Accelerating sustainability through industry-wide collaboration is changing how chemical companies approach procurement, carbon reduction, and risk management. Victoria Meyer welcomes Jennifer Jewson, Chief Procurement Officer at LyondellBasell and President of Together for Sustainability (TfS), alongside Danielle Warnock, Senior Manager at Nouryon and TfS Regional Lead, to discuss how strategic alliances like TfS are driving real progress on sustainable procurement across the chemical industry.
Victoria, Jennifer, and Danielle examine the foundations and impact of TfS: standardizing supplier engagement, launching shared audit platforms, and advancing product carbon footprint measurement to address complex Scope 3 emissions. The conversation covers how sustainable procurement is intertwining with business strategy, the challenges and realities of delivering on corporate sustainability promises, and how companies are equipping teams and the next generation of leaders to advance long-term change. Discover how collaborative platforms and disciplined governance are helping shape the future of chemicals, and why staying committed to sustainability is critical for competitiveness, growth, and continued license to operate.
Victoria, Jennifer, and Danielle discuss the following topics on this week's episode:
Killer Quote: “We do together what we cannot do alone.” — Jennifer Jewson, on the collaborative power of the Together for Sustainability alliance
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Efficiency and innovation have quietly embedded sustainability into the DNA of the chemical industry—long before the hype cycles and regulatory pressures. Mitch Toomey, VP of Sustainability and Responsible Care at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss how sustainability priorities are shaped by business needs, customer expectations, and practical realities. Mitch shares his journey from management consulting to the United Nations, BASF, and now ACC, spotlighting the business case for sustainability and the real progress chemical companies are making in reducing emissions and waste, even as industry output grows.
The conversation explores how the expectations around sustainability have shifted, why incremental improvements and transparency matter, and how the value chain—spanning suppliers, manufacturers, and customers—is working together to deliver meaningful results. Mitch addresses common public misconceptions about the chemical industry, offers insights into aligning diverse member interests at ACC, and closes with advice for future leaders who want to make an impact across business and policy.
Victoria and Mitch explore the following topics on this episode:
Killer Quote: "What’s a safe and sustainable facility is a profitable facility." – Mitch Toomey
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People and culture are at the heart of transformation in an AI-enabled world—especially for chemical industry leaders navigating rapid change. Host Victoria Meyer recaps the highlights from The Chemical Summit 2025, where leaders gathered in Houston to share perspectives on business strategy, workforce evolution, technology, and sustainability. The central themes included the critical role of organizational culture, the need for strong collaboration and business agility, and how digital tools and AI are reshaping work across the sector.
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Listeners get insights from keynote speakers and panelists on purpose-driven leadership, the realities of upskilling talent, and the impact of new technology on daily operations. Victoria explores how companies are building resilience in supply chains, creating customer value beyond price, responding to economic volatility, and implementing AI not as a job-taker, but as a growth engine.
Victoria discusses the following topics:
Taking on a 100-year-old industry with a startup mentality requires equal parts resilience, adaptability, and trust. Jimmy Jett, CEO of Integrity Biochem, joins host Victoria Meyer for an insightful fireside chat that uncovers the challenges and strategies behind transforming a traditional chemical business. Jimmy shares how his team moved innovative technology from the pharmaceutical sector into oil and gas, then successfully scaled into personal care and mining.
Their conversation highlights the unique pressures of operating a startup in a legacy market—navigating regulatory hurdles, building a culture of speed and trust, and leveraging partnerships for rapid growth and scale. With candid stories on leadership, funding, and talent, Jimmy and Victoria shine a light on what it takes to disrupt and thrive in the chemical industry today, amidst economic, geopolitical, and technological shifts.
Victoria and Jimmy explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "You have to find those experts in those market segments that can tell you go, no go. And there’s plenty of market segments where we are not a fit. Absolutely not. And so you just have to keep plugging away until you find that little niche and then you go hard with it... you go hard only if the volumes and the margin justify it." — Jimmy Jett
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Oversupply, uncertainty, and shifting global forces are reshaping the chemical industry in unprecedented ways. Dewey Johnson, Senior Vice President of Dow Jones and global head of Chemical Market Analytics, joins host Victoria Meyer to dissect what’s driving the deepest and longest industry downcycle on record—from China’s march toward chemical self-sufficiency to the impact of sustainability targets and supply chain risk. Dewey shares his perspective on the global landscape, the interplay of political, economic, and environmental pressures, and why market participants are facing tough decisions about assets, investment, and strategy.
