The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

Victoria Meyer

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. Jennifer Abril, ACI at 100, and the Future of the Cleaning Industry - Ep. 255

    1D AGO

    Jennifer Abril, ACI at 100, and the Future of the Cleaning Industry - Ep. 255

    Record attendance, industry transformation, and the push for science-backed clarity are setting the tone for the American Cleaning Institute’s centennial year. Jennifer Abril, ACI’s new leader, joins host Victoria Meyer to share how the organization is meeting member demands for authoritative guidance and consumer trust amidst regulatory pressures and rapid industry change.  Jennifer provides a behind-the-scenes look at the priorities for 2026; getting new chemistries to market, modernizing regulatory processes like TSCA, and redefining ACI’s “North Star” for the future. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation, policy modernization, and strategic leadership as ACI celebrates its 100th anniversary and positions itself for the challenges and opportunities of a new century.  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  Listen in as Victoria and April discuss the following:  ACI’s 100th anniversary: new era, leadership, and vision   Science-driven advocacy and combating industry misinformation   Leading industry transformation and embracing innovation   Regulatory hurdles and TSCA modernization efforts   Jennifer Abril’s vision: partnerships and strategic direction   Killer Quote: "We really believe that consumers are looking for a trusted authoritative body. That's a responsibility that we have and it is a responsibility that our member companies have specifically asked me to lead the organization into - to really step into that gap." - Jennifer Abril  Additional Links:  Five Key Questions for Jennifer Abril: Leadership, Transformation, and the Future of Chemicals  The Different Impacts Of Chemical Industry That We Rarely Realize With Melissa Hockstad        ***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  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com

    21 min
  2. Chemical M&A Trends for 2026: Insights from Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews  - Ep. 254

    FEB 24

    Chemical M&A Trends for 2026: Insights from Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews - Ep. 254

    Uncertainty is fading and M&A activity is heating up in the chemicals and materials industry for 2026. Host Victoria King Meyer speaks with Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews about why the year ahead is shaping up to be strong for dealmaking. They discuss how greater strategic clarity, market stability, and disciplined capital deployment are spurring renewed confidence among buyers and sellers.  Victoria and Jon explore the contrasting approaches of private equity and strategic buyers; the pitfalls mid-market companies face in M&A preparation, and actionable leadership advice for chemical executives. The conversation centers on the need for early preparation, customer focus, and a clear five-year vision as keys to navigating the evolving landscape of deals and growth.  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  Victoria and Jon expand on the following topics:    Inside Chemical M&A: What makes a company an attractive target   Navigating uncertainty and how leaders managed 2025’s volatile market   Key drivers behind deal valuations and multiples   Private Equity vs. Strategics: Who’s winning chemical industry deals?   Preparing your business for future transactions   Killer Quote: "I tend to think of uncertainty as the enemy of M&A. You can navigate through certain dynamics, but when uncertainty increases, it becomes more and more challenging." – Jon Glapa   ***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  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com

    28 min
  3. Overcapacity or Opportunity? Critical Chemical Decisions Shaping 2026 with Steve Lewandowski and Adrian Calcaneo of OPIS - Ep. 253

    FEB 17

    Overcapacity or Opportunity? Critical Chemical Decisions Shaping 2026 with Steve Lewandowski and Adrian Calcaneo of OPIS - Ep. 253

    The dramatic rise of AI, shifting geopolitics, and industry overcapacity are putting energy and chemicals at a crossroads. Victoria Meyer sits down with Steve Lewandowski and Adrian Calcaneo of Chemical Market Analytics to unpack how these forces are driving volatility and change across global markets. From increased US exports of natural gas liquids to oversupplied chemical sectors and the challenges facing Europe and Asia, the discussion lays out the most immediate pressures—and potential responses—for the industry.  The episode features a candid look at rationalization needs, the evolving role of integrated oil and chemical businesses, and how AI is influencing energy use and operational strategy. It’s an essential listen for industry professionals navigating today’s shifting landscape and planning for what’s next.  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  Register for the World Chemical Forum with code: CHEMSHOW15  Victoria, Steve and Adrian discuss the following:   The force shaping industry direction Adapting to a shifting business landscape Building stronger consumer connections Evolving approaches to product effectiveness Navigating today’s competitive environment   Killer Quote: "For me, in chemicals, more rationalizations are going to be announced. It's just impossible not to happen because cash flow is just too big of a problem right now. No matter where, where oil goes, you know, those guys running heavier feeds are still going to be weak on margin. ... You’ve got to survive today, but you’ve also got to plan for tomorrow. So don't lose sight of things coming, you know, in the future." — Steve Lewandowski   ***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

