The Chemical Show: Recent Episodes

Victoria Meyer

Welcome to The Chemical Show, a podcast focused on the business of chemicals. Featuring interviews with industry executives, you’ll hear about the key trends impacting chemicals and plastics today: growth, sustainability, innovation, transformation, digitalization, global supply chains, strategic marketing, and much more.

Hosted by Victoria Meyer, The Chemical Show brings you the latest insights into the industry. You will hear from leading industry executives as they discuss their companies, business, markets, and leadership. You’ll learn how chemical and plastics companies are making an impact, responding to the changing business environment, and discussing best practices and approaches you can apply in your business.

Victoria Meyer is the President and Founder of Progressio Global, a boutique consultancy that helps chemical companies accelerate business results by closing the strategy-to-execution gap. Working at the intersection of strategy, marketing, and execution, Victoria helps business leaders grow and optimize their business performance, align their organization, and achieve their strategic objectives. With 25 years of leadership in chemicals, Victoria is a B2B marketing and strategy expert who applies a holistic yet focused approach to your business goals and helps chemical executives and their teams achieve targeted results through boutique consulting packages and executive coaching.

Better Living Through Chemistry.

The Chemical Show highlights the positive impact of chemicals and plastics in our everyday lives, the innovations and transformations taking place in the chemical and plastics industry as companies grow and evolve to meet 21st century needs, and the challenges and opportunities the industry faces.

Podcast guests include global senior leaders at private and public companies, heads of industry groups, and industry experts in plastics, chemicals, and supporting industries.

Listen in as our host, Victoria Meyer, and industry executives discuss business, leadership, and more.

The business of Chemistry is a $565-billion enterprise for the United States and triple that number globally. The chemical industry supports over 500,000 jobs in the United States. It is estimated that more than 96% of all manufactured goods are touched by the business of chemistry.

Accelerate your business results, gain industry insights, and achieve greater growth in new and existing markets. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn the latest strategies and insights to help your company flourish, transform, and accelerate your goal achievement by tuning in to The Chemical Show.

The energy transition is an undeniable force shaping the future of the chemical industry. Discussing the need for transparency, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and embracing innovative technologies to pave the way for a sustainable energy future, Beth Gould Creller, Kara Byrne, and Maggie Teliska, of Women's Energy Network (WEN) Podcast joins forces this week with Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show.

Women's Energy Network (WEN) is proving to be a game-changer for professional journeys across the industry - opening doors to a thriving network of executive members who share similar experiences and challenges. Finding support and building strong relationships within WEN, women from across the industry are enhancing their personal and professional growth.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

Women's Energy Network (WEN) Podcast Origin Story
Creating a more coordinated and transparent effort in the energy industry
Origins of The Chemical Show
Balancing efforts in the energy industry through podcasting
Leveraging the Women's Energy Network (WEN) for Professional Growth
Connecting the workforce through WEN
Navigating the energy transition
Importance of Creative Solutions and Optimism in the Energy Transition

Victoria, Beth, Kara, and Maggie discuss power networking, the importance of company culture, and navigating the energy transition. Sharing their personal experiences with WEN, Victoria, Beth, Kara, and Maggie highlight the supportive network and opportunities for career development. Gain valuable insights on recognizing untapped talent, fostering an inclusive environment, and engaging with stakeholders for a holistic approach to decarbonization in the energy industry.

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Ep 122 Show Notes

Customer Centricity is more than customer satisfaction, it’s about centering on the “right” customers to create Strategic Value. Host Victoria Meyer delves into the concept of customer centricity and its role in creating business resilience. Through insights from leading chemical companies' earnings reports and experts, Victoria unpacks the importance of customer centricity and its impact on strategic value creation.

This is part 2 of host Victoria Meyer’s 3 part series on approaches chemical companies are taking to combat the market weakness in the first half of this year (for more on this, check out Episode 118 of The Chemical Show where Victoria reviews 2Q23 earnings reports and Episode 120 which covers Commercial Discipline.

Learn more about the following:

Defining customer centricity in the chemical industry
Putting the right customers at the center of your business
Assessing customer lifetime value
Why strategic alignment matters
Business segmentation to create a higher level customer experience
Employee buy-in

Victoria explores the definition and differentiation of customer centricity from customer service, highlighting that not all customers are created equal. Emphasizing the need to focus on the right customers to create strategic value, Victoria shares key elements of customer centricity, including customer lifetime value, strategic alignment, segmentation, and employee buy-in.

Gain a deeper understanding of the journey towards customer centricity and how it can enhance business resilience in challenging market conditions.

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*** Engage with other leaders on Customer Centricity at The Chemical Summit. www.thechemicalsummit.com

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

Have you ever wondered how the future of operational excellence in the chemical industry will be shaped by digital transformation? In this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer welcomes guest Stephen Reynolds, Industry Principal for the Chemical Segment at AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability. Stephen shares his insights into how technology is revolutionizing operational excellence and empowering employees to drive the business forward.

In this episode, Stephen, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the chemical industry. With 25 years of working as a chemical engineer, Stephen has witnessed the evolution of operational excellence firsthand. Victoria and Stephen discuss the changing landscape of the industry and how companies are becoming leaner, relying on advancements in technology to empower their employees. Stephen delves into the concept of the Connected Worker and how augmented reality and virtual reality tools are transforming how operators on the shop floor access and utilize information. This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to understand the future of operational excellence in the digital age.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

Using operational excellence to achieve a higher level of performance
How the chemical and plastics industry's approach to operations and operational excellence has evolved
Bridging the gap of the information through Connected Worker
What is a digital twin and how do you harness its power?
The value in digital transformation for small to mid-sized chemical companies.
Digital assets aiding in sustainability and ESG transparency and accountability

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the future of operational excellence in the chemical industry. Stephen shares his expertise on how companies are leveraging technology to build a more sustainable and efficient future. From the power of the digital twin concept to the implementation of advanced analytics and AI tools, Stephen provides valuable insights into how technology is revolutionizing the chemical industry.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

Ep 120 Show Notes

Over the next 3 episodes, host Victoria Meyer will be diving deep into approaches that chemical companies are taking to combat the market weakness we've seen in the first half of this year (for more on this, check out Episode 118 where I review 2Q23 earnings reports). Victoria’s topic this week: Commercial Discipline

Victoria dives into the concept of commercial discipline and how it can help companies optimize resources, control costs, and maintain strong market positions. Unpacking various approaches that companies are taking, touches on the following strategies for commercial discipline:

Cost optimization as a key component of commercial discipline
Controlling the right costs and understanding value through cost clarity
Cashflow management
Business efficiency and optimization through automating and streamlining processes
Prioritizing & optimizing products and solutions

Exploring the concept of control and clarity as essential components of commercial discipline, Victoria emphasizes the need to focus on the right costs and gain a deep understanding of actual costs rather than relying on assumptions. Discussing the role of cash flow management in improving financial stability, Victoria explores strategies for optimizing business efficiency and supply chains. Additionally, Victoria highlights the significance of prioritizing and optimizing products to drive growth and profitability. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable strategies to enhance your company's commercial discipline.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

Trillium is making waves with their green technology, replacing petroleum feedstocks with renewable feedstocks to make acrylonitrile. In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer chats with Corey Tyree, the co-founder and CEO of Trillium Renewable Chemicals about building successful partnerships, the power of experience, and driving sustainability in the chemical industry.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

Creating partnerships to support product development in a startup
Hallmarks of a great partnership
The diverse end-uses of acrylonitrile
The importance of customer development and consumer demand
The challenge of talent development and acquisition in a startup
Feasibility of Net zero and carbon neutrality by 2050

Victoria and Corey dive into the importance of partnerships with corporations, transparency, and trust in achieving successful collaborations, as well as the challenges and opportunities in scaling up their manufacturing plant. Corey also shares insights into the growing demand for green chemistry chemistry and the need for more industry experience within the startup space. Join Victoria and Corey as they explore the exciting world of renewable chemicals and the quest for a more sustainable future.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

Episode 118 Show Notes

While most chemical industry companies and business leaders were anticipating improvements by 2H23, it has proved to be a challenging quarter for most companies, leading into a challenging year. In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer explores why many companies are lowering full-year earnings outlooks and what’s driving current market conditions.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

Insights from 2Q23 chemical industry earnings reports
Worst period of chemical inventory destocking since 2008-9
Effect of sluggish economies in Europe and China
Inflationary effects - slowing demand for consumer goods
Strategies companies are using to respond to challenging market conditions

