch shares his journey from management consulting to the United Nations, BASF, and now ACC, spotlighting the business case for sustainability and the real progress chemical companies are making in reducing emissions and waste, even as industry output grows. The conversation explores how the expectations around sustainability have shifted, why incremental improvements and transparency matter, and how the value chain—spanning suppliers, manufacturers, and customers—is working together to deliver meaningful results. Mitch addresses common public misconceptions about the chemical industry, offers insights into aligning diverse member interests at ACC, and closes with advice for future leaders who want to make an impact across business and policy.  Victoria and Mitch explore the following topics on this episode: The business case for sustainability: how efficiency and profitability drive lasting change Why chemical companies focus on practical, measurable sustainability improvements. How chemistry shapes everyday life Aligning diverse players across the chemical value chain for real sustainability progress. Mitch Toomey’s advice on careers and impact in sustainable chemistry.  Killer Quote:  "What’s a safe and sustainable facility is a profitable facility." – Mitch Toomey Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 role of organizational culture, the need for strong collaboration and business agility, and how digital tools and AI are reshaping work across the sector. STAY CONNECTED ALL YEAR: Join the Chemical Executive Mastermind.  New cohort starting in November.  Check it out HERE. Listeners get insights from keynote speakers and panelists on purpose-driven leadership, the realities of upskilling talent, and the impact of new technology on daily operations. Victoria explores how companies are building resilience in supply chains, creating customer value beyond price, responding to economic volatility, and implementing AI not as a job-taker, but as a growth engine.  Victoria discusses the following topics: How leaders are reshaping workplaces to thrive in the AI-powered chemical industry.   The strategies and collaboration driving chemical companies to stay nimble and deliver value.   Real stories of AI and digitalization fueling industry innovation and trust.   Data-driven trends in employee satisfaction, well-being, and skill development.   How executives are steering their companies through disruption and towards lasting success.  "People and culture are the backbone of transformation in an AI enabled world." - Victoria Meyer 

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 sector into oil and gas, then successfully scaled into personal care and mining. Their conversation highlights the unique pressures of operating a startup in a legacy market—navigating regulatory hurdles, building a culture of speed and trust, and leveraging partnerships for rapid growth and scale. With candid stories on leadership, funding, and talent, Jimmy and Victoria shine a light on what it takes to disrupt and thrive in the chemical industry today, amidst economic, geopolitical, and technological shifts.  Victoria and Jimmy explore the following topics: How Integrity Biochem brought a fast-paced startup mindset to disrupt the century old chemical industry. How Jimmy Jett built his team and pivoted from entrepreneurship to structured, scalable operations. The real challenges of scaling from a three-acre site to global operations. Culture, resilience, and the leadership journey Navigating uncertainty in a changing industry  Killer Quote: "You have to find those experts in those market segments that can tell you go, no go. And there’s plenty of market segments where we are not a fit. Absolutely not. And so you just have to keep plugging away until you find that little niche and then you go hard with it... you go hard only if the volumes and the margin justify it." — Jimmy Jett Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 sustainability targets and supply chain risk. Dewey shares his perspective on the global landscape, the interplay of political, economic, and environmental pressures, and why market participants are facing tough decisions about assets, investment, and strategy. Victoria and Dewey also explore how companies are navigating regional differences, the growing importance of AI, and why the next five years could bring more M&A, shutdowns, and portfolio reshaping. With insight into the evolving role of Chemical Market Analytics under Dow Jones, this conversation offers chemical industry professionals a candid look at the trends and disruptions shaping the market today—and practical considerations for staying resilient and competitive into the future.  Victoria and Dewey discuss the following topics:  Discover the forces pushing chemical markets into a deep, global downturn.   Learn how geopolitical shifts are rewriting the rules of industry competition.   Uncover China's oversized impact on worldwide chemical supply and trade.   See how innovation and strategic moves are helping companies stay resilient.   Explore how data, analytics, and AI are guiding smarter decisions in uncertain times. Killer Quote: "This is the longest and deepest down cycle ethylene has ever experienced, ever." — Dewey Johnson Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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, tighter capital, the evolving business case for decarbonization, and uneven demand are reshaping industry decision-making. She dives into the practical steps that chemical leaders—from the C-suite to frontline managers—can take now to sharpen operational discipline, drive portfolio value, and protect strategic growth opportunities amid uncertainty.From capital allocation and supply chain resilience to customer partnership and talent management, Victoria emphasizes the importance of strategic discipline and a focus on the fundamentals. Leaders need to navigate today’s challenges but also position their business to capture opportunities as the landscape evolves. Victoria highlights:Five top market trends defining Q4 2025: asset shutdowns, trade/tariff uncertainty, capital constraints, shifting decarbonization priorities, and uneven demand.How permanent structural change is creating risk—but also new opportunities for those who are prepared.The importance of scenario planning and stress-testing supply chains to create resilience and competitive advantage.Why operational discipline and cash management are essential to fund innovation, M&A, and growth.Portfolio discipline: knowing when to prune non-core businesses and selectively invest for transformation.The impact of delayed decarbonization projects, but also where incremental progress and the business case still hold strong.How to approach talent and culture as drivers of transformation—especially amid layoffs and restructuring.Practical actions for leaders to close out 2025: tighten operations, protect growth capital, focus supply chain strategy, engage customers on value, and build high-performance teams. Killer Quote: “This is the quarter where strategic discipline really differentiates those who are merely surviving from those who are positioning to grow into 2026.” – Victoria Meyer

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 sustainability. Their conversation highlights how value goes beyond price alone, with factors like product quality, lead time, technical support, and strong customer relationships playing critical roles in differentiating both commodity and specialty chemical businesses. James and Victoria examine the transformation from formulaic to value-based pricing, the complexities introduced by tariffs and distributors, and the increasing need for scenario planning in a volatile market. They also discuss how technical backgrounds, transparent communication, and understanding what customers truly value can drive both personal career growth and business results.   Victoria and James explore the following topics: How a clear understanding of what customers value is critical to pricing How technical support, lead times, and relationships drive differentiation—even in commodities. Regional markets and sustainability differences are demanding tailored global strategies. How AI, data, and blockchain are revolutionizing chemical pricing and operations. Preparing for uncertainty: Scenario planning is key to staying ahead of market disruptions.  Killer Quote: "Everybody wants to avoid a price war. In an industry like this where margins are razor thin, you can't afford to go down. So let's all focus on adding more value. You add more value, you find a way to add more value, customers will find a reason and willingness to pay a little bit more. And, you know, our side is let's raise the bar rather than lower the bar." - James Hogan, Partner at Simon-Kucher Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 automating regulatory workflows to empowering sales and commercial teams. Ali draws on his deep industry background to discuss the challenges and opportunities chemical companies are encountering as they seek to unify fragmented data and leverage new tools to streamline operations. Victoria and Ali explore the critical role of leadership in successful digital adoption, the importance of targeting top business priorities, and why user adoption still hinges on solving the right problems. Their conversation covers the evolution from early e-business systems to modern AI-driven solutions, highlighting how faster access to knowledge, connected data sources, and executive engagement are fundamentally changing how chemical companies operate and create value—for their teams and their customers. Victoria and Ali cover these topics: How to transform scattered chemical data into real productivity gains. Learn how AI is solving real challenges in chemicals—not just hype. Discover why connected data means faster, smarter decisions. Learn why executive focus is the secret to lasting digital change. Get Ali’s advice for future leaders driving industry innovation.  Killer Quote: "You have no idea how many times I hear the two words ‘change management.’ And of course it’s hard—you know, people have their preferences and certain behaviors. However, people can change and people can be led to a better direction. A lot of times folks want that if they understand the why and it’s being repeated over and over again as to why it’s so important." - Ali Amin-Javaheri, CEO of KnowdeSubscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 navigated the integration of major acquisitions—including Recticel, NCFI Polyurethanes, and the iconic Casper mattress brand—amid supply chain turbulence, economic uncertainty, and evolving industry demands. Victoria and Brad also tackle the changing culture in manufacturing, Carpenter’s approach to digital transformation and AI, and how leaders can balance people-first values with the drive for profit and growth. With practical leadership advice and candid stories from the front lines, this episode is a must-listen for chemical industry professionals interested in business transformation, growth strategies, and the future of manufacturing.    Victoria and Brad discuss the following:  How to keep a company growing during unpredictable times. How bold acquisitions are reshaping Carpenter’s future.Maintaining a people-first culture through major change. Evolving the chemical value chain  Leadership, digital transformation, and Carpenter’s formula for resilience. Killer Quote: "Sales is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is reality."  — Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company 00:00 "Carpenter Company Insights with CEO" 03:42 Guest Appreciates Podcast's Positive Impact 06:55 Journey from R&D to Chemical Sales 11:45 Growth Strategy Over Coasting 15:53 Flexible Foam Acquisition Discussion 17:28 "Understanding the Casper Story" 21:37 Changing Mattress Market Dynamics 26:17 Brand-Driven Billion-Dollar Businesses 30:18 "Understanding Organizational Talent Variability" 31:17 Balancing Growth and Pace 34:48 Investing in Europe's Consumer Market 39:22 Carpenter's Transformative Profit Sharing Plan 41:16 AI's Role in Evolving Work Practices 44:53 Navigating Information in New Industries 49:51 "Curiosity Fuels Lifelong Learning" 51:05 Uncontrollable Career Advancement Factors  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 are shaping both challenges and opportunities for chemical companies. Victoria and Milan explore data-driven insights around HR priorities, the importance of aligning KPIs with business strategies, and the growing pressure on leaders to address employee stress and burnout. They also address practical strategies for small and midsize companies to maintain agility and foster growth—even with limited resources. Whether you’re a leader looking to refine your talent strategy or aiming to future-proof your workforce, this episode offers valuable, actionable perspectives for navigating today’s workforce transformation.  Victoria and Milan investigate these themes this week: People-First Performance: Empowering line managers to drive results. Work redesign: Breaking jobs into skills and leveraging technology for agility. Managing AI adoption benefits and risks in chemical workforces. Addressing employee burnout and retention beyond just pay. Scalable Growth: Practical development strategies for companies of all sizes.  Killer Quote: "You can only deliver that business performance if you've got strong alignment all the way down the organization." – Milan Taylor 00:00 "Optimizing HR in Chemical Industry" 05:38 Agility: Speed, Precision, Intent 10:20 "Revolutionizing Work Through Automation" 13:23 Realistic Project Management & Transformation 17:24 HR's Cautious AI Adoption 21:40 Top Employee Priorities: Pay & Benefits 22:47 Workplace Strain Amid Economic Pressures 26:25 Unrealistic Targets Drive Employee Exit 32:23 Boost Engagement & Skills Transition 33:38 "Keys to Authentic Professionalism"  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 excellence, to navigating regionalization, cost discipline, and supply chain resilience—Victoria breaks down the core industry trends and reveals how specialties are outperforming commodities in today’s market landscape. Victoria also shares actionable insights for leaders: prioritize talent, double down on communication, and remain agile in both investment and innovation strategies. With business transformation and sustainability still at the forefront, this episode provides practical guidance to maximize opportunities and overcome current market challenges. Explore how industry leaders are preparing for future shifts—and why attending the upcoming Chemical Summit in Houston could be critical for your business and leadership growth. Victoria discusses the following: Mixed Q2 2025 earnings: Chemical industry performance varies widely Specialty outperforms commodity: Differentiation and regional focus drive success Cost-cutting and cash preservation are top priorities for companies Supply chain resilience: Regional diversification key amid disruption Leadership priorities - Strategic planning, talent, innovation, and communication for 2026  Killer Quote: "Doing the right things in your business today that allow you to reinvest, grow, focus on future business." – Victoria Meyer 00:00 Q2 Insights in Chemical Industry 05:40 Commodity Cost Cuts & Specialty Chemical Resilience 10:15 Automotive Industry's Ongoing Struggles 11:34 Rethinking Business Amid Global Shifts 16:44 Smart, Nimble Investment Strategies 20:49 Evolving Business and Sustainability Shift 24:01 "Clear Communication is Key" 25:04 "Be Ready for 2026 Opportunities"  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 companies manage complex data, enhance efficiency, and adapt to rapid changes in the marketplace. Victoria and Per dig into the speed and complexity of shipping data, the importance of system integration, and the role of AI in streamlining tasks like claims handling. The conversation also addresses the human side of technology adoption—how AI is transforming jobs, creating new opportunities, and driving a need for continual learning. With practical advice for industry professionals and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of technology, people, and progress in maritime shipping and chemicals.  Victoria and Per explore the following topics: Using AI and technology to accelerate maritime operations How Veson transforms complex data into actionable supply chain intelligence. Using AI to speed up demurrage claims assessment by 300%   Why AI augments rather than replaces human expertise in shipping. Leadership advice for non-traditional career paths  Killer Quote: "Don't sand down the edges of who you are because then you're not being your optimal self and you can direct your optimal self to do just about anything."  - Per Ostman 00:00 Classics Major's Unique Tech Perspective 06:57 Veson Nautical's Integrated Maritime Solutions 09:09 Navigating Complex Shipping Data 12:51 Data Integration Challenges 18:36 AI Streamlines Claims Demurrage Process 23:20 AI Enhancing Claims Analyst Roles 25:35 "Tech Solutions: Communication & Collaboration" 29:31 Leadership Advice for Chemical Industry Entrants 30:54 Embrace Uniqueness, Pursue Passions  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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, interest rates, and global demand. Together, they discuss how companies can separate data from sentiment, apply scenario planning, and stress-test their outlooks in a dynamic marketplace. Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick explore the hard financial data leaders should be monitoring—ranging from bookings, backlogs, and billings to corporate profitability and the health of the consumer. They highlight how strategic pricing, scenario analysis, and a keen eye on the bond market can help chemical leaders build resilient plans for 2026 and beyond. The episode wraps with practical leadership advice for navigating unpredictability and maintaining confidence during uncertain times.  Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick discuss the following: 2025–2026 Chemical Outlook: Modest growth expected and key market signals for decision-makers. Strategic planning approaches for uncertain economic conditions and scenario testing. How tariffs, taxes, and regulations in major markets impact chemicals. Data Over Hype: Focus on financial metrics (bookings, backlogs, billings) vs. market sentiment. Leading Through Uncertainty: Practical strategies for confident leadership during volatile times.  Killer Quote: "The US economy is an aircraft carrier. It does not turn on a dime. So all these signals have been manifesting throughout the course of this year suggesting modest, mild growth for 2025. And what Jeremy and I have been telling our clients to plan for is additional modest mild growth in 2026." — Patrick Luce 00:00 Chemical Summit 2025 Preview 05:08 "Planning with a Macroeconomic Focus" 10:15 "Business Growth Analysis Essentials" 13:10 2026 Economic Outlook Challenges 17:30 Plan for Contingencies, Stress Test 21:07 Rising Interest Payments: Global Impact 25:06 Strategic Pricing Amid Inflation Challenges 28:03 Focus on Hard Financial Data 31:28 Consumer Resilience Amid Economic Changes 33:02 Chemical Market's Post-Peak Adjustments 37:23 Bond Market's Impact on Mortgages 39:09 "Confidence in Informed Decisions"  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

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 journey from oceanography to entrepreneurship, revealing how precise strains of bacteria can tackle tough contaminants—speeding up processes previously measured in years down to mere weeks. Victoria and Ray discuss the shift from traditional clean-up methods to scalable, biologically driven solutions for soil and wastewater. The conversation covers regulatory hurdles, the integration of AI for microbial discovery, and how collaboration between specialty biotech firms and established engineering players can expedite commercial scale-up. As regulatory standards tighten and the demand for cost-effective cleanup grows, Allied Microbiota’s approach signals a new era where biology is not just an afterthought but a strategic asset in achieving industrial and environmental goals.  Victoria and Ray discuss the following topics in this week's episode: Transforming university research into commercial products  Utilizing microbiology to break down "forever chemicals" in soil and water faster.  Building strategic partnerships to enable scale-up How AI and machine learning can accelerate development Killer Quote: "We've been able to speed up that decontamination process by order of magnitude, so going from years to weeks in terms of cleaning up the soil." - Ray Sambrotto 00:00 Chemical Industry Innovators Podcast 05:01 Bioremediation Challenges: Emerging Contaminants 08:39 Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil 11:35 Environmental Engineering Permitting Strategy 12:51 PFAS Breakdown: Cost-Effective Alternatives 16:28 Proactive Industrial Waste Management Solutions 22:18 Academic vs. Industrial Challenges 24:23 "Join & Share: The Chemical Show"  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com