The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

The chemical industry is facing a new wave of digital transformation, with artificial intelligence and data integration promising tangible productivity gains. Ali Amin Javaheri, CEO of Knowde, returns to The Chemical Show with host Victoria Meyer to share how the industry’s historically “laggard” approach to technology is giving way to practical applications that drive value—from automating regulatory workflows to empowering sales and commercial teams. Ali draws on his deep industry background to discuss the challenges and opportunities chemical companies are encountering as they seek to unify fragmented data and leverage new tools to streamline operations. Victoria and Ali explore the critical role of leadership in successful digital adoption, the importance of targeting top business priorities, and why user adoption still hinges on solving the right problems. Their conversation covers the evolution from early e-business systems to modern AI-driven solutions, highlighting how faster access to knowledge, connected data sources, and executive engagement are fundamentally changing how chemical companies operate and create value—for their teams and their customers. Victoria and Ali cover these topics: How to transform scattered chemical data into real productivity gains. Learn how AI is solving real challenges in chemicals—not just hype. Discover why connected data means faster, smarter decisions. Learn why executive focus is the secret to lasting digital change. Get Ali’s advice for future leaders driving industry innovation.  Killer Quote: "You have no idea how many times I hear the two words ‘change management.’ And of course it’s hard—you know, people have their preferences and certain behaviors. However, people can change and people can be led to a better direction. A lot of times folks want that if they understand the why and it’s being repeated over and over again as to why it’s so important." - Ali Amin-Javaheri, CEO of KnowdeSubscribe 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 

How does a 75-year-old manufacturing company successfully transform through bold acquisitions and shifting market conditions? Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company, sits down with Victoria Meyer to share Carpenter’s journey from “old-school” chemical company to global leader in comfort cushioning and consumer bedding. Brad offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Carpenter navigated the integration of major acquisitions—including Recticel, NCFI Polyurethanes, and the iconic Casper mattress brand—amid supply chain turbulence, economic uncertainty, and evolving industry demands. Victoria and Brad also tackle the changing culture in manufacturing, Carpenter’s approach to digital transformation and AI, and how leaders can balance people-first values with the drive for profit and growth. With practical leadership advice and candid stories from the front lines, this episode is a must-listen for chemical industry professionals interested in business transformation, growth strategies, and the future of manufacturing.    Victoria and Brad discuss the following:  How to keep a company growing during unpredictable times. How bold acquisitions are reshaping Carpenter’s future.Maintaining a people-first culture through major change. Evolving the chemical value chain  Leadership, digital transformation, and Carpenter’s formula for resilience. Killer Quote: "Sales is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is reality."  — Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company 00:00 "Carpenter Company Insights with CEO" 03:42 Guest Appreciates Podcast's Positive Impact 06:55 Journey from R&D to Chemical Sales 11:45 Growth Strategy Over Coasting 15:53 Flexible Foam Acquisition Discussion 17:28 "Understanding the Casper Story" 21:37 Changing Mattress Market Dynamics 26:17 Brand-Driven Billion-Dollar Businesses 30:18 "Understanding Organizational Talent Variability" 31:17 Balancing Growth and Pace 34:48 Investing in Europe's Consumer Market 39:22 Carpenter's Transformative Profit Sharing Plan 41:16 AI's Role in Evolving Work Practices 44:53 Navigating Information in New Industries 49:51 "Curiosity Fuels Lifelong Learning" 51:05 Uncontrollable Career Advancement Factors  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 

How companies manage people and talent is rapidly changing—especially in the chemical industry where agility, performance, and well-being are now critical business drivers. Victoria Meyer is joined by Milan Taylor, partner at Mercer and featured speaker at the upcoming Chemical Summit, to discuss how workforce redesign, skill-based development, and the integration of technology like AI are shaping both challenges and opportunities for chemical companies. Victoria and Milan explore data-driven insights around HR priorities, the importance of aligning KPIs with business strategies, and the growing pressure on leaders to address employee stress and burnout. They also address practical strategies for small and midsize companies to maintain agility and foster growth—even with limited resources. Whether you’re a leader looking to refine your talent strategy or aiming to future-proof your workforce, this episode offers valuable, actionable perspectives for navigating today’s workforce transformation.  Victoria and Milan investigate these themes this week: People-First Performance: Empowering line managers to drive results. Work redesign: Breaking jobs into skills and leveraging technology for agility. Managing AI adoption benefits and risks in chemical workforces. Addressing employee burnout and retention beyond just pay. Scalable Growth: Practical development strategies for companies of all sizes.  Killer Quote: "You can only deliver that business performance if you've got strong alignment all the way down the organization." – Milan Taylor 00:00 "Optimizing HR in Chemical Industry" 05:38 Agility: Speed, Precision, Intent 10:20 "Revolutionizing Work Through Automation" 13:23 Realistic Project Management & Transformation 17:24 HR's Cautious AI Adoption 21:40 Top Employee Priorities: Pay & Benefits 22:47 Workplace Strain Amid Economic Pressures 26:25 Unrealistic Targets Drive Employee Exit 32:23 Boost Engagement & Skills Transition 33:38 "Keys to Authentic Professionalism"  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 