Join Victoria as she digs into the second quarter 2023 earnings reports, analyzing the challenges faced by chemical companies and searching for valuable insights. Victoria shares indicators for improvement on the horizon, the possibilities of a period of flat demand before a significant increase, as well as the expected inventory restocking.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Additional links:

2Q23 Earnings Reports:

Huntsman

Stepan

Eastman

Shell

BASF

Lanxess

Chemours

Phillips 66

ExxonMobil

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

The global chemical industry job market continues to feel the ripple effects from the pandemic and work-life balance values have shifted. Sharing his insights on the state of the chemical industry, Stephen Mothersole, CEO of Chemical Search International, joins host Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show to discuss the challenges in diversity and inclusion, the impact of remote work on talent acquisition, and the changing hiring criteria post-COVID.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

Current trends in chemical industry talent search: DE&I, AI, shift to remote work
Soft skills in chemical industry job candidates
How global events are affecting executive search
Tools for finding talent in today's job market
Most active sectors within the industry for talent development and movement
War on chemical industry talent in Europe and Asia
Hiring outlook for 2023 and 2024

Victoria and Stephen acknowledge that the talent pool in the chemical industry, especially in petrochemicals, is not as diverse and that diversity and inclusion within the industry has a long way to go. Victoria and Stephen discuss the importance of human interaction, AI’s impact on executive search, and the age of remote work.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

From collaborating with major brands to navigating the challenges of sustainable product development and end-of-life solutions, Scott Bober, Senior VP of Global Sales at CJ Biomaterials joins host Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show to provide valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of sustainable chemicals and materials. CJ Biomaterials is a startup within CJ CheilJedang, the 7th largest conglomerate in Korea. Victoria and Scott discuss CJ’s recent acquisition of Metabolics, giving them an advantage in commercializing their product.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

Helping companies meet ESG and Sustainability Standards through bio-packaging
Commercializing Sustainable Products
Identifying Partnerships at different points in the value chain
Establishing internal processes in a startup business
Bioplastics vs. cost
Finding customer and Consumer value in sustainable products

Victoria and Scott also discuss the challenges associated with consumer demand for sustainable products, lack of infrastructure for composting, and the cost of replacing widely used plastics. Sharing how CJ navigates challenges with specialty industrial marketing, Scott discusses their work in sustainability, involving government affairs, collaboration with internal food brands, and attending trade shows. Join us on this episode of The Chemical Show as we explore CJ's exciting journey in the chemical industry, their commitment to sustainability, and their vision for a more environmentally-friendly future.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer welcomes Arun Samuga, Chief Innovation Officer at Elemica to expand on the development of new digital products and solutions in the area of supply chain innovation. Arun emphasizes the importance of educating potential clients about the advantages of embarking on a digital journey while exploring the various benefits of digitization, including reducing working capital, increasing cash on hand, investing in customer experience and sustainability, and expanding sales channels.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

Evolution of chemical process companies
How business system connectivity supports the supply chain
Why companies are mix-and-matching digital and automation solutions
Digitization in smaller companies
Elemica’s Multichannel Strategy
The democratization of AI

Victoria and Arun discuss Elemica’s digital solutions, which impact various business functions from fulfillment to procurement to customer service. Arun discusses Elemica’s move towards providing customized services to cater to the unique needs of different enterprises.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

Episode 114 Show Notes

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer explores the topic of strategy execution and the common pitfalls organizations face. Victoria discusses the necessity of involving the entire organization in the strategy process to ensure understanding and alignment. Citing a recent study conducted by Harvard Business Review, Victoria highlights the significant gap between executives' perception of strategic alignment and employees' actual understanding.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

Challenges in Vision and Strategy Development
Risks of Top Down Strategy
Gap in Executive and Employee Strategic Alignment Understanding
4 Approaches to Overcoming the Strategy Disconnect
Why Employee Engagement is Critical to Strategy Development

Victoria emphasizes the importance of engaging employees in the strategy setting process in order to drive buy-in and shared context. Discussing the risks of not getting the vision and strategy right, especially in the ever-changing post-pandemic world, Victoria offers compelling approaches to engaging employees and overcoming strategy disconnect.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Additional links:

Harvard Business Review: Is Your Company as Strategically Aligned as You Think It Is?

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer invites George L. Vann, president of EcoServices, which is a part of Ecovyst to chat about his unique career path - from graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, to serving in the military, to various roles in the chemical industry. George emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships with customers and the need for long-term contracts to establish trust and dependability. He also shares insights into fundamental factors across businesses, including growth, providing value to customers, and attracting and retaining talent.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

Applying Leadership skills US Army to Business
Business mindset: big vs. small companies
Weathering economic storms in business
Impact of electrification on sulfur business
Circularity and sustainability in mature industries
The importance of talent and skilled trades

Drawing upon his military background, George discusses the leadership skills he acquired, emphasizing the importance of working with people, considering different viewpoints, making informed decisions, and taking accountability. Victoria and George also explore how creating partnerships with educational institutions help to develop internship and trainee programs, which can help create a pipeline of qualified individuals for vocational technical positions. Lastly, George highlights the need for smaller companies like Ecovyst to create unique value propositions to attract talent.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

Show Notes Ep 112

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer delves into the importance of engaging customers early on to de-risk business strategy. Victoria shares valuable insights and strategies for effectively engaging customers and stakeholders during key business changes and decisions. Discussing the benefits of introducing a new product or service and involving customers early in the development process, Victoria explores the barriers and fears that may prevent business leaders from seeking customer feedback and provides strategies to overcome them.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

Why early Customer and Stakeholder Engagement matters
Managing Risk - a key leadership role
Engaging your customers to build ambassadors
Time is money: Ask the right questions early, to increase success later
How to engage your customers

Using real-life examples from industry leaders like Shell and Ford Motor Company, Victoria emphasizes the need for customer and stakeholder engagement to inform decisions, test assumptions, and create successful strategies. Join Victoria for this insightful episode to learn how proactive customer engagement can help de-risk your business and build strong relationships with your target market.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Additional links:

Reuter’s Article: Focus: The manufacturing backlash: No factory in my backyard

Podcast Episode - Kevin Huntsman of Mastio: Data-Based Insights Into The Customer Experience With Kevin Huntsman

Shell Chemicals

Ford Motor Company

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer talks with Karen Tkaczyk, director of Life Sciences Regulated and Enterprise Solutions at MasterWord to share more about her unique combination of industrial and service experience as she helps chemical, energy, and life science companies do business globally with minimal risk. Victoria and Karen discuss the importance of technical expertise in language translation services, talent shortages influenced by the pandemic, the impact of geopolitical events on translation services, and the importance of breaking through language barriers in business relationships.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

The challenge of languages in Chemical and Material Science industry
The role of translation in global businesses
How the pandemic accelerated AI and Technology
The Talent supply chain
Local language is critical to the Customer Experience
Translation services as a risk mitigation tool

Translation and language services play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps in a globalized world. From helping businesses expand internationally, to ensuring safety compliance and protecting intellectual property, it's a fascinating and ever-evolving field. Join us this week to learn more!

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Join us at The Chemical Summit on October 24-25, 2023. Visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register today.

Show Notes Ep 110

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer focuses on segmentation and personalization. B2B companies in the chemical industry often focus on organizational factors when segmenting their market. However, limited use of segmentation can leave both parties feeling unheard. By prioritizing customer relationships and serving them appropriately, companies can address specific needs in a unique and important manner. Victoria highlights the need for businesses to shift towards a more structured and customer-centric approach, using buyer personas to understand their customers' roles, drivers, and interests.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

The importance of using both Personalization and Segmentation with B2B customers
Why Personalization is critical to creating value in B2B chemicals
Four scenarios in applying segmentation and personalization and their impact
Supplier-centricity vs. Customer-centricity

Discussing the challenges companies face in implementing personalization and the impact it can have on improving the customer experience, Victoria provides valuable insights into the importance of segmentation and personalization in creating business value and improving customer relationships. Join us this week as Victoria takes a deep dive into customer segmentation and its impact!

