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

Host Victoria Meyer takes on the challenge of strategizing for a potentially flat and challenging year in the chemical industry in 2024. Sharing five strategic ways for businesses to kick-start their year and position themselves for long-term success, Victoria emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term needs with long-term investments, leveraging global and regional strengths, harnessing sustainability, assessing wins and losses, and building partnerships. 

The episode offers valuable insights for businesses to help think critically about their future, make strategic investments, and take proactive steps to navigate the uncertainties of the market.

Is your business looking for a way to start strategically and quickly in 2024? Send Victoria a DM on LinkedIn and set up a 30-minute complimentary consultation where we talk about what are some strategic elements for your business to help you thrive and grow in 2024.

Don't miss this insightful episode with Victoria and learn more about the following:

• Industry Outlook in 2024
• 5 Ways to Start Strategically in a Flat/Challenging Market 
• Key Questions to Ask Your Business and Business Partners

Additional Links:

Episode 146:  Petrochemicals in 2024: Capacity Overbuild and Codependent Markets with John Richardson of ICIS

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Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA

Discover leading indicators for investment in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and its growth constituents as Mark Plamondon, Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association’s Executive Director and host Victoria Meyer discuss the shift towards low carbon energy products and the region's natural competitive advantage.

Tune in to gain insights into talent development, infrastructure support, and the region's potential to become a global destination for capital. 

Don't miss this insightful conversation between Victoria and Mark on The Chemical Show and learn more about the following:

• Introducing Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association
• The Significance of Dow's Path2Zero project and first Net-Zero ethylene cracker
• Building alignment and collaboration across municipalities, governments, and investors
• The role of robust tax incentives in welcoming investment
• Celebrating Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association 25th Anniversary in 2024

Killer Quote: "Decarbonization, low-cost feedstock, and a collaborative framework: the industrial heartland is not just a destination, but a global leader in sustainable energy investments." - Mark Plamondon

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA
  
  

What factors are driving petrochemical markets today?  Join this conversation between Victoria Meyer and industry-expert John Richardson of ICIS as they discuss the trends and influences on the Asian and global petrochemical markets.  Including:

• Excess capacity due to overbuilt olefins and polyolefins assets
• Global co-dependence on China for petrochemical consumption and demand growth
• China's shift to "mature" growth of 1-3% p.a. from "fast growth" 6-8% p.a.
• How leaders are handling economic and market challenges

Download John's latest analysis on petrochemical markets here. 

Killer Quote: "2024 and beyond will be a roller coaster ride for the industry, with China's dominance in global demand dictating the trajectory. The key will be for companies to navigate this landscape, whether they are giant international players or small local companies.” –John Richardson

Prior interviews with John:

Episode 102: China’s Aging Demographics and the Future of the Chemical Industry with John Richardson

Episode 79: How The China Market Affects Chemical Prices With John Richardson

Episode 36: How China’s Response To Chemicals Is Affecting the World With John Richardson of ICIS

Episode 22: Understanding Market Demand To Manage Your Business Amid Uncertainty With John Richardson

You've heard of Spotify Wrapped and Apple Replay???    In this final 2023 episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer presents our own version of Wrapped and Replayed.... with a best-of anthology, diving into the show's stats and analytics to highlight the most impactful episodes and topics. From the most downloaded episode featuring Michael Graff, CEO of AirLiquide Americas, to the most shared episode discussing China's aging demographics and its impact on the chemical industry, Victoria reviews the year's highlights and teases upcoming content, including a The Chemical Show LIVE event featuring Steve Lewandowski of Chemical Market Analytics.

***Register here for The Chemical Show LIVE on January 11, 2024.  Space is limited. ***

$$$ Complete our listener survey here. $$$

Through insights from industry events, market assessments, and a focus on bio-based chemistries and innovations, thepodcast continues to deliver valuable stories and insights for the chemical community.

Killer Quote: "Podcasting is personal. It's impactful. It's real." - Victoria Meyer, The Chemical Show

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA

From embracing change in one's career to the impact of COVID on buyer-seller relationships, the B2B sales landscape is facing a new set of challenges and opportunities.   George Koehnke, President of Ascend Commercial Solutions joins host Victoria Meyer to explore the evolving dynamics of business relationships, including the shift towards customer-centricity and the value of coaching in sales leadership.

As the chemical industry continuously adapts to market dynamics, Victoria and George discuss the importance of customer centricity in B2B relationships as well as the need to align company scorecards with customer scorecards and build joint business plans for mutual success.

