The Chemical Show: Leadership Conversations on Strategy, Supply Chain, Innovation, Talent and Trends

Jan Kalfus, Head of Americas Chemical Advisory at S&P Global Energy, joins Victoria Meyer for a fast-paced exploration of how AI and data center growth are reshaping the chemical industry. Starting with Jan’s personal journey, the conversation connects industry fundamentals with today’s high stakes shifts in AI, digital infrastructure, and supply chains. 

They dig into why demand from data centers is spurring real, but nuanced, changes on both the commodity and specialty sides, why much of the action (and opportunity) in specialized materials is still outside the US, and how regulatory constraints and value chain complexity make reshoring tough. The discussion then looks ahead: What does AI really mean for chemical leadership? How are industry roles and university connections evolving as automation advances? 

Victoria and Jan discuss the following: 

• How data center and AI growth is fueling complex, uneven demand for chemicals. 
• The real challenges behind US specialty chemical competitiveness and reshoring. 
• Modernization, regulation, and why many intermediates left North America. 
• R&D, innovation, and the shifting role of universities in the chemical sector. 
• What “agentic AI” could mean for future chemical businesses and leaders. 
• Human context, divergent thinking, and why people still matter for competitive edge. 

Victoria Meyer returns solo to examine a pivotal question for chemical industry leaders: Does bigger still mean better when it comes to company and asset scale? With restructuring, capacity additions, persistent margin pressure, and changing global dynamics reshaping the industry, Victoria challenges longstanding assumptions about economies of scale and explores whether "economies of fit" are more relevant for the industry’s future. 

She draws on recent trends in prices, asset closures, geographic investment shifts, and customer preference changes to invite business leaders to reconsider how advantage is created and what to prioritize as you position for the next 20 years, not just the next cycle. 

Key topics Victoria covers: 

• The Pricing Paradox: Rising chemical prices alongside squeezed margins and ongoing overcapacity issues. 
• Do We Have the Right Capacity? Exploration of global utilization trends, China’s continued build-out, and the drivers behind new investment decisions. 
• Rethinking Asset Lifecycles: Why asset retirements in Europe tell a bigger story about geographic shifts and changing demand patterns. 
• Is Bigger Still Better? Direct examination of scale economics versus the need for flexible, locally optimized assets and supply chains. 
• The Shift from Scale to Fit: How customer needs, regionalization, and the demand for supply security are changing asset and investment strategies. 
• What This Means for Leaders: The challenge of aligning engineering, operations, and capital markets around new models of “fit” over traditional “scale.” 

More Links: 

The Chemical Summit 

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, and leveraging systems like CAPE for tariff refunds can protect your business. This episode highlights the true risks of non-compliance and offers practical guidance for leaders navigating the shifting landscape of global supply chains. 

Victoria and Noushin discuss: 

• How NUCO Logistics pioneered chemical-specific freight forwarding and customs brokerage. 
• The difference between customs clearance and full-spectrum trade compliance. 
• Understanding the new Executive Order 14411: stricter requirements, physical presence, and increased accountability for importers of record. 
• Why compliance is a company-wide responsibility spanning purchasing, logistics, regulatory, finance, and executive leadership. 
• The essentials every chemical importer must address: HTS codes, country of origin, valuation, recordkeeping, and post-entry audits. 
• Tariffs and what’s changed, how to ensure you recover eligible duties, and common pitfalls. 
• Practical steps to strengthen compliance culture and safeguard your license to operate. 

More Links: 

Episode 248 - What’s Ahead for Marine Logistics in 2026 with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics 

Episode 64 - Innovative Logistic Solutions With Noushin Shamsili Of NUCO Logistics 

Episode 12 - How NUCO Logistics Pivoted During The Pandemic With Noushin Shamsili

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 to the Olin-Huntsman merger of equals, Victoria unpacks key questions: Is this a broader trend or company-specific? How does M&A activity impact value chains, partner relationships, and competitive dynamics? What does it signal about the future shape of the chemical industry? 

Victoria discusses: 

• Shell’s $8B US chemical asset sale and why Exxon, LyondellBasell, and investors are circling. 
• H.B. Fuller’s board rejecting a proposal from activist investor Ancora and why value creation looks different from the inside versus the outside. 
• Why Solstice and Element Solutions called off a $14.5B merger, insight into what “better alone than together” means in practice. 
• The Olin and Huntsman “merger of equals” and what’s behind their conviction that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. 
• Broader market trends: Portfolio reshaping, supply chain considerations in deal-making, and what leaders must do to position their companies for future advantage. 

Article Links: 

• Solstice, Element terminate $14.5 billion merger deal after shareholder feedback 
• H.B. Fuller Board Unanimously Rejects Unsolicited Proposal from Ancora 
• Shell draws Exxon interest in $8bn US chemical assets sale 
• OLIN and HUNTSMAN Shareholders Approve Transformative Merger of Equals 

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. 

This episode also covers the strategic importance of US manufacturing, the impact of legislation like TSCA, and how the industry is positioning for growth and innovation amid a shifting global landscape. Martha offers data-driven perspectives relevant to leaders needing to navigate volatility, build resilience, and influence both policy and boardrooms. 

Victoria and Martha discuss the following: 

• Martha’s path from a STEM-focused upbringing to Chief Economist at ACC. 
• The three pillars driving chemical demand: consumer spending, business investment, and exports. 
• The sharp rise in raw materials and logistics costs for chemical manufacturers. 
• What ACC’s members and sentiment surveys reveal about today’s top business challenges. 
• The effect of international trade policy, tariffs, and China’s rising influence on the industry. 
• Why innovation and reshoring US manufacturing are vital for future growth. 
• Leadership lessons for executives: focus on agility, long-term strategy, and building resilience. 