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) to chat about his organization's efforts towards a circular economy and rail safety. Victoria and Chet discuss the importance of recycling and innovation, the challenges of reducing plastic waste, rail safety, the dual challenge of producing energy while maintaining sustainability, and the immense value and benefits of plastics.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

AFPM's top priorities
Storytelling in the chemical industry
UN Plastics Treaty
Education and Awareness of Advanced Recycling
The EPA's proposed draft strategy to prevent plastic pollution
Achieving a circular economy
Challenges with Rail Transportation

Chet emphasizes the importance of approaching plastics in a nuanced and balanced way, neither treating them as inherently good nor bad, but recognizing their essential role in modern life. Victoria and Chet also discuss the benefits of advanced recycling, which creates "pure feedstock" that can be reused in new products. Thompson expresses his optimism for progress within Congress to enhance public safety for rail and promote competition in the industry.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

AFPM sustainability report: https://afpm.org/data-reports/publications/sustainability-report

AFPM: https://afpm.org/

Progress: https://wemakeprogress.org/

Empower: https://empower.afpm.org/

On this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer is joined by Peter Hanik, President and Founder of Pretium Innovation. Victoria and Pete discuss the importance of innovation in the chemical industry, as well as strategies for problem-solving and understanding customer needs.

Learn more about the following in this episode:

Innovation in the chemical industry
Crafting a long-term career in chemicals
"Type Three" Problems and Solutions
Adapting to cultural differences in a global career

Sharing his 50+ years experience in the chemical industry, Pete offers valuable insights into problem-solving and innovation in the chemical industry, as well as strategies for understanding and addressing customer needs in a sustainable way.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Check out Peter Hanik’s book, Type 3 Solutions: Problem Solving for Competitive Advantage: https://amzn.to/440uirc

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer explores why storytelling is critical for businesses to control the narrative about their performance, products, and value creation. Victoria shares how business storytelling involves interpreting facts and creating emotional connections as well as what makes a good story - starting with the end in mind, choosing the right information and time frame, using visual supports, choosing strong words, making it personal, and relatable.

Topics discussed in this week’s episode:

The case for storytelling in business
Why owning the narrative is critical
Insights from Harvard Business School
3 tips for compelling business stories
Case study on the power of the right story

Tune in to learn more on this episode of The Chemical Show!

Like this episode? Remember to share, follow, and leave a rating or review.

For more insights and information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer interviews Kevin Yttre, Managing Director at Grace Matthews, an investment bank that exclusively focuses on the chemicals and materials industries, assisting with mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises. Kevin shares valuable insights about the world of M&A, explaining M&A strategies, the role of ESG credentials, recent slowdowns in the industry, success factors in transactions, and much more.

Topics you can expect to learn more about in this episode:

The Role of Investment Banking in M&A
Influence of current economic environment on M&A Activity in Chemicals and Materials
Historical and current multiples in chemicals M&A
M&A strategies for chemicals and materials companies
Advice for buyers and sellers today
The role of Sustainability and ESG in transactions today

Join Victoria and Kevin as they delve into the world of M&A transactions and discover the critical factors to consider when buying or selling a business in the chemicals and materials industry.

Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.

Check out Grace Matthew’s latest M&A newsletter including insights on transaction multiples.

Support for this episode comes from Jungbunzlauer, a leading manufacturer of ingredients of natural origin. Visit www.jungbunzlauer.com

"The last experience that your customer has with you and your brand, usually delivery from a logistics provider, defines their perception of your business and your company." – Victoria Meyer, President, Progressio Global

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the importance of managing your company’s Customer Experience (CX) through third-party service providers.

The episode emphasizes the importance of defining key communication roles, channels, and expectations to ensure a seamless and positive customer experience, especially in a business-to-business (B2B) space.

Customer Experience is both end-to-end and omni-channel and is influenced not just by the activities of your own company, but also the business partners your company engages.

This episode touches on the role of logistics companies in this process, highlighting the need for transparency and a clearly defined CX playbook to meet customer expectations, regardless of the service provider used.

Head over to the Show Notes to Download the B2B Customer Experience Best Practices guide: https://thechemicalshow.com/optimizing-customer-experience-through-3rd-party-service-provider/

Like this episode? Remember to share, follow, and leave a rating or review.

For more insights and information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com

Support for this episode comes from Jungbunzlauer, a leading manufacturer of ingredients of natural origin. Visit www.jungbunzlauer.com

"It's not a matter of if a company is going to adopt technology transportation management system, but more of when? When are they going to do that? Because you have to if you want to improve anything within your company, it starts with having access to the data and being able see it from what it is." - Jennifer Braun, VP Trinity Logistics

On this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer speaks with Jennifer Braun, VP of Trinity Logistics, about navigating the dynamics of the chemical shipping industry. They discuss Trinity's efforts to combat the talent gap through onboarding and communication programs, separate recruiting and reward departments, and advanced technology-driven tools. They also cover Trinity's focus on customer-centricity and adapting to their needs, as well as its stability during the industry's current rebalancing period. Other highlights include Trinity's extensive sustainability efforts and its ongoing expansion and leadership program.

Tune in to hear expert insights and predictions on the future of the chemical shipping industry.

Like this episode? Remember to share, follow, and leave a rating or review.

For more insights and information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com

Support for this episode comes from Jungbunzlauer, a leading manufacturer of ingredients of natural origin. Visit www.jungbunzlauer.com

“Understanding your value, driving value, and demonstrating it creates opportunity and creates growth, especially in times of market softness." - Victoria Meyer

On this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the importance of getting back to basics and understanding a company's unique value in order to thrive during market softness. She highlights the story of a materials company that successfully increase sales by emphasizing their value in use to customers. She also discusses the importance of regularly revisiting marketing strategies and market segmentation to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Listen in to this episode to learn about:

Diving deeper to understand value to your customers
The importance of demonstrating value to customers
Customer and market segmentation – why you need to revisit it quarterly
Considering alternatives including make-v-buy decisions.

This episode serves as a helpful guide for businesses looking to navigate market softness and build resilience by focusing on their unique value and understanding the needs of their customers.

For more insights, visit www.thechemicalshow.com.

Have a question or topic you’d like addressed? DM Victoria (King) Meyer or The Chemical Show podcast on LinkedIn.

Support for this episode comes from Jungbunzlauer, a leading manufacturer of ingredients of natural origin. Visit www.jungbunzlauer.com

"People didn't think about the demographics enough. They didn't think about the role of real estate and debt. And they built capacity on the assumption of, say, 6% or 7% consistent growth, which we are unlikely to experience in the future." – John Richardson, Senior Consultant, ICIS

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer and guest John Richardson of ICIS discuss China's aging demographic and the future of the chemical industry. They delve into China's projections for becoming a net exporter in polypropylene, limitations on becoming a net exporter in polyethylene, and the current oversupply and weak demand growth in HDPE.

Topics covered include:

China's aging demographic and its impact on the future of the chemical industry
The growth in China's petrochemical capacity and its impact on supply and demand in the market
The factors influencing the chemical industry's margins and pricing, including fluctuations in energy costs
The impact of geopolitical factors on the industry, including concerns about energy costs in Europe
The impact of demographic changes on housing demand and local government spending in China

Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the global forces at play, this episode is essential listening.

https://www.icis.com/asian-chemical-connections/2023/06/why-china-could-become-self-sufficient-in-hdpe/

https://www.icis.com/asian-chemical-connections/2023/05/chinas-pp-industry-short-term-tactics-and-long-term-strategy/

Support for this episode comes from Jungbunzlauer, a leading manufacturer of ingredients of natural origin. Visit www.jungbunzlauer.com

'Customers are always going to say, oh, the reason that we don't do business with you is your price. That’s BS. Price is not the reason. It’s a good excuse. It’s your job to find the real reason."

A question that has come up recently: “Why are we the last choice for a specific customer? They call us when they’re in crisis and we help them out. Then, nothing. How do we move to being a first-choice or regular supplier?”

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer explores why some companies are the last-choice supplier for their target customers and provides specific tactics on how to become a first-choice supplier instead. She discusses the various factors that contribute to a company's status as a last-choice supplier, including timing, limited offerings, poor reputation, and corporate fit. By understanding their target customers' business and procurement strategy, fixing any issues in their offering, and demonstrating improvement and value, companies can become a first-choice supplier, rather than a last-choice one.

Our Thursday episodes will address key questions from listeners and strategic or tactical topics of relevance to chemical industry leaders.

Have a question that you’d like addressed on a future episode? Send Victoria a direct message on LinkedIn or Instagram.

