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

By Victoria King MeyerBusiness Science Management Chemistry

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

October 15, 2024 Wartime Leadership and More: 5 Leadership Lessons from Day 1 of The Chemical Summit 2024 - Ep. 184
Dive into the dynamic world of leadership within the chemical industry with this special episode featuring insights from The Chemical Summit. Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show, shares five transformative leadership lessons from Day 1 of the Summit, with highlights from speakers like Leon DeBruyn of Lummus Technology, Bonnie Tully COO of Evonik, and Eric Carrero, President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.
From creating a war room during company transformations to the importance of swimming where you want to succeed in data innovation, these lessons are designed to propel your leadership skills and business strategies.

Explore the significance of connecting and partnering across the marine supply chain, building strong community relationships for sustainability, and resolving conflicts effectively during critical inflection points. The episode encapsulates the essential takeaways and actionable insights that can revolutionize your approach to leading in challenging times.
Don’t miss the chance to gain exclusive access to summit recordings and join the conversation at thechemicalsummit.com. Get your VIRTUAL TICKET today.
13 min
October 08, 2024Leadership’s Role in Compliance and Safety Culture with Tom Fox - Ep. 183
Learn more about the transformative power of compliance and data in today’s business landscape with guest Tom Fox, President of the Compliance Podcast Network. Host Victoria Meyer delves into the evolution of compliance functions, highlighting how they have shifted from being a gold standard to a crucial component of everyday business operations. Tom shares his insights on the importance of data quality and security, especially in the context of AI and its growing role in compliance and legal frameworks. The episode also explores the challenges companies face with AI-generated information and the critical need for verification to avoid costly inaccuracies.
Victoria and Tom also discuss the pivotal role of podcasting in business, emphasizing its benefits in thought leadership, relationship building, and content creation. Tom shares his journey from a trial lawyer defending petrochemical companies to an influential voice in the compliance industry through podcasting. He draws parallels to the safety culture revolution in the 1990s and underscores the ongoing need for strong leadership in fostering an ethical compliance culture.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:
Tom Fox's career journey and what led him to podcasting
The evolution of compliance: from legal to business to data and analytics
Trends in compliance today within the chemical and energy industries
How do companies ensure clarity in compliance?
The impact and risks of data analytics and AI on compliance
The role leaders play in fostering a culture of compliance
Five reasons to have a podcast as a business

Killer Quote: "Compliance isn't just about ticking a box anymore; it's about integrating with the business, using data to predict and prevent issues before they arise, and ensuring ethical conduct is woven into the fabric of your organization. In a world where AI tools can provide both incredible insights and glaring inaccuracies, it's our responsibility to verify, validate, and lead with integrity.” -- Tom Fox

Thank you to our sponsor Veson Nautical:
From multi-jurisdictional regulations to geopolitics and decarbonization, the maritime ecosystem is more complex than ever. This is creating unprecedented levels of risk exposure. With trusted maritime data and built-for-purpose workflows from Veson Nautical, you can confidently make decisions to better manage risk and maximize profit.
For over twenty years, Veson has been co-innovating with the world’s largest buyers and sellers of bulk marine freight.
Join their client community and find your decision advantage. Learn more at veson.com
***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
35 min
October 01, 2024Maritime Trends and Strategic Supply Chains with Sean Riley of Veson Nautical - Ep 182
Discover the unique complexities of maritime and chemical shipping with Sean Riley, President, and COO of Veson Nautical. Sean and host Victoria Meyer delve into the nuances of regulatory compliance, risk management, and data integration, essential elements driving competitive advantage in today's maritime logistics sector. The discussion covers how Veson's expertise distinguishes client relationships, turning them into collaborative partnerships to ensure alignment with ever-evolving regulations. Victoria and Sean further explore the shift towards more proactive supply chain management, emphasizing the critical role of data and collaboration.