Victoria and Dewey also explore how companies are navigating regional differences, the growing importance of AI, and why the next five years could bring more M&A, shutdowns, and portfolio reshaping. With insight into the evolving role of Chemical Market Analytics under Dow Jones, this conversation offers chemical industry professionals a candid look at the trends and disruptions shaping the market today—and practical considerations for staying resilient and competitive into the future.
Victoria and Dewey discuss the following topics:
Killer Quote: "This is the longest and deepest down cycle ethylene has ever experienced, ever." — Dewey Johnson
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As the chemical industry closes out a turbulent 2025, leaders are facing another critical inflection point. In this solo episode, host Victoria Meyer lays out the key market trends, leadership strategies, and execution tactics that matter most for finishing the year strong and setting up for success in 2026.
Victoria unpacks how permanent asset shutdowns, trade and tariff volatility, tighter capital, the evolving business case for decarbonization, and uneven demand are reshaping industry decision-making. She dives into the practical steps that chemical leaders—from the C-suite to frontline managers—can take now to sharpen operational discipline, drive portfolio value, and protect strategic growth opportunities amid uncertainty.
From capital allocation and supply chain resilience to customer partnership and talent management, Victoria emphasizes the importance of strategic discipline and a focus on the fundamentals. Leaders need to navigate today’s challenges but also position their business to capture opportunities as the landscape evolves.
Victoria highlights:
Killer Quote: “This is the quarter where strategic discipline really differentiates those who are merely surviving from those who are positioning to grow into 2026.” – Victoria Meyer
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Pricing remains one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood levers for growth and profitability in the chemical industry. James Hogan, partner at Simon Kucher and expert in pricing strategy and customer behavior, joins host Victoria Meyer to break down today’s evolving landscape—from regional market differences and shifting supply dynamics to the rising role of digital tools and sustainability. Their conversation highlights how value goes beyond price alone, with factors like product quality, lead time, technical support, and strong customer relationships playing critical roles in differentiating both commodity and specialty chemical businesses.
James and Victoria examine the transformation from formulaic to value-based pricing, the complexities introduced by tariffs and distributors, and the increasing need for scenario planning in a volatile market. They also discuss how technical backgrounds, transparent communication, and understanding what customers truly value can drive both personal career growth and business results.
Victoria and James explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "Everybody wants to avoid a price war. In an industry like this where margins are razor thin, you can't afford to go down. So let's all focus on adding more value. You add more value, you find a way to add more value, customers will find a reason and willingness to pay a little bit more. And, you know, our side is let's raise the bar rather than lower the bar." - James Hogan, Partner at Simon-Kucher
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The chemical industry is facing a new wave of digital transformation, with artificial intelligence and data integration promising tangible productivity gains. Ali Amin Javaheri, CEO of Knowde, returns to The Chemical Show with host Victoria Meyer to share how the industry’s historically “laggard” approach to technology is giving way to practical applications that drive value—from automating regulatory workflows to empowering sales and commercial teams. Ali draws on his deep industry background to discuss the challenges and opportunities chemical companies are encountering as they seek to unify fragmented data and leverage new tools to streamline operations.
Victoria and Ali explore the critical role of leadership in successful digital adoption, the importance of targeting top business priorities, and why user adoption still hinges on solving the right problems. Their conversation covers the evolution from early e-business systems to modern AI-driven solutions, highlighting how faster access to knowledge, connected data sources, and executive engagement are fundamentally changing how chemical companies operate and create value—for their teams and their customers.
Victoria and Ali cover these topics:
Killer Quote: "You have no idea how many times I hear the two words ‘change management.’ And of course it’s hard—you know, people have their preferences and certain behaviors. However, people can change and people can be led to a better direction. A lot of times folks want that if they understand the why and it’s being repeated over and over again as to why it’s so important." - Ali Amin-Javaheri, CEO of Knowde
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How does a 75-year-old manufacturing company successfully transform through bold acquisitions and shifting market conditions? Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company, sits down with Victoria Meyer to share Carpenter’s journey from “old-school” chemical company to global leader in comfort cushioning and consumer bedding. Brad offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Carpenter navigated the integration of major acquisitions—including Recticel, NCFI Polyurethanes, and the iconic Casper mattress brand—amid supply chain turbulence, economic uncertainty, and evolving industry demands.
