The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) to chat about his organization's efforts towards a circular economy and rail safety. Victoria and Chet discuss the importance of recycling and innovation, the challenges of reducing plastic waste, rail safety, the dual challenge of producing energy while maintaining sustainability, and the immense value and benefits of plastics.Learn more about the following in this episode: AFPM's top priorities Storytelling in the chemical industry UN Plastics Treaty Education and Awareness of Advanced Recycling The EPA's proposed draft strategy to prevent plastic pollution Achieving a circular economy Challenges with Rail TransportationChet emphasizes the importance of approaching plastics in a nuanced and balanced way, neither treating them as inherently good nor bad, but recognizing their essential role in modern life. Victoria and Chet also discuss the benefits of advanced recycling, which creates "pure feedstock" that can be reused in new products. Thompson expresses his optimism for progress within Congress to enhance public safety for rail and promote competition in the industry.Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.AFPM sustainability report: https://afpm.org/data-reports/publications/sustainability-reportAFPM: https://afpm.org/Progress: https://wemakeprogress.org/Empower: https://empower.afpm.org/ Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

On this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer is joined by Peter Hanik, President and Founder of Pretium Innovation. Victoria and Pete discuss the importance of innovation in the chemical industry, as well as strategies for problem-solving and understanding customer needs. Learn more about the following in this episode:Innovation in the chemical industryCrafting a long-term career in chemicals "Type Three" Problems and Solutions Adapting to cultural differences in a global career Sharing his 50+ years experience in the chemical industry, Pete offers valuable insights into problem-solving and innovation in the chemical industry, as well as strategies for understanding and addressing customer needs in a sustainable way.Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.Check out Peter Hanik’s book, Type 3 Solutions: Problem Solving for Competitive Advantage: https://amzn.to/440uirc Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

Humans are master storytellers and as business leaders, we should harness the power of storytelling.In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer explores why storytelling is critical for businesses to control the narrative about their performance, products, and value creation. Victoria shares how business storytelling involves interpreting facts and creating emotional connections as well as what makes a good story - starting with the end in mind, choosing the right information and time frame, using visual supports, choosing strong words, making it personal, and relatable. Topics discussed in this week’s episode:The case for storytelling in businessWhy owning the narrative is criticalInsights from Harvard Business School3 tips for compelling business storiesCase study on the power of the right storyTune in to learn more on this episode of The Chemical Show!Like this episode? Remember to share, follow, and leave a rating or review.For more insights and information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer interviews Kevin Yttre, Managing Director at Grace Matthews, an investment bank that exclusively focuses on the chemicals and materials industries, assisting with mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises. Kevin shares valuable insights about the world of M&A, explaining M&A strategies, the role of ESG credentials, recent slowdowns in the industry, success factors in transactions, and much more.Topics you can expect to learn more about in this episode:The Role of Investment Banking in M&AInfluence of current economic environment on M&A Activity in Chemicals and MaterialsHistorical and current multiples in chemicals M&AM&A strategies for chemicals and materials companiesAdvice for buyers and sellers todayThe role of Sustainability and ESG in transactions todayJoin Victoria and Kevin as they delve into the world of M&A transactions and discover the critical factors to consider when buying or selling a business in the chemicals and materials industry.Please subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. And, visit www.thechemicalshow.com to subscribe to our email list and get additional insights.Check out Grace Matthew’s latest M&A newsletter including insights on transaction multiples. Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

"The last experience that your customer has with you and your brand, usually delivery from a logistics provider, defines their perception of your business and your company." – Victoria Meyer, President, Progressio GlobalIn this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the importance of managing your company’s Customer Experience (CX) through third-party service providers.  She emphasizes the importance of defining key communication roles, channels, and expectations to ensure a seamless and positive customer experience, especially in a business-to-business (B2B) space. Customer Experience is both end-to-end and omni-channel and is influenced not just by the activities of your own company, but also the business partners your company engages. This episode touches on the role of logistics companies in this process, highlighting the need for transparency and a clearly defined CX playbook to meet customer expectations, regardless of the service provider used.Download the B2B Customer Experience Best Practices guide  Like this episode? Remember to share, follow, and leave a rating or review.For more insights and information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

