The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

Your customers are the key to strategic success.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 mattersManaging Risk - a key leadership roleEngaging your customers to build ambassadors Time is money: Ask the right questions early, to increase success laterHow to engage your customersUsing 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:Focus: The manufacturing backlash: No factory in my backyardData-Based Insights Into The Customer Experience With Kevin HuntsmanShell ChemicalsFord Motor Company

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 industryThe role of translation in global businessesHow the pandemic accelerated AI and TechnologyThe Talent supply chain Local language is critical to the Customer ExperienceTranslation services as a risk mitigation toolTranslation 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.

Do you treat your B2B customers the same or personalize your engagement and their experience?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 customersWhy Personalization is critical to creating value in B2B chemicalsFour scenarios in applying segmentation and personalization and their impactSupplier-centricity vs. Customer-centricityDiscussing 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 TransportationChet 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-reportAFPM: 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 industryCrafting 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

Humans are master storytellers and as business leaders, we should harness the power of storytelling.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 businessWhy owning the narrative is criticalInsights from Harvard Business School3 tips for compelling business storiesCase study on the power of the right storyTune 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&AInfluence of current economic environment on M&A Activity in Chemicals and MaterialsHistorical and current multiples in chemicals M&AM&A strategies for chemicals and materials companiesAdvice for buyers and sellers todayThe role of Sustainability and ESG in transactions todayJoin 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.

"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 GlobalIn 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. She 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.Download the B2B Customer Experience Best Practices guide Like this episode? Remember to share, follow, and leave a rating or review.For more insights and information, check out www.thechemicalshow.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 LogisticsOn 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

“Understanding your value, driving value, and demonstrating it creates opportunity and creates growth, especially in times of market softness." - Victoria MeyerOn 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 customersThe importance of demonstrating value to customersCustomer and market segmentation – why you need to revisit it quarterlyConsidering 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.

"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, ICISIn 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 ChinaWhether 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/

'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

“There's a huge opportunity for B2B companies to enter podcasting. People get personally connected to you and your brand, and its a great opportunity for storytelling.”On this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer celebrates the podcast's 100th episode. And, in a role-reversal, is the interviewee instead of the interviewer.Today’s guest interviewer is Madeline Meyer, a summer intern at Progressio Global and computer science major at Texas State University. They discuss Victoria’s journey in the chemical industry, from working as a project engineer at Amoco to starting her own boutique consulting firm. They also explore the evolution and current and future state of the industry, including localization, sustainability, and the UN Plastic Treaty negotiations. Victoria highlights the value of personal connections through storytelling and previews her upcoming event, the Chemical Summit, launching in October 2023. Lastly, she announces that the podcast will be adding a second episode each week and will focus on business issues and her own expertise and perspective. Tune in to learn more about the chemical industry's transformation through the eyes of its leaders.Visit www.thechemicalshow.com.And visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register.

AI is a tool. It's obviously a very powerful tool... And so I think there is value in having some kind of framework for helping evaluate these things and looking at allowing people to make wise choices." - Ethan MirskyIn this episode of The Chemical Show, we explore how NobleAI is revolutionizing the chemical industry by using science-based AI. As we learned, traditional AI approaches didn't work for this problem, so Noble's team focused on incorporating scientific laws, design constraints, and materials properties into a model that could provide relevant insights and understanding. Tune in as The Chemical Show welcomes Ethan Mirsky in this episode, who is the President of NobleAI, a company that focuses on accelerating product development with Science-Based AI. Ethan emphasizes the importance of customer data privacy, the benefits and potential negative effects of AI and algorithms, the importance of creating a framework to evaluate their use, and many more! Topics discussed this week:The problem with traditional AI approachesImportance of customer data privacyRole of AI in Science and EngineeringConcerns and need for frameworks with AICustomer data and expertise in the modeling processNonleAI updates and goalsThis is an exciting podcast episode to learn more about how science-based AI is changing the game in 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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

On this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer takes us through the world of business transformation and the key factors that lead to success. With a staggering 70% of transformations failing to meet their objectives, Victoria believes that a clear vision and a customer-centric approach are critical. She breaks down different lenses, including the "easy to do business with" lens, and how feedback from stakeholders should be considered. Furthermore, Victoria Meyer emphasizes the importance of empathy, as understanding the experiences and values of employees, customers, and counterparts can lead to a more successful transformation. With her years of experience leading and advising companies, Meyer offers a unique perspective on achieving targeted results in business transformation.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.This is a great and interesting conversation, so tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

