The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

From transforming control room roles to managing "startup hangovers," Bonnie Tully's journey in the chemical industry is a masterclass in navigating complexity and fostering innovation. As COO of Evonik, Bonnie shares her insights with host Victoria Meyer on the evolution of industry roles, the critical importance of middle management, and future trends involving AI and project-centric environments.  Want more leadership insights? Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives  Bonnie's recount of her experience in setting up a plant in Singapore, managing a diverse team, and implementing a multicultural work environment highlights the intricacies of global operations. Victoria and Bonnie explore the shift towards self-managing employees, the essential role of middle management in maintaining company cohesion, and strategies for attracting top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.  Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: Bonnie Tully's career origin, evolution, and the 3 biggest changes she's seen in the chemical industry in the span of her career Transformation of chemical industry roles Trends in the chemical industry and looking to the future: what's next?  Setting up culture from scratch and the "startup hangover" Tackling the talent attraction perspective, creating a unified culture, and social media's role Killer Quote: "Creating a company culture isn't just a top-down directive; it's a journey you take with your team. It's about respect, collaboration, and openness, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. That's how we move from 'us versus them' to 'we're in this together.'" - Bonnie Tulley  Listen: Ep 165 Achieving Success in Chemicals: Sustainability and Leadership with Bonnie Tully of Evonik ***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 

Episode 191As 2024 comes to a close, leaders in the chemical industry are strategizing to finish strong and start fast into 2025. In this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer discusses the top four moves that leaders should focus on to ensure momentum into the new year.Victoria emphasizes the importance of running through the finish line and maintaining stride into the next year. She identifies several dynamic factors that will impact 2025, including a new U.S. administration, global political changes, and upcoming regulatory shifts. Exploring these key elements, Victoria offers strategies to navigate the evolving landscape and turn change into opportunity. Join us to explore the following key topics this week:Reinforce RelationshipsStress Test ScenariosStrengthen Your Supply Chain StrategyAssess and Advance Your Career Killer Quote: "It is not enough to end the year strong. You want to start fast." Other links:Episode 189 with Patty Summers10 Leadership Lessons from Chemical ExecutivesDon’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 The Chemical Show.Mark your calendars for The Chemical Summit, September 30-October 1, 2025 – the premier leadership conference by leaders for leaders.

Episode 190 ShownotesIn this The Chemical Show Classic, we highlight a previous interview with Michael Graff who recently retired from his position as Chairman & CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and Executive Vice President of Air Liquide Group. Mike was particularly passionate about the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution and actively advocated for its adoption. As an officer of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Mike was recently recognized for his contributions in significantly to shaping the future of the chemical industry. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished career marked by leadership, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.  ***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  The chemical industry plays a crucial role in modern society. The ability to leverage innovation, the ability to meet a customer's needs, the ability to go ahead and leverage at a global scale, and the capabilities to meet the world's needs are all very prominent today and vital to industrial gases and chemicals.   In this podcast episode, Victoria Meyer speaks with Michael Graff, Chairman and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings and EVP of the Air Liquide Group. Michael shares leadership, learnings and insights from more than 30 years in the energy, chemicals, and gas industries.    Topics discussed this week:  Mike’s origin story and how it has influenced his life and career 6 key themes in the evolution of the chemical industry in the past 30 years The importance of Innovation  The role of Hydrogen in sustainability and Net Zero Leveraging partnerships and coalitions for a common goal Meeting the consumers’ needs around the world The continued importance of engineering education  Killer Quote: "In the end, the energy transition itself will not occur only because of hydrogen. But the energy transition will not happen without hydrogen."  - Michael Graff

