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

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 

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 reactive problem-solving to proactive decision-making. Josh sheds light on the complexity of chemical shipping, the challenges of harmonizing communications, and how Veson’s AI leverages decades of domain knowledge to tackle real-world business needs. 

Their conversation explores the impact of geopolitical shocks, the critical importance of data governance and trust in connected systems, and the measurable ROI chemical companies are already seeing from smarter, more predictive supply chain tools. Whether it's optimizing demurrage claims or enabling faster response to global disruptions, AI is unlocking new levels of reliability and strategic advantage across the industry. 

Key topics addressed this week: 

• The expanding role of AI in chemical and maritime shipping 
• Challenges and lessons learned from rolling out enterprise-scale AI 
• Reducing complexity in demurrage claims and supply chain communication 
• Applying technology during supply chain shocks 
• Strategies for governing data and building user trust with connected platforms 
• The shift from reactive to proactive decision-making across the shipping lifecycle 

Other links: 

•  Per Ostman - Episode 228

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 transformation and resilient supply chains. 

Their conversation covers Hexion’s approach to innovation through AI-powered systems, the shift to customer partnerships, and talent strategies for a rapidly changing workforce. For business leaders anticipating the themes of the upcoming Chemical Summit, this episode offers practical insights on transformation and sustainable growth in today’s industry landscape. 

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: 

• Fast-paced transformation in private equity environments 
• Hexion’s journey: legacy, rebranding, and global reach 
• Moving from commodity supplier to solutions provider 
• Using AI and digital tools to improve manufacturing and product quality 
• Addressing workforce shifts and talent needs in chemicals 
• Core leadership lessons: curiosity, collaboration, and diversity 

Other links: 

• Learn more about the 2026 Chemical Summit: https://www.thechemicalsummit.com 

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 implementation of AI and ongoing restructuring across global markets. 

Victoria shares a blueprint for turning uncertainty into opportunity as she breaks down three essential resets for both organizations and individual leaders. She highlights the importance of reassessing assumptions, reallocating resources, and building adaptability at every level. With actionable advice and a practical executive discussion guide, this episode offers chemical industry professionals a timely roadmap to recalibrate for a stronger second half of the year. 

Join us this week as Victoria Meyer covers: 

• The necessity of resetting your business plan when the world changes 
• How supply chain and geopolitical risks have shifted industry priorities 
• Moving AI and digital tools from experimentation to value creation 
• Three conversations every leadership team needs to have this summer 
• Building adaptability and removing organizational friction 
• The role of leadership attention, impact, and redefining success in tough times 
• Actionable steps for setting a new personal and professional scorecard for 2026 

• (00:00) - Intro

Other links: 

• Download the Executive Discussion Guide: https://www.thechemicalshow.com/midyear 
• Listen to executive perspectives from S&P Global and Chemical Market Analytics (Episode 250) 

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 importer to a net exporter of key petrochemicals, alongside the roles of stockpiling, export push, and moving down the cost curve. 

Victoria and John discuss the growing divide between Asian producers, with Chinese assets better positioned than those in Northeast Asia, which have struggled with costly feedstocks and plant shutdowns. John explains how anti-dumping measures and the proliferation of safeguard policies are influencing global trade, and why project delays and overinvestment may push out recovery timelines. Looking ahead, John outlines the key market and geopolitical signals to watch for as the industry navigates through uncertainty. 

Key topics covered: 

• Effects of the Middle East crisis on chemical supply chains and market pricing 
• China’s rapid shift from importer to exporter and its impact on global markets 
• The influence of cost, integration, and energy targets on China’s chemical industry 
• Why some plants may not restart and the long-term view on capacity and demand 
• The future of project investment and what signals indicate market recovery 

Other Links: 

John Richardson 

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 sustainable value and rethink where true advantage lies. The episode frames the upcoming Chemical Summit’s theme, “Reshaping Advantage,” and urges listeners to consider whether their current strategies and business models will be enough for the future. 

Key topics in this episode: 

• Industry Restructuring: Major moves from Evonik, Huntsman-Olin, Trinseo, and others... 
• Portfolio Strategy: Shedding legacy businesses and optimizing future growth. 
• Financial Fundamentals: Why improving cash flow and reducing debt are now front and center. 
• Global Market Shifts: The end of China-led demand growth and evolving geopolitical influences. 
• Leadership Priorities: Rethinking business models, talent needs, and the importance of resilient organizations. 
• Upcoming Chemical Summit: Preview of the conference’s four pillars—strategy in a fragmented market, people, execution/resilience, and technology. 

Killer Quote: "Business is going to be won differently in five years from now than it was over the past 35 years." —Victoria Meyer 

Other links: 

• The Chemical Summit 

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 and more on organizational approach. 

Victoria outlines how strong governance, connected data systems, organizational context, leadership, and a sharp focus on value creation are the real game changers. She shares practical examples, including a mid-sized chemical distributor reshaping its business by integrating AI with thoughtful leadership and context. Tune in for smart strategies chemical industry professionals can use to move AI from concept to competitive advantage. 

Join this episode to learn about: 

• The five critical capabilities for enterprise AI success. 
• Practical examples from chemical industry leaders who are moving from experimentation to measurable ROI. 
• The role of leadership in championing and scaling AI projects. 
• Why business value, not just efficiency, is the true measure of AI success today. 

Other links:
Unlocking ROI with AI in Chemicals | Insights from Kendall Justiniano 

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 isolated pilots to deliver ROI. 

The conversation covers key ingredients for effective AI use: governance, connected systems, and building internal expertise. Victoria and Kendall explore practical barriers like security and data silos, outline where ROI is taking shape in commercial and document-heavy processes, and examine how companies can build context-rich systems for long-term competitive advantage. 

Topics covered this week: 

• AI Maturity Curve: Why has the exploratory phase ended? 
• Adoption vs. ROI: Where chemical companies are seeing returns—and where they aren’t 
• Generative AI beyond chat prompts: Building connections with data systems 
• The Governance Imperative: Data access, security, and responsible experimentation 
• Commercial Applications: Sales, marketing, and procurement as major opportunity areas 
• Context Layers: Embedding company know-how into AI workflows for differentiation 
• Measuring and validating AI performance as systems evolve 

Other links: 

AI Series by Kendall Justiniano 

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