Sean offers valuable career advice, stressing the importance of curiosity, self-confidence, and a willingness to take risks and exceed expectations. He shares personal insights on the significance of feedback and highlights Veson's journey to enhance its data capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Victoria and Sean also address the industry's pressing challenges, including supply chain disruptions and the imperative of sustainability, presenting a future where data sharing and connectivity are paramount for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

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

Challenges in the maritime industry: geopolitical conflicts, weather related impacts, and new regulations
The 2020's: the decade of supply chain
Biggest trends chemical shippers are facing today
Veson's platforms: helping chemical shippers manage risks
Sustainability and regulatory shifts in the maritime industry
Finding success in the maritime industry through leadership skills
Veson's future: data, artificial intelligence and collaboration

Killer Quote: "Finding what you like doing and doing a bit more than expected is key to career success. It's about being reasonably curious and confident, not fearing failure, and understanding feedback as perception, even if you disagree with it. Ultimately, it's not about whose fault something is, but who's willing to take responsibility and solve the problem." - Sean Riley

Thank you to our sponsor Veson Nautical:

From multi-jurisdictional regulations to geopolitics and decarbonization, the maritime ecosystem is more complex than ever. This is creating unprecedented levels of risk exposure. With trusted maritime data and built-for-purpose workflows from Veson Nautical, you can confidently make decisions to better manage risk and maximize profit.

For over twenty years, Veson has been co-innovating with the world’s largest buyers and sellers of bulk marine freight.

Join their client community and find your decision advantage. Learn more at veson.com.
***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
34 min
September 24, 2024 Can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist? Industry Trend #7 - Ep 181
Sustainability is a key trend influencing all industries. Yet, can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist???
In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the significant trend of sustainability in the chemical industry. She elaborates on the different facets of sustainability including clean air, water usage reduction, circularity, green hydrogen, green methanol, biotechnology, and sustainable supply chains.
Victoria also addresses the hurdles faced by the industry such as regulatory approvals, affordability, consumer behavior, and investor patience.
Finally, we pose the critical question of whether sustainability and profitability can coexist, citing examples from various companies and noting the challenges and solutions needed for the future.
00:00 Introduction to the Chemical Industry
00:46 Host Introduction and Previous Episode Recap
01:00 Unveiling the Missing Trend: Sustainability
01:31 Exploring Sustainability in the Chemical Industry
04:22 Challenges in Achieving Sustainability
07:43 Affordability and Consumer Behavior
11:25 Regulatory Hurdles and Investor Patience
15:05 The Path Forward: Can Sustainability and Profitability Coexist?
16:52 Conclusion and Call to Action
HBR Article:
It's Time to Unbundle ESG

Other episodes referenced:
Kevin Norfleet, Celanese, Carbon Circularity
Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaTech, 20 Years to Success
Gaurab Chakrabarti, Solugen, A Green Chemistry Unicorn
Corey Tyree, Trillium, Scaling Up
Tom van Aken, Avantium, Commercializing New Technologies
18 min
September 17, 20246 Trends Affecting Chemical Industry in 2024 and 2025 - Ep 180
Explore the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry as host Victoria Meyer delves into six key trends that will shape 2024 and 2025. From ever-changing supply chain dynamics and shifting customer engagement mechanisms to the impacts of global economics and geopolitics, Victoria provides an insightful analysis of the factors driving the industry forward.

This episode offers a deep dive into the role of digitization and AI, ongoing labor challenges, and how innovation is being influenced and hampered by regulation. With valuable insights into how industry leaders can navigate these trends, this episode is a must-listen for chemical professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with peers and discuss these trends further at the upcoming Chemical Summit.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:
Supply chain as a dynamic part of the chemical industry.
Engaging with customers: The rise of digital natives in leadership
Politics, policies, and wars influencing trends in the chemical industry
An acceleration of analysis and answers - data driven decision making
Labor challenges post Covid
Innovation influenced by regulation

“This is the decade of supply chain... Supply chain today more than ever is a dynamic part of the chemical industry. Decision making, resiliency, all of those things are critical.” - Victoria Meyer

***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
18 min
September 10, 2024How the Global Chemical Market is Shifting with John Richardson of ICIS - Ep. 179
Ep 179 Show Notes

Geopolitical shifts, economic challenges, and sustainability goals are reshaping the global chemical industry. John Richardson, senior consultant at ICIS, joins host Victoria Meyer to delve into the market's uncertainties and logistical issues affecting Europe, the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the potential of developing markets like India and Africa. John sheds light on critical issues such as the demand-supply imbalance for commodity chemicals, Europe's struggle with high energy costs, and China's evolving role from a dominant importer to a potential major exporter of synthetic resins.

Victoria and John also explore the wider scope of sustainability within the chemical industry, examining Europe's pursuit of a circular economy amidst complex regulatory landscapes and fluctuating geopolitical risks. They discuss the impact of demographic changes on consumer behavior, and the shifting focus towards eco-friendly products. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the chemical market's future, from rising sustainability efforts to adapting strategic decisions in a dynamically changing global landscape.

Join us to gain insights on the following topics this week:
Chemical markets in the 2nd half of 2024 and leading into 2025
Overcapacity and supply-demand imbalance
China's economic slowdown and demographic changes have significantly impacted global chemical demand.
The rising middle class in developing countries, including China, India, and others, has driven increased demand for chemicals and plastics
Geopolitical tensions have disrupted supply chains, increased energy costs, and created uncertainty in the market
Circularity struggles - infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and feedstock availability
10 interconnected forces shaping the new global chemical landscape
Big commodity chemicals winners and losers

"China's historical impact on global polymer demand is profound, but with the shifting sands of demographics and geopolitics, the future may see other developing countries rising, albeit not at the breakneck pace we've witnessed. The global chemical industry must pivot and adapt to these emerging complexities and opportunities." – John Richardson

***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
44 min
September 03, 2024How Collaboration, Customers, and Community Contribute to Sustainability - Ep. 178
Ep 178 Show Notes - How Collaboration, Customers, and Community Contribute to Sustainability

Uncover the impactful stories behind the winners of American Chemistry Council’s 2024 Sustainability Leadership Awards, as host Victoria Meyer dives into projects from Celanese, PPG, and DuPont. Kevin Norfleet from Celanese shares insights on their Carbon Capture and Utilization Project, a breakthrough in emissions reduction that won them the Circularity Award. Meanwhile, Garry Grant from PPG discusses their climate-friendly innovations in automotive coatings, a project that earned the Climate Award.
Mary Reinthal from DuPont highlights their Clear Into the Future grant program, showcasing how DuPont is fostering community engagement and social responsibility across the globe. From land restoration in Michigan to urban forestry in Seoul, their initiatives reflect a deep commitment to societal and environmental betterment.

Join us to gain insights on the following topics this week:
The why behind Celanese's CCU project, winner of ACC's Circularity Award
Fitting into the circular space with CO2 circularity
How PPG is reducing the energy intensity in the automotive paint shop with their new paint line, winning ACC's Climate award
Opportunities to reduce power usage and CO2 production by taking it a different approach to paints and coatings and adhesives that go into automotive processes.
Dupont's Clear into the Future project funding nonprofit organizations to work on sustainable development initiatives in the communities, winner of ACC's Social Responsibility and Community Engagement Award
Creating community and local connection as employees of a Global company

Killer Quote: “There is an inherent circularity that exists within the chemical industry. If you just look at your business and your processes, you'll find that there's a lot of circularity because of efficiency, because we want to save money and save costs, and then save the environment." - Victoria Meyer, Host of The Chemical Show

Additional Links:
ACC’s 2024 Sustainability Leadership Awards Episode Part 1: Driving Innovation in Recycling: Inside ACC’s Sustainability Awards with Cyclyx and EFC Gases
Chris Jahn: Sustainability Starts with Chemistry with ACC CEO Chris Jahn
Michael Heinz: BASF CEO Michael Heinz on Sustainability, Energy, and Leadership
Bonny Tully: Achieving Success in Chemicals: Sustainability and Leadership with Bonnie Tully of Evonik
Daryl Roberts: Careers, Care, and The Future of Chemicals with Daryl Roberts of DuPont
Kevin Norfleet: Carbon Capture and Customer Value with Kevin Norfleet of Celanese

***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
August 27, 2024Driving Innovation in Recycling: Inside ACC's Sustainability Awards with Cyclyx and EFC Gases - Ep 177
Discover how necessity is driving sustainable innovation in the chemical industry with host Victoria Meyer and guests Robert Dishman of Cyclx and Matt Adams of EFC Gases & Advanced Materials, winners of American Chemistry Council’s 2024 Sustainability Leadership Awards.

Learn about Cyclyx’s pioneering partnership with industry giants like ExxonMobil and the opening of the world’s first chemical composition analysis centers (CCCs) to revolutionize recycling efforts. Robert Dishman delves into Cyclyx's mission to increase plastic collection and eliminate landfill-bound plastics, while also encouraging municipal and consumer engagement.

