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

By Victoria King MeyerBusiness News Business News Management

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

March 11, 2025Women in Leadership: Road to the C-Suite with Emelia Nosser, Kristin Corbitt, Angie Griffin - Ep. 206
Learn how to reach the C-suite from women who've led the way in the chemical industry. Victoria Meyer hosts an enlightening panel discussion featuring Kristen Corbitt, President and CEO of Mays Chemical, a Ravago Company; Angie Griffin, Chief Commercial Officer of Third Coast; and Emelia Nosser, Chief Procurement Officer of Pactiv Evergreen. These leaders share their unique paths, highlighting pivotal moments and the choices that propelled them to the top. From temporary roles to leadership positions, their stories underscore the significance of adaptability, resilience, and the power of saying yes even when the path is uncharted.
The discussion explores navigating significant career transitions, balancing professional and personal lives, and addressing biases in the industry. The panelists reveal invaluable insights on maintaining positivity amidst change, the importance of seeking opportunities that leverage one's strengths, and fostering a supportive environment for both personal and career growth. Aligning leadership values with company culture and embracing change are emphasized as key elements in achieving sustained success in the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry.

Join us on this week’s episode to learn more about these topics:
Origin stories and pivotal career moments
Adapting to change and transition in the chemical industry
Impact of bias in the industry
Balancing career and family
Leadership advice for early to mid-career professionals

Killer Quote: "Change is inevitable whether or not you're bouncing from one company to another or one role to another. Take in all you can from each of those experiences, making sure that you're learning from each, knowing that everything is temporary." - Angie Griffin
47 min
March 04, 2025Reshoring And Innovation In Specialty Chemicals with SOCMA's Jennifer Abril - Ep. 205
Amid a dynamic global landscape, the specialty chemical industry is navigating challenges and opportunities with “pragmatic confidence”. Join host Victoria Meyer and guest Jennifer Abril, CEO of SOCMA, as they explore the thriving specialty chemical industry and SOCMA's pivotal role in fostering connections and collaboration. With a focus on domestic production, Jennifer discusses SOCMA's initiatives to streamline business interactions, advance policy advocacy, and support supply chain adjustments in a changing world. The SOCMA theme, "Adapting Supply Chains for a Changing World," highlights their commitment to advancing innovation and growth in North America.

Victoria and Jennifer discuss the current industry outlook, emphasizing the need for efficiencies and growth amidst global shifts. They discuss the intentional focus on onshoring and reshoring, reflecting the evolving supply chain dynamics. Jennifer also shares insights from SOCMA's recent survey, revealing trends of optimism tempered with pragmatism. The episode offers a comprehensive overview of how SOCMA is driving North America's positioning as a prime hub for specialty chemical manufacturing, underscoring the potential for growth and innovation in this resilient industry sector.

Join us on this week’s episode to learn more about these topics:
SOCMA's history and purpose
North American chemical industry outlook: "Pragmatic Confidence"
Purposeful localization and reshoring trends
Regulatory and administrative challenges
Industry networking and collaboration

Killer Quote: "We got to pragmatic confidence... there is confidence out there, but people are being extremely pragmatic about it. They are informed. They are watching, they are monitoring, and they know that they're going to have to be agile and keep a very close eye to make those little tacks along the way, um, to make sure that they're put, they're still in a good position." - Jennifer Abril

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31 min
February 27, 2025Unintended Consequences of Energy & Chemical Policy with Michael Kolodner of Marsh - Ep. 204
Explore the relationship between the chemical industry and energy in this discussion with Mike Kolodner, the US Energy and Power Leader and Global Renewable Energy Leader at Marsh. Victoria Meyer and Mike discuss the energy transition, the realities of energy consumption, and the role of chemical products in supporting renewable technologies. Discover how the energy demands of industrial sectors, including chemicals, shape the broader energy landscape, and the critical need for informed policymaking to address these challenges.
Victoria and Mike also discuss perspective on Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation, keynote at the conference. Plus, the complexities and unintended consequences of energy policies, especially in Europe, and how these impact global businesses. Related episodes:
https://thechemicalshow.com/critical-business-risks-in-2025-and-how-to-mitigate-insights-from-marsh/
https://thechemicalshow.com/dragos-ceo-robert-lee-on-bridging-the-gap-in-ot-cybersecurity-for-critical-industries/
https://thechemicalshow.com/peter-huntsman-discusses-innovation-leadership-and-regulatory-environments-in-chemicals/

Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:
The complex relationship between energy and chemical industries
Importance of industrial demand in power
The reality of the energy transition
Impact of European policies and international energy consumption
Supporting clients through risk management and policy shaping

Killer Quote: "We gotta stop pretending that you can just build a bunch of stuff and it's all gonna be fine. There are unintended consequences, and it's a far more complex ecosystem when we talk about global energy infrastructure." —Michael Kolodner
19 min
February 25, 2025Critical Business Risks in 2025 and How to Mitigate - Insights from Marsh - Ep. 203
Navigating the complexities of risk management in the chemical industry is no small feat, and this episode of The Chemical Show brings experts from Marsh to share insights on how companies can thrive amid emerging challenges. Victoria Meyer is joined by industry leaders like Steve Horstkamp, Susan Gonzales, Mike Kolodner, and Randal Waters to explore the unique risks chemical companies face, from cybersecurity threats to supply chain disruptions. With an in-depth look at risk assessment and digital transformation, they discuss how companies can strategically adapt, harnessing the power of analytics and collaboration to mitigate potential threats to their operations.
The discussion broadens to encompass the global context of energy transition and the tangible impacts of climate change, as Amy Barnes and Milan Taylor weigh in on sustainability and the workforce of the future. Encouraging proactive planning and identifying areas of improvement, the conversation provides valuable advice for chemical leaders. Emphasizing the need for transparency, efficient resource allocation, and innovative risk management approaches, the episode offers a well-rounded perspective on keeping pace with industry evolution while maintaining resilience in an uncertain world.

Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:
Navigating Chemical Risks
The Evolving Energy Landscape
Insights on Talent Management
The Reality of the Energy Transition
Adapting to Climate Challenges
Emerging Risks in Supply Chain

Killer Quote: "And where we do the best as Marsh, engaging with our clients is where they allow us to have influence over the multiple departments that you may need to collaborate together to come up with solutions." --Susan Gonzales

Other links:
Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry
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
22 min
February 18, 2025Investment Opportunities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland with Mark Plamondon - Ep. 202
Curious about the booming potential of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and its impact on the global petrochemical landscape? Join Victoria Meyer as she speaks with Mark Plamondon, Executive Director of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association, to uncover the immense benefits of investing in this strategic region. From low-cost feedstocks and world-class carbon management systems to a robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, Mark highlights the unique advantages that have positioned Alberta’s Industrial Heartland as a premier destination for major capital projects.
Mark discusses significant developments, including Dow's groundbreaking net-zero ethylene manufacturing facility and Shell's advancements in carbon capture projects. The episode also touches on the role of logistical certainty, international investments, and the region's future growth prospects. Additionally, hear about the upcoming Canadian Petrochemical Summit in Lake Louise, which promises to be a vital platform for industry leaders navigating global markets and fostering meaningful connections.

Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:
A look at the growth of Alberta's Industrial Heartland
Breaking down the economics: How feedstock advantages shape petrochemical investment decisions
The role of carbon capture in industrial development - from existing operations to future expansion plans and why timing matters
How global supply chain dynamics and port strikes are affecting industrial development, plus insights on Asian investment trends in North America
The challenges of navigating uncertainty in a changing political landscape - and how regions work to maintain stable investment environments
A discussion on leadership - why stepping up to take clear positions matters and the importance of leading with integrity

"There's so many things that need to line up for a company to reach final investment decision... helping roadblocks out of the way or streamline the process, or just getting the information that they need to make a decision or partnering them with the right people to get their project moving forward, all part of the process here, and that's what we're doing here." - Mark Plamondon

Other links:
Mark Plamondon Episode 145 Alberta’s Industrial Heartland’s Competitive Edge in Petrochemicals
Register for the Canadian Petrochemical Summit this June 17-19 in Lake Louise, Alberta
Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry
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
28 min
February 11, 2025Top Themes & Innovations from ACI 2025 - Ep. 201
Explore the intersection of performance and sustainability in the cleaning industry, as Victoria Meyer delves into the insights and innovations shared at the 2025 American Cleaning Institute (ACI) annual meeting. Joined by industry experts Jim Griffin from SCT and Ned Weintraub from Noble AI, this episode emphasizes the cautious optimism prevailing in the industry, driven by a renewed focus on smarter supply chains and the practical application of sustainability. Discover how the industry is navigating the decade of supply chain challenges and shifting trends towards consumer value-driven sustainability with a "small s."