For more information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com

Support for this episode comes from Jungbunzlauer, a leading manufacturer of ingredients of natural origin. Visit www.jungbunzlauer.com

A lot of the things that happened this year will define what the chemical industry will look like in 2023. Geopolitical and economic upheavals have had a significant impact on the industry on a global scale. In today’s episode, we take a look back at what happened this year and glean some useful insights and lessons as we move forward into the new year. The discussion goes from the relationship between Russia and Ukraine and the gas shortage to inflation, supply chain issues, digitization, and more. Tune in to this episode as Victoria Meyer gives us a quick summary of the most significant events of 2022 that will shape the industry in the next couple of years.

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When it comes to chemical prices, the China market has a big role to play. Their economy is at a halt, and no one really knows how long it will stay that way. Join Victoria Meyer as she talks John Richardson, a Senior Consultant at ICIS. Find out how China's Zero COVID Policy and the ongoing demand destruction are damaging the entire chemical market. Take a deep dive into the state of polymers across the continents of Asia and Europe, specifically Polyethylene and Polypropylene.

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There are changes in what matters to the customers in the chemical industry. Kevin Huntsman, President of Mastio & Company, shares these trends and how businesses must respond to these insights into the customer experience. Kevin specializes in survey design and data collection in the chemical and energy industries and does a lot of work in transportation and logistics. He has been helping provide data-based insights into customer value for over two decades. In this episode, he openly shares how they gather this data and its impact on how business leaders in the industry should look at their processes and operations. Join his chat with host Victoria Meyer as they discuss the customer perspective and share thoughts on the current state of supply chain challenges.

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Current technology and the power of the internet gave birth to an interconnected world. In this age of globalization, there are countless opportunities to build a global enterprise – only if you know the right strategies to do so. Victoria Meyer sits down with Yubo Li, who talks about transforming Jiahua Chemicals from a Chinese private company into a global enterprise group through a systematic global synergetic lean management. He discusses how they pulled this off while navigating a major market decline by working with research universities and prioritizing customer needs. Yubo also explains how they combine technology with chemistry and manage a global team composed of people from different cultures.

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Boron is the second strongest material in the elemental chart, only second to diamonds. Given its incredible resistance, it is found in almost everything: fiberglass, insulation, batteries, motors, and even carpets. Despite these applications, Boron usually sits in the background and is rarely used. But for J.T. Starzecki and their entire team at 5E Advanced Materials, it could be the next lithium. Joining Victoria Meyer, he talks about their sustainable mining operations integrated with a boron acid production facility, saving them time from digging and creating hundreds of jobs as well. J.T. also shares the biggest challenges their company has faced and the best characteristics of an ideal business partnership.

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All industries are challenging, especially the manufacturing industry. There’s a growing skill gap, a decline in effective leadership, and a growing challenge of how to approach the market. So what are the secrets of industry winners like AdvanSix, the fully integrated manufacturer of Nylon 6 resin, chemical intermediates, and ammonium sulfate fertilizer, in actually thriving in the market? Join us in this episode as Sarah Waller, the Vice President and General Manager of Nylon Solutions at AdvanSix, shares her journey with the company and how they’re approaching today’s markets!

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The pandemic has forced the hand of several industries to speed up their development and move forward with digitalization. But how has this move impacted the “marketing DNA” of these organizations? Here to dissect the topic is Jonathan Copulsky. Jonathan is a Professor at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, serving as the academic director for business marketing strategy as part of their executive education program, and has been in the marketing industry for over 40 years. In this chat with Victoria Meyer, Jonathan explains the impact of the pandemic on the internal processes of sales and marketing within the chemical industry. He tackles the growing need for executive marketing roles and the use of technology to drive growth in the digital sphere. Jonathan also breaks down five iconic archetypes of ways that companies are great marketers in the B2B context. Tune in to learn more and get valuable insight to propel your business forward.

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Are you looking for a commerce platform where sourcing raw materials are simple, from search to logistics? In this episode of The Chemical Show, Scott Barrows, the CEO of BluePallet shares how they are building digital commerce solutions for the chemical industry. Scott also shares that they are studying what's happened in the past, not only the platforms in the chemical industry that have come and gone but also how technology digitization of commerce has affected other industries that have maybe a little bit further along. With the concerns about marketplaces creating a level of standardization that can take away the unique value that the company provides or that distributor provides to its customers, Scott explains how they turn that around and how that plays out. Tune in to this insightful episode to hear more about an end-to-end chemical commerce platform that provides solutions for search, logistics, transactions, and everything in between!

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Pilot Chemical Company has been a successful, family-owned enterprise for 70 years and they continue to grow and innovate. How do they do it? What differentiates Pilot from other chemical companies? Learn all the answers in today's episode. Join Victoria Meyer as she talks to the Vice President of Technology & Innovation/Corporate Development at Pilot Chemical Company, Glynn Goertzen. Learn why Pilot values their customer experience so they can create trust with their customer. Find out how they continue to innovate with their core technologies like sulfonation and sulfation. Discover how they've grown and are continuing to be a sustainable chemical company.

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It’s no secret that many salespeople don't know what procurement people want, and vice versa. Wouldn’t it be simpler if each side could just ask the other what they need? Selling and buying are all about building relationships and trust with one another, something that our guest today has been doing for 37 years with Exxon Mobil. Join Victoria Meyer as she talks to retired commercial expert Marty Levine about his career and experience with Exxon Mobil. Marty took on sales, sales management, market development, and several leadership roles in procurement with Exxon Mobil. Learn what sales and procurement need so everyone can show up as a hero. Discover the importance of strategies and teaching the future generation of the business. Start building trusting relationships today!

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The majority of buyers these days are internet-savvy and digitally literate. For the chemical industry to keep up with its changing and rising demands, it must fully embrace digital commerce. Joining Victoria Meyer is David Haase, President of ChemDirect, to talk about the benefits of selling chemical products over the internet. He shares efficient strategies to cope with the people's need for rapid customer service and convenient information access. David also explains how to address the industry's issues with online transparency and the much bigger costs of digital adoption, allowing it to survive in a technological future.

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We are at a very interesting intersection of market growth, innovation, and sustainability. For the chemical industry, this means seeing a number of companies entering the markets in relatively new waters. In this episode, Victoria Meyer flies solo as she gleans into the lessons from many of the industry leaders of green or renewable chemistry companies that have graced the show. She recalls their wisdom about market entry and the key points to succeed. From partnerships to the three phases of market development, Victoria captures them all. So join this brief but insightful conversation and gain the wisdom of some of this industry's innovators into one!

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Jennifer McIntyre and Kelly Gilroy came to the chemical industry at different points in their lives. Jennifer started young, having been surrounded by a family who was already in the field. Kelly bloomed late, finding a connection to the industry while attending banking school. However different, both found value in the opportunities of creating a difference in chemicals through Univar Solutions. In this episode, they join Victoria Meyer to tell us about their careers and how they grew into their roles in the company—Jennifer as the Senior Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer, and Kelly as the Vice President of Sustainable and Natural Products. They share how they create their own unique culture that puts importance on the employee, customer, and supplier experiences and how they go about digital transformation and sustainability.

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The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global shutdown on an unprecedented scale. While a huge number of companies could not jump back after this worldwide crisis, some still managed to survive. Vink Chemicals is one of those that faced a COVID-hit market and proved bigger than its long list of adversities. Victoria Meyer talks with the brilliant minds behind this company, Branko Ulaga and Diana Lima. They share how they pulled this off despite their industry's highly regulated environment and unpredictable nature. Branko and Diana also share secrets on building an effective virtual team, designing reliable customer service, and securing business partnerships in different regions and cultures globally.

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Many people have tried innovating and coming up with new ideas for a more sustainable world, but only a few have made a dent. The process is long, and it takes more than a brilliant mind to develop a breakthrough product that would revolutionize the use of plastic. One of those few is Avantium. In this episode, CEO Tom van Aken shares their initiatives that would soon revolutionize plant-to-plastics technology, and conversion of industrial sugars, in addition to using plant-based carbon sources. He also shares the importance of getting the right partners on board to commercialize new technologies and how that consortium fosters trust, cooperation, and collaboration in moving everything to a renewable and sustainable level.

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It's hard to recruit the right talent in the chemical industry because it's a very complicated and specialized industry. It’s looking for a specific set of skills, especially with the rise of technological innovation. Join Victoria Meyer as she talks to Ron Malachuk about talent acquisition and how to retain them. Ron is a Partner in the Chicago office of JM Search and a core member of the firm’s Chemicals and Materials practice. Learn what skills are needed to be a CEO or part of the board. Discover the importance of networking, especially in the chemical industry. Tune in and start mapping out your career today.

