The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

Hosted by Victoria Meyer

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Episodes

268

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Looking to lead, grow, and stay ahead in the trillion-dollar global chemical industry? The Chemical Show - the #1 business podcast for the chemical industry - is your go-to resource for leadership insights, business strategies, and real-world lessons from the executives shaping the future of chemicals. Grow your knowledge, your network, and your impact. Each week, you'll hear from executives from across the industry - from Fortune 50 to midsize to startups. You’ll hear how they're tacking today's challenges and opportunities, their origin story (what got them here!), how you can take and apply these lessons and insights to your own business and career. We talk: - Business Transformation - Innovation - Digitization of business - Strategy - Supply Chain - and so much more Founder and host Victoria King Meyer is an expert interviewer - who brings out the best in each guest. She gained her industry experience at leading companies, including Shell, LyondellBasell and Clariant. Today, she is a high-performance coach and advisor to business leaders in chemicals and energy, as well as the host of The Chemical Show podcast, and founder of The Chemical Summit. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest! Websites: https://www.thechemicalshow.com https://www.thechemicalsummit.com https://www.progressioglobal.com

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 26816 min

5 Critical Success Factors for Enterprise AI Success | Beyond the Chat Prompt with Victoria King Meyer - Ep. 268

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.What truly sets apart companies succeeding with AI from those still stuck in pilot mode? Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the five critical capabilities every organization needs to translate AI experimentation into measurable business value. Drawing on industry research and real-world conversations with chemical leaders, Victoria highlights why enterprise AI success depends less on technology and more on organizational approach. Victoria outlines how strong governance, connected data systems, organizational context, leadership, and a sharp focus on value creation are the real game changers. She shares practical examples, including a mid-sized chemical distributor reshaping its business by integrating AI with thoughtful leadership and context. Tune in for smart strategies chemical industry professionals can use to move AI from concept to competitive advantage. Join this episode to learn about: The five critical capabilities for enterprise AI success. Practical examples from chemical industry leaders who are moving from experimentation to measurable ROI. The role of leadership in championing and scaling AI projects. Why business value, not just efficiency, is the true measure of AI success today. Killer Quote: "Enterprise AI success isn't determined by the model you choose... it's really determined by the organizational capabilities you build around AI." — Victoria Meyer Other links:Unlocking ROI with AI in Chemicals | Insights from Kendall Justiniano

June 9, 2026Episode 26732 min

Unlocking ROI with AI in Chemicals | Insights from Kendall Justiniano - Ep. 267

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.On this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer talks with Kendall Justiniano, Managing Director of Growth Arc Advisors, about the state of AI in the chemical industry. Kendall argues that the “exploratory phase” is over, and the focus must now shift to achieving real business value. They discuss why many companies remain stuck in experimentation mode and what it takes to move beyond isolated pilots to deliver ROI. The conversation covers key ingredients for effective AI use: governance, connected systems, and building internal expertise. Victoria and Kendall explore practical barriers like security and data silos, outline where ROI is taking shape in commercial and document-heavy processes, and examine how companies can build context-rich systems for long-term competitive advantage. Topics covered this week: AI Maturity Curve: Why has the exploratory phase ended? Adoption vs. ROI: Where chemical companies are seeing returns—and where they aren’t Generative AI beyond chat prompts: Building connections with data systems The Governance Imperative: Data access, security, and responsible experimentation Commercial Applications: Sales, marketing, and procurement as major opportunity areas Context Layers: Embedding company know-how into AI workflows for differentiation Measuring and validating AI performance as systems evolve Killer Quote: "We’re the ones doing the cross-system scanning—and that’s where your AI is going to live. It’s going to live right next to us." — Kendall Justiniano Other links: AI Series by Kendall Justiniano Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. *Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

June 2, 2026Episode 26618 min

Business of Beauty: 5 Key Insights from NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2026 - Ep. 266