Victoria and Brad also tackle the changing culture in manufacturing, Carpenter’s approach to digital transformation and AI, and how leaders can balance people-first values with the drive for profit and growth. With practical leadership advice and candid stories from the front lines, this episode is a must-listen for chemical industry professionals interested in business transformation, growth strategies, and the future of manufacturing.
Victoria and Brad discuss the following:
Killer Quote: "Sales is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is reality." — Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company
00:00 "Carpenter Company Insights with CEO"
03:42 Guest Appreciates Podcast's Positive Impact
06:55 Journey from R&D to Chemical Sales
11:45 Growth Strategy Over Coasting
15:53 Flexible Foam Acquisition Discussion
17:28 "Understanding the Casper Story"
21:37 Changing Mattress Market Dynamics
26:17 Brand-Driven Billion-Dollar Businesses
30:18 "Understanding Organizational Talent Variability"
31:17 Balancing Growth and Pace
34:48 Investing in Europe's Consumer Market
39:22 Carpenter's Transformative Profit Sharing Plan
41:16 AI's Role in Evolving Work Practices
44:53 Navigating Information in New Industries
49:51 "Curiosity Fuels Lifelong Learning"
51:05 Uncontrollable Career Advancement Factors
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How companies manage people and talent is rapidly changing—especially in the chemical industry where agility, performance, and well-being are now critical business drivers. Victoria Meyer is joined by Milan Taylor, partner at Mercer and featured speaker at the upcoming Chemical Summit, to discuss how workforce redesign, skill-based development, and the integration of technology like AI are shaping both challenges and opportunities for chemical companies.
Victoria and Milan explore data-driven insights around HR priorities, the importance of aligning KPIs with business strategies, and the growing pressure on leaders to address employee stress and burnout. They also address practical strategies for small and midsize companies to maintain agility and foster growth—even with limited resources. Whether you’re a leader looking to refine your talent strategy or aiming to future-proof your workforce, this episode offers valuable, actionable perspectives for navigating today’s workforce transformation.
Victoria and Milan investigate these themes this week:
Killer Quote: "You can only deliver that business performance if you've got strong alignment all the way down the organization." – Milan Taylor
00:00 "Optimizing HR in Chemical Industry"
05:38 Agility: Speed, Precision, Intent
10:20 "Revolutionizing Work Through Automation"
13:23 Realistic Project Management & Transformation
17:24 HR's Cautious AI Adoption
21:40 Top Employee Priorities: Pay & Benefits
22:47 Workplace Strain Amid Economic Pressures
26:25 Unrealistic Targets Drive Employee Exit
32:23 Boost Engagement & Skills Transition
33:38 "Keys to Authentic Professionalism"
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Economic uncertainty, supply chain complexity, and shifting global demand are shaping the chemical industry’s trajectory as businesses wrap up Q2 2025. Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the mixed earnings results from major chemical players and highlights what leaders need to focus on for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. From confronting persistent weak demand and managing operational excellence, to navigating regionalization, cost discipline, and supply chain resilience—Victoria breaks down the core industry trends and reveals how specialties are outperforming commodities in today’s market landscape.
Victoria also shares actionable insights for leaders: prioritize talent, double down on communication, and remain agile in both investment and innovation strategies. With business transformation and sustainability still at the forefront, this episode provides practical guidance to maximize opportunities and overcome current market challenges. Explore how industry leaders are preparing for future shifts—and why attending the upcoming Chemical Summit in Houston could be critical for your business and leadership growth.
Victoria discusses the following:
00:00 Q2 Insights in Chemical Industry
05:40 Commodity Cost Cuts & Specialty Chemical Resilience
10:15 Automotive Industry's Ongoing Struggles
11:34 Rethinking Business Amid Global Shifts
16:44 Smart, Nimble Investment Strategies
20:49 Evolving Business and Sustainability Shift
24:01 "Clear Communication is Key"
25:04 "Be Ready for 2026 Opportunities"
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How is artificial intelligence changing the world of maritime shipping and the broader chemical industry supply chain? Victoria Meyer speaks with Per Ostman, VP of Product Management at Veson Nautical, to explore the impact of technology and data-driven solutions on shipping operations. Per shares how Veson Nautical integrates advanced software and AI-enabled workflows to help shipping companies manage complex data, enhance efficiency, and adapt to rapid changes in the marketplace.
Victoria and Per dig into the speed and complexity of shipping data, the importance of system integration, and the role of AI in streamlining tasks like claims handling. The conversation also addresses the human side of technology adoption—how AI is transforming jobs, creating new opportunities, and driving a need for continual learning. With practical advice for industry professionals and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of technology, people, and progress in maritime shipping and chemicals.