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The pandemic, disputes, recession, and inflation are just a few of the adversities that we all have to get through. But imagine what it's like to be in logistics. It's one thing for a company to keep afloat and another to advance. NUCO Logistics has not only done both, but they were also awarded the Ecovadis Silver Medal for their compliance in the areas of environment, ethics, labor, human rights, and sustainable approach to Shipping and Freight Forwarding. In this episode, President and CEO, Noushin Shamsili talk about the challenges that logistics are facing today and how recognizing areas of improvement and taking action can bring about more opportunities. She also gives insights on the importance of sustainability and shares the measures they’ve taken in their commitment to providing innovative solutions for their customers’ logistic needs.

This episode is sponsored by Grace.

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Two heads are better than one. When building a business or providing service, having partners and leveraging their strengths is key to scaling your business. In this episode, Gulay Serhatkulu, Senior Vice President of Performance Materials North America at BASF, stresses the importance of partnership and teamwork when it comes to innovation and meeting specific client needs. She also talks about how generational differences play into managing expectations, innovation, and the quality and speed of delivering solutions. Tune in and learn more about BASF's unique approach and strategy to improve the overall customer experience.

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Distribution is such an important part of the chemical industry, but we don’t often get to hear from the people who make this vital link possible. In this episode, Terry Hill, the CEO of Barentz, talks about a variety of things that are transforming this particular side of the industry right now. Sitting down with Victoria Meyer, Terry compares what the industry was like when he started and how it has changed and evolved over the years. He pays particular attention to the cultural shift and the adoption of digital technology that is accelerating change and innovation in the space. Tune in and learn a lot of things from this insightful conversation with an industry veteran.

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Plastic has been around for the longest time and is the staple material for packaging. And with the recent pandemic and online shopping, you would think that the use of plastic has diminished, but you couldn’t be more wrong. It has increased significantly along with the misconception of destroying the planet. Would you believe that you, as the consumer, play the biggest role in the life cycle of plastic materials and how it affects the environment? In this episode, Jonathan Quinn, Director of Market Development and Sustainability at Pregis, shares their commitment to preserving the environment. He also talks about the Emerging Leadership Council’s mission and the importance of educating the consumers, especially the younger generation, about the value of recyclable flexible materials and avoiding misconceptions about the use of flexible packaging and plastic recycling. Tune in and learn how you can make a difference when using plastic.

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Extreme weather, heat waves, droughts. Climate change has continued to affect our environment and our lives. And what are we doing about it? Fortunately, there are companies like LanzaTech who dedicated 17 years and $500 million to innovating the use of waste carbon in sustainable fuels, fabrics, packaging, and other products that we use every day. In this episode, we are joined by their CEO, Jennifer Holmgren, to talk about their breakthrough in carbon capture and transformation. And how finding the right partners like Zara, Denote, and other industry-leading companies can shine the light on carbon capture and take their shared vision for a healthier environment into reality. Tune in and learn more about how this diverse team came together to help save our planet.

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According to Forbes, the inflation reading from January 2021 to January 2022 was a whopping 7.5%. Let’s face it, we are certainly facing inflation, and nobody is exempt, including the chemical industry. So what can chemical companies do to handle inflation and still manage to succeed? Today, Victoria Meyer shares five strategies for how chemical companies should manage and lead through these current economic times.

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Recently we have seen senior-level leaders transitioning, which opened new opportunities for internal succession or external job requisition. And with the significant changes in work setups and company culture, The Ropella Group, with its Chairman & CEO, Patrick Ropella, took to a new category with a different set of requirements when profiling candidates, specifically for C-Suite positions in the chemical, consumer products, and technology industries. In this episode, Patrick tells us what Backable CEO means, how it brings value to a company, and what experience or expertise one needs to qualify. He also shares insights on how the chemical industry is doing in executive recruiting or hiring demands after the great recession, how social media platforms have changed the game for job seekers, and how they provided an avenue for the companies to source candidates. So, if you have positions to fill in your company or someone is looking for an available spot, tune in and get tips on what makes a good candidate and how you can stock up on employment history the right way to become the best fit.

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Chemistry pretty much affects our everyday lives even in its most trivial aspects. Therefore, chemical education is something all people must give some attention to, especially the youth. Victoria Meyer goes to the Chemical Educational Foundation to talk with the people behind it: Terry Hill (Barentz), Aileen Doyle (Univar Solutions), Calvin Emanuel (Ecolab), and Nicole Domingues. They dive into the importance of studying chemistry and how to make students more interested in it, mainly through the foundation's chemist competition.

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Finding top talent is getting harder, and the chemical industry is not immune to this phenomenon. Here to unpack and offer solutions to this problem is Ron Malachuk. Ron is a Partner in the Chicago office of JM Search and a core member of the firm’s Chemicals and Materials practice. With vast experience in executive search, he joins Victoria Meyer to share some wisdom on how companies should adapt to this supply-demand imbalance for top talents. More than just attracting and hiring top talent, Ron also touches on why companies should focus on retention and how to do that. Get valuable business advice to boost your business and learn how chemical companies can elevate themselves in the competitive market by listening in on their discussion.

This episode is sponsored by Net at Work.

Engage with your peers on these topics and more at www.thechemicalcommunity.com

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In this episode, Joshua Baca, Vice President of the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division, shares how he got to where he is now, from working in politics to ending up with ACC. He believes that what he is doing now is fruitful, not just for him but for all of us in this society. He shares their advocacy strategies to help people better understand plastics’ advantages in key markets such as automotive, building and construction, packaging, and innovations that are helping address some of our world’s greatest sustainability challenges. They aim to have a hundred percent of plastic packaging to be recyclable by the year 2040. What are they doing, and how can they achieve this ultimate goal? Listen and find out!

This episode is sponsored by Net at Work.

Engage with your peers on these topics and more at www.thechemicalcommunity.com

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SOCMA, or the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates, plays an integral part as the connector in the chemical industry. They match-make business partnerships so that projects can get up and running in the industry. SOCMA empowers its members with the latest industry knowledge and projects. Join Victoria Meyer and her guest Jennifer Abril, the CEO and President of SOCMA, as they talk about the company and its role in the industry. Discover the pillars of their strategic plan. Find out what it takes to be a member and what you can get as a member. Learn how they support the specialty and contract chemical manufacturing sector. Know what the relationship between government and industry associations is post-COVID. And find out how Jennifer handles leadership as a woman in such a male-dominated industry. Be a part of SOCMA today!

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You can't have commercial excellence without digitization. Technology is so present these days that you need to be up-to-date with everything. You need to fight for your customers, especially with all the supply chain disruptions and how competitive the landscape is today.

Join Victoria Meyer as she talks to Martijn van Noordennen about commercial excellence and digitization in the chemical industry. Martijn is the senior director of the industry go-to-market for Salesforce. He also has a long history in the chemical industry with Shell Chemicals.

Discover Martijn's career and his love for all things technology. Learn how he got into the chemical industry and how Salesforce is more than just a CRM. Find out how you can improve customer experience with good commercial excellence today.

This episode is sponsored by Net at Work

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How does the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers advocate for the chemical industry? Victoria Meyer talks with Rob Benedict, the Senior Director of Petrochemicals, Transportation, and Infrastructure for American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). Rob shares the key initiatives and focus for AFPM. Rob discusses its position on creating greater competition in railroads and transportation, to be more competitive and effective for the chemical industry, including its recent engagement with the Surface Transportation Board. The role of AFPM in supporting industry sustainability, including advanced recycling. And, its engagement with other industry groups to provide an effective platform and advocacy for the chemical industry. If you want to learn what’s next, join in the conversation.

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Right now in the chemical industry, it's innovate or die. Innovation in sustainability is one way big companies can help the environment. These days, people are driven by consumerism which results in more resources being used. Companies need to provide a solution where less is used and innovation plays a key factor there. Whether it's innovation in technology or in marketing, the chemical industry needs to have that goal. Join Victoria Meyer as she talks about sustainability innovation to the CEO of P2 Science, Inc., Neil Burns, the CEO of VOID Technologies, James Gibson, and the Chief Sustainability Officer at Epsilyte, Jon Timbers. Learn what each of their businesses does, from making green cosmetics to plastic reduction. Discover how they leverage technology to help innovate the industry. Find out how they are contributing to a more sustainable and greener environment today.