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Fresh from NYSCC Suppliers' Day, host Victoria Meyer shares key updates on the changes shaping personal care. This episode covers top takeaways for chemical suppliers, manufacturers, and value chain partners—featuring on-the-floor conversations with Neslihan Utkan of Croda and Syensqo’s Jennifer Zientek and Tom Brophy. Victoria highlights how companies are responding to demands for better performance, more sustainable products, and resilient supply chains. Insights from Neslihan, Jennifer, and Tom show where the industry is headed: multifunctionality, sensory impact, local sourcing, and the rising influence of global innovation. The episode also covers regulatory breakthroughs, such as approval of the first new US sunscreen filter in 25 years, and what faster ingredient approvals mean for suppliers and brands. Listen in for insights on: Product innovation: Multifunctional, sensory-focused, and bio-based ingredients Realigning supply chains for resilience and local sourcing New regulatory approvals and their impact on market opportunities Killer Quote: "It’s all about innovation and we need to focus on really innovating to meet the unmet customer requirements and needs." — Neslihan Utkan, Croda Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. *Get more insights—join our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

May 26, 2026Episode 2651 hr 17 min

Tech Transfer, Innovation, and the Future of Chemicals with Cameron Begley - Ep. 265

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Turning groundbreaking ideas into real market value is more challenging than most realize. Victoria Meyer and Cameron Begley, host of Tech Transfer Talk (sponsored by Spiegare), explore the pitfalls and successes of technology transfer, innovation, and commercialization within the chemical industry. They draw on years of experience to reveal why many innovations face roadblocks and what companies need to do differently to bring new products to market. Their conversation covers the crucial role of leadership in setting risk tolerance, the human factors at the heart of business change, and how digital and regulatory shifts are redefining value and sustainability. This episode offers practical insight for industry professionals on navigating today’s complex innovation landscape. Tune in to hear more about: What Technology Transfer Really Means: Moving innovation from lab to real-world impact Why Great Ideas Often Don’t Make It: Commercial hurdles, market fit, and the overvaluation of early-stage IP Operational Excellence vs. Innovation: Why large companies often struggle with disruptive change The Shift from Efficiency to Resilience: Implications for asset strategy, supply chain, and business model design People, Not Just Processes: The human dynamic in successful integration, M&A, and organizational change The Board, the C-Suite, and Risk Appetite: How leadership perspective shapes what gets funded—and what gets killed Measuring Value in Innovation: The unique challenge of quantifying digital investment and other non-traditional initiatives Regulation and Social License: Balancing necessary oversight with the need to accelerate safer, greener technologies Sustainability—Big S vs. Little S: Pragmatic approaches to long-term business health and environmental responsibility Killer Quote: " Companies don’t do tech transfer—people do tech transfer. Success comes down to culture, communication, and clear incentives at every level. " — Cameron Begley More Links:www.techtransfertalk.comwww.spiegare.com.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-begley-9138bb/https://www.linkedin.com/company/spiegare-consulting/

May 19, 2026Episode 26424 min

Q1 Chemical Earnings are Sending Mixed Signals - Ep. 264

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Examining Q1 2026 earnings in the chemical industry, Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show, breaks down what company reports really reveal about demand, pricing, and outlook for the rest of the year. Victoria focuses on the critical signals from Q1 and what business leaders should watch as market disruptions continue.This episode tackles the nuanced difference between stabilization and true recovery, drawing from public earnings calls and direct conversations at recent industry events. Victoria explains that while some companies have seen volume and pricing lift, much of the activity reflects inventory pre-buying rather than fundamental demand. North American petrochemical producers are benefiting from feedstock advantages, whereas Asian and European producers are facing unique challenges, from feedstock constraints to lingering regulatory issues. The episode also highlights how defensive management remains the norm, with a strong emphasis on cost discipline, restructuring, and risk management as companies look to navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and regionally diverse market conditions.Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:Q1 2026 Earnings: What the numbers actually show about recovery versus stabilizationDemand Signals: Inventory rebuild or genuine end-market momentum?Pricing Trends: Where pricing power exists, and why North American producers are “winning”Regional Differences: Contrasting scenarios in North America, Europe, and AsiaDistributor and Specialty Market Performance: Who’s passing on costs and maintaining margin?The Management Playbook: How leaders are prioritizing cash generation, cost-cutting, and strategic readinessWhat’s Next: Key risks to watch in Q2 and beyond—including the threat of inventory hangover and profit margin compression Killer Quote: “The biggest risk as we go forward into 2026 isn’t weak demand or tepid margins. It’s making decisions and assumptions as if recovery has already arrived, as if the rest of the year is painting itself with clarity—because the old way is not coming back.” - Victoria MeyerOther Links:Subscribe to The Chemical Show for weekly insights and analysis from chemical industry leaders.Want more? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.comLike the show? Leave us a rating or review.