“There are great entry points to talk about, to educate, to talk about where stuff is coming from and where it goes. That's what I'm really trying to do in the Column.” - Darius Mortazavi. Darius is the founder of The Column, an email newsletter that provides context and commentary on events in the industry at large—it’s an endeavor that he hopes will unite different sectors of the industry, and foster an online community. In this episode, Victoria and Darius talk about some invaluable insights into the chemical industry, the current trends through different mediums that many people use and have access to today, the importance of educating people who are interested in this space, and so much more!Topics discussed this week:The origin story of Darius MortazaviWhat made Darius interested in chemicals and led him to start The Column?Working in the industry versus what is expected based on educationThe inception of The ColumnThe current and future changes in the industryThe leverage of using social media and other online platforms 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.This is a great and interesting conversation, so tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

In recent years, the demand for biotechnology in cleaning has been on the rise due to its effectiveness in providing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to the cleaning industry. Biotechnology involves the use of biological agents or living organisms to create useful products and services, and in cleaning, it has shown significant potential in improving the efficiency and safety of cleaning processes. Victoria Meyer chats with Rashda Khan, Sr. Director of Product Innovation for Barentz, a member of the HI&I leadership team, and is responsible for support across the business, driving new product development, and innovation efforts. Topics discussed this week: Product innovation in the value chain now versus many years backIncreased demand for biotechnology in the cleaning industry Drivers that are moving us toward biotechnology in the cleaning worldEducation for the consumer, the customer, and the end userChallenges in commercializing and scaling in bio-based products and applicationsRashda’s role as Barentz influences the formulations, specifications, and applications of the new productsThe innovation process at Barentz Being empathetic to our customers and our consumersStriking a balance when having innovation opportunities, and an array of potential suppliersChallenges in innovation during and after the pandemicThis is a great and interesting conversation, so tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Adaptability is crucial in navigating today's unpredictable global economy, which can experience economic chaos through market volatility, political instability, natural disasters, or unexpected pandemics. In this week's episode, Karl Maier, author of Surfing Economic Chaos, shares his expertise on seizing opportunities amidst such chaos. With over 25 years of experience in managing and advising lower middle-market companies, Karl offers profit improvement workshops and CEO peer advisory roundtable groups.Topics discussed this week: Changes and trends in the industryMilitary prowess versus economic prowess and intellectual prowess to maintain competitivenessInternational Trade five-star model Energy as a global hot topic The shift in International Trade todayGlobal changes with the repatriation of manufacturing in various countries, and less reliance on importsEconomic chaos todayHow does the economic chaos affect the chemical companies?Understanding the current economic scenarios and putting strategies in place around themFocusing on the peak profits and opportunitiesJoin us in this episode as Karl and Victoria talk about the book Surfing Economic Chaos and the economic challenges and the current trends in the chemical industry today. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Partnering for plastics circularity refers to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the plastics value chain to create a more sustainable and circular approach to plastic production, consumption, and disposal. With increasing concerns about plastic pollution and its impact on the environment, there is a growing need for companies, governments, and individuals to work together toward a circular economy that promotes the reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal of plastics. In this week’s podcast episode, Victoria interviews industry insiders Dave Andrew, Vice President of New Market Development with ExxonMobil, Bill Cooper, Sr. Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development at Cyclyx, Gulay Serhatkulu Sr. Vice President of Performance Materials at BASF, North America, and Jeremy Wallach, Partner with McKinsey. Previously recorded at the AFPM IPC, Victoria and panelists discuss how they are partnering with consumer brands, recycling consortiums, and others in the plastic value chain, who are working to accelerate a more circular economy for plastics.Topics discussed in this week’s episode: Partnering for plastic circularityHas circularity changed the customer-supplier relationship? Various stakeholders in this journey of the chemical industryThe biggest hurdles in trying to build plastics circularity in the value chainCollaboration for the plastic value chainChallenges to increase recycling ratesThe demand for circular plastics The role of brands in helping expand the recycling activityCollaborating with other companies - is it a hindrance or is it a help?This is surely one of the most exciting episodes on The Chemical Show podcast that you shouldn’t miss. Tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