Economic uncertainty, supply chain complexity, and shifting global demand are shaping the chemical industry’s trajectory as businesses wrap up Q2 2025. Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the mixed earnings results from major chemical players and highlights what leaders need to focus on for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. From confronting persistent weak demand and managing operational excellence, to navigating regionalization, cost discipline, and supply chain resilience—Victoria breaks down the core industry trends and reveals how specialties are outperforming commodities in today’s market landscape. Victoria also shares actionable insights for leaders: prioritize talent, double down on communication, and remain agile in both investment and innovation strategies. With business transformation and sustainability still at the forefront, this episode provides practical guidance to maximize opportunities and overcome current market challenges. Explore how industry leaders are preparing for future shifts—and why attending the upcoming Chemical Summit in Houston could be critical for your business and leadership growth. Victoria discusses the following: Mixed Q2 2025 earnings: Chemical industry performance varies widely Specialty outperforms commodity: Differentiation and regional focus drive success Cost-cutting and cash preservation are top priorities for companies Supply chain resilience: Regional diversification key amid disruption Leadership priorities - Strategic planning, talent, innovation, and communication for 2026  Killer Quote: "Doing the right things in your business today that allow you to reinvest, grow, focus on future business." – Victoria Meyer 00:00 Q2 Insights in Chemical Industry 05:40 Commodity Cost Cuts & Specialty Chemical Resilience 10:15 Automotive Industry's Ongoing Struggles 11:34 Rethinking Business Amid Global Shifts 16:44 Smart, Nimble Investment Strategies 20:49 Evolving Business and Sustainability Shift 24:01 "Clear Communication is Key" 25:04 "Be Ready for 2026 Opportunities"  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 

How is artificial intelligence changing the world of maritime shipping and the broader chemical industry supply chain? Victoria Meyer speaks with Per Ostman, VP of Product Management at Veson Nautical, to explore the impact of technology and data-driven solutions on shipping operations. Per shares how Veson Nautical integrates advanced software and AI-enabled workflows to help shipping companies manage complex data, enhance efficiency, and adapt to rapid changes in the marketplace. Victoria and Per dig into the speed and complexity of shipping data, the importance of system integration, and the role of AI in streamlining tasks like claims handling. The conversation also addresses the human side of technology adoption—how AI is transforming jobs, creating new opportunities, and driving a need for continual learning. With practical advice for industry professionals and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of technology, people, and progress in maritime shipping and chemicals.  Victoria and Per explore the following topics: Using AI and technology to accelerate maritime operations How Veson transforms complex data into actionable supply chain intelligence. Using AI to speed up demurrage claims assessment by 300%   Why AI augments rather than replaces human expertise in shipping. Leadership advice for non-traditional career paths  Killer Quote: "Don't sand down the edges of who you are because then you're not being your optimal self and you can direct your optimal self to do just about anything."  - Per Ostman 00:00 Classics Major's Unique Tech Perspective 06:57 Veson Nautical's Integrated Maritime Solutions 09:09 Navigating Complex Shipping Data 12:51 Data Integration Challenges 18:36 AI Streamlines Claims Demurrage Process 23:20 AI Enhancing Claims Analyst Roles 25:35 "Tech Solutions: Communication & Collaboration" 29:31 Leadership Advice for Chemical Industry Entrants 30:54 Embrace Uniqueness, Pursue Passions  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 