Meanwhile, Matt Adams introduces EFC Gases’ award-winning Neon Gas Recycling System, which enhances supply chain stability and promotes circularity in semiconductor manufacturing. Victoria explores the environmental and cost-saving benefits of EFC’s technologies along with their long-term goal of sustainable pricing for rare gases.

Gain insights on the following topics this week:
Recognizing ACC's 2024 Sustainability Leadership Awards
An introduction to EFC Gases and the importance of Neon in semi-conductors
How a supply-chain crisis inspired EFC's Neon Gas Recycling System
The role of Collaboration in plastics recycling and circularity
Cyclyx's formation by ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell and subsequent growth
Local communities are critical to success

Killer Quote: "Necessity drives innovation, and nowhere is that more evident than in our efforts to combat plastic waste and stabilize supply chains through advanced recycling and sustainable solutions." - Victoria Meyer, Host of The Chemical Show

Additional Links:
Chris Jahn: Sustainability Starts with Chemistry with ACC CEO Chris Jahn

Michael Heinz: BASF CEO Michael Heinz on Sustainability, Energy, and Leadership

Bonny Tully: Achieving Success in Chemicals: Sustainability and Leadership with Bonnie Tully of Evonik

Daryl Roberts: Careers, Care, and The Future of Chemicals with Daryl Roberts of DuPont

Kevin Norfleet: Carbon Capture and Customer Value with Kevin Norfleet of Celanese

***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
30 min
August 20, 2024Harnessing a Digitally-Optimized Business Model with Austin Nichols of ChemPoint - Ep 176
Explore the intersection of digital innovation and chemical distribution with host Victoria Meyer and Austin Nichols, CEO of ChemPoint, on The Chemical Show. Austin shares his insights on the critical role of digital solutions in scaling business operations. Victoria and Austin discuss the difference between ChemPoint's supplier-centric model and Univar's broader approach, detailing how ChemPoint leverages digital marketing and inside sales to enhance efficiency and supply chain management.

Discover how ChemPoint's unique value proposition targets strategic supplier relationships and digital optimization. Austin discusses the ongoing digital progression in the plastics industry, the impact of AI on distribution, and how remote work during the pandemic brought about transformative changes in company culture. Gain valuable perspectives on leadership, customer focus, and the significance of creating a culture of accountability in business success.

Gain insights on the following topics this week:
The evolution of ChemPoint: from Univar's digital platform to standalone chemical distributor
Striking a balance in being "wholly owned" yet a stand-alone distributor
Right-sizing digital resources
Digitization and the future of chemical industry distribution
How is the chemical industry utilizing AI in business?
The evolution of work models: Facing challenges and strategies in remote work
What is critical in leadership today?

Killer Quote: "At ChemPoint, we're not just focused on distributing chemicals; we're pioneering a digital transformation in the industry. By combining frugality with cutting-edge digital solutions, we're able to redefine efficiency and reshape how suppliers and customers interact. It's about creating a seamless, innovative experience that keeps us ahead of the curve." - Austin Nichols

***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
Wondering how we produce our podcast?
We use Transistor to publish our podcast. Check it out here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria
We use CastMagic.io to create Show Notes, 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://get.descript.com/j0hyfup4gm0t
38 min
August 13, 2024Mastering the Art of Resilience: Turning Setbacks Into Success - Ep 175
Exploring the crucial role of resilience in both personal and professional contexts, host Victoria Meyer delves into how businesses and individuals can adapt, recover, and ultimately thrive amid unexpected challenges.

Victoria breaks down the concept of resilience, distinguishing it from business continuity planning and emphasizing its emotional and adaptive components. She shares practical tips on building resilience, such as embracing mistakes, fostering accountability, and planning responses to potential setbacks.

Tune in to gain insights on nurturing resilience within yourself and your team as you navigate the unpredictable landscape of today's business world.

Victoria discusses the following topics this week:
Why business resilience matters
Current events causing upheaval
Can Resilience be taught?
The importance of a Growth Mindset
3 Strategies to Enhance Business Resilience
What can leaders do to instill resilience

Killer Quote: "Resilience is really the ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of various challenges. It's not just about bouncing back—it's about bouncing forward, embracing mistakes, and learning from them to become stronger and more adaptable." -- Victoria Meyer

***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
Wondering how we produce our podcast?
We use Transistor to publish our podcast. Check it out here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria
We use CastMagic.io to create Show Notes, 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://get.descript.com/j0hyfup4gm0t
22 min