An Employee Value Proposition is essentially the set of benefits and rewards that a company offers to its employees in exchange for their skills, knowledge, and experience. It's the total package of what an employee gets out of working for a particular company. So with that, in this week’s podcast episode, The Chemical Show welcomes Jaycie Bradshaw as the quest, who is Human Resources Director at Palmer Holland, Inc. Palmer Holland is an Employee-Owned organization in this Specialty Chemical industry that focuses on driving strategic partnerships, business results, and empowering their employees to be successful. Topics discussed this week: The reason why Jaycie got interested in HRWhat brought Jaycie to Palmer Holland?The significant change during the pandemic for Jaycie and the organizationThings that influence Jaycie to guide recruitment and onboarding of new employees in Palmer HollandThe practices integrated into the HR processes during post-pandemicCreating a strong employee value proposition to attract new people to join the organization ESOP defined and explained Keeping the balanced growth from business and employee perspectives with an uncertain economic futureLeveraging training and development to help people move beyond into more of a collaborative value-selling approachRecruiting millennials and Gen ZThe priority list of Jaycie and Palmer HollandTune in as Jaycie shares her human resources background, which is a bit of a different switch from what the podcast usually talks to people about. Victoria and Jaycie are also going to discuss some insights about people, employees, and all the things going on todayLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

In the last week of March, Victoria Meyer attended the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers or AFPM International Petrochemical Conference, which was held in San Antonio. So in this week's episode, she will share her insights and reflections from that conference. There were thousands of attendees and people were there for meetings with business partners, suppliers, customers, and many other activities going on at that event. Topics discussed this week: The chemical industry is in the process of setting a new equilibriumThe need to tell your own story and to tell the industry storyBe an advocate for the industryThe demand decline in the chemical industryOptimism both for 2023 and for the long termGlobal markets and local impacts Collaboration - we're all in this togetherTune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

The chemical industry plays a crucial role in modern society. The ability to leverage innovation, the ability to meet a customer's needs, the ability to go ahead and leverage at a global scale, and the capabilities to meet the world's needs are all very prominent today and vital to industrial gases and chemicals. In this podcast episode, Victoria Meyer speaks with Michael J. Graff, Chairman and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings and EVP of the Air Liquide Group. Mike shares leadership, learnings and insights from more than 30 years in the energy, chemicals, and gas industries. Topics discussed this week: Mike’s origin story and how it has influenced his life and career6 key themes in the evolution of the chemical industry in the past 30 yearsThe importance of Innovation The role of Hydrogen in sustainability and Net ZeroLeveraging partnerships and coalitions for a common goalMeeting the consumers’ needs around the worldThe continued importance of engineering educationThis was an amazing and insightful interview. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

Sustainability and innovation are transforming the chemical industry. Central to that transformation is leveraging customer and consumer insights, to ensure that new, innovative products are meeting customer needs.In this week’s podcast episode, I speak with Juliana Pantalena, who is the Marketing Head of Surfactants for CEPSA Química based in Madrid. She's brings a global perspective, having working in Brazil, US and Spain. And, a keen focus on customer experience and driving value in established markets with new products. Topics discussed this week: Juliana’s origin story and what drives her interest in chemicals and surfactantsHow sustainability and carbon reduction drives CEPSA ChemicalsCEPSA’s partnership with Unilever on NextLABHow CEPSA looks at consumer needs to drive product innovationA prioritization process for innovationCritical factors for Customer ExperienceThe role of digitization in the companyIncreasing the presence of women in leadership in the chemical industryThis is an exciting episode, so tune in as Victoria and Juliana talk about how CEPSA uses customer insights to drive transformation and many other lively topics around the chemical industry. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

The increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable development has led to a growing interest in bio-based chemicals. Finding new applications for these chemicals is becoming increasingly important as we seek to replace traditional petroleum-based products with more environmentally friendly alternatives.In this podcast episode, we have the opportunity of speaking with Anton Zhloba, who's an Application Technology Center Leader with Jungbunzlauer. His focus is developing applications and exploring new business opportunities where JBL's sustainable ingredients can make a difference. Over his career, he's worked in a variety of industries including food and beverage, pharma, biotech, and cosmetics in both Europe and the US. Topics discussed this week: The origin story of Anton Zhloba and how he got interested in chemistry and the chemical industry;The reasons that brought Anton to Jungbunzlauer;The impact of sustainability and bio-based chemicals;JBL’s approach to global growth;The importance of customer-centric application development for Jungbunzlauer;And so much more! So tune in as Victoria and Anton share valuable facts and interesting pieces of information about finding new applications for bio-based chemicals. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