Sharing insights on the complexities of managing global chemical businesses, Patty Summers, Global Business Director at Zeochem, joins host Victoria Meyer on this episode of The Chemical Show. Patty, drawing from her extensive experience in the molecular sieve industry, discusses how Zeochem navigates diverse regional markets through strategic partnerships with distributors and agents. She shares valuable insights about doing business in India's ethanol market, where government initiatives and unique funding structures significantly impact project timelines, and explains the critical importance of having local presence and understanding cultural nuances in different regions. *** Download our Guide to Seven Trends Influencing the Chemical Industry through 2030 at https://thechemicalshow.com/7trends/ ***Victoria and Patty discuss how mid-sized chemical companies can effectively balance global strategy with local execution, particularly in today's challenging market conditions. Summers discusses the role of sustainability in different regions, noting how natural gas continues to serve as a bridge fuel in the energy transition. Victoria and Patty also make note of the potential impact of changing trade policies and tariffs, particularly regarding U.S.-China trade relations, and how companies like Zeochem are adapting their sourcing and market strategies in response. Patty emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent long-term strategies while remaining adaptable to regional market dynamics and regulatory changes. Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: Global Business Partnerships: The importance of distributors and agentsCultural considerations in international markets, focusing on India and the Middle East India's ethanol market and project-based business management  Sustainability and Clean Energy Transition: Natural gas as a bridge fuel Trade Policy Impact: Discussion of tariffs and their effects on global business Regional market strategy and managing business across diverse global markets  Killer Quote: "When it comes down to the selling process, it's more than just the words. There's a deeper level of connection that you're trying to reach... it's easier to get to that win-win in the local language with that level of trust." --Patty Summers   Other links:  Confronting Change In The Chemical Industry: Discussing Leadership And Sustainability with Patty Summers ***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 

Discover how Aduro Clean Technologies is revolutionizing plastics recycling with innovative chemical solutions that transform contaminated plastics into valuable feedstocks. Victoria Meyer welcomes Eric Appelman, Chief Revenue Officer at Aduro, to delve into the shift from traditional chemistry to green, renewable technologies, the challenges of commercializing sustainable solutions, and the impact of carbon pricing and consumer behavior on sustainability. Eric shares insights on Aduro's unique approach to chemical recycling, emphasizing the limitations of mechanical methods and the company's pioneering technology that operates at lower conditions to efficiently remove contaminants. The conversation also touches on the importance of profitability in sustainability, the role of government regulations, and the global interest in viable recycling technologies. Learn how Aduro is setting the stage for a circular economy in the chemical industry with their upcoming plans for scaling operations and listing on NASDAQ. Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: Aduro Clean Technologies' initial focus and what it is today  Commercial viability and financial sustainability of green solutions Circularity - an inherent part of the chemical industry Consumer behavior and recycling in different regions Aduro's approach is to sustainability and technology and how they are finding solutions Customer and market response to Aduro's technology and offerings Critical Leadership traits for growth Future plans for Aduro Clean Technologies  Killer Quote: "Sustainability isn't just about doing the right thing for the environment; it's about ensuring the solutions we create are commercially viable. It's a natural selection process where only the most efficient and market-ready technologies will survive, similar to the evolution of the car industry in the early 1900s." --Eric Appelman   Other links:   Aduro Clean Technologies Announces Pricing of US$4 Million Uplisting to Nasdaq   ***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 

Navigating the complexities of the energy transition, Mark Eramo from S&P Global Commodity Insights joins Victoria Meyer to shed light on balancing consumer demand, policy alignment, and sustainability in the chemical industry. Mark discusses the challenges of producing sustainable products that consumers will pay premiums for and emphasizes strategic collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders. Victoria and Mark converse about the transformative roles of diversity and AI in shaping the industry's future, the effects of geopolitical uncertainties on supply chains, and the anticipation of a pivotal market shift by 2025-26. They highlight the intricate journey of corporate transformation and share insightful advice on leadership and career progression within the chemical sector.  Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: Mark Eramo's career and industry engagement What S&P Global Commodity Insights' origin story and what it is today Lessons learned through managing and helping lead companies through transition What S&P Global Commodity Insights brings to their customers today versus what they have done in the past.  Customer response to changes with S&P Global Commodity Insights Biggest trends that are influencing the chemical industry today? S&P Global's advice for their customers Leadership advice from Mark Eramo Killer Quote: "One of the biggest challenges we face today is aligning policies, technology, and consumer demand to create sustainable products that consumers are willing to pay a premium for, without compromising business viability. It's a fine line we must tread to ensure we don’t face unintended business consequences." -- Mark Eramo ***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 