Key takeaways from the convention emphasize a balance between innovation and market readiness, highlighted by advances in AI and the quest for multifunctional, sustainable ingredients. Victoria, Jim, and Ned discuss the delicate process of aligning corporate capabilities with consumer expectations while addressing regulatory hurdles and the industry's ongoing journey towards water conservation and innovative, eco-friendly practices. Dive into these transformative trends and prepare your business for the path ahead with insights from The Chemical Show's latest episode.

Learn more about the following topics this week:
The cautious optimism of 2025: chemical industry pulse at ACI
The 5 trends shaping cleaning and chemical industries in 2025
Innovations driven by consumer archetypes and their needs like water protection, reduced waste, and performance
The future of cleaning: water-free formulations with Jim Griffin of SCT
AI's role in chemical innovation with Ned Weintraub of NobleAI

Killer Quote: "The theme that came through is sustainability is great, but the products in use really need to perform. It's not enough that there's a green label, it's that it needs to perform and meet what customers want." --Victoria Meyer

Other links:

Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

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
23 min
February 04, 20252025 Chemical Market Update With Kurt Barrow & Tony Potter Of S&P Global - Ep. 200
Navigating the shifting landscape of the chemical industry and the global economic climate, Tony Potter and Kurt Barrow from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to offer a comprehensive market update for 2025. They delve into the global supply and demand dynamics of feedstocks like oil and NGLs and unpack the impact of geopolitical changes, including the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Touching on the Chinese market’s massive capacity expansions and the European chemical industry’s crossroads, this episode provides an insightful analysis of how market forces are reshaping the industry.
Victoria, Tony, and Kurt explore critical topics such as decarbonization and sustainability, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and advancements in circularity, advanced recycling, and the integration of green technologies. They also discuss strategic responses to global market imbalances and the significance of staying prepared for future investments.

Learn more about the following topics this week:
Navigating the chemical industry's perfect storm: massive overcapacity in China, European plants at a breaking point, and North American resilience
The tension between sustainability goals and market reality.
Changes in leadership and trade policies are reshaping the industry and what smart companies are doing to prepare.
Who's actually paying for sustainability initiatives?
Looking at Europe's aging chemical infrastructure and how some 50-year-old plants may get a new lease on life due to carbon border adjustments
Why industry veterans advise looking past current market conditions and political uncertainties to prepare for growth in the 2030s

"Downturns are just good for pruning... it is the opportunity to make your organization a little bit leaner. We all need to shed costs, but becoming lean is also about becoming fit for future growth. The industry does need to invest to grow... it doesn't matter who the President of the United States is. You're going to build a refinery, an energy plant, or whatever to last 40 years, maybe 50 years. It's going to see a few presidents." - Tony Potter, S&P Global

Other links:
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry
Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube
40 min
January 28, 2025Dragos CEO Robert Lee On Bridging The Gap In OT Cybersecurity For Critical Industries - Ep. 199
When a cyberattack hits, can your company quickly identify if it’s mechanical mishap or malicious intervention? Join Victoria Meyer as she sits down with Robert Lee, CEO of renowned cybersecurity firm Dragos, to delve into the critical distinctions between IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) cybersecurity. From safeguarding chemical facilities and power grids to the financial and national security risks tied to under-resourced OT security, Rob provides invaluable insights into the world of protective digital networks.

Rob shares his journey from the U.S. Air Force to establishing Dragos, including the pivotal moments and ethical stands that led him away from offensive cyber operations. Emphasizing the importance of scenario-based planning and risk assessment, this episode explores how companies can better prepare for potential cyber threats and the rising expectations from regulatory bodies.

