

The HC Commodities Podcast
Paul Chapman, HC Group
For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global
Each day, around the world, we have fascinating one-on-one conversations with our connections in the commodities sector. Our collaborators are uniquely informed, creative and inspirational in their fields. We want to provide our community a seat alongside us, listening in to these conversations in that special way podcasting provides as we tackle topical and people related issues with the leaders and leading minds in our sector. Visit www.hcgroup.global more information on us and our services.
To connect with our host Paul Chapman, you can find him at www.linkedin.com/in/paulchapmanhc/
Each day, around the world, we have fascinating one-on-one conversations with our connections in the commodities sector. Our collaborators are uniquely informed, creative and inspirational in their fields. We want to provide our community a seat alongside us, listening in to these conversations in that special way podcasting provides as we tackle topical and people related issues with the leaders and leading minds in our sector. Visit www.hcgroup.global more information on us and our services.
To connect with our host Paul Chapman, you can find him at www.linkedin.com/in/paulchapmanhc/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2020 • 41min
The Long Term Impacts of COVID-19 on the Commodity Markets
Will COVID-19 accelerate changes to how commodities are traded? Will we see more failures and further pull back of trade finance? Or will COVID-19 trigger a resurgence in opportunities for trading businesses with a retrenchment in globalization and a new concern of supply chain security. Craig gives us his insight and even some predictions.

Sep 23, 2020 • 33min
Making a good commodity trader
We look at the common attributes and behaviors required to be a successful trader. We examine how the environment of the trader can support or hinder performance. We look at how motivations and performance can change over time and what career paths are open to individuals. Finally, we look at how the skillset itself is changing as technology continues to evolve the role.

Sep 16, 2020 • 33min
Building a commodity trading business: rewards and risks
2020 has highlighted how trading platforms can protect natural resource producers price shocks and boost earnings through extracting more value from the products and with better reach into the market place. Those oil majors with trading groups have significantly outperformed their peers without. With producers of natural resources around the world building or retooling trading platforms in response, it is a good time to consider what a trading business is, what it can offer and what factors lead to success or disaster. Colin and his partners at Energex draw on their real world experience at the very top level in this industry to help organizations master this difficult business and he shares his insight with us.

Sep 9, 2020 • 38min
Investing in Commodities
Roy makes a compelling argument that all investors should follow the commodities sector and expands on the asset class' role in portfolio theory. Roy was involved in the creation of the first commodity index so we walk through some of the types of products available to gain exposure and express positions. We also look to the future. With COVID, Energy Transition and host of new commodities becoming ever more relevant, Roy also discusses what the future might hold for investors in the sector. We even touch on cryptos and water.

Sep 2, 2020 • 47min
Trump, Biden, and Global Commodities
Far from being just a domestic US affair, this election promises to be one of the most consequential for the global energy and commodities sector in decades, given the stark differences between the two contending platforms. Robert gives us his insight on what those differences are and the consequences for markets and businesses operating in the US and around the world.

Aug 20, 2020 • 37min
Energy Transition, Part Two: Change for Producers, Operating Models and Talent
Roland is one of the leading thinkers in the commodities sector and Global Head of Oil & Gas, Mining & Chemicals at Oliver Wyman

Aug 13, 2020 • 34min
Energy Transition, Part One: Trading Houses, with Roland Rechtsteiner
Roland is one of the leading thinkers in the commodities sector and Global Head of Oil & Gas, Mining & Chemicals at Oliver Wyman

Aug 6, 2020 • 33min
The Solar Decade with David Fernandez of Goldman Sachs
Why the Solar Decade and what will that mean in terms of scale? What are the benefits for generators and investors? Is it geographically restricted by sunbelts? How will the solar decade change the competitive landscape for current participants? Why has the solar decade not already happened, and will it need governmental support? What does it mean for power traders and risk managers? What will be the key trends in development and deployment as we progress through the next decade?

Jul 30, 2020 • 38min
The Future for Refiners, with Daryl Schofield
What challenges did refiners and integrated majors face at the start of 2020? What were the various strategic responses at that time? What did the arrival of COVID-19 do to that picture? How can you balance investing in transition with declining demand and prices? If value chain optimization and data unlock that what are the operational and cultural shifts required? Who will be the participants? Do the trading houses have a role to play?

Jul 23, 2020 • 38min
The chemicals markets with Peter Staartjes, Founder and CEO of Andino
How is the chemicals sector categorised and what is its economic scale and importance? How has the market, opportunities, and participants changed in response to the pressures all commodity markets face from disintermediation and digitisation? Why has it been a challenging space for traditional commodity producers and traders? The chemicals sector remains fragmented compared to other commodities – is this an opportunity for the big commodity houses? Are Amazon and Alibaba a threat? Can chemicals companies be both commodity and specialty focused? How has Covid-19 affected the sector? How do the chemicals markets compete for human capital?


