Join Victoria Meyer as she unravels the dynamic journey of growth and transformation at Pilot Chemical with Christian MacIver, the company's President and COO. With a background in engineering and a penchant for problem-solving, Christian shares her passion for bringing innovation to the specialty chemicals market. She discusses the strategic initiatives driving Pilot's success, including expansion plans and pioneering sustainable surfactants addressing consumer and environmental demands.

Explore how Pilot's private and independent status empowers it to adapt quickly to market changes while maintaining a customer and employee-centric approach. Christian highlights the crucial role of supply chain resilience, the transition towards digitization, and the thoughtful consideration of AI in their operations. Drawing from her own career experiences, Christian shares invaluable advice on leadership and the importance of using one's voice in building a successful and forward-thinking business.

Join us on this week’s episode to learn more about these topics:

• Christian MacIver's leadership journey and career development
• Privately held vs. public companies
• Specialty chemical industry transformation
• Supply chain resilience and adaptation
• Innovation and technology adoption

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Learn how to reach the C-suite from women who've led the way in the chemical industry. Victoria Meyer hosts an enlightening panel discussion featuring Kristen Corbitt, President and CEO of Mays Chemical, a Ravago Company; Angie Griffin, Chief Commercial Officer of Third Coast; and Emelia Nosser, Chief Procurement Officer of Pactiv Evergreen. These leaders share their unique paths, highlighting pivotal moments and the choices that propelled them to the top. From temporary roles to leadership positions, their stories underscore the significance of adaptability, resilience, and the power of saying yes even when the path is uncharted.

The discussion explores navigating significant career transitions, balancing professional and personal lives, and addressing biases in the industry. The panelists reveal invaluable insights on maintaining positivity amidst change, the importance of seeking opportunities that leverage one's strengths, and fostering a supportive environment for both personal and career growth. Aligning leadership values with company culture and embracing change are emphasized as key elements in achieving sustained success in the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry.

Join us on this week’s episode to learn more about these topics:

1. Origin stories and pivotal career moments
2. Adapting to change and transition in the chemical industry
3. Impact of bias in the industry
4. Balancing career and family
5. Leadership advice for early to mid-career professionals

Amid a dynamic global landscape, the specialty chemical industry is navigating challenges and opportunities with “pragmatic confidence”. Join host Victoria Meyer and guest Jennifer Abril, CEO of SOCMA, as they explore the thriving specialty chemical industry and SOCMA's pivotal role in fostering connections and collaboration. With a focus on domestic production, Jennifer discusses SOCMA's initiatives to streamline business interactions, advance policy advocacy, and support supply chain adjustments in a changing world. The SOCMA theme, "Adapting Supply Chains for a Changing World," highlights their commitment to advancing innovation and growth in North America.

Victoria and Jennifer discuss the current industry outlook, emphasizing the need for efficiencies and growth amidst global shifts. They discuss the intentional focus on onshoring and reshoring, reflecting the evolving supply chain dynamics. Jennifer also shares insights from SOCMA's recent survey, revealing trends of optimism tempered with pragmatism. The episode offers a comprehensive overview of how SOCMA is driving North America's positioning as a prime hub for specialty chemical manufacturing, underscoring the potential for growth and innovation in this resilient industry sector.

Join us on this week’s episode to learn more about these topics:

• SOCMA's history and purpose
• North American chemical industry outlook: "Pragmatic Confidence"
• Purposeful localization and reshoring trends
• Regulatory and administrative challenges
• Industry networking and collaboration

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Explore the relationship between the chemical industry and energy in this discussion with Mike Kolodner, the US Energy and Power Leader and Global Renewable Energy Leader at Marsh. Victoria Meyer and Mike discuss the energy transition, the realities of energy consumption, and the role of chemical products in supporting renewable technologies. Discover how the energy demands of industrial sectors, including chemicals, shape the broader energy landscape, and the critical need for informed policymaking to address these challenges.

Victoria and Mike also discuss perspective on Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation, keynote at the conference. Plus, the complexities and unintended consequences of energy policies, especially in Europe, and how these impact global businesses. Related episodes:

https://thechemicalshow.com/critical-business-risks-in-2025-and-how-to-mitigate-insights-from-marsh/

https://thechemicalshow.com/dragos-ceo-robert-lee-on-bridging-the-gap-in-ot-cybersecurity-for-critical-industries/

https://thechemicalshow.com/peter-huntsman-discusses-innovation-leadership-and-regulatory-environments-in-chemicals/

Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:

• The complex relationship between energy and chemical industries
• Importance of industrial demand in power
• The reality of the energy transition
• Impact of European policies and international energy consumption
• Supporting clients through risk management and policy shaping

Navigating the complexities of risk management in the chemical industry is no small feat, and this episode of The Chemical Show brings experts from Marsh to share insights on how companies can thrive amid emerging challenges. Victoria Meyer is joined by industry leaders like Steve Horstkamp, Susan Gonzales, Mike Kolodner, and Randal Waters to explore the unique risks chemical companies face, from cybersecurity threats to supply chain disruptions. With an in-depth look at risk assessment and digital transformation, they discuss how companies can strategically adapt, harnessing the power of analytics and collaboration to mitigate potential threats to their operations.