Other Links: 

The Chemical Summit 

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 affected by disruptions in marine traffic, rising insurance costs, and energy price volatility. 

Victoria and Farid examine how the industry has adapted to persistent instability, from the emergence of new shipping routes around Africa due to Suez Canal constraints to the critical importance of redundancy in logistics planning. Farid provides practical advice for shippers, highlighting that planning, communication, and strong provider relationships are now the cornerstones of resilient supply chains. 

Key topics discussed in this episode: 

• Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Why it matters for global shipping, chemicals, and energy—even for companies outside the Gulf region 
• Red Sea Disruptions: The Houthis’ impact on marine logistics, workarounds, and why confidence in shipping lanes is as vital as their physical openness 
• Adaptation in Action: How chemical and logistics companies have shifted to new routes, added shipping capacity, and developed operational flexibility 
• Inventory Management: Avoiding the pitfalls of single-lane dependence and leveraging lessons learned from the COVID container crisis 
• Small & Midsize Company Strategies: How those with less leverage can increase resilience 
• Early Warning Signs: Key indicators—including port omissions, insurance premiums, and carrier announcements—that signal rising risk 
• Long-Term Outlook: Why the industry is preparing for ongoing uncertainty and building a new normal rooted in flexibility 

Other Links: 

• Strait of Hormuz Crisis: How Oil and Chemicals Are Affected Worldwide with Farid Tahvildari (Episode 257) 
• Red Sea Shipping Issues and Resolutions with Farid Tahvildari of NUCO Logistics (Episode 152) 

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 three key patterns she’s seeing in organizations today and shares a “leadership operating reset” framework with three practical pillars to relieve stress and refocus on what matters. You’ll hear how to shift from doing it all to enabling others, set clear boundaries, empower up-and-coming leaders, and reclaim time for strategic priorities—both for yourself and for your team. 

Join us this week to learn about: 

• New Organizational Realities: Why simplification often just means increased workload for proven leaders 
• Leadership Bottlenecks: The risk of becoming the go-to resolver and how it stifles organizational development 
• Dealing with Pressure: Balancing stakeholder demands at work and at home, and the importance of clear boundaries 
• Activity vs. Value: Recognizing when too much busyness is displacing your crucial leadership work 
• Leadership Operating Reset: Three pillars for relief—control the flow of demands, clarify decision processes, and align operating rhythms 
• Delegation and Decision Rights: How enabling others to act boosts effectiveness and relieves pressure 

Other links: 

• Talent Shifts Reshaping the Chemical Industry with Geoff Smith of Mercer (Ep. 274) 
• The Chemical Summit  
• 40 Under 40 in Chemicals 

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: better results are mostly price-driven, not volume-led, signaling that supply disruptions and strategic positioning are behind the recent boost. She highlights the critical role of location, sustained portfolio reshaping, and why transformation efforts will continue as demand fundamentals hold steady. 

Key discussion areas this week: 

• Earnings Snapshots: How Dow’s rapid price increases and BASF’s portfolio moves helped deliver strong quarters. 
• War in Iran & Industry Impact: Concrete effects on supply chains, feedstock availability, and why regional advantages are more crucial than ever. 
• Geographical Advantage: How US-based and European manufacturers leveraged disruption, and why location remains a primary driver of competitive edge. 
• Portfolio Restructuring: Ongoing business reshaping at the executive level, including recent M&A and divestitures from BASF, Dow, IMCD, Brenntag, and Univar. 
• Value Migration: Shifts towards differentiated products and growth sectors such as electronics, healthcare, personal care, and data center support. 
• Leadership Discipline: What CEOs are saying (and not saying) about capital allocation, resilience, and sticking to fundamentals as Q3 and Q4 approach. 

Other links: 

Mid-Year Earnings Reset: Access the episode and workbook referenced by Victoria for practical strategic planning. 

In-Depth Analysis: Listen to the recent episode with John Richardson on supply-demand fundamentals and China’s impact. 

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 address the evolving needs of North American customers. 

Victoria and Bob discuss the realities of growth expectations post-COVID, why long-term vision is essential in the chemical industry, and how relationships, trust, and reliability drive success in the US market. They also explore how leadership styles are changing with new generations, the stressors facing today’s teams, and why building context and motivation is more important than ever.  

Key topics this week include: 

• Global Expansion: How Coim’s strategy balances investment, logistics, and customer proximity in the US 
• Industry Recovery: The impact of COVID-era growth spikes and how to reset realistic performance goals 
• US Market Dynamics: Why trust, reliability, and local presence matter more than price 
• Leadership Today: Managing across generations, keeping teams engaged, and adapting to new expectations 
• AI in Chemicals: Where AI brings value, why implementation is complex, and the need for thoughtful investment 

Other links: 

Polyurethanes Technical Conference (CPI): Learn more and register for the upcoming event in Orlando here. 

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 world. 

Victoria and Geoff discuss the impact of AI and rapid change on jobs, the shift toward flatter organizational structures, and how career progression is evolving. They offer actionable advice for leaders and professionals: communicate with authenticity, clarify career paths, and foster continual learning. The importance of context and judgment, alongside technology skills, gets special attention. 

Tune in for key takeaways: 

• Why employee thriving is dropping and what this means for managers 
• How AI and technology are changing, but not replacing, critical roles 
• The reality of career paths in a flatter organization 
• Leadership priorities: building skills, supporting managers, and clear communication 
• Practical guidance for professionals navigating the “messy middle” of their careers