Killer Quote: "Success in sales and leadership development lies in coaching mentality, motivation, and bringing customer-centricity to the forefront." - George Koehnke

Join us to learn more about the following this week:

• The importance of systems and measurement in effective selling
• Why companies need to rethink sales in a post-pandemic world
• Bridging the gap between transactional sales to business development
• Developing deep relationships, engaging customers, and understanding their business strategies to create true customer centricity
• Critical focus areas for success in 2024

Whether you're navigating B2B chemical sales, seeking career advice, or looking for strategies to thrive in evolving markets, this episode provides essential insights from a seasoned industry expert. Tune in to The Chemical Show with George Koehnke for valuable lessons on driving success through customer-centric strategies and adaptable leadership in today's ever-changing business landscape.

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA

Let us know how we're doing and help us plan for 2024.  Please complete our listener survey here.
With 50+ years scaling chemical processes,  Joel Shertok, President of Process Industries Consultants has spearheaded numerous projects in innovation and development consulting, bringing a unique perspective to the forefront. Joel joins host Victoria Meyer this week on The Chemical Show to share his valuable insights into the shifting trends in chemical education, industry research, and the challenges faced by startups in scaling chemical innovations.

From the evolving educational landscape to the challenges faced by startup companies in commercializing their intellectual property, Victoria and Joel discuss the future convergence of chemical engineering and biology, shedding light on the green revolution's potential and the necessity of sustainable technologies. 

Killer Quote: "Extreme weather events are waking people up to the reality of climate change. We only change our habits when we're scared—lack of fear about climate change is hindering widespread adoption of green and sustainable technologies." - Joel Shertok

Join us to learn more about the following this week:

• The chemical industry's evolution over a 50 year career
• Challenges faced by new startup companies
• Key milestones signaling a product or process is ready for commercialization
• What it will take to ensure green technologies thrive across industries
• Identifying potential environment impacts as new technologies go to commercialization

Gain a high-level understanding of the trends, challenges, and future predictions in the chemical industry, on this episode of The Chemical Show. Join us to learn more about navigating the ever-changing landscape of chemical engineering and innovation.

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA
  
  

There's a significant evolution in consumer behavior and chemical industry priorities.  Digitizing complex chemical data from unstructured documents to provide a more accessible online format raises an intriguing question - how can we leverage technology to reshape customer engagement and the overall landscape of customer interactions within the chemical industry? 

Exploring these challenges and opportunities in digitizing complex chemical data for customer understanding and engagement, host Victoria Meyer welcomes Ali Amin-Javaheri, co-founder and CEO of Knowde, for an insightful discussion on the digital transformation of the chemical industry. Victoria and Ali delve into the intersection of technology, sustainability, and customer relationships, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ESG reporting, digital investments, and the potential for reshaping customer engagement in the chemical industry.

Killer Quote: "Digitization in the chemical industry is not just about transforming data; it's about transforming relationships." - Ali Amin-Javaheri

Join us to learn more about the following this week:

• Creating a compelling a customer experience through accelerating digitization
• Biggest barriers to digitization within chemical companies and chemical industry leaders
• Organizing data through AI
• Overcoming the loss of customer intimacy through digitization
• How can digitization support a company's sustainability journey?

With a passion for both technology and the chemical industry, Ali observed the lack of digital transformation and revenue within the industry, leading him to launch Knowde in 2016. Knowde's mission is to fast-track the digital revolution in the chemical industry, addressing the challenge of translating complex chemical data from documents into an accessible online format.

This episode is sponsored by Clariant. Are you grappling with the lightning pace of regulatory and compliance changes in the printing inks industry? Do you want to know more about PFAS, supply chain transparency and extended producer responsibility? Check out Episode 137 of The Chemical Show to learn about PTFE-free solutions with Clariant and NAPIM. 

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• Transistor.fm is our podcast publisher of choice. Try it for free here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria
• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA

In collaboration with industry giants and support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Enko Chem is revolutionizing the agricultural industry by accelerating the development of safer and more effective herbicides, disease protection, insect control, and yield enhancement solutions. 

Tom Meade, Chief Science Officer at Enko Chem joins host Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show to share insights on their target-based discovery platform, the importance of data in their research, and the challenges and advantages of integrating DNA and chemistry.

