Episode 185 Shownotes

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.

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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.

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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

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

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Discover the unique complexities of maritime and chemical shipping with Sean Riley, President, and COO of Veson Nautical. Sean and host Victoria Meyer delve into the nuances of regulatory compliance, risk management, and data integration, essential elements driving competitive advantage in today's maritime logistics sector. The discussion covers how Veson's expertise distinguishes client relationships, turning them into collaborative partnerships to ensure alignment with ever-evolving regulations. Victoria and Sean further explore the shift towards more proactive supply chain management, emphasizing the critical role of data and collaboration.

Sean offers valuable career advice, stressing the importance of curiosity, self-confidence, and a willingness to take risks and exceed expectations. He shares personal insights on the significance of feedback and highlights Veson's journey to enhance its data capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Victoria and Sean also address the industry's pressing challenges, including supply chain disruptions and the imperative of sustainability, presenting a future where data sharing and connectivity are paramount for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Challenges in the maritime industry: geopolitical conflicts, weather related impacts, and new regulations
• The 2020's: the decade of supply chain
• Biggest trends chemical shippers are facing today
• Veson's platforms: helping chemical shippers manage risks
• Sustainability and regulatory shifts in the maritime industry
• Finding success in the maritime industry through leadership skills
• Veson's future: data, artificial intelligence and collaboration

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

Sustainability is a key trend influencing all industries. Yet, can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist???

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the significant trend of sustainability in the chemical industry. She elaborates on the different facets of sustainability including clean air, water usage reduction, circularity, green hydrogen, green methanol, biotechnology, and sustainable supply chains.

Victoria also addresses the hurdles faced by the industry such as regulatory approvals, affordability, consumer behavior, and investor patience.

Finally, we pose the critical question of whether sustainability and profitability can coexist, citing examples from various companies and noting the challenges and solutions needed for the future.

00:00 Introduction to the Chemical Industry

00:46 Host Introduction and Previous Episode Recap

01:00 Unveiling the Missing Trend: Sustainability

01:31 Exploring Sustainability in the Chemical Industry

04:22 Challenges in Achieving Sustainability

07:43 Affordability and Consumer Behavior

11:25 Regulatory Hurdles and Investor Patience

15:05 The Path Forward: Can Sustainability and Profitability Coexist?

16:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

HBR Article:
It's Time to Unbundle ESG

Other episodes referenced:
Kevin Norfleet, Celanese, Carbon Circularity
Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaTech, 20 Years to Success
Gaurab Chakrabarti, Solugen, A Green Chemistry Unicorn
Corey Tyree, Trillium, Scaling Up
Tom van Aken, Avantium, Commercializing New Technologies

Explore the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry as host Victoria Meyer delves into six key trends that will shape 2024 and 2025. From ever-changing supply chain dynamics and shifting customer engagement mechanisms to the impacts of global economics and geopolitics, Victoria provides an insightful analysis of the factors driving the industry forward.

This episode offers a deep dive into the role of digitization and AI, ongoing labor challenges, and how innovation is being influenced and hampered by regulation. With valuable insights into how industry leaders can navigate these trends, this episode is a must-listen for chemical professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with peers and discuss these trends further at the upcoming Chemical Summit.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

1. Supply chain as a dynamic part of the chemical industry.
2. Engaging with customers: The rise of digital natives in leadership
3. Politics, policies, and wars influencing trends in the chemical industry
4. An acceleration of analysis and answers - data driven decision making
5. Labor challenges post Covid
6. Innovation influenced by regulation

“This is the decade of supply chain... Supply chain today more than ever is a dynamic part of the chemical industry. Decision making, resiliency, all of those things are critical.” - Victoria Meyer

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Ep 179 Show Notes

Geopolitical shifts, economic challenges, and sustainability goals are reshaping the global chemical industry. John Richardson, senior consultant at ICIS, joins host Victoria Meyer to delve into the market's uncertainties and logistical issues affecting Europe, the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the potential of developing markets like India and Africa. John sheds light on critical issues such as the demand-supply imbalance for commodity chemicals, Europe's struggle with high energy costs, and China's evolving role from a dominant importer to a potential major exporter of synthetic resins.

Victoria and John also explore the wider scope of sustainability within the chemical industry, examining Europe's pursuit of a circular economy amidst complex regulatory landscapes and fluctuating geopolitical risks. They discuss the impact of demographic changes on consumer behavior, and the shifting focus towards eco-friendly products. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the chemical market's future, from rising sustainability efforts to adapting strategic decisions in a dynamically changing global landscape.

Join us to gain insights on the following topics this week:

1. Chemical markets in the 2nd half of 2024 and leading into 2025
2. Overcapacity and supply-demand imbalance
3. China's economic slowdown and demographic changes have significantly impacted global chemical demand.
4. The rising middle class in developing countries, including China, India, and others, has driven increased demand for chemicals and plastics
5. Geopolitical tensions have disrupted supply chains, increased energy costs, and created uncertainty in the market
6. Circularity struggles - infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and feedstock availability
7. 10 interconnected forces shaping the new global chemical landscape
8. Big commodity chemicals winners and losers

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Ep 178 Show Notes - How Collaboration, Customers, and Community Contribute to Sustainability

Uncover the impactful stories behind the winners of American Chemistry Council’s 2024 Sustainability Leadership Awards, as host Victoria Meyer dives into projects from Celanese, PPG, and DuPont. Kevin Norfleet from Celanese shares insights on their Carbon Capture and Utilization Project, a breakthrough in emissions reduction that won them the Circularity Award. Meanwhile, Garry Grant from PPG discusses their climate-friendly innovations in automotive coatings, a project that earned the Climate Award.

Mary Reinthal from DuPont highlights their Clear Into the Future grant program, showcasing how DuPont is fostering community engagement and social responsibility across the globe. From land restoration in Michigan to urban forestry in Seoul, their initiatives reflect a deep commitment to societal and environmental betterment.

Join us to gain insights on the following topics this week:

• The why behind Celanese's CCU project, winner of ACC's Circularity Award
• Fitting into the circular space with CO2 circularity
• How PPG is reducing the energy intensity in the automotive paint shop with their new paint line, winning ACC's Climate award
• Opportunities to reduce power usage and CO2 production by taking it a different approach to paints and coatings and adhesives that go into automotive processes.
• Dupont's Clear into the Future project funding nonprofit organizations to work on sustainable development initiatives in the communities, winner of ACC's Social Responsibility and Community Engagement Award
• Creating community and local connection as employees of a Global company

Additional Links:

ACC’s 2024 Sustainability Leadership Awards Episode Part 1: Driving Innovation in Recycling: Inside ACC’s Sustainability Awards with Cyclyx and EFC Gases

Chris Jahn: Sustainability Starts with Chemistry with ACC CEO Chris Jahn

Michael Heinz: BASF CEO Michael Heinz on Sustainability, Energy, and Leadership

Bonny Tully: Achieving Success in Chemicals: Sustainability and Leadership with Bonnie Tully of Evonik

Daryl Roberts: Careers, Care, and The Future of Chemicals with Daryl Roberts of DuPont

Kevin Norfleet: Carbon Capture and Customer Value with Kevin Norfleet of Celanese

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