Chemical Show: Business, Leadership, Supply Chain, Talent, AI, Trends - Conversations and more
Published by Victoria King Meyer
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Looking to lead, grow, and stay ahead in the global chemical industry? The Chemical Show is the #1 business podcast for the chemical industry, bringing you leadership insights, business strategies, industry trends, and real-world lessons from the executives shaping the business of chemicals. Each week, host Victoria King Meyer sits down with leaders from across the chemical industry, from Fortune 50 companies to mid-sized businesses and innovative startups. You’ll hear how they’re navigating today’s challenges and opportunities, the experiences that shaped their leadership, and the insights you can apply to your own business and career. Conversations explore the issues that matter to chemical industry leaders, including: • Business strategy and growth • Leadership and talent • Innovation and technology • AI and digital transformation • Supply chain and operational resilience • Markets, customers, and industry trends Victoria brings more than 25 years of chemical industry experience from companies including Shell, LyondellBasell, and Clariant. Today, she is an executive advisor and coach, founder of The Chemical Summit, and host of The Chemical Show. Whether you’re an executive, business leader, or rising leader in chemicals and materials, The Chemical Show helps you stay informed, think differently, and lead with greater impact. Follow The Chemical Show on LinkedIn and join the conversation. (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chemical-show/) The Chemical Show: https://www.thechemicalshow.com The Chemical Summit: https://www.thechemicalsummit.com Progressio Global: https://www.progressioglobal.com
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com Navigating growth, leadership, and innovation in polyurethanes, Robert (Bob) Tauchen , VP of Polyurethanes at the Coim Group , joins Victoria Meyer for an expert look at how the industry is adapting to shifting markets and new technologies. Bob explains Coim’s global strategy as a family-owned Italian company investing deeply in the US, first in New Jersey, and now expanding to Texas to address the evolving needs of North American customers. Victoria and Bob discuss the realities of growth expectations post-COVID, why long-term vision is essential in the chemical industry, and how relationships, trust, and reliability drive success in the US market. They also explore how leadership styles are changing with new generations, the stressors facing today’s teams, and why building context and motivation is more important than ever. Key topics this week include: Global Expansion: How Coim’s strategy balances investment, logistics, and customer proximity in the US Industry Recovery: The impact of COVID-era growth spikes and how to reset realistic performance goals US Market Dynamics: Why trust, reliability, and local presence matter more than price Leadership Today: Managing across generations, keeping teams engaged, and adapting to new expectations AI in Chemicals: Where AI brings value, why implementation is complex, and the need for thoughtful investment Killer Quote: “ The short-term growth addiction that I see, people make bad decisions..... we got addicted to this COVID profit margin return to significant growth. ” — Bob Tauken Other links: Polyurethanes Technical Conference (CPI): Learn more and register for the upcoming event in Orlando here .
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com On this episode of The Chemical Show, Geoff Smith , partner at Mercer , joins Victoria Meyer to unpack what’s really changing in the chemical industry’s talent landscape. Drawing on Mercer’s recent Global Talent Trends Survey , Geoff explains why employee thriving is down, especially among managers, and what leaders can do to support and engage their people in a fast-changing, tech-enabled world. Victoria and Geoff discuss the impact of AI and rapid change on jobs, the shift toward flatter organizational structures, and how career progression is evolving. They offer actionable advice for leaders and professionals: communicate with authenticity, clarify career paths, and foster continual learning. The importance of context and judgment, alongside technology skills, gets special attention. Tune in for key takeaways: Why employee thriving is dropping and what this means for managers How AI and technology are changing, but not replacing, critical roles The reality of career paths in a flatter organization Leadership priorities: building skills, supporting managers, and clear communication Practical guidance for professionals navigating the “messy middle” of their careers Killer Quote: " You own your career and the trajectory. Always invest in yourself by continuous learning... It should be okay to ask questions so that you get clarity so that you can do your job. " -- Geoff Smith
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com AI is fundamentally changing the game for maritime shipping and supply chain management, especially when global disruptions and unstructured data make traditional approaches less effective. Victoria Meyer sits down with Josh Luby , Director of Product Management at Veson Nautical , to discuss how artificial intelligence, through tools like Veson’s Co Captain, is helping companies move from reactive problem-solving to proactive decision-making. Josh sheds light on the complexity of chemical shipping, the challenges of harmonizing communications, and how Veson’s AI leverages decades of domain knowledge to tackle real-world business needs. Their conversation explores the impact of geopolitical shocks, the critical importance of data governance and trust in connected systems, and the measurable ROI chemical companies are already seeing from smarter, more predictive supply chain tools. Whether it's optimizing demurrage claims or enabling faster response to global disruptions, AI is unlocking new levels of reliability and strategic advantage across the industry. Key topics addressed this week: The expanding role of AI in chemical and maritime shipping Challenges and lessons learned from rolling out enterprise-scale AI Reducing complexity in demurrage claims and supply chain communication Applying technology during supply chain shocks Strategies for governing data and building user trust with connected platforms The shift from reactive to proactive decision-making across the shipping lifecycle Killer Quote: “ You can throw AI terms on top of anything, but it really matters how the data is that’s feeding into that AI and what knowledge that AI is given. Without historical knowledge and logic, you’re not going to be able to get the right answer. ” — Josh Luby Other links: Per Ostman - Episode 228
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com With the 2026 Chemical Summit on the horizon and Michael Lefenfeld set as the keynote speaker , this timely re-release spotlights his leadership at Hexion as the company moves beyond traditional chemicals into technology-enabled solutions. Victoria Meyer and Michael dig into the pressures facing the industry, from increasing customer demands and global competition to the need for digital transformation and resilient supply chains. Their conversation covers Hexion’s approach to innovation through AI-powered systems, the shift to customer partnerships, and talent strategies for a rapidly changing workforce. For business leaders anticipating the themes of the upcoming Chemical Summit, this episode offers practical insights on transformation and sustainable growth in today’s industry landscape. Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: Fast-paced transformation in private equity environments Hexion’s journey: legacy, rebranding, and global reach Moving from commodity supplier to solutions provider Using AI and digital tools to improve manufacturing and product quality Addressing workforce shifts and talent needs in chemicals Core leadership lessons: curiosity, collaboration, and diversity Killer Quote: " It's really about that empowerment of information and that spread of knowledge across the organization... I surround myself with the smartest people I can. It makes my job really easy. " — Michael Lefenfeld Other links: Learn more about the 2026 Chemical Summit: https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com Download the Executive Discussion Guide: https://www.thechemicalshow.com/midyear How do you reset your business and leadership strategy when the world refuses to stick to the plan? Victoria King Meyer brings a midyear perspective on the dramatic changes shaping the chemical industry in 2026, ranging from supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions to the accelerating implementation of AI and ongoing restructuring across global markets. Victoria shares a blueprint for turning uncertainty into opportunity as she breaks down three essential resets for both organizations and individual leaders. She highlights the importance of reassessing assumptions, reallocating resources, and building adaptability at every level. With actionable advice and a practical executive discussion guide, this episode offers chemical industry professionals a timely roadmap to recalibrate for a stronger second half of the year. Join us this week as Victoria Meyer covers: The necessity of resetting your business plan when the world changes How supply chain and geopolitical risks have shifted industry priorities Moving AI and digital tools from experimentation to value creation Three conversations every leadership team needs to have this summer Building adaptability and removing organizational friction The role of leadership attention, impact, and redefining success in tough times Actionable steps for setting a new personal and professional scorecard for 2026 (00:00) - Intro (00:27) - Entering 2026 With a Plan vs. Today’s Reality (01:22) - Geopolitical Events: War in Iran and Global Supply Chains (02:01) - Industry Restructuring and Strategic Shifts (02:26) - Transitioning AI From Experimentation to ROI (04:57) - Rethinking Business Assumptions for the Second Half (06:21) - Reallocating Advantage - Making Critical Choices (07:46) - Building Organizational Adaptability (11:16) - Resetting Leadership Focus and Effectiveness (16:40) - Redefining Success and Measuring Personal Impact (20:12) - Embracing the Reset — Fresh Start for the Second Half (20:56) - Outro Killer Quote: “ Plans matter, but assumptions matter even more. And when assumptions change, you, leaders, have a choice. Continue executing on yesterday’s plan, or recalibrate, make trade-offs, and adapt faster than the market around you. ” – Victoria Meyer Other links: Download the Executive Discussion Guide: https://www.thechemicalshow.com/midyear Listen to executive perspectives from S&P Global and Chemical Market Analytics ( Episode 250 )
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com John Richardson , Director of Market Insights at ICIS , joins host Victoria Meyer to unpack the turbulence of 2026 in the global chemical markets. John shares perspectives on how the Middle East conflict rapidly shifted the market from chronic oversupply to acute undersupply, sending shockwaves through supply chains. The conversation highlights China’s evolving strategy, moving from a net importer to a net exporter of key petrochemicals, alongside the roles of stockpiling, export push, and moving down the cost curve. Victoria and John discuss the growing divide between Asian producers, with Chinese assets better positioned than those in Northeast Asia, which have struggled with costly feedstocks and plant shutdowns. John explains how anti-dumping measures and the proliferation of safeguard policies are influencing global trade, and why project delays and overinvestment may push out recovery timelines. Looking ahead, John outlines the key market and geopolitical signals to watch for as the industry navigates through uncertainty. Key topics covered: Effects of the Middle East crisis on chemical supply chains and market pricing China’s rapid shift from importer to exporter and its impact on global markets The influence of cost, integration, and energy targets on China’s chemical industry Why some plants may not restart and the long-term view on capacity and demand The future of project investment and what signals indicate market recovery Killer Quote: " Chaos. If you were sitting in the markets on 28th of February, your main concern was over supply...then suddenly it was an under supply crisis when the strait closed... " – John Richardson Other Links: John Richardson
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com Restructuring, mergers, and a fundamental reevaluation of competitive advantage are reshaping the chemical industry at a rapid pace. Host Victoria Meyer reviews recent headline-making events, from Evonik's major portfolio changes and Huntsman and Olin’s proposed merger to Trinseo’s bankruptcy and Syensqo’s portfolio review. Victoria explores what it means for companies to build sustainable value and rethink where true advantage lies. The episode frames the upcoming Chemical Summit’s theme, “Reshaping Advantage,” and urges listeners to consider whether their current strategies and business models will be enough for the future. Key topics in this episode: Industry Restructuring: Major moves from Evonik, Huntsman-Olin, Trinseo, and others... Portfolio Strategy: Shedding legacy businesses and optimizing future growth. Financial Fundamentals: Why improving cash flow and reducing debt are now front and center. Global Market Shifts: The end of China-led demand growth and evolving geopolitical influences. Leadership Priorities: Rethinking business models, talent needs, and the importance of resilient organizations. Upcoming Chemical Summit: Preview of the conference’s four pillars—strategy in a fragmented market, people, execution/resilience, and technology. Killer Quote : " Business is going to be won differently in five years from now than it was over the past 35 years. " —Victoria Meyer Other links: The Chemical Summit
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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.com www.spiegare.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-begley-9138bb/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/spiegare-consulting/
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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 stabilization Demand 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 Asia Distributor 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 readiness What’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 Meyer Other 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.com Like the show? Leave us a rating or review.
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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.
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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 Technology Subscribe 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
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com 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 257 The 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
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com AI’s rapid growth is transforming the energy landscape, sparking critical questions about grid reliability, electricity costs, and future solutions. Host Victoria Meyer talks with Amy Myers Jaffe of NYU to discuss how data centers are pressuring regional grids, why battery storage and grid flexibility matter, and what new market rules could mean for consumers and industry. The conversation highlights how AI can also drive innovation in materials and manufacturing for the chemical industry, pointing to both challenges and opportunities as energy demand and technology reshape the sector. Additional Links: Top Risk Trends for Chemicals, Energy, & Mining in 2026 Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Join Victoria and Julie this week as they explore the following topics: Evolving from journalist to global energy thought leader. AI’s Energy Impact: increasing and shifting electricity demand Batteries and AI are enabling smarter, more flexible energy management. Rising electricity costs spark debate on fair pricing structures. AI fuels chemical innovation and advances sustainable manufacturing. Killer Quote: " Electricity is the new gasoline. " - Amy Jaffe
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com Stranded ships and blocked oil routes in the Strait of Hormuz are causing far-reaching disruptions across the global chemical industry. NUCO Logistics Managing Director Farid Tahvildari joins host Victoria Meyer to explain how the Iran war has sparked shipping delays, rising surcharges, and new uncertainties—impacting everything from inventory planning to supply chain strategy for chemical companies. Victoria and Farid cover practical actions businesses should take, including diversifying suppliers and preparing for shifting tariffs and paperwork challenges. The conversation also highlights the geopolitical implications for Asia and China, and Farid shares a personal leadership perspective on navigating ongoing crisis and change. Additional Links: Red Sea Shipping Issues and Resolutions Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Join Victoria and Farid this week as they explore the following topics: Strait of Hormuz Crisis and shipping impact Surging costs and supply chain Disruption China, India, and Geopolitical oil shifts Adapting: Diversified suppliers and crisis lessons Leadership and navigating uncertainty in crisis Killer Quote: " There is no such a thing as normal anymore, at least for foreseeable future. " - Farid Tahvildari
Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas . Visit thechemicalsummit.com ChemPoint ’s digital-first model is reshaping the chemical distribution landscape by pairing technology-driven sales with a personal touch. Director of Supplier Growth Julie Roberts joins Victoria Meyer to discuss ChemPoint’s evolution from inside sales pioneers to leveraging AI and real-time data for specialty chemicals. Julie highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are—online and offline—while creating value through technical content and rapid response. Victoria and Julie touch on global industry trends, supply chain shifts, and the need for adaptive leadership in a changing market. Their conversation offers practical insight for industry professionals—whether you’re navigating digital transformation, strengthening customer relationships, or leading teams through uncertainty. Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Join Victoria and Julie this week as they explore the following topics: ChemPoint’s digital-first approach to chemical distribution How AI is transforming workflows and customer experiences Tackling market shifts and supply chain challenges Global expansion and adapting to regional market changes Leadership, diversity, and success for women in chemicals Killer Quote: " Don't be afraid to take risks. The answer is always going to be no if you don't ask the question. " -Julie Roberts ***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