"It's not a matter of if a company is going to adopt technology transportation management system, but more of when? When are they going to do that? Because you have to if you want to improve anything within your company, it starts with having access to the data and being able see it from what it is." - Jennifer Braun, VP Trinity LogisticsOn this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer speaks with Jennifer Braun, VP of Trinity Logistics, about navigating the dynamics of the chemical shipping industry. They discuss Trinity's efforts to combat the talent gap through onboarding and communication programs, separate recruiting and reward departments, and advanced technology-driven tools. They also cover Trinity's focus on customer-centricity and adapting to their needs, as well as its stability during the industry's current rebalancing period. Other highlights include Trinity's extensive sustainability efforts and its ongoing expansion and leadership program. Tune in to hear expert insights and predictions on the future of the chemical shipping industry.Like this episode?   Remember to share, follow, and leave a rating or review.For more insights and information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

“Understanding your value, driving value, and demonstrating it creates opportunity and creates growth, especially in times of market softness." - Victoria MeyerOn this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the importance of getting back to basics and understanding a company's unique value in order to thrive during market softness. She highlights the story of a materials company that successfully increase sales by emphasizing their value in use to customers.  She also discusses the importance of regularly revisiting marketing strategies and market segmentation to adapt to changing market dynamics.   Listen in to this episode to learn about:Diving deeper to understand value to your customersThe importance of demonstrating value to customersCustomer and market segmentation – why you need to revisit it quarterlyConsidering alternatives including make-v-buy decisions. This episode serves as a helpful guide for businesses looking to navigate market softness and build resilience by focusing on their unique value and understanding the needs of their customers. For more insights, visit www.thechemicalshow.com.Have a question or topic you’d like addressed?  DM Victoria (King) Meyer or The Chemical Show podcast on LinkedIn.  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

"People didn't think about the demographics enough. They didn't think about the role of real estate and debt. And they built capacity on the assumption of, say, 6% or 7% consistent growth, which we are unlikely to experience in the future." – John Richardson, Senior Consultant, ICISIn this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer and guest John Richardson of ICIS discuss China's aging demographic and the future of the chemical industry. They delve into China's projections for becoming a net exporter in polypropylene, limitations on becoming a net exporter in polyethylene, and the current oversupply and weak demand growth in HDPE.Topics covered include: - China's aging demographic and its impact on the future of the chemical industry- The growth in China's petrochemical capacity and its impact on supply and demand in the market- The factors influencing the chemical industry's margins and pricing, including fluctuations in energy costs- The impact of geopolitical factors on the industry, including concerns about energy costs in Europe- The impact of demographic changes on housing demand and local government spending in ChinaWhether you're in the industry or just curious about the global forces at play, this episode is essential listening.https://www.icis.com/asian-chemical-connections/2023/06/why-china-could-become-self-sufficient-in-hdpe/https://www.icis.com/asian-chemical-connections/2023/05/chinas-pp-industry-short-term-tactics-and-long-term-strategy/ Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

'Customers are always going to say, oh, the reason that we don't do business with you is your price. That’s BS. Price is not the reason. It’s a good excuse.   It’s your job to find the real reason."A question that has come up recently:   “Why are we the last choice for a specific customer?   They call us when they’re in crisis and we help them out.  Then, nothing.   How do we move to being a first-choice or regular supplier?”In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer explores why some companies are the last-choice supplier for their target customers and provides specific tactics on how to become a first-choice supplier instead. She discusses the various factors that contribute to a company's status as a last-choice supplier, including timing, limited offerings, poor reputation, and corporate fit. By understanding their target customers' business and procurement strategy, fixing any issues in their offering, and demonstrating improvement and value, companies can become a first-choice supplier, rather than a last-choice one.Our Thursday episodes will address key questions from listeners and strategic or tactical topics of relevance to chemical industry leaders.Have a question that you’d like addressed on a future episode?   Send Victoria a direct message on LinkedIn or Instagram.   For more information, check out www.thechemicalshow.com Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

“There's a huge opportunity for B2B companies to enter podcasting.  People get personally connected to you and your brand, and its a great opportunity for storytelling.”On this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer celebrates the podcast's 100th episode.  And, in a role-reversal, is the interviewee instead of the interviewer.Today’s guest interviewer is Madeline Meyer, a summer intern at Progressio Global and computer science major at Texas State University.  They discuss Victoria’s journey in the chemical industry, from working as a project engineer at Amoco to starting her own boutique consulting firm. They also explore the evolution and current and future state of the industry, including localization, sustainability, and the UN Plastic Treaty negotiations. Victoria highlights the value of personal connections through storytelling and previews her upcoming event, the Chemical Summit, launching in October 2023. Lastly, she announces that the podcast will be adding a second episode each week and will focus on business issues and her own expertise and perspective. Tune in to learn more about the chemical industry's transformation through the eyes of its leaders.Visit www.thechemicalshow.com.And visit www.thechemicalsummit.com to learn more and register. Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com