An inclusive culture is one that celebrates and embraces the uniqueness and differences of everyone. There is evidence that companies or organizations with an inclusive culture tend to have people who are highly motivated, engaged, and productive at whatever they do. Listen to this week’s podcast episode as Victoria Meyer and Dr. Lauran Star, who is known for transforming leadership and organizational culture, talk about building an inclusive culture and what benefits it can give to all people in a company or organization and even to the quality of the working environment they’re in. Here are the interesting topics discussed this week:The origin story of Dr. Lauran Star and the reason why she got interested in DE&I and specifically inclusionThe experiences and lessons that Dr. Lauran learned from joining the militaryEquity and equality in the society Focusing on evidence-based DE&I How to grow inclusion in the companiesThe difference between diversity and inclusion in a corporate environmentWhat's the business case for inclusion? Why is it not the business case for diversity?How do companies measure inclusion and know if they're doing it right or not? Building your leadership bench strength in your industryDon’t miss this exciting podcast episode. Tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

Excellence is a quality that is highly valued and sought after in both personal and professional settings. As a company owner, being excellent can lead to increased customer satisfaction, improved employee morale and productivity, and ultimately, increased profits. For individuals, striving for excellence can lead to personal growth and development, as well as increased satisfaction and fulfillment in life.At its core, excellence is about doing your best in everything you do, whether it's in your personal life or in the workplace. It's about setting high standards for yourself and pushing yourself to achieve them. This requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to put in the hard work necessary to achieve your goals. When you strive for excellence as a company owner, you set the tone for your employees and create a culture of high performance. This can lead to increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and a stronger reputation for your company. Customers are more likely to return to a company that consistently delivers high-quality products or services, and employees are more likely to stay with a company that values excellence and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.In today's competitive world, especially in the chemical industry, excellence is more important than ever. To stand out in your field, you need to demonstrate that you are committed to delivering high-quality work and achieving your goals. By striving for excellence every day, you can create a life of success, fulfillment, and purpose.With that, listen to Victoria and Sam Smolik as they talk about the importance of excellence in detail as well as the value of what Sam’s book can give to the readers. Here are the interesting topics discussed this week:The origin story of Sam Smolik before he got involved in the chemical industryThe most powerful lessons Sam learned throughout his journeyTalking about Sam’s book “The Daily Pursuit of Excellence”What is Sam’s formula for operational excellence? The importance of having an established and effective system in the business or company’s processes and proceduresDifferent approaches to business operations into operational excellence of some leading companiesTune in to learn more! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

In early February, I attended the ever-popular American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Annual Conference. This week, I am sharing with you all some insights that I’ve learned from that conference. There are valuable insights coming from companies across the cleaning value chain. It's everything from ingredient suppliers, surfactants, enzymes, and fragrances to formulators and industrial consumer product companies. Topics discussed this week: Sustainability is a topic in every industry. Partnering is critical to creating innovation and helping support the sustainability journey. The importance of transparency. How to create transparency around products, their impacts, and what they do and what they don't do.Economic headwinds - As we enter 2023, a concern about the duration and impact of these headwinds on demand and profitability. Growth and innovation across the cleaning products industry. Being green and buggy - The impact of green and bio-based raw materials and formulations.Tune in as Victoria shares all of the interesting key themes for the cleaning industry in 2023 from the ACI Annual Conference and a lot more juicy pieces of information that you need to know about this industry. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