With business leaders facing volatile headlines and uncertainty heading into 2026, understanding the real economic signals has never mattered more. Principal Economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce of Stantec join host Victoria Meyer to break down the trends shaping the chemical industry, from the current state of macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds to the impact of policy moves, interest rates, and global demand. Together, they discuss how companies can separate data from sentiment, apply scenario planning, and stress-test their outlooks in a dynamic marketplace. Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick explore the hard financial data leaders should be monitoring—ranging from bookings, backlogs, and billings to corporate profitability and the health of the consumer. They highlight how strategic pricing, scenario analysis, and a keen eye on the bond market can help chemical leaders build resilient plans for 2026 and beyond. The episode wraps with practical leadership advice for navigating unpredictability and maintaining confidence during uncertain times.  Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick discuss the following: 2025–2026 Chemical Outlook: Modest growth expected and key market signals for decision-makers. Strategic planning approaches for uncertain economic conditions and scenario testing. How tariffs, taxes, and regulations in major markets impact chemicals. Data Over Hype: Focus on financial metrics (bookings, backlogs, billings) vs. market sentiment. Leading Through Uncertainty: Practical strategies for confident leadership during volatile times.  Killer Quote: "The US economy is an aircraft carrier. It does not turn on a dime. So all these signals have been manifesting throughout the course of this year suggesting modest, mild growth for 2025. And what Jeremy and I have been telling our clients to plan for is additional modest mild growth in 2026." — Patrick Luce 00:00 Chemical Summit 2025 Preview 05:08 "Planning with a Macroeconomic Focus" 10:15 "Business Growth Analysis Essentials" 13:10 2026 Economic Outlook Challenges 17:30 Plan for Contingencies, Stress Test 21:07 Rising Interest Payments: Global Impact 25:06 Strategic Pricing Amid Inflation Challenges 28:03 Focus on Hard Financial Data 31:28 Consumer Resilience Amid Economic Changes 33:02 Chemical Market's Post-Peak Adjustments 37:23 Bond Market's Impact on Mortgages 39:09 "Confidence in Informed Decisions"  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 

Can environmental biotech finally crack the code on PFAS, “forever chemicals,” and other persistent pollutants? Ray Sambrotto, CEO of Allied Microbiota, joins Victoria Meyer to share how advances in microbial technology are reshaping the landscape of remediation in the chemical industry. With a foundation in environmental microbiology and years of academic research, Ray explains his journey from oceanography to entrepreneurship, revealing how precise strains of bacteria can tackle tough contaminants—speeding up processes previously measured in years down to mere weeks. Victoria and Ray discuss the shift from traditional clean-up methods to scalable, biologically driven solutions for soil and wastewater. The conversation covers regulatory hurdles, the integration of AI for microbial discovery, and how collaboration between specialty biotech firms and established engineering players can expedite commercial scale-up. As regulatory standards tighten and the demand for cost-effective cleanup grows, Allied Microbiota’s approach signals a new era where biology is not just an afterthought but a strategic asset in achieving industrial and environmental goals.  Victoria and Ray discuss the following topics in this week's episode: Transforming university research into commercial products  Utilizing microbiology to break down "forever chemicals" in soil and water faster.  Building strategic partnerships to enable scale-up How AI and machine learning can accelerate development Killer Quote: "We've been able to speed up that decontamination process by order of magnitude, so going from years to weeks in terms of cleaning up the soil." - Ray Sambrotto 00:00 Chemical Industry Innovators Podcast 05:01 Bioremediation Challenges: Emerging Contaminants 08:39 Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil 11:35 Environmental Engineering Permitting Strategy 12:51 PFAS Breakdown: Cost-Effective Alternatives 16:28 Proactive Industrial Waste Management Solutions 22:18 Academic vs. Industrial Challenges 24:23 "Join & Share: The Chemical Show"  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 

At the midpoint of 2025, the chemical industry is navigating a turbulent landscape marked by geopolitical conflicts, trade uncertainties, and shifting supply-demand dynamics. Host Victoria Meyer examines how leaders are driving innovation during times of economic uncertainty, sharing recent insights from established and emerging companies including Hexion, Lummus Technology, Pilot Chemical, Lanzatech, and others. She explores how companies can break out of the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset, overcome barriers to change, and embrace both incremental and disruptive innovation. Victoria highlights practical strategies for fostering an innovation mindset—ranging from creating psychological safety for risk-taking to encouraging diverse internal and external partnerships. She underscores the importance of balancing operational excellence with a willingness to experiment, empowering teams to learn from failures, and aligning incentives to support new ideas. With a focus on actionable practices, this episode provides chemical industry professionals with a roadmap for building resilient, future-ready organizations.  Victoria breaks down these topics in this week's episode: How chemical industry leaders stay resilient and innovative amid uncertainty. Building change-embracing cultures over traditional approaches Creating safe spaces for innovation. Accelerating innovation through strategic partnerships Strategies for embedding small and large improvements into daily operations.  Killer Quote: "Just because this is how we’ve always done it doesn’t make it the right answer for today."  — Victoria Meyer, The Chemical Show  Additional Links:  "This is how we do it" 00:00 Balancing Innovation and Stability 05:56 Breaking the "We've Always Done It" Mindset 09:17 Embrace Change and Innovate 13:21 "Driving Innovation through Diverse Partnerships" 18:15 "Prioritizing Communication in Innovation" 19:42 Innovation and Human Collaboration 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 