Join us to learn more about these topics this week:
Origin story of Rob Lee: US Airforce to National Security Agency to CEO of Dragos
Cybersecurity: Information Technology (IT) versus Operation Technology (OT)
Advising boardrooms about cyber security risks: Scenario-based approach in cybersecurity
The role of executives and boards in cybersecurity
Leadership as a young CEO

"Most governments, most board of directors, most business leaders are surprised to find that 95%, not a made-up statistic, about 95 percent of all the budget to cybersecurity efforts is going to the IT side of the house, not the OT side of the house. But you generate all your revenue and have all your safety impact and your business impact and national security impact on the other side of the house." - Robert Lee, CEO of Dragos

Other links:

Ep 34 Taking on 2021: Navigating a Cyber Attack, Acquisitions and More with Brad Beauchamp
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

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
15 min
January 21, 2025Peter Huntsman Discusses Innovation, Leadership, and Regulatory Environments In Chemicals - Ep. 198
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape between China and the U.S., Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation, sheds light on the critical challenges and opportunities within the global chemical industry. Host Victoria Meyer sits down with Peter to discuss the fast-paced approval processes in China compared to the stringent regulations in the U.S., the long-term perspective needed for investments in this industry, and the impact of public detachment from the industrial origins of chemical products.
Peter also delves into the intricacies of operating in the European market, influenced by anti-manufacturing policies and geopolitical tensions, and discusses the necessary transformation strategies Huntsman Corporation has adopted over the past two decades. From the Huntsman family legacy to the pivotal role of smart carbon utilization, this episode uncovers the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-evolving chemical industry.
Join us to learn more about these topics this week:
Origin of Huntsman: From selling clam shell containers to supplying airplanes with materials
The role of chemicals in the energy transition
Regulatory challenges: chemical innovation approval delays
Administration uncertainty, regulatory risk, and public perception of the chemical industry
European regulation and impact
Business Transformation: growing, selling, and changing businesses and aligning your organization
Characteristics attributed to successful leadership

Killer Quote: "Transformation isn't just a strategy; it's a necessity. The decisions we make today, in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, will resonate for decades. It’s not about chasing carbon neutrality—it’s about being smart with carbon utilization and continually innovating for a smarter, more sustainable future." — Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation

Other links:
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry
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
31 min
January 14, 2025Harnessing AI To Accelerate Business Insights With Alan Spanos and Chad Macey of ICIS - Ep. 197
Discover how AI is becoming as essential as the internet or mobile phones in the chemical industry with guests Alan Spanos and Chad Macey from ICIS. Alan explains the vision of being a supportive sidekick to customers while discussing the main barriers to AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of trust and effective communication. Meanwhile, Chad highlights the significant role of AI tools in improving decision-making and productivity, and addresses the ethical considerations and potential risks associated with AI technology.
Victoria Meyer and her guests delve into personal anecdotes illustrating the rapid evolution of technology, comparing past skepticism about the internet to current acceptance. The conversation progresses to the innovative AI applications at ICIS, such as the ASK ICIS tool, designed to save users time by providing focused, reliable answers from vast data sets. Highlighting transparency, customer support, and continuous innovation, the episode underscores the transformative potential of AI in the chemical industry, all while ensuring ethical usage and customer trust.

Learn more about the following topics this week:
The role of technology in chemicals today
AI adoption and barriers and the future of work
Client engagement with AI and technology tools today
Ask ICIS: how are clients are engaging and getting value from ICIS' gen AI tool
Trust and transparency in AI: concerns about AI "hallucinations" and ensuring reliable outputs

Killer Quote: "The future of AI in business is not about replacing human expertise but augmenting it. It's about transforming mountains of data into actionable insights, empowering decision-makers to steer their companies towards smarter, faster, and more innovative paths." -- Alan Spanos

Other links:
Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives
Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry
Ask ICIS
John Richardson Episode 179: How the Global Chemical Market is Shifting with John Richardson of ICIS
John Richardson Episode 144: Petrochemicals in 2024: Capacity Overbuild and Codependent Markets with John Richardson of ICIS
John Richardson Episode 102: China’s Aging Demographics and the Future of the Chemical Industry with John Richardson
John Richardson Episode 79: How The China Market Affects Chemical Prices With John Richardson
John Richardson Episode 36: How China’s Response To Chemicals Is Affecting the World With John Richardson of ICIS
John Richardson Episode 22: Understanding Market Demand To Manage Your Business Amid Uncertainty With John Richardson

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
29 min