    38 min
  4. Inside ACI Annual Meeting 2026: Strategic Trends Shaping Cleaning Products - Ep. 252

    FEB 10

    Inside ACI Annual Meeting 2026: Strategic Trends Shaping Cleaning Products - Ep. 252

    Science continues to shape the cleaning products industry, but trust and pragmatism are driving real decisions. Host Victoria King Meyer reports back from the American Cleaning Institute’s 100th annual conference, highlighting five essential themes impacting chemical and cleaning product businesses.  From scalable sustainable solutions and the power of consumer-driven labeling to the need for clearer regulatory pathways, industry leaders are focused on connecting chemistry and biology to practical needs. These insights provide a smart look at how cleaning product companies are balancing innovation, consumer expectations, and regulatory hurdles as they work to grow and adapt in 2026.    Victoria examines these topics in this week:  The force shaping industry direction Adapting to a shifting business landscape Building stronger consumer connections Evolving approaches to product effectiveness Navigating today’s competitive environment     Killer Quote: "So if I was going to talk about one overall theme, and this is the theme that's going to run through everything I talk about today, it's science." - Victoria Meyer  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube    ***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  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com

    16 min
  5. How Regional Focus Shapes Customer Partnerships with LSB Industries CEO Mark Behrman - Ep. 251

    FEB 3

    How Regional Focus Shapes Customer Partnerships with LSB Industries CEO Mark Behrman - Ep. 251

    From investment banking to the CEO seat at LSB Industries, Mark Behrman joins Victoria Meyer to discuss strategic transformation, market dynamics, and leadership in the chemical industry. Hear how LSB evolved from a traditional industrial conglomerate to a leading North American ammonia and nitric acid producer through operational integration, a focus on people, and strong customer partnerships.  They also cover how LSB is approaching digitalization, AI, and sustainability—with a spotlight on their upcoming carbon capture project in Arkansas. Mark shares practical leadership lessons for both seasoned executives and industry newcomers, emphasizing curiosity, culture, and long-term vision.    Victoria and Mark discuss the following:   From Wall Street to CEO: Mark’s unique path to leadership.  How focus and culture reshaped LSB Industries.    Navigating regional dynamics and tariff impacts of Ammonia.   People First: The central role of culture in company success.    LSB’s journey with digital, sustainability, and efficiency.  Killer Quote:"It's really all about the people. If you get a really good team of people that have the same common goal, same values, same drive, same level of curiosity, then they just figure out how to get things done." -Mark Behrman  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube    ***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  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com

    30 min
  6. How Energy and Geopolitics Influence Chemical Industry in 2026 with S&P Global - Ep. 250

    JAN 27

    How Energy and Geopolitics Influence Chemical Industry in 2026 with S&P Global - Ep. 250

    Global volatility, trade shifts, and new government policies are reshaping the chemical industry for 2026. Industry leaders Olivier Maronneaud and Pooja Jain from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to share S&P’s economic outlook and discuss supply-driven cycles, plant closures, and rising government intervention. They explore how North America, Europe, and Asia are responding to persistent oversupply and evolving plastics and methanol markets, with a look at where future investments may land after today’s capacity wave.  The episode covers the urgent need for flexibility—addressing tariffs, changing trade patterns, rationalization, and the ongoing race for scale. The speakers also weigh in on the slowdown in sustainability efforts, regional risks and opportunities, and key market indicators for 2026. Essential listening for chemical leaders navigating strategy, investment, and fast-moving policy changes.    Victoria, Olivier, and Pooja explore the following topics:  2026 Outlook: S&P Global's view on global economic impact to chemicals How producers are responding to oversupply Tariffs and new policies are redrawing global chemical trade routes. How chemical investment strategies are changing Current state of circularity and sustainability   Killer Quote: "This investment wave has a center point in China. It's originating from China. But what happens in China doesn't stay in China. It kind of disrupts everywhere.” -Pooja Jain   Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube    ***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 Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com