Victoria and Per explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "Don't sand down the edges of who you are because then you're not being your optimal self and you can direct your optimal self to do just about anything." - Per Ostman
00:00 Classics Major's Unique Tech Perspective
06:57 Veson Nautical's Integrated Maritime Solutions
09:09 Navigating Complex Shipping Data
12:51 Data Integration Challenges
18:36 AI Streamlines Claims Demurrage Process
23:20 AI Enhancing Claims Analyst Roles
25:35 "Tech Solutions: Communication & Collaboration"
29:31 Leadership Advice for Chemical Industry Entrants
30:54 Embrace Uniqueness, Pursue Passions
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With business leaders facing volatile headlines and uncertainty heading into 2026, understanding the real economic signals has never mattered more. Chief Economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce of Stantec join host Victoria Meyer to break down the trends shaping the chemical industry, from the current state of macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds to the impact of policy moves, interest rates, and global demand. Together, they discuss how companies can separate data from sentiment, apply scenario planning, and stress-test their outlooks in a dynamic marketplace.
Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick explore the hard financial data leaders should be monitoring—ranging from bookings, backlogs, and billings to corporate profitability and the health of the consumer. They highlight how strategic pricing, scenario analysis, and a keen eye on the bond market can help chemical leaders build resilient plans for 2026 and beyond. The episode wraps with practical leadership advice for navigating unpredictability and maintaining confidence during uncertain times.
Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick discuss the following:
Killer Quote: "The US economy is an aircraft carrier. It does not turn on a dime. So all these signals have been manifesting throughout the course of this year suggesting modest, mild growth for 2025. And what Jeremy and I have been telling our clients to plan for is additional modest mild growth in 2026." — Patrick Luce
00:00 Chemical Summit 2025 Preview
05:08 "Planning with a Macroeconomic Focus"
10:15 "Business Growth Analysis Essentials"
13:10 2026 Economic Outlook Challenges
17:30 Plan for Contingencies, Stress Test
21:07 Rising Interest Payments: Global Impact
25:06 Strategic Pricing Amid Inflation Challenges
28:03 Focus on Hard Financial Data
31:28 Consumer Resilience Amid Economic Changes
33:02 Chemical Market's Post-Peak Adjustments
37:23 Bond Market's Impact on Mortgages
39:09 "Confidence in Informed Decisions"
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Can environmental biotech finally crack the code on PFAS, “forever chemicals,” and other persistent pollutants? Ray Sambrotto, CEO of Allied Microbiota, joins Victoria Meyer to share how advances in microbial technology are reshaping the landscape of remediation in the chemical industry. With a foundation in environmental microbiology and years of academic research, Ray explains his journey from oceanography to entrepreneurship, revealing how precise strains of bacteria can tackle tough contaminants—speeding up processes previously measured in years down to mere weeks.
Victoria and Ray discuss the shift from traditional clean-up methods to scalable, biologically driven solutions for soil and wastewater. The conversation covers regulatory hurdles, the integration of AI for microbial discovery, and how collaboration between specialty biotech firms and established engineering players can expedite commercial scale-up. As regulatory standards tighten and the demand for cost-effective cleanup grows, Allied Microbiota’s approach signals a new era where biology is not just an afterthought but a strategic asset in achieving industrial and environmental goals.
Victoria and Ray discuss the following topics in this week's episode:
Killer Quote: "We've been able to speed up that decontamination process by order of magnitude, so going from years to weeks in terms of cleaning up the soil." - Ray Sambrotto
00:00 Chemical Industry Innovators Podcast
05:01 Bioremediation Challenges: Emerging Contaminants
08:39 Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil
11:35 Environmental Engineering Permitting Strategy
12:51 PFAS Breakdown: Cost-Effective Alternatives
16:28 Proactive Industrial Waste Management Solutions
22:18 Academic vs. Industrial Challenges
24:23 "Join & Share: The Chemical Show"
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At the midpoint of 2025, the chemical industry is navigating a turbulent landscape marked by geopolitical conflicts, trade uncertainties, and shifting supply-demand dynamics. Host Victoria Meyer examines how leaders are driving innovation during times of economic uncertainty, sharing recent insights from established and emerging companies including Hexion, Lummus Technology, Pilot Chemical, Lanzatech, and others. She explores how companies can break out of the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset, overcome barriers to change, and embrace both incremental and disruptive innovation.
