Leadership transitions can shape the future of entire industries. With Jennifer Abril stepping into the role of President and CEO at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) , host Victoria Meyer spotlights Jennifer’s unique leadership journey, her approach to driving transformation, and the qualities that make her a strong fit for ACI. Through selected highlights from previous conversations, listeners gain insights into Jennifer’s background in advocacy, coalition building, and the importance of s...
Jun 24, 2025•17 min•Ep. 221
Is China’s strategic push for chemical self-sufficiency reshaping the global petrochemical landscape? John Richardson , senior consultant at ICIS , joins The Chemical Show to share insights on how misjudged growth expectations for China, shifting demographics, and the rise of state-driven capacity expansions have led to the deepest, longest downturn in industry history. John and host Victoria Meyer examine why capacity was built around hopes for perpetual strong Chinese demand, only for real est...
Jun 17, 2025•30 min•Ep. 220
Performance is taking center stage in the beauty and personal care ingredients sector, as revealed on the floor of NYSCC Suppliers Day 2025 . Host Victoria Meyer explores the notable shift away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” uncovering how companies are reframing their focus towards innovation, plant-based solutions, and advanced product performance. Victoria is joined by John Harrold of Zinco Verde , who discusses novel, energy-efficient zinc oxide for sunscreens, and Chris...
Jun 10, 2025•16 min•Ep. 219
Jun 03, 2025•20 min•Ep. 218
Innovation and uncertainty are reshaping the personal care ingredients market, driven by pressures ranging from sustainability and natural ingredient demands to regulatory shifts and the opportunities presented by AI. Sunanda Desai , Vice President at Klein and Company , joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the factors transforming the $30 billion personal care ingredients sector. They explore how consumer trends toward well-being and neurocosmetics are redefining product development, and examin...
May 27, 2025•21 min•Ep. 217
Uncertainty is the new normal for the chemical industry, but leaders still need to make smart decisions that drive business forward. Victoria Meyer tackles the critical actions leaders should be taking at the midyear point of 2025, offering strategic advice for operating in volatile markets, maintaining resilient supply chains, and effectively communicating through change. With insights from industry leaders, she highlights the importance of scenario planning, mindful diversification, and strate...
May 20, 2025•25 min•Ep. 216
The speed of communication during a crisis can determine whether a company maintains control of its story or loses it to speculation and misinformation. Gerard Braud , crisis communications expert, joins host Victoria Meyer to share real-world insights from decades of experience in both journalism and the chemical industry, emphasizing the critical need for rapid, clear, and well-prepared communication when incidents occur. Together, they explore how chemical companies can build effective crisis...
May 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 215
Starting your career is more than landing that first job—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong growth and opportunity. With graduation season in full swing, Victoria Meyer shares her most impactful career advice for new graduates in and beyond the chemical industry, drawing on insights from industry leaders and her own journey. From embracing the career marathon to building a strong network or “work posse,” finding your expertise, and knowing when to speak up, Victoria offers practical t...
May 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 214
Tariffs are shaking up the global chemical industry this year, creating uncertainty and shifting longstanding trade routes in unexpected ways. Victoria Meyer is joined by Joseph Chang and Al Greenwood of ICIS Chemical Business to break down the latest round of tariffs, including the dramatic 145% rate on Chinese imports and the sweeping, if temporary, 10% baseline affecting nearly every other country. They analyze how chemical markets from the US to Europe and Asia are being impacted, exploring ...
Apr 29, 2025•34 min•Ep. 213
What happens when scientific curiosity collides with entrepreneurial spirit? Dr. Charlie Landis shares his journey from studying geochemistry to becoming the Chief Technology Officer at Integrity Biochem . With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Charlie elaborates on how his unique ability to connect disparate datasets has driven innovations in oilfield chemicals and beyond. This conversation reveals the process behind developing IBC’s first-of-its-kind encapsulation technology, which ...
Apr 22, 2025•38 min•Ep. 212
As the world faces one of the longest chemical downcycles and a shifting global dynamic, Kendall Justiniano, founder and managing director of GrowthArc Advisors, offers a compelling perspective on how companies in the chemical industry can navigate the challenges of sustainability and innovation in today's economic climate. Justin and The Chemical Show host Victoria Meyer discuss the importance of reassessing portfolios based on fundamentals. With a wealth of experience across various industry s...