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The chemical market is complicated to navigate with the need to aggregate information and the difficulty of acquiring "real-time" updates. Today's guest is here to provide the insight you're looking for. Steve Lewandowski is the Vice President - Olefins at IHS Markit, a leading global provider of information, insight, and consulting services to the global chemical, petrochemical, and refining industries. He joins Victoria Meyer to discuss the trends in the chemical industry and the different factors at play in these changes. They touch on energy transitions, geopolitical tensions, market prices, COVID shutdowns, and the interweaving impacts on each other. Don't miss out on this information-packed episode for the latest on what's happening in the world of chemicals.

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Starting from scratching and making successful business acquisitions is chaUDAllenging. Victoria Meyer welcomes back John Foley, the CEO of Verdant Specialty Solutions, to give a one-year update. John shares how vital it is to have your back-office team for you to stand on your own. And the challenges that relying on an outsourced back-office brings. Recruiting the right leaders who have previous experience in steering your business to where you want it to go is key. After all, you will need skillful people who trust each other to build a sustainable culture. Tune in!

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Sustainability isn't just a buzzword: It's an important component of saving our planet. The chemical industry has made great strides towards this goal, and more is yet to come. In this episode, Victoria Meyer flies solo as she breaks down three approaches the industry is taking to tackle sustainability. Victoria looks at these three critical components: Collaboration, Education, and Design, and she analyzes how they fit into the scheme of things. Tune in to learn more about the chemical industry's drive for sustainability.

This episode is sponsored by AVEVA.

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Sustainability isn't just a buzzword: it's an integral part of modern business. Even the chemical industry has gotten into the act, tackling sustainability in many different ways. In this episode, Victoria Meyer teams up with Jon Timbers, Chief Sustainability Officer at Epsilyte to tackle the question of sustainable technology in the chemical industry. Jon discusses what drives his passion for sustainable solutions, and gives us a peek at current efforts in the space. Brimming with insights, this is an episode for the environment-minded chemical geek!

This episode is sponsored by AVEVA.

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There is a big plastic waste challenge right now in the US. It's much cheaper to just dump plastics or products in a landfill these days. There is not much value right now on plastic sustainability for a circular economy. This is where the US Plastics Pact comes in. They are trying to eliminate these issues by 2025. Join Victoria Meyer as she talks to the Executive Director of the US Plastics Pact, Emily Tipaldo about their goal regarding plastics. Learn how they are focusing on reusability, recyclability, and compostability of plastics. Emily is streamlining things that are in her control so that she can accomplish her mission by 2025. Thank you to our sponsor - Aveva: https://bit.ly/3uNpmFJ

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This is a historic episode as The Chemical Show celebrates its first anniversary. Join your host Victoria Meyer as she shares the plans and steps for the show in the near future, which could drive more engagement for listeners. She also discusses the different things the show had to go through from where it started last year, during the pandemic. It is without a doubt a failure without the listeners and subscribers. Tune in to hear the valuable lessons she gained throughout the year.

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How is the chemical industry becoming sustainable with its products and processes? Victoria Meyer welcomes Cameron Whaley, the President of Southern Chemical & Textiles, and Michael Suver, the Executive Vice President at Integrity Bio-Chem. Cameron and Michael share their collaboration on biosurfactants. They developed two sets: Tiger Surf and Eden Surf. They use all bio-based surfactants to go into all of the energy fluids. Synthetic surfactants are out of the equation. And they make sure that the molecules are non-detrimental to the current food supply. Tune in for more exciting news on sustainability!

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Net-zero is all about reducing water and energy consumption to improve the environment, save money, and help businesses be more resilient. Ecolab is addressing customer challenges that want to achieve net-zero. For them, it starts with water so if they can optimize water, they can help optimize their energy. Join Victoria Meyer as she talks to Calvin Emanuel about Ecolab and their net-zero solution. Calvin is the Vice President and General Manager, Net-Zero Solutions, at Ecolab. Learn how they focus on customer experience first. Discover their focus on water, energy, and sustainability.

Thank you to our sponsor - Palmer Holland.

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The pandemic has taught us a lot of things we thought weren't important before. The whole chemical industry gradually learned to be more flexible, make big choices, and adapt to changes. Join your host Victoria Meyer as she sits down for a conversation with one of her initial guests when this podcast was launched. Today, Melissa Hockstad comes back to share her learnings in adapting to sudden changes, focusing on what matters, and making an impact in the world. She is the President & and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute. In this episode, she shares their goals, plans, and other activities to create a clean and vibrant future for everyone.

Thank you to our sponsor - Palmer Holland.

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Climb your ladder to growth and success by equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to get there. When she was in college, April Yeager tried a co-op program, was eventually offered a position in a product development lab, and never would have guessed that she would be retiring 30 years later with the same company. She climbed up the corporate ladder through different opportunities that enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of business and personal growth. Now she is the Senior Vice President of Essential Ingredients. In this episode, she sits down for a conversation with Victoria Meyer to share her knowledge on the industry, including the critical things you should focus on. Listen and find your inspiration to grow with your business!

Thank you to our sponsor - Palmer Holland.

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Locus Performance Ingredients produces high-quality biosurfactants. Learn how they combine innovation and collaboration to lead the way. Victoria Meyer interviews CEO Tim Staub about the company and his vision. Tim shares his insights on the need to innovate and why collaboration is for winners in the chemical industry. Tune in for a great look at the industry on how to focus on teamwork and how a customer-oriented approach leads to great results.

This episode is sponsored by Palmer Holland.

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How do you manage crisis communications in your business? Victoria Meyer presents Gerard Braud, the founder and CEO of SituationHub. Gerard explains that the goal in crisis communications is to gather information fast, confirm that information, and turn that information into a statement to your stakeholders. It’s best to prioritize reporting to your employees. Why? Because if you don’t, they may spread rumors and damage the company’s reputation. Proactively answer questions before they are asked. If you want to find out more strategies for managing crisis communications, tune in!

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Great customer experience is one of the building blocks for success. If you plan for the long term, having a solid customer experience system is a must. Victoria Meyer dives into the subject with the founder of Watermark Consulting, Jon Picoult. Jon looks at the mechanics of customer loyalty and why what you do for them matters. We take an in-depth view of the importance of the customer experience and what you can do to enhance it. Learn more about the ins and outs of business and building a relationship with your customers, and find success.

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Chemical Trading is one of the less typical careers one goes into. Not everyone has the superficial idea or the intensive knack for navigating through the complicated chemical sourcing and distribution system. However, experienced entrepreneur, Austin Britts, has been in the business for years, establishing several successful start-ups spanning from CPG brands to technology companies. Austin continues to thrive in the field by offering access to more opportunities and creating growth potential for every member of the chemical distribution industry. Listen in as BluePallet co-founder and current VP of Sales Operations, Austin, joins Victoria Meyer to provide a solution to make sourcing raw materials a lot simpler - from search to logistics and everything in-between.

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China dominates global demand and is the largest importer of chemicals and polymers, so any initiative it takes affects the global market. In this episode, John Richardson, a Senior Consultant at ICIS, talks about the biggest contributor to the chemicals market in detail. John focuses on the polypropylene and polyethylene markets. These chemicals are primarily used for packaging, including plastic bags, plastic films, geomembranes, and containers. Due to issues with carbon emissions, China increased some restrictions and requirements for factories which resulted in supply chain issues for the chemical industry. John provides the objective analysis to manage businesses in today’s uncertain and ever-changing world. Stay tuned and find out more!

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Writing for a magazine that revolves around the chemical industry can be tricky. As a chemical business reporter, you need to be able to talk to the right people and get the right stories. You also need to remember that you're writing for the readers. Join Victoria Meyer and her guest, Craig Bettenhausen, as they talk about the chemical industry from a writer's perspective. Craig is a business reporter at Chemical & Engineering News. He covers specialty chemicals, carbon capture, industrial gasses, and more. Learn the best stories from 2021 and what to look forward to in 2022.

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Just when we thought there could be nothing more in store than 2020, along came 2021. The year brought business challenges ranging from cyber-attacks to weather events to a continuation of the pandemic. Carpenter Co. is not an exception, having been a target of a hacking attack that almost disrupted their business. But rather than letting the challenges sweep them away, they have managed to become stronger than ever. Its CEO, Brad Beauchamp, is back on the show to share with us how they took on 2021—from dealing with hacking, to M&As, to creating a strong culture for both employees and customers. Facing the new year forward, Brad then shares what they learned from these significant events that greatly impacted the company and how they are going to apply it as they plan for the future.