Victoria highlights practical strategies for fostering an innovation mindset—ranging from creating psychological safety for risk-taking to encouraging diverse internal and external partnerships. She underscores the importance of balancing operational excellence with a willingness to experiment, empowering teams to learn from failures, and aligning incentives to support new ideas. With a focus on actionable practices, this episode provides chemical industry professionals with a roadmap for building resilient, future-ready organizations.
Victoria breaks down these topics in this week's episode:
Killer Quote: "Just because this is how we’ve always done it doesn’t make it the right answer for today." — Victoria Meyer, The Chemical Show
Additional Links:
00:00 Balancing Innovation and Stability
05:56 Breaking the "We've Always Done It" Mindset
09:17 Embrace Change and Innovate
13:21 "Driving Innovation through Diverse Partnerships"
18:15 "Prioritizing Communication in Innovation"
19:42 Innovation and Human Collaboration
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How does a century-old technology company stay at the forefront of industrial innovation? Leon de Bruyn, CEO of Lummus Technology, joins host Victoria Meyer to share Lummus’s transformation story and the company’s unique approach to navigating change in the chemical industry. Leon reflects on Lummus’s evolution into an independent, pure-play technology leader, the challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing market, and why fostering a culture of fearless innovation is critical to success.
Victoria and Leon explore the balance between traditional and sustainable technologies, the practical steps chemical businesses can take toward decarbonization, and the strategic role of digitalization and AI in modernizing asset performance and project execution. With real-world examples of rapid commercialization and thoughtful insights on talent, culture, and the future of process technology, this conversation offers a fresh look at how established companies can lead and adapt in today’s chemical sector.
On this episode, Victoria and Leon explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "We want to play in making, breaking and remaking all of the polymers that are important... I think we also have a responsibility to then figure out how do we break those polymers after use to avoid it becomes a waste or landfill or worse and break those back into useful components that can then be circulated back into making. So make, break and remake those polymers." – Leon de Bruyn
Additional Links:
How Lummus Technology is Applying Startup Energy to a Legacy Business with Leon de Bruyn
00:00 "Lummus: Renewing a Century-Old Legacy"
03:48 "Revitalizing a Legacy Tech Brand"
07:23 Circular Polymers, Water, and Biomass
10:52 Fearless Innovation through Open Ideas
15:49 Optimizing Investments & Asset Lifecycle
18:57 Energy Industry's Environmental Responsibility
20:55 Optimizing Petrochemical Investments
25:16 AI Integration Boosts Industrial Efficiency
29:36 Balancing Data Security and Innovation
33:28 Innovation and Passion Fuel Success
35:47 AI's Impact on Design Speed
38:01 "Engineering: Challenges and Rewards"
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Transforming a 150-year-old chemical business into a technology-driven solutions provider requires both innovative thinking and strategic agility. Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO of Hexion Incorporated, joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the company’s evolution from its roots as Borden to leading the engineered wood industry with advanced adhesives, resins, and AI-powered manufacturing systems. Michael shares how Hexion’s focus on customer-centered solutions, digitalization, and strategic partnerships is driving rapid change, while also navigating global market pressures and evolving workforce needs.
Victoria and Michael explore the role of artificial intelligence in modern manufacturing, from boosting product quality and sustainability to supporting workforce upskilling. The conversation extends to lessons in leadership and innovation, including Michael’s advice for young professionals on staying curious and building diverse teams. This episode offers actionable insights for chemical industry professionals facing transformation and rising expectations in an increasingly complex market.
Victoria and Michael discuss the following topics:
Killer Quote: "We believe that there are great innovations everywhere, and we want to be partnered with the best in what they do and provide our capabilities, our strengths to make them get to market faster.” - Michael Lefenfeld
00:00 Innovative Career in Tech Transformation
03:18 "Journey into Private Equity"
07:30 Hexion's Innovation-Driven Transformation
10:25 Localized Manufacturing Minimizes Tariff Impact
16:16 Hexion's Innovative AI and Sustainability
18:46 Introducing SmartPress: AI-Driven System
21:07 AI-Enhanced Custom Glue Solutions
24:13 "AI Empowers Uniform Operator Upskilling"
27:48 Stay Curious, Ask Questions
30:37 Interdisciplinary Innovation Key
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Great leadership is forged through adversity, not comfort. Leadership expert Jeff Hancher joins host Victoria Meyer to explore the evolving challenges of leading teams in today’s chemical industry—where post-pandemic disruption, hybrid work, and rising mental health concerns are reshaping expectations. Jeff shares how growing up in poverty, serving in the military, and climbing the corporate ladder from truck driver to senior leader shaped his views on feedback, resilience, and mentorship.