April 28, 2026Episode 26321 min

5 Fundamental Shifts Redefining Success In Chemicals - Ep. 263

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Five years of volatility have reshaped how chemical businesses define advantage. On this 5th anniversary episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria King Meyer uncovers the industry's most significant shifts since 2021, including the normalization of disruption, the move from efficiency to resilience in supply chains, and the new balance between global and local strategies. She shares how AI is transitioning from a side project to a core business driver, even as the industry lags behind, and why bold promises around sustainability are giving way to more disciplined action. ***** Ready to reshape your advantage in the chemical industry? Join Victoria Meyer and top leaders at this year’s Chemical Summit, happening September 29th and 30th in Houston, Texas. The theme: Reshaping Advantage – with insights tools & discussions on how leaders gaining the upper hand through technology, leadership, talent, and more. Join the waitlist. Seats are limited, with priority for sponsors, past attendees, and those on the waitlist. Don’t miss your chance to be first in line when tickets become available—join the waitlist now at thechemicalsummit.com.***** Victoria outlines the traits of future winners in the chemical sector: those who act early, build operational resilience, and invest in new talent and digital transformation. Discover what it takes to not just respond to change, but to reshape your business and thrive in an environment where disruption has become business as usual.

April 21, 2026Episode 26259 min

Supply Chains Under Stress | Live from AFPM International Petrochemical Conference 2026 - Ep. 262

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Once considered a back-office function, supply chain management has become crucial to business strategy as disruptions and geopolitical events reshape the chemical industry. Host Victoria Meyer is joined by Jennifer Jewson (LyondellBasell), Claudia Moshiri (Brenntag), and Chad Burke (Economic Alliance Houston Port Region) live from AFPM International Petrochemical Conference to discuss how companies are adapting—emphasizing flexibility, optionality, and visibility to stay resilient and competitive. The panel shares practical approaches to risk management, compliance, and digitization, while examining the challenges of infrastructure constraints and the rapid evolution of the global landscape. With insights on real-time disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz, the conversation offers valuable takeaways for industry professionals looking to strengthen supply chain resilience and capability for the future. Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Listen in this week as Victoria and the Supply Chains Under Stress Panel discuss the following: Supply chain moves to boardroom priority Navigating real-time global disruptions AI and data in decision making Infrastructure and workforce under pressure Building resilience and flexibility forward Killer Quote: "Supply chains aren’t just operational; they're not just back office. They're really strategic. They're really a strategic part of our businesses and the ability to make those tradeoffs, understand constraints, and really understand those consequences." — Victoria Meyer

April 14, 2026Episode 26123 min

How Policy Impacts Competitiveness with Chris Jahn of American Chemistry Council - Ep. 261