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The demand for everything chemical recovers quickly. The 2022 chemical investment outlook is promising. Victoria Meyer’s guest in this episode is Trey Hamblet, the VP of Chemicals Research for Industrial Info Resources. Trey talks with Victoria about insights and predictions on how chemical investments will fare in 2022. The best course of action is to tackle key investments that increase profitability. So far, logical constraints don’t hold back chemical investments, and technologies are developing green initiatives that garner huge public support. Do you want to know more about the 2022 chemical investment outlook? Tune in!

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For The Chemical Show's last episode of 2021, Victoria Meyer looks back on the most significant events of the year for the chemical industry. From the newest policies implemented, the disasters that shook the world, and the issues that made everyone rethink, she goes through them all. Victoria also highlights one event that contributes to the progress of the chemical industry and also very close to her heart.

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When the Toxic Substances Control Act was updated in 2016, EPA gained authority to require chemical manufacturers and industries to submit reporting, record-keeping, and testing requirements. Since this changed the way chemicals are developed, produced, and distributed, understanding TSCA is a must to remain compliant. Victoria Meyer explores this topic further with a certified TSCA expert, Lynn L. Bergeson. She is Managing Partner at Bergerson & Campbell PC and Host of All Things Chemical®. She explains how this act challenges chemical innovation and affects the global regulations of US-based businesses today. Lynn also discusses the rise of PFAS and what it actually means for chemical companies out there.

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Pactiv Evergreen is one of North America’s largest fresh food and beverage packaging suppliers, a global leader in paper packaging solutions. Joining Victoria Meyer in this episode is Emelia Nosser, Chief Procurement Officer for the company. Emelia shares how Pactiv Evergreen stands out from the rest and how they’ve thrived throughout the challenges brought on by the pandemic in the last couple of years. She underscores their move towards sustainability and digitization to adapt to the needs of their customers and the world. Tune in to learn more!

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The COVID pandemic hit many industries hard, including the chemical industry. It is now adapting, with many companies facing the changes that lie ahead. In this episode, Victoria Meyer discusses how the pandemic has reshaped the chemical industry with Zeochem LLC’s Global Business Director for Chemicals and Energy, Patty Summers. Patty and Victoria analyze the changes in the industry and how they have adapted, and we hear their exciting views on the future. Learn more about how the chemical industry is changing with the times by tuning in to this episode.

We hear the term customer experience all the time. But what does it mean, and how far does it stretch? In this episode, Victoria Meyer defines customer experience and its role in creating value to grow your business. A transformation in the chemical industry is here, driven by the needs that surfaced during the pandemic. It’s now up to businesses to find what differentiates them and to attract customers by crafting an experience like no other. Tune in to learn more about how you can be deliberate in creating a customer-centric strategy for your business.

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Digital Technology has not yet found its way into the chemical industry on a broad scale. Victoria Meyer’s guest today, Sebastian Brenner, explains why that needs to change. Sebastian is the Managing Director of CheMondis, the leading digital marketplace for chemicals in Europe, with over 7,000 companies participating. Join the conversation as Sebastian discusses how digital technology handles repetitive ordering, freeing up time for people to engage in more critical tasks. Despite the massive benefit digitalization brings, personal interaction will never go away. Chemical products require a deep understanding that only a human being can give. Tune in and upgrade your digital technology!

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The pandemic brought many challenges to smaller businesses and chemical distributors. Learn how Eric Byer, President and CEO of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), led the association and supported the chemical distribution industry, including many small, family-owned businesses, during the ups-and-downs of 2020 and 2021. Join your host Victoria Meyer and her guest Eric Byer as they discuss the pandemic, its effect on small business, the vital part that chemical distribution plays in the economy and the role that NACD has taken to support its members. How have chemical distributors managed the challenges posed by the logistics disruptions and the pandemic? Find out by listening to today's episode of The Chemical Show Podcast.

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Do you understand how investment banks can help chemicals companies grow? Chris Mudd, the Managing Director at Chiron Financial LLC, shares why as he joins host Victoria Meyer in this episode. Chris uncovers the mystery of investment banking and shows the many things they offer to help those in the industry. From raising capital to M&A support to advisory services, he tells us the key distinctions that separate investment banks from the rest. Follow along to this conversation to understand more about investment banking and how you can grow to your full potential.

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With Hurricane Ida gone and the unpredictability of the weather, many people are wondering what effects hurricanes have on the chemical industry. What impacts did it have on the feedstocks, exports, and chemical workers? Join your host Victoria Meyer and her guest John Stekla on how Hurricane Ida changed the petrochemical chemical industry and how it will recover. John is a petrochemicals industry expert, with 30+ years of experience. He is also the director at PERIN Resources. Listen in on today's episode to know more about the impact Hurricane Ida had, the prices of natural gas, feedstocks, and much more.

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Due to the pandemic and many natural disasters in 2020-21, today's volatile markets provided a considerable amount of challenge to Leo Maguchi and his company. But even with this rocky situation, the demand is not going anywhere and must be addressed. Leo joins Victoria Meyer to share his work at ITOCHU, a leading distributor and marketer of inorganic, organic, functional and specialty chemicals. He explains how they operate amid the COVID-19 scare, freight rate increases, and tons of regional shortages. Leo also discusses the need for decisive and flexible leadership today that prioritizes digitization and sustainability for businesses to survive.

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Do you see what influence one has on the market? It's important to understand different markets so you could get informed about the demand. Victoria Meyer sits down for a conversation with John Richardson about strategies to enable companies to be headed in the right direction. John Richardson is a Senior Consultant at ICIS. John focuses on the polyolefins markets (polypropylene, polyethylene) in China, Asia and Europe. He shares the objective analysis you need to manage your business in today’s incredibly uncertain world. ICIS is the global source of Independent Commodity Intelligence Services. He shares how he sees recycled products drive towards sustainability and circularity, and taxes. Learn a lot of valuable insights on market demand, economics, sustainability and circularity so you could grow as a professional.

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Some of the most successful companies always put their customers first. That is why, if you want to emulate their success, the first thing you need to do is focus on taking care of your customers and your people. Victoria Meyer’s guest in this episode is Megan E. Gluth-Bohan, the CEO and Founder of TRInternational. Megan shares with Victoria how the huge success of TRInternational leans heavily on standing relationships. After all, the most successful companies are those that are led by people with good character. Listen to this episode and discover how you can put your customers first. Tune in!

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Did you know that the average age of a professional driver in the US has been growing steadily? This is not a good sign because this can lead to disruption, especially in the chemical industry. Considered as the backbone of a lot of industries, drivers deserve respect and proper pay. To learn more about the freight and transportation industry, join Victoria Meyer and her guest, Brain Fielkow. Brian is the CEO of Jetco Delivery where they provide a wide array of logistics and transportation services. Join in the conversation to know why you need to know your market for maximum efficiency. Learn why safety is the foundation of the transportation industry. Discover why the number of professional truck drivers is dwindling down.

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The chemical industry is a male-dominated space, but women are making inroads in it. Our guests created Women In Chemicals, a non-profit designed to help women create and identify opportunities in the industry. Victoria Meyer discusses things with Amelia Greene, Global Product Manager at Wego Chemical Group, and Kylie Wittl, Strategic Sourcing at 3M. They talk about their goals in founding Women in Chemicals and give their insights on the role of women in the industry. Tune in and hear more on how these two women are empowering their peers in the chemical industry.

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Digital is all around us.The onset of the pandemic only accelerated the expansion and progress of digitization in almost every industry years ahead. Still, not all of them are making the most out of it just yet. The chemical industry’s love-hate relationship with digitization is founded on its belief in human-to-human interaction. However, we shouldn’t let that hold us back from the innovations that only aim to improve business processes and outcomes. In this episode, your host Victoria Meyer shares the many ways the chemical industry is embracing digitization and explains why executives should start seeing it as a value-creating investment. Tune in and learn the impacts and benefits of digitization.

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In this short episode, Victoria Meyer zooms in on three big key trends on sustainability and highlights the importance of owning the narrative. The chemical industry already has made tremendous progress toward sustainability and circularity, and contirubtes in many ways toward a healthier and greener environment. Yet, we are allowing less-informed groups to own the narrative about sustainability in chemicals and plastics. The industry needs to be more transparent with our processes to showcase how we take sustainability seriously. Want to learn about the remaining key trends? Tune in!