Victoria and Jeff discuss the mechanics of effective feedback, how to build robust leadership skills in a volatile world, and why personal investment in growth and mentorship is more critical than ever. Drawing from Jeff’s new book, "Firm Feedback in a Fragile World," and personal stories from the chemical sector and beyond, this conversation delivers actionable insights for leaders tackling retention, talent development, and organizational change.
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Killer Quote: "It's not the load that weighs you down, it's how you carry it. The greater the adversity, the greater the opportunity for impact." —Jeff Hancher
Additional Links:
Check out Jeff Hancher’s book “Firm Feedback in a Fragile World” here.
00:00 "Path to Higher Education"
03:34 Unexpected Career Path at Cintas
07:54 Leadership Challenges Amid Industry Disruptions
11:16 Leadership Through Adversity
16:52 Navigating Career and Family Dynamics
18:41 Leaders Beyond Business Results
22:32 Leadership vs. Product: The Cultural Impact
25:51 Leadership Under Stress: Managing Reactions
29:51 Shift Perspective, Lead Resiliently
32:20 Mentor's Impact on Sales Career
35:15 Ultimatum at a Crossroads
37:22 Leadership's Impact on Personal Growth
42:29 Finding a Mentor: Simple Strategy
44:20 Evaluate Your Investment in Success
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Leadership transitions can shape the future of entire industries. With Jennifer Abril stepping into the role of President and CEO at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), host Victoria Meyer spotlights Jennifer’s unique leadership journey, her approach to driving transformation, and the qualities that make her a strong fit for ACI. Through selected highlights from previous conversations, listeners gain insights into Jennifer’s background in advocacy, coalition building, and the importance of strategic alignment across diverse industry groups.
The episode unpacks key themes such as the challenges of balancing member needs, the strategic acquisition of industry events, and how trade associations are adapting to dynamic supply chains and shifting market demands. With a look at signs of industry change and priorities for the future, the conversation offers valuable perspective for chemical industry professionals interested in leadership, organizational transformation, and what lies ahead for ACI under Jennifer’s guidance.
Get additional insights on:
“Our job is really to listen, interpret, validate, and then be smart enough to give it back to the industry—as a, ‘we heard you say this, we’ve acted, and now we’re providing you that solution that you didn’t even know how to ask us for, but we heard you.’” —Jennifer Abril
00:00 "Five Questions with Jennifer Brill"
05:27 "Future Insights & Signposts"
07:07 Unexpected Career Path in Chemistry
13:20 Industry Insight and Responsive Solutions
16:01 Rise in Localization and Reshoring Efforts
17:49 Federal Workforce Transition Challenges
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Is China’s strategic push for chemical self-sufficiency reshaping the global petrochemical landscape? John Richardson, senior consultant at ICIS, joins The Chemical Show to share insights on how misjudged growth expectations for China, shifting demographics, and the rise of state-driven capacity expansions have led to the deepest, longest downturn in industry history. John and host Victoria Meyer examine why capacity was built around hopes for perpetual strong Chinese demand, only for real estate and demographic headwinds to alter the trajectory—creating a world of oversupply, negative margins, and mounting uncertainty.
Their conversation covers the ongoing impact of trade tensions, the real drivers behind Chinese investment decisions, and why shutting down uneconomical assets is becoming a pressing necessity, especially in Europe and Asia. John and Victoria also weigh the challenges and promises of AI and data intelligence in a conservative, data-guarded sector, and offer advice for industry leaders navigating persistent market disruption. For chemical professionals, these perspectives highlight why adaptability, intelligence, and innovation will be critical in mastering both today’s volatility and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Discover more about the following topics:
00:00 Chemical Industry Insights by John
06:08 Domestic Chemical Manufacturing Expansion
08:48 Polyethylene Margins: China vs. Middle East
11:31 Tariffs and Global Business Perspectives
14:43 China's Trade Resilience Amid Challenges
20:23 Data Sharing's Impact on AI
23:50 Debating Productivity's True Impact
26:34 AI: Industrial Revolution or Renaissance?
30:49 Innovative Multi-Pane Glass Advancements
31:43 Innovative, Stronger Glass Advances
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