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Trade uncertainty, regulatory hurdles, and rail consolidation are reshaping the U.S. chemical sector’s path to competitiveness. Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, sits down with host Victoria Meyer to break down how shifting tariff policies, global supply chain complexity, and potential rail mergers are influencing costs, innovation, and industry alignment. Chris and Victoria also examine the urgent need for TSCA reform to speed up chemical approvals and keep American manufacturing globally competitive. The conversation highlights how effective advocacy, targeted regulation, and smarter infrastructure policies will be critical for the industry’s future success. Additional Links: Sustainability Starts with Chemistry with ACC CEO Chris Jahn Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Join us this week as Victoria and Chris discuss the following: In-Person connections drive industry alignment Trade policy uncertainty impacts U.S. competitiveness Rail mergers threaten costs and agility TSCA delays hinder U.S. chemical innovation Leadership Focus: Prioritizing through industry complexity Killer Quote: "If you're waiting for all the information to be certain that you're right, you're never going to move quickly enough because that uncertainty is never going to go away. So you have to make the best decision you can with the information you have and then have the agility to pivot and move as you need to going forward." - Chris Jahn ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

April 7, 2026Episode 26030 min

Bringing Chemical Innovation to Market with Eric Appelman of Aduro Clean Technologies - Ep. 260

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Scaling up chemical recycling technologies is transforming how the industry tackles plastics waste and circularity. Eric Appelman, Chief Revenue Officer of Aduro Clean Technologies, joins Victoria Meyer to discuss Aduro’s journey, from innovative pilot projects to a commercial demonstration plant in the Netherlands, following their NASDAQ listing. The conversation covers the challenges of commercializing and financing new technology, the crucial role of established partners, and the value of risk management in scaling sustainable solutions. Victoria and Eric also dig into how regulations, market expectations, and infrastructure are impacting the adoption of recycled plastics. Their discussion offers practical insights for business leaders looking to build resilient, growth-oriented companies in the evolving landscape of chemical recycling. Additional Links: How To Scale Sustainable TechnologySubscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Listen in as Victoria and Eric discuss the following: Aduro’s breakthrough approach to plastics recycling Moving from lab innovation to commercial plant Market shifts: from promises to practicality Regulation’s impact on plastics circularity Leadership lessons for chemical industry startups Killer Quote: "You as a leader, are you able to take the blows? Because in the 10 to 15 years to market, the world is going to go through at least 3 radical changes… That ability, that agility is crucial.” - Eric Appelman

March 31, 2026Episode 25932 min

How War with Iran Affects Chemicals | Insights from WPC and WCF 2026 - Ep. 259

Real decisions. Trusted peers. The Chemical Executive Mastermind. Learn more and apply.Geopolitics, energy volatility, and persistent oversupply are reshaping the global chemical industry as 2025 draws to a close. Victoria Meyer sits down with Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale from S&P Global to address the forces driving today’s market dynamics, the impact of government policies, and the shifting landscape heading into 2026. They break down how new sanctions, tariffs, and energy transition policies are influencing everything from oil prices and supply chains to chemical production strategies worldwide. Related episode: Strait of Hormuz Crisis - How Supply Chains Are Affected Globally - Ep 257The episode explores regional strengths and vulnerabilities, with North America, the Middle East, and China taking leading roles amid rationalization and capacity closures in Europe and South Korea. Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale share insights on how chemical producers are responding to cost shifts, supply chain resets, and evolving consumer demand. The conversation also previewed the upcoming World Petrochemical Conference and CERAWeek, emphasizing the need for industry leaders to stay agile in response to accelerated change, emerging technologies, and global market imbalances. Victoria, Kurt, and Andrew discuss the following this week: Why government action, oversupply, and shifting demand are redefining 2025 in the chemical markets. How new sanctions, oil movements, and policy shifts impact feedstocks and chemical production. Real-world examples of how canal disruptions, freight rate swings, and tariffs are reshaping global sourcing. Regional winners and losers as energy prices, assets, and investments shift across Europe, China, and the US. Key strategies for chemical leaders navigating consolidation, energy transition, and market shifts ahead. Killer Quote: "We’ve gone from that globalization to regionalization—that almost helps some of your high cost players very short term...that’s a very near term. How long that lasts if we have another round of tariff movements—European, and we will, but European, I don’t know what it is, but we will in Q2." —Andrew Neale ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com