Apr 15, 2025•40 min•Ep. 211
Celebrating four years of chemical insights, Victoria Meyer takes a unique look back at what started as an ambitious idea and has now transformed into the number one business podcast in the chemical industry. Reflecting on the journey from 2021 to 2025, Victoria shares her personal and professional growth, marking pivotal shifts that have shaped both her career and the wider chemical landscape. From energy policies to digital transformation, Victoria discusses the ever-evolving dynamics of the i...
Apr 08, 2025•22 min•Ep. 210
Journey into the world of commercial carbon recycling with Victoria Meyer and Jennifer Holmgren , CEO of LanzaTech , a groundbreaking company developing sustainable products from waste emissions. Discover how LanzaTech is leading the charge in turning industrial waste into valuable resources, focusing on carbon-smart ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel. Jennifer shares her fascinating personal journey from Colombia to the U.S. and her transition from working at Honeywell UOP to leading LanzaTe...
Apr 01, 2025•25 min•Ep. 209
Explore the transformative journey of financial empowerment with Audrey Faust , a financial expert dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs master their money mindset. Audrey shares her compelling story of growth from financial adversity to becoming a CFO, financial business coach, and best-selling author. Her insights address the unconscious barriers women face in achieving financial independence and how they can overcome them to feel more confident and secure in their financial decisions. Vict...
Mar 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 208
Join Victoria Meyer as she unravels the dynamic journey of growth and transformation at Pilot Chemical with Christian MacIver , the company's President and COO. With a background in engineering and a penchant for problem-solving, Christian shares her passion for bringing innovation to the specialty chemicals market. She discusses the strategic initiatives driving Pilot's success, including expansion plans and pioneering sustainable surfactants addressing consumer and environmental demands. Explo...
Mar 18, 2025•26 min•Ep. 207
Learn how to reach the C-suite from women who've led the way in the chemical industry. Victoria Meyer hosts an enlightening panel discussion featuring Kristen Corbitt , President and CEO of Mays Chemical , a Ravago Company ; Angie Griffin , Chief Commercial Officer of Third Coast ; and Emelia Nosser , Chief Procurement Officer of Pactiv Evergreen . These leaders share their unique paths, highlighting pivotal moments and the choices that propelled them to the top. From temporary roles to leadersh...
Mar 11, 2025•46 min•Ep. 206
Amid a dynamic global landscape, the specialty chemical industry is navigating challenges and opportunities with “pragmatic confidence”. Join host Victoria Meyer and guest Jennifer Abril , CEO of SOCMA , as they explore the thriving specialty chemical industry and SOCMA's pivotal role in fostering connections and collaboration. With a focus on domestic production, Jennifer discusses SOCMA's initiatives to streamline business interactions, advance policy advocacy, and support supply chain adjustm...
Mar 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 205
Explore the relationship between the chemical industry and energy in this discussion with Mike Kolodner , the US Energy and Power Leader and Global Renewable Energy Leader at Marsh. Victoria Meyer and Mike discuss the energy transition, the realities of energy consumption, and the role of chemical products in supporting renewable technologies. Discover how the energy demands of industrial sectors, including chemicals, shape the broader energy landscape, and the critical need for informed policym...
Feb 27, 2025•18 min•Ep. 204
Navigating the complexities of risk management in the chemical industry is no small feat, and this episode of The Chemical Show brings experts from Marsh to share insights on how companies can thrive amid emerging challenges. Victoria Meyer is joined by industry leaders like Steve Horstkamp , Susan Gonzales , Mike Kolodner , and Randal Waters to explore the unique risks chemical companies face, from cybersecurity threats to supply chain disruptions. With an in-depth look at risk assessment and d...
Feb 25, 2025•21 min•Ep. 203
Curious about the booming potential of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and its impact on the global petrochemical landscape? Join Victoria Meyer as she speaks with Mark Plamondon , Executive Director of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association, to uncover the immense benefits of investing in this strategic region. From low-cost feedstocks and world-class carbon management systems to a robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, Mark highlights the unique advantages that have positioned Alber...
Feb 18, 2025•27 min•Ep. 202
Explore the intersection of performance and sustainability in the cleaning industry, as Victoria Meyer delves into the insights and innovations shared at the 2025 American Cleaning Institute (ACI) annual meeting . Joined by industry experts Jim Griffin from SCT and Ned Weintraub from Noble AI , this episode emphasizes the cautious optimism prevailing in the industry, driven by a renewed focus on smarter supply chains and the practical application of sustainability. Discover how the industry is n...
Feb 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 201
Navigating the shifting landscape of the chemical industry and the global economic climate, Tony Potter and Kurt Barrow from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to offer a comprehensive market update for 2025. They delve into the global supply and demand dynamics of feedstocks like oil and NGLs and unpack the impact of geopolitical changes, including the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Touching on the Chinese market’s massive capacity expansions and the European chemical industr...
Feb 04, 2025•40 min•Ep. 200
When a cyberattack hits, can your company quickly identify if it’s mechanical mishap or malicious intervention? Join Victoria Meyer as she sits down with Robert Lee , CEO of renowned cybersecurity firm Dragos , to delve into the critical distinctions between IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) cybersecurity. From safeguarding chemical facilities and power grids to the financial and national security risks tied to under-resourced OT security, Rob provides invaluable insigh...
Jan 28, 2025•15 min•Ep. 199
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape between China and the U.S., Peter Huntsman , CEO of Huntsman Corporation , sheds light on the critical challenges and opportunities within the global chemical industry. Host Victoria Meyer sits down with Peter to discuss the fast-paced approval processes in China compared to the stringent regulations in the U.S., the long-term perspective needed for investments in this industry, and the impact of public detachment from the industrial origins of chemica...
Jan 21, 2025•31 min•Ep. 198
Discover how AI is becoming as essential as the internet or mobile phones in the chemical industry with guests Alan Spanos and Chad Macey from ICIS . Alan explains the vision of being a supportive sidekick to customers while discussing the main barriers to AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of trust and effective communication. Meanwhile, Chad highlights the significant role of AI tools in improving decision-making and productivity, and addresses the ethical considerations and potential ris...
Jan 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 197
Reflecting on the state of mergers and acquisitions in the chemicals and materials industries for 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, Kevin Yttre, President and Managing Director at Grace Matthews , joins host Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show. Following recent supply chain disruptions and unpredictable business performance, Kevin shares his insights on the improved conditions that have led to increased deal activity and optimism for the future. Emphasizing the importance of steady-state performan...
Jan 07, 2025•32 min•Ep. 196
Discover how microscopic quantities of ingredients can make a monumental difference in everyday products. Victoria Meyer talks with Greg Adamson , Senior VP at Givaudan , about the world of fragrances and flavors. Greg brings insights from his journey as a toxicologist, touching on his experiences in both biotech and the household and consumer products industry. They dive into Givaudan’s crucial role in creating tastes and scents that are ever-present in our daily lives, and the complex regulati...
Dec 31, 2024•16 min•Ep. 195
Wrap up the year with the best of The Chemical Show! Host Victoria Meyer reflects on 2024 by spotlighting the top five episodes, sharing fun facts about the global audience, and revealing the intriguing listening habits of chemical enthusiasts. From the impact of global markets and sustainability advancements to the significance of strategic timing and audience engagement, this episode offers a comprehensive review of the podcast's most compelling moments and influential guests. Uncover insights...
Dec 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 194
Uncover the five key themes shaping the household and commercial products landscapes for 2025 as Victoria Meyer delves into insights from the HCPA annual meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For professionals in the chemical industry, staying informed about regulatory changes, state-level initiatives, and sustainability efforts is crucial. Victoria explores critical topics such as EPA regulations, state legislation alignment, extended producer responsibility, and the drive towards greener produc...
Dec 17, 2024•27 min•Ep. 193
From transforming control room roles to managing "startup hangovers," Bonnie Tully 's journey in the chemical industry is a masterclass in navigating complexity and fostering innovation. As COO of Evonik , Bonnie shares her insights with host Victoria Meyer on the evolution of industry roles, the critical importance of middle management, and future trends involving AI and project-centric environments. Want more leadership insights? Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives Bonnie's...
Dec 10, 2024•33 min•Ep. 192