Killer Quote: "In order to revolutionize crop protection chemistries, we need to embrace the power of data, technology, and collaboration. By combining these elements, we can accelerate the development of safe and effective solutions that address the challenges facing our agriculture industry." - Tom Meade

Join us to learn more about the following this week:

• Chemistry's key role in global agricultural industry, food security, and crop protection
• Target based discovery in agricultural , leveraging techniques built in pharma
• Utilizing data and AI in the agricultural industry 
• The role of regulators including EPA and USDA in AgChem
• Prioritizing safety in agricultural innovation

In this episode, Victoria and Tom delve into Enko's mission to shorten the development timeline for crop protection chemistries while exploring the challenges and advantages of their target-based discovery platform, which aims to identify specific targets for herbicides and pesticides. Tom also shares the importance of data in Enko's research and development process, as well as their use of automated systems and machine learning models. 

This episode is sponsored by Clariant. Are you grappling with the lightning pace of regulatory and compliance changes in the printing inks industry? Do you want to know more about PFAS, supply chain transparency and extended producer responsibility? Check out Episode 137 of The Chemical Show to learn about PTFE-free solutions with Clariant and NAPIM. 

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• Transistor.fm is our podcast publisher of choice. Try it for free here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria
• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA
  
  

Ep 138 Show Notes

Weak demand, weak earnings, and a weak outlook were the resounding themes across the chemical companies' earnings reports in the third quarter, 2023. Inventory de-stocking and lower prices have continued to impact the industry, leading to challenging market conditions.

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer reflects on the third quarter 2023 earnings reports in the chemical industry. She discusses the challenges faced by companies, such as weak demand, lower earnings, and inventory de-stocking, as well as the actions they are taking to respond to the market conditions. 

Killer Quote: "2023 has been a challenging year, much more so than we expected at the beginning of the year.” Victoria Meyer

Join us to learn more about the following this week:

• Breaking down 3Q23 Earnings Reports 
• How earnings reports are interpreted
• Keyword of third quarter earnings reports is “Weak”: weak demand, weak earnings, and weak outlook
• Inventory and forecasting continue to be a challenge
• Compression in buy-sell cycle
• Strategies companies are using to manage their balance sheets
• Focus on cash generation through commercial discipline 
• Expectations for Q423
• Lessons learned from industry leaders

Victoria highlights the importance of commercial discipline, continued investment in strategic projects, and the recognition and optimization of high-value products. She also touches on the need for better forecasting and communication between suppliers and customers. 

Additional Links:

Episode 118: Unpacking 2Q23 Chemical Earnings: Sluggish Economies, Inventory Destocking, and Future Outlooks

Grace Matthews Fall Outlook

Ep 120: Commercial Discipline: Unlocking Business Resilience in Challenging Times

This episode is sponsored by Clariant. Are you grappling with the lightning pace of regulatory and compliance changes in the printing inks industry? Do you want to know more about PFAS, supply chain transparency and extended producer responsibility? Check out Episode 137 of The Chemical Show to learn about PTFE-free solutions with Clariant and NAPIM. 

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• Transistor.fm is our podcast publisher of choice. Try it for free here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria
• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA

The printing inks industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing focus on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. In this Episode of The Chemical Show, Host Victoria Meyer welcomes Ray Gonzales, Global Head of Marketing and Business Development for Clariant and George Fuchs, Director of Regulatory Affairs for National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers, otherwise known as NAPIM to discuss these topics and more. 

Discover how Clariant and NAPIM are navigating the changing regulations in the printing inks market and exploring alternative solutions and the quest for transparency. Victoria, George, and Ray discuss the importance of achieving supply chain transparency and the collaborative efforts between companies like Clariant and industry associations like NAPIM to find safer and more sustainable solutions in the printing inks market. 

Killer Quote: "The ink industry is rapidly evolving, and it's crucial for us to find sustainable alternatives to PTFE. Our collaboration with companies like Clariant is instrumental in achieving this goal and ensuring the safety and environmental friendliness of our ink formulations." - George Fuchs, NAPIM

Join us to learn more about the following this week:

• The rapidly evolving printing inks market
• How regulation and customer demand influences the printing inks markets
• Reporting, transparency, and supply chain transparency in the printing inks industry
• R&D's role in material replacements for PFAS in ink systems
• Navigating global regulations in the printing inks industry
• Looking forward in the printing inks industry

Victoria, along with Ray and George, delve into the complex world of printing inks, exploring the challenges and opportunities of finding safer alternatives to chemicals like PTFE, navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape, and striving for greater supply chain transparency. 

***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 www.thechemicalshow.com. 

Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• Transistor.fm is our podcast publisher of choice. Try it here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria
• We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1
• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA