In this episode of our Sustainability in Action podcast series, we spotlight the Performance Products team—winners of the Huntsman Corporation's 2024 CEO Award for Manufacturing Excellence—for their innovative project, “Turning Straw Into Gold: Recycling Ethyleneamine (EA) Lights" Responding to evolving market dynamics, the team reengineered operations at two Ethyleneamines (EA) plants to reduce production of lower-value products and increase output of more profitable, in-demand materials. By creatively repurposing existing equipment and optimizing processes, they achieved significant performance gains—without the need for new capital investment. This initiative not only enhanced operational efficiency and profitability but also demonstrated how sustainability and innovation can work hand in hand to deliver lasting value. Subscribe now and don’t miss a single episode of our special podcast series featuring the 2024 CEO Award finalists. Each week, we’ll take you behind the scenes with the teams driving innovation, excellence, and real impact across our business.

Today we are joined by Dr. Mary Beckerle, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Huntsman Cancer Institute Member, and Huntsman Corporation Board of Directors to discuss her personal journey and the inspiring legacy of Jon Huntsman, Sr. in the fight against cancer. The discussion covers the evolution of cancer treatment over the past two decades, highlighting significant advancements in precision medicine and immunotherapy. Dr. Beckerle emphasizes the importance of research, early detection, and the emotional weight of leading an institution that serves as a beacon of hope for patients and their families. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of cancer, the importance of leadership in healthcare organizations, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in cancer treatment. They discuss the significance of communication in leadership, the challenges faced in a male-dominated field, and the need for effective science communication to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding.

X: @huntsmancancer BlueSky: huntsmancancer.bsky.social Instagram: huntsmancancerinstitute

Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Personal Stories and Inspirations 03:07 From New Jersey to Utah: A Leap of Faith 06:13 Jon Huntsman, Sr. and His Legacy 08:53 Transforming Cancer Care: Progress Over Two Decades 12:07 The Science of Hope: Innovations in Cancer Treatment 14:59 Understanding Cancer: Causes and Prevention 17:55 The Role of Research: From Lab to Patient Care 20:49 The Weight of Responsibility: Leading with Compassion 32:22 Understanding Cancer and Cell Identity 34:21 Leadership in Complex Organizations 39:01 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities 42:22 The Importance of Communication 48:20 The Future of AI in Cancer Treatment 58:13 The Role of Science in Society cancer research,

AI in healthcare, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Jon Huntsman, Sr., cancer treatment innovations, personal stories, healthcare leadership, precision medicine, immunotherapy, cancer prevention, cancer, leadership, communication, artificial intelligence, science, healthcare, organizational culture, problem-solving, patient care, innovation

In this conversation, the speaker discusses the current state of Huntsman Corporation, reflecting on the challenges faced over the past few years, including industry downturns, economic factors, and the impact of interest rates. The discussion also covers the importance of understanding external economic trends, the state of the Chinese economy, and the challenges faced by Europe in terms of energy policies. The speaker emphasizes the need for strategic decision-making in light of these challenges and explores the future of electric vehicles and innovations within the company. Additionally, the speakers delve into the implications of AI on energy demand, the optimism surrounding AI's potential in cancer research, and the evolving political landscape with figures like U.S. President Trump and Elon Musk. They discuss the necessity for government transparency, the future of social security, and the importance of maintaining faith in institutions. The conversation also touches on the innovative approaches in cancer research and the personal joys of grandparenting.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

05:10 Understanding External Economic Factors

09:00 The Impact of U.S. Interest Rates

11:52 Chinese Economic Trends and Demand

14:49 The State of European Industry

17:52 Energy Policies and Manufacturing Challenges

21:00 Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty

23:58 The Role of Tariffs in Global Trade

27:48 The Future of Electric Vehicles

34:59 Innovations in Materials Science

37:01 The Future of Chip Manufacturing and Cleanliness

38:50 AI Optimism vs. Alarmism

40:50 AI's Role in Cancer Research

43:46 Future of Space Exploration

45:02 Trump's Political Impact and the Movement

47:15 Elon Musk's Unique Approach to Challenges

52:32 Government Spending and Accountability

56:04 The Need for Transparency in Government

01:01:33 Maintaining Faith in Institutions

01:04:11 Innovations in Cancer Research and AI

In this conversation, Britt Benko shares her journey from growing up in an oil and gas family in the Rocky Mountains to becoming a prominent figure in the industry. She discusses her education, the influence of mentors, and the personal impact of safety in the workplace. Britt reflects on her career at BP, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the significance of the Gulf of Mexico incident in shaping her professional outlook. Brittany reflects on her experiences during the Deepwater Horizon crisis, discussing the challenges of crisis management and leadership. She shares insights on personal growth through adversity, the importance of organizational culture in safety, and the transition from the oil and gas industry to the chemical sector. Benko emphasizes the role of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) in modern industry and discusses the balance between career and family life, ultimately reflecting on his career achievements and legacy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Britt Benko 02:23 Growing Up in an Oil and Gas Family 05:43 Education and Early Career Decisions 11:59 Mentorship and Career Path at BP 15:15 Personal Impact of Safety in the Industry 19:51 Career Development at BP 25:01 The Gulf of Mexico Incident 26:42 Crisis Management and Leadership During Deepwater Horizon 35:55 Personal Growth Through Adversity 39:35 Organizational Culture and Safety 40:06 Transitioning from Oil & Gas to Chemical Industry 43:52 The Role of EHS in Modern Industry 44:52 Balancing Career and Family Life 51:49 Reflecting on Career Achievements and Legacy

Guest - Vin Kumar This conversation delves into various themes surrounding technological innovations, energy efficiency, market trends, and the challenges faced in implementation. The speakers reflect on past experiences and share insights into future directions, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes in the industry.

Chapters

0:00 Intro

1:15 What is AI?

3:50 Neural Networks & Predictive Models

7:56 AI within Enterprises

9:53 Types of Work

14:09 Death of PowerPoint?

15:50 Types of work cont.

17:14 Enterprise vs Personal use

20:03 3 ways of Adoption of AI

24:50 Expense reports example

27:40 Open-Source vs Closed-Source

AI 31:54 What should business leaders do next?

34:15 Future of AI predictions

36:55 Closing remarks

On this episode of Huntsman knows how, host Kevin Gundersen talks with President of Performance Products, Jan Buberl.

Huntsman Knows How host Kevin Gundersen is joined in-studio by Huntsman Advanced Materials Division President, Scott Wright.

In this episode, the pair discusses Wright's journey from Kirkcaldy, Scotland to Houston, Texas, where today he helms one of Huntsman's most innovative sectors.

"He knows a lot about aerospace, automobiles and artificial intelligence," Gundersen said.

Wright also shares his evolution from professional footballer (soccer) to academic — he earned a doctorate degree in two-step laser mass spectrometry at the University of Edinburgh — to becoming a leading chemicals industry executive.

On this episode of Huntsman Knows How, host Kevin Gundersen, Vice President of Huntsman Corporate Communications and Government Affairs, sits downs with Manchester native, Tony Hankins, Huntsman's President of Polyurethanes. Tony shares stories of his 40-year tenure in the industry, including how he built a business in Minhang, China in the 1990s; his experiences as an expat in the East and West; the joys of fatherhood, and other life lessons he’s learned along the way.   

Huntsman Corporation's CEO Peter Huntsman, stopped by the studio for the first time to discuss the company's recent earnings announcement; global trends in the petrochemical industry; deindustrialization in Europe, and life at home as a husband, father, grandfather and culinary hobbyist. 

Hosted by Huntsman's Vice President of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs, Kevin Gundersen.