The discussion broadens to encompass the global context of energy transition and the tangible impacts of climate change, as Amy Barnes and Milan Taylor weigh in on sustainability and the workforce of the future. Encouraging proactive planning and identifying areas of improvement, the conversation provides valuable advice for chemical leaders. Emphasizing the need for transparency, efficient resource allocation, and innovative risk management approaches, the episode offers a well-rounded perspective on keeping pace with industry evolution while maintaining resilience in an uncertain world.

Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:

• Navigating Chemical Risks
• The Evolving Energy Landscape
• Insights on Talent Management
• The Reality of the Energy Transition
• Adapting to Climate Challenges
• Emerging Risks in Supply Chain

Other links:

Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

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

Curious about the booming potential of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and its impact on the global petrochemical landscape? Join Victoria Meyer as she speaks with Mark Plamondon, Executive Director of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association, to uncover the immense benefits of investing in this strategic region. From low-cost feedstocks and world-class carbon management systems to a robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, Mark highlights the unique advantages that have positioned Alberta’s Industrial Heartland as a premier destination for major capital projects.

Mark discusses significant developments, including Dow's groundbreaking net-zero ethylene manufacturing facility and Shell's advancements in carbon capture projects. The episode also touches on the role of logistical certainty, international investments, and the region's future growth prospects. Additionally, hear about the upcoming Canadian Petrochemical Summit in Lake Louise, which promises to be a vital platform for industry leaders navigating global markets and fostering meaningful connections.

Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:

• A look at the growth of Alberta's Industrial Heartland
• Breaking down the economics: How feedstock advantages shape petrochemical investment decisions
• The role of carbon capture in industrial development - from existing operations to future expansion plans and why timing matters
• How global supply chain dynamics and port strikes are affecting industrial development, plus insights on Asian investment trends in North America
• The challenges of navigating uncertainty in a changing political landscape - and how regions work to maintain stable investment environments
• A discussion on leadership - why stepping up to take clear positions matters and the importance of leading with integrity

Other links:

Mark Plamondon Episode 145 Alberta’s Industrial Heartland’s Competitive Edge in Petrochemicals

Register for the Canadian Petrochemical Summit this June 17-19 in Lake Louise, Alberta

Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

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

Explore the intersection of performance and sustainability in the cleaning industry, as Victoria Meyer delves into the insights and innovations shared at the 2025 American Cleaning Institute (ACI) annual meeting. Joined by industry experts Jim Griffin from SCT and Ned Weintraub from Noble AI, this episode emphasizes the cautious optimism prevailing in the industry, driven by a renewed focus on smarter supply chains and the practical application of sustainability. Discover how the industry is navigating the decade of supply chain challenges and shifting trends towards consumer value-driven sustainability with a "small s."

Key takeaways from the convention emphasize a balance between innovation and market readiness, highlighted by advances in AI and the quest for multifunctional, sustainable ingredients. Victoria, Jim, and Ned discuss the delicate process of aligning corporate capabilities with consumer expectations while addressing regulatory hurdles and the industry's ongoing journey towards water conservation and innovative, eco-friendly practices. Dive into these transformative trends and prepare your business for the path ahead with insights from The Chemical Show's latest episode.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

• The cautious optimism of 2025: chemical industry pulse at ACI
• The 5 trends shaping cleaning and chemical industries in 2025
• Innovations driven by consumer archetypes and their needs like water protection, reduced waste, and performance
• The future of cleaning: water-free formulations with Jim Griffin of SCT
• AI's role in chemical innovation with Ned Weintraub of NobleAI

Other links:

Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

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

Navigating the shifting landscape of the chemical industry and the global economic climate, Tony Potter and Kurt Barrow from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to offer a comprehensive market update for 2025. They delve into the global supply and demand dynamics of feedstocks like oil and NGLs and unpack the impact of geopolitical changes, including the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Touching on the Chinese market’s massive capacity expansions and the European chemical industry’s crossroads, this episode provides an insightful analysis of how market forces are reshaping the industry.

Victoria, Tony, and Kurt explore critical topics such as decarbonization and sustainability, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and advancements in circularity, advanced recycling, and the integration of green technologies. They also discuss strategic responses to global market imbalances and the significance of staying prepared for future investments.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

• Navigating the chemical industry's perfect storm: massive overcapacity in China, European plants at a breaking point, and North American resilience
• The tension between sustainability goals and market reality.
• Changes in leadership and trade policies are reshaping the industry and what smart companies are doing to prepare.
• Who's actually paying for sustainability initiatives?
• Looking at Europe's aging chemical infrastructure and how some 50-year-old plants may get a new lease on life due to carbon border adjustments
• Why industry veterans advise looking past current market conditions and political uncertainties to prepare for growth in the 2030s

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube