The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

Victoria Meyer
  • 5.0 (34)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

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

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

    1d ago

    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

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

    Jun 2

    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

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

    May 26

    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/

    1h 17m
  4. Q1 Chemical Earnings are Sending Mixed Signals - Ep. 264

    May 19

    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.

    25 min
  5. 5 Fundamental Shifts Redefining Success In Chemicals - Ep. 263

    Apr 28

    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.

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

    Apr 21

    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

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

    Apr 14

    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

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

    Apr 7

    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 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

    30 min
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5
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About

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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