    41 min
  7. Top Risk Trends for Chemicals, Energy, & Mining in 2026 - Ep. 249

    JAN 20

    Top Risk Trends for Chemicals, Energy, & Mining in 2026 - Ep. 249

    Geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies, and changing business models are reshaping risk for chemicals, energy, and mining companies as they look ahead to 2026. Host Victoria Meyer explores the top risk trends impacting these sectors with firsthand insights from Marsh industry leaders including Kimberly Mann, Bill Kost, Cynthia Hazard, Steve Horstkamp, and Raoul Munoz after attending the Marsh North American Energy Conference. Discussions range from the rising importance of M&A and evolving credit risks, to the critical role of social license and geopolitics in mining, as well as the proactive management of environmental liabilities.  The conversation also addresses the transformative impact of AI—not just as a potential disruptor, but as a catalyst for new job opportunities and operational efficiencies. Victoria and guests highlight the need for organizations to build adaptive, collaborative, and forward-thinking risk strategies across business functions. With rapid change the new “normal,” these insights offer practical guidance for leaders intent on managing uncertainty and building resilience within the chemicals, energy, and mining sectors.  Victoria and guests discuss the following:  How M&A, market shifts, and geopolitics are reshaping risk in chemicals, energy, and mining for 2026 Why global politics and community buy-in are critical for mining and minerals companies' success The impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, business models, operations, and sector vulnerabilities The growing importance of being adaptive, collaborative, and clear-eyed about risk management Managing workforce transformation, setting AI boundaries, and upskilling for a resilient future   Killer Quote: "When I speak to leaders about transformation, it's not about job loss, it's about job redesign. So they need to be thinking, how do we need to work to be the best ABC company to do what we do? It's taking that redundant low value work, giving it to an AI agent and then really upskilling our employees, the humans to be better at what we do.” - Cynthia Hazard  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube    ***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  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com

    21 min
  8. What’s Ahead for Marine Logistics in 2026 with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics - Ep. 248

    JAN 6

    What’s Ahead for Marine Logistics in 2026 with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics - Ep. 248

    Trade policy volatility, supply chain disruptions, and the fast adoption of digital tools are rapidly reshaping marine logistics for the chemical industry. Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, joins Victoria Meyer to reflect on the market forces that defined 2025—including overnight tariff changes, ongoing geopolitical conflicts affecting the Suez Canal, and the rebound of the Panama Canal—and shares how these shifts have tested and transformed logistics operations.  Victoria and Noushin explore the critical importance of compliance, the cautious integration of AI in chemical logistics, and strategies for companies to build resilience in uncertain times. They also discuss leadership lessons learned during a year of change—from strengthening customer engagement and team communication to advocating for rigorous internal trade compliance, setting the stage for smarter, more responsive logistics in 2026.  Additional Links:  How NUCO Logistics Pivoted During The Pandemic With Noushin Shamsili  Innovative Logistic Solutions With Noushin Shamsili Of NUCO Logistics  Victoria and Noushin cover the following topics:  Why 2025 was surprisingly strong for executive searches and transformation-focused hiring in chemicals. How talent shortages are impacting early-career professionals and senior leaders. 2026 hiring outlook: specialty roles, streamlined leadership, and the push for digital and sustainable growth. Navigating the US-Europe pay gap and international recruiting challenges. How leaders can quantify results, grow networks, and build cross-functional skills.   Killer Quote: "In terms of customer engagement, I've been a big advocate of asking them and talking about the importance of paying more attention to the trade compliance in house and what they have in terms of being audit ready. Because of the fact that international logistics and trade compliance is not just another ticking a checkbox, but it has become an essential part of the business." - Noushin Shamsili  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube    ***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  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code ChemShowWPC26 at wpc.spglobal.com

    33 min
5
out of 5
34 Ratings

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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