Ep 186 Show Notes - How Efficiency Drives Sustainability with Alina Green of WIKA Explore the extraordinary journey of Alina Green, from growing up on a post-communist Romanian farm to becoming a Market Segment Specialist at WIKA Group, transforming energy and chemical processes with innovative automation solutions. Alina chats with Victoria Meyer about navigating tough environments, leveraging her engineering background, and the pivotal role of small, high-return projects in addressing decarbonization and sustainability in the industry. Victoria and Alina delve into WIKA's 75-year history, discussing how this family-owned company has thrived in the instrumentation space. They reflect on how strong customer relationships and in-depth market knowledge drive impactful innovations, no matter the company's size. Highlighting a successful collaboration with Chevron, Alina demonstrates how simple projects, like optimizing an amine unit, can achieve significant cost savings and carbon emission reductions.  Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: Origin story of both Alina Green and WIKA Group Identifying market trends and opportunities to connect to customers Digitization and digital transformation as a tool to expand and go deeper into markets and opportunities. WIKA's key differentiators in helping customers find solutions Sustainability as a driver of requests and opportunities with customers Challenges and opportunities to being women in a very technical market  Killer Quote: "One of the most impactful things I heard from BASF CEO Michael Heinz on your show was his advice to 'always take a job that you're able to grow into.' It's a principle I've carried with me throughout my career." Additional Links: The Chemical Show Episode: BASF CEO Michael Heinz on Sustainability, Energy, and Leadership ***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  

Discover compelling insights on customer relationships, global economics, and strategic growth from day two of The Chemical Summit. Host Victoria Meyer revisits key takeaways, including Melina Palmer's engaging talk on creating customer delight and the power of behavioral nudges in business, Jason Schenker's deep dive into current and future economic trends, and the vital role of consistency in building trust, highlighted by Jamie Creamer.Gain actionable strategies from industry leaders Jeanine Hurry and Shelly Linkerhof, who emphasize the significance of customer segmentation and brand storytelling in driving growth. From the importance of strategic business relationships to nuanced economic forecasts, this episode encapsulates crucial lessons aimed at elevating your leadership and business approach in the chemical industry.Want the full speeches?   Grab your VIRTUAL TICKET at thechemicalsummit.com for full access to The Chemical Summit speakers and panels. 

Dive into the dynamic world of leadership within the chemical industry with this special episode featuring insights from The Chemical Summit. Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show, shares five transformative leadership lessons from Day 1 of the Summit, with highlights from speakers like Leon DeBruyn of Lummus Technology, Bonnie Tully COO of Evonik, and Eric Carrero, President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau. From creating a war room during company transformations to the importance of swimming where you want to succeed in data innovation, these lessons are designed to propel your leadership skills and business strategies.Explore the significance of connecting and partnering across the marine supply chain, building strong community relationships for sustainability, and resolving conflicts effectively during critical inflection points. The episode encapsulates the essential takeaways and actionable insights that can revolutionize your approach to leading in challenging times. Don’t miss the chance to gain exclusive access to summit recordings and join the conversation at thechemicalsummit.com.   Get your VIRTUAL TICKET today. 

Learn more about the transformative power of compliance and data in today’s business landscape with guest Tom Fox, President of the Compliance Podcast Network. Host Victoria Meyer delves into the evolution of compliance functions, highlighting how they have shifted from being a gold standard to a crucial component of everyday business operations. Tom shares his insights on the importance of data quality and security, especially in the context of AI and its growing role in compliance and legal frameworks. The episode also explores the challenges companies face with AI-generated information and the critical need for verification to avoid costly inaccuracies. Victoria and Tom also discuss the pivotal role of podcasting in business, emphasizing its benefits in thought leadership, relationship building, and content creation. Tom shares his journey from a trial lawyer defending petrochemical companies to an influential voice in the compliance industry through podcasting. He draws parallels to the safety culture revolution in the 1990s and underscores the ongoing need for strong leadership in fostering an ethical compliance culture.   Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: Tom Fox's career journey and what led him to podcasting The evolution of compliance: from legal to business to data and analytics Trends in compliance today within the chemical and energy industries How do companies ensure clarity in compliance?  The impact and risks of data analytics and AI on compliance The role leaders play in fostering a culture of compliance Five reasons to have a podcast as a business  Killer Quote: "Compliance isn't just about ticking a box anymore; it's about integrating with the business, using data to predict and prevent issues before they arise, and ensuring ethical conduct is woven into the fabric of your organization. In a world where AI tools can provide both incredible insights and glaring inaccuracies, it's our responsibility to verify, validate, and lead with integrity.” -- Tom Fox Thank you to our sponsor Veson Nautical: From multi-jurisdictional regulations to geopolitics and decarbonization, the maritime ecosystem is more complex than ever. This is creating unprecedented levels of risk exposure. With trusted maritime data and built-for-purpose workflows from Veson Nautical, you can confidently make decisions to better manage risk and maximize profit. For over twenty years, Veson has been co-innovating with the world’s largest buyers and sellers of bulk marine freight.   Join their client community and find your decision advantage. Learn more at veson.com ***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