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Pivoting a family-owned business during a pandemic is challenging. The key is to maintain a free-form culture of growth where everyone wins. Victoria Meyer’s guest in this episode is Cameron Whaley, President of Southern Chemical & Textiles. Cameron shares with Victoria how the company thrives on taking great care of its people. Make the best opportunities available so everyone succeeds. Tune in!

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Coming up with a business sustainability report is an important thing in any team's growth and planning. What can you do to streamline this process and make it better? Jennifer Sadenwater presents the solution through ESGLynk. Joining Victoria Meyer, she explains how they connect people with the value that matters in three important points: environmental, social, and governance. Together, they talk about which industries can benefit the most from this strategy, its impact on investing, and the standards the come with it. Most importantly, Jennifer discusses how ESG can improve a company's performance and plan execution.

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The key to establishing and achieving your business goal is to know your intellectual property strategy. However, many business leaders don’t understand concepts of intellectual property, trademarks, and patents. Victoria Meyer’s guest in this episode is James Drake, a patent attorney and the Managing Counsel of Drake & Associates. James discusses what intellectual property is and how you can use it to achieve your business goal. Tune in and listen to this conversion to learn more about what you, as a business leader, need to know about intellectual property.

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Every day, it seems that more and more things are coming out of the chemical industry. One such innovation is the development of a bio-based polymer, the functionality of which seems endless. On today’s show, Victoria Meyer interviews Michael Suver, the EVP of Integrity BioChem. Michael has over 25 years of experience at a couple of innovative companies including Integrity BioChem. He shares how this bio-based polymer the company developed fulfills a need in the oil fields, especially in industrial mining. He also touches on the global need for anything bio-based and how people are now looking towards reformulating to get more green.

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NUCO Logistics is an international logistics, freight forwarding, and NVOCC company. Victoria Meyer's guest today is its CEO Noushin Shamsili to discuss how NUCO Logistics pivoted during the pandemic. On the one hand, the demand during COVID has increased tremendously. On the other, many steamship lines canceled their sailings to make sure that they would reduce their losses. What Noushin did was to pull strings through all contacts throughout the world to form a plan B. Learn more about what this is and stay updated with the happenings around marine logistics and more by tuning in!

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The petrochemical industry has been impacted by current events, causing massive swings in the market. This includes the already volatile Propylene and Olefin market. Victoria Meyer is joined by the Director of PERIN Resources, John Stekla. John is an accomplished senior sales and marketing executive with broad international and domestic experience in petrochemicals, lubricant and fuel additives, and performance chemicals. They talk about the current market trends in the Propylene and Olefin market and how it has been impacted by the COVID pandemic. They also talk about petrochemical investments in the US, and the opportunities and challenges the industry is facing.

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In some form or another, people interact with chemicals and compounds on a daily basis, just like surfactants which can be found in detergents, emulsifiers or dispersants. Neil Burns joins Victoria Meyer to explain more about it. Neil is the CEO of P2 Science Inc., a manufacturing company that focuses on cosmetics and personal care, fragrances and aroma chemicals. Neil tells Victoria that prior to the innovation they did in P2 Science Inc., the individual customers were the most fundamental and it is what they focused on early on. He also shares the correlation between chemicals and where green chemistry stands in the whole process.

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Chemical distribution is a wholly unique space within the chemical industry as a whole. Ronald Zmich has been working in this space for over 25 years. He is the Vice President of CASE at Palmer Holland, which is a specialty chemical and ingredient distributor of raw materials based in Cleveland, Ohio. Join your host, Victoria Meyer and her guest, Ronald Zmich as they talk about all things chemical distribution. Learn how the chemical industry was affected by COVID-19, how eCommerce is changing things, and how big of a role environmental sustainability plays in the chemical industry.

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Relaunching a company is not an easy task. It comes with a lot of struggle and burden to whoever gets appointed to lead the charge. John Foley proved himself up for the challenge when he found himself thrust into leadership in the newly formed Verdant Specialty Solutions. Verdant is a specialty chemical company that got formed by the acquisition of a private equity firm, OpenGate Capital from Solvay S.A. Victoria Meyer brings John in to the show to talk about the acquisition and what it’s like to relaunch a business in the chemical industry. Learn a thing or two about change leadership as John talks about the burdens and the strategies he used to launch Verdant.

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A lot has changed in these recent years for the chemical industry when doing business in China and Asia due to the changing regulations and globalization. Now that China continues to become more and more self-sufficient, chemical companies are called to embrace adaptability and versatility in the future. Joining Victoria Meyer is Dan McLeod of East West Associates to explore the industry's current status in the Chinese setting. He looks at the topic from various perspectives, from the alarming environmental regulations that cause shutdowns and relocations, the many adjustments in logistics, to the country's call for more local business leadership. Dan also talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the chemical industry in China, exploring the many opportunities western companies can still find there after a challenging time.

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Change and transformations are a fact of life. It’s how you deal with change that sets you apart from the crowd. Victoria Meyer is joined by Laura Schwinn, President of the Specialty Catalysts division at W.R Grace, Co., to talk about transformations and business leadership in contemporary times. Laura discusses customer engagement, listening to customers, and knowing when to get out of the way of employees so they can get things done. She also talks about inspiring innovation and the challenges of being the only woman on a board full of men.

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The chemical industry underwent a rude awakening in the post-pandemic world. Having an e-commerce solution to meet the customers’ needs is no longer “nice to have”; it’s a must-have! But selling chemicals online is not as simple as selling books or frying pans on Amazon because chemicals require specific regulations, storage, and transportation. How do you get around this dilemma? Today’s guest is Jay Bhatia, founder and CEO of Agilis Chemicals Inc., a highly successful e-commerce platform for the chemical industry. Jay discusses with Victoria Meyer how you can conform your digital channels to reflect existing trade patterns in the chemical industry. Tune in and learn how!

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In order to survive and cope with the current trends, business transformation is a must. Unless it undergoes such a significant yet challenging episode, it can continuously improve and not die out. Victoria Meyer talks with Joey Gullion, COO at SI Group, to share their story of profound transformation that pushed them to their limits. He talks about how they struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Texas winter storm, their move from a major distributor to a producer-supplier model, and their approach to the trend of digitalization. Joey also touches the three most important pillars that impact business transformation, as well as the legacy he wants to establish for both himself and their company as a whole.

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From running newspaper ads to clicking LinkedIn profiles, Patrick Ropella has witnessed first-hand how much executive recruiting in the chemical industry has changed over time. Patrick is the chairman of the Ropella Group, whose mission is to grow great companies by sourcing, recruiting, and training top talents. Patrick discusses with Victoria Meyer how recruiting is a relationship business. Modern tools like Monster and LinkedIn only help quicken the process, but in the end, it's about establishing personal connections with transformational leaders. Patrick also dives into challenges the chemical industries face at present, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of talent. If you want to learn more about recruiting and training, then this episode is for you!

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Holding a $60 billion slice in the chemical manufacturing pie, the cleaning products industry has always been a mainstay of society, but it rose to unprecedented prominence with the impact of COVID-19. When droves of manufacturers pivoted to the production of disinfectants and hand sanitizers, it became incumbent for industry leaders to set the standards of how things are done. Foremost among these prominent companies is the American Cleaning Institute, a 95-year-old company that is currently headed by President and CEO Melissa Hockstad. In this chat with Victoria Meyer, Melissa shares the challenges of being a leader in an essential industry during these pivotal times, including the task of managing teams in a virtual or hybrid setting. She also shares about the company’s efforts around sustainability, digitalization and other trends that affect the chemical industry as a whole.

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How have you been coping with COVID-19 that began in earnest during 2020? Many companies found themselves in desperate situations during the pandemic. As President and CEO of Carpenter Company, Brad Beauchamp is no different! Brad had to figure out how to keep the company afloat when sales hit rock bottom. If you want to learn how to lead your team more efficiently through challenging times, then this episode is for you. Brad sits down with Victoria Meyer to share two critical strategies that helped keep the company afloat: interpersonal connection and making good decisions. Tune in and discover how you can excel in both and come out equipped to face the aftermath of this crisis!

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The chemical industry is probably one of the biggest and most impactful businesses that you never really hear much about. That’s all going to change starting now as The Chemical Show finally gives the industry the voice that it deserves. With Progressio Global’s Victoria Meyer as your host, you will get to listen to some great stories, rising trends, challenges and bold visions from some of the industry’s greatest leaders. As a $565 billion enterprise that supports more than 500,000 jobs across the US and many times that number across the world, the chemical industry certainly needs much more positive attention than it presently gets. It all starts here and now.

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