How does a century-old technology company stay at the forefront of industrial innovation? Leon de Bruyn, CEO of Lummus Technology, joins host Victoria Meyer to share Lummus’s transformation story and the company’s unique approach to navigating change in the chemical industry. Leon reflects on Lummus’s evolution into an independent, pure-play technology leader, the challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing market, and why fostering a culture of fearless innovation is critical to success. Victoria and Leon explore the balance between traditional and sustainable technologies, the practical steps chemical businesses can take toward decarbonization, and the strategic role of digitalization and AI in modernizing asset performance and project execution. With real-world examples of rapid commercialization and thoughtful insights on talent, culture, and the future of process technology, this conversation offers a fresh look at how established companies can lead and adapt in today’s chemical sector.  On this episode, Victoria and Leon explore the following topics: Lummus Technology from a 100-year-old firm into an innovation leader. How Lummus is balancing growth in traditional and new, sustainable solutionsHow encouraging quick ideas, rapid testing, and smart risks speed up product development and market response. Striking a balance between new investments and ongoing process support during economic changes.How AI and digital tools are changing how Lummus designs, operates, and improves chemical facilities.  Killer Quote: "We want to play in making, breaking and remaking all of the polymers that are important... I think we also have a responsibility to then figure out how do we break those polymers after use to avoid it becomes a waste or landfill or worse and break those back into useful components that can then be circulated back into making. So make, break and remake those polymers." – Leon de Bruyn  Additional Links:  How Lummus Technology is Applying Startup Energy to a Legacy Business with Leon de Bruyn 00:00 "Lummus: Renewing a Century-Old Legacy" 03:48 "Revitalizing a Legacy Tech Brand" 07:23 Circular Polymers, Water, and Biomass 10:52 Fearless Innovation through Open Ideas 15:49 Optimizing Investments & Asset Lifecycle 18:57 Energy Industry's Environmental Responsibility 20:55 Optimizing Petrochemical Investments 25:16 AI Integration Boosts Industrial Efficiency 29:36 Balancing Data Security and Innovation 33:28 Innovation and Passion Fuel Success 35:47 AI's Impact on Design Speed 38:01 "Engineering: Challenges and Rewards"  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 

Transforming a 150-year-old chemical business into a technology-driven solutions provider requires both innovative thinking and strategic agility. Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO of Hexion Incorporated, joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the company’s evolution from its roots as Borden to leading the engineered wood industry with advanced adhesives, resins, and AI-powered manufacturing systems. Michael shares how Hexion’s focus on customer-centered solutions, digitalization, and strategic partnerships is driving rapid change, while also navigating global market pressures and evolving workforce needs. Victoria and Michael explore the role of artificial intelligence in modern manufacturing, from boosting product quality and sustainability to supporting workforce upskilling. The conversation extends to lessons in leadership and innovation, including Michael’s advice for young professionals on staying curious and building diverse teams. This episode offers actionable insights for chemical industry professionals facing transformation and rising expectations in an increasingly complex market.  Victoria and Michael discuss the following topics: How Hexion evolved from a 150-year-old chemical supplier into a customer-focused, technology-driven solutions company. Running a chemical business with PE speed: fast decisions, strategic pivots, and compressed timelines. Leveraging partnerships and external innovation Deploying AI systems to boost operational efficiency and reshape workforce skills. Building successful chemical careers through curiosity, diverse thinking, and strategic humility.  Killer Quote: "We believe that there are great innovations everywhere, and we want to be partnered with the best in what they do and provide our capabilities, our strengths to make them get to market faster.” - Michael Lefenfeld 00:00 Innovative Career in Tech Transformation 03:18 "Journey into Private Equity" 07:30 Hexion's Innovation-Driven Transformation 10:25 Localized Manufacturing Minimizes Tariff Impact 16:16 Hexion's Innovative AI and Sustainability 18:46 Introducing SmartPress: AI-Driven System 21:07 AI-Enhanced Custom Glue Solutions 24:13 "AI Empowers Uniform Operator Upskilling" 27:48 Stay Curious, Ask Questions 30:37 Interdisciplinary Innovation Key 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