The energy sector is a category of companies that are responsible for extracting, refining, or supplying consumable fuels, like coal, oil, and gas. These companies are involved in the production and sale of energy and that includes fuel extraction, manufacturing, refining, and distribution. So in the upcoming years, with the continuous advancement of technology, we will see massive progression in engineering and innovation that will bring us inventions we can use, which are more sustainable and environment-friendly. In this episode of The Chemical Show, join Victoria Meyer as she interviews Mr. Tom Swanson regarding the commercialization of bio-based chemistry for energy. ​​Mr. Swanson currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales for Locus Bio-Energy focused on surfactant solutions designed for crude oil recovery, transport, and remediation. Lucas Bio-Energy Solutions took that technology looking at what could we use from a fermentation standpoint to take agricultural products and create something that would be a performance product that could be used in oil and gas.According to Mr. Swanson, he sees that there’s a host of different processing techniques used globally for crude, oil, and gas. But he kept his mind open to understand that people have a reason why they’re doing what they’re doing. Then, he realized the need of making that chemistry fit within the processes that those people are using. And this led him to the path where he is today. Also, listen to this podcast as Mr. Swanson shares his story of how he go into the chemical industry, and explains more important details about what Locus Bio-Energy does, the products and the technology that Locus is bringing to market that makes it really unique or valuable, and so much more. So tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

Sustainability and carbon reduction are key focus areas of the chemical industry. Many countries and companies have Net Zero targets to support a more sustainable future, including decarbonization. Innovation is critical. One of the key innovators in decarbonization is Syzygy Plasmonics and its co-founder Trevor Best.In this episode, Victoria Meyer speaks with Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics about the importance of decarbonization and the innovations that Syzygy is bringing to the chemical industry. Victoria and Trevor discuss: Syzygy’s founding from technology-based at Rice University, the importance of hydrogen, and the role of light and energy in the chemical industry. And, the focus on green chemical manufacturing. This episode of The Chemical Show is packed with valuable information that you don’t want to miss. So make sure to listen to this podcast. Tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technology into all aspects or areas of your company or organization. In this episode, Victoria Meyer has a conversation with two experts in digital transformation. Christophe Cabarry is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SpecialChem, who also brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic digital marketing in chemicals and materials. The second guest is Jay Bhatia, who is the Founder and CEO of Agilis Commerce, a technology startup based in Newark, NJ. Listen in as Victoria talks about digital transformation in the chemical industry, the significant changes that occur, the critical aspects of a partnership that you should know, and how companies build a business for digital and chemicals. Christophe and Jay also share their personal experiences in this industry, how they started their companies, and tell us some important details about them launching a new solution together in the market. This podcast is so exciting with the knowledge and expertise that Victoria and her guests share in this episode. So tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

Companies across the chemical industry have some of the same drivers - a focus on value, process safety, product quality, customer excellence, and ultimately profitability. Yet, some companies and industries do it better than others. The difference? Operational excellence.Operational excellence is in a simple form, systematic problem-solving, and improvements. It allows people in business and its leadership to improve in decision-making, profitability, partner services, customer service, marketing, and many other important areas in keeping the business up and running in the market. Listen in as Victoria Meyer talks about the Importance of Operational Excellence with John Yagel, VP of continuous improvement, capital implementation, and innovation excellence for Huber Engineered Materials. In this episode of The Chemical Show, John explains the important details of operational excellence, how important it is in this industry, and the difference between the operational excellence of today versus many years back. John also provides some concrete examples of how companies are using operational excellence in normal day-to-day operations to improve customer experience, digitization, and process control. He also talks about the role of sustainability in business and the response of people in this industry when the pandemic hit and when the challenges of freezes and hurricanes across the country happen. This is surely an exciting conversation as John is bringing his expertise, knowledge, and experience to our today’s podcast. Tune in! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Chemical Show - The Chemical Show

The year 2022 has ended and we are now in 2023 with so many things ahead of us in our industry. Join Victoria and Trey Hamblet, the Vice President of Research at Industrial Info Resources (IIR), as they talk about the 2023 outlook on chemical investment, how that affects the chemical industry, and what people are expecting this year. In this episode, he’s going to give us some insights into capital spending, economic outlook, and many other interesting topics that we should be dealing with. We know that there are a lot of rumors in the investment world and capital spending world maintenance. But Trey was able to shed light on this as he shares his thoughts about his matter. He also mentioned in the interview that growth in demand for the chemical industry is very dependent on consumer consumption, global growth, and global markets. To learn more about that, join his interview with Victoria Meyer as they further discuss all of these in detail. To hear Trey’s 2022 Outlook, check out Episode 33 of The Chemical Show.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/

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. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://www.thechemicalshow.com/