The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

AI’s rapid growth is transforming the energy landscape, sparking critical questions about grid reliability, electricity costs, and future solutions. Host Victoria Meyer talks with Amy Myers Jaffe of NYU to discuss how data centers are pressuring regional grids, why battery storage and grid flexibility matter, and what new market rules could mean for consumers and industry. 

The conversation highlights how AI can also drive ...

Stranded ships and blocked oil routes in the Strait of Hormuz are causing far-reaching disruptions across the global chemical industry. NUCO Logistics Managing Director Farid Tahvildari joins host Victoria Meyer to explain how the Iran war has sparked shipping delays, rising surcharges, and new uncertainties—impacting everything from inventory planning to supply chain strategy for chemical companies. 

Victoria and Farid cov...

ChemPoint’s digital-first model is reshaping the chemical distribution landscape by pairing technology-driven sales with a personal touch. Director of Supplier Growth Julie Roberts joins Victoria Meyer to discuss ChemPoint’s evolution from inside sales pioneers to leveraging AI and real-time data for specialty chemicals. Julie highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are—online and offline—while creating v...

Record attendance, industry transformation, and the push for science-backed clarity are setting the tone for the American Cleaning Institute’s centennial year. Jennifer Abril, ACI’s new leader, joins host Victoria Meyer to share how the organization is meeting member demands for authoritative guidance and consumer trust amidst regulatory pressures and rapid industry change. 

Jennifer provides a behind-the-scenes look at...

Uncertainty is fading and M&A activity is heating up in the chemicals and materials industry for 2026. Host Victoria King Meyer speaks with Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews about why the year ahead is shaping up to be strong for dealmaking. They discuss how greater strategic clarity, market stability, and disciplined capital deployment are spurring renewed confidence among buyers and sellers. 

Victoria and Jon explore th...

The dramatic rise of AI, shifting geopolitics, and industry overcapacity are putting energy and chemicals at a crossroads. Victoria Meyer sits down with Steve Lewandowski and Adrian Calcaneo of Chemical Market Analytics to unpack how these forces are driving volatility and change across global markets. From increased US exports of natural gas liquids to oversupplied chemical sectors and the challenges facing Europe and Asi...

Science continues to shape the cleaning products industry, but trust and pragmatism are driving real decisions. Host Victoria King Meyer reports back from the American Cleaning Institute’s 100th annual conference, highlighting five essential themes impacting chemical and cleaning product businesses. 

From scalable sustainable solutions and the power of consumer-driven labeling to the need for clearer regulatory pathways...

From investment banking to the CEO seat at LSB Industries, Mark Behrman joins Victoria Meyer to discuss strategic transformation, market dynamics, and leadership in the chemical industry. Hear how LSB evolved from a traditional industrial conglomerate to a leading North American ammonia and nitric acid producer through operational integration, a focus on people, and strong customer partnerships. 

They also cover how LSB is ...

Global volatility, trade shifts, and new government policies are reshaping the chemical industry for 2026. Industry leaders Olivier Maronneaud and Pooja Jain from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to share S&P’s economic outlook and discuss supply-driven cycles, plant closures, and rising government intervention. They explore how North America, Europe, and Asia are responding to persistent oversupply and evolving...

Geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies, and changing business models are reshaping risk for chemicals, energy, and mining companies as they look ahead to 2026. Host Victoria Meyer explores the top risk trends impacting these sectors with firsthand insights from Marsh industry leaders including Kimberly Mann, Bill Kost, Cynthia Hazard, Steve Horstkamp, and Raoul Munoz after attending the Marsh North American Energy Conf...

Trade policy volatility, supply chain disruptions, and the fast adoption of digital tools are rapidly reshaping marine logistics for the chemical industry. Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, joins Victoria Meyer to reflect on the market forces that defined 2025—including overnight tariff changes, ongoing geopolitical conflicts affecting the Suez Canal, and the rebound of the Panama Canal—and shares how these shifts h...

Chemical industry professionals turned out in record numbers to hear insights from top leaders, with Peter Huntsman’s interview on innovation, learning, and the regulatory landscape named the most popular episode of the year. Host Victoria Meyer breaks down 2025’s Wrapped highlights, sharing a data-driven look at global listener demographics, preferred audio platforms, and the surprising fact that Taylor Swift tops the mus...

Unprecedented transformation is shaping the chemical industry's talent landscape as companies prioritize digitalization and commercial fluency over traditional experience. Victoria Meyer is joined by Lisa Brantley, Head of Client Consulting and Executive Search for the Americas at Mercuri Urval, to discuss how global market shifts, AI, and structural change are redefining what chemical executives need for success in 2025 a...

Global oversupply, uncertain demand, and tough cost structures are reshaping the chemical industry, leaving many companies facing unprecedented challenges. John Stekla, Director at Parin Resources, joins host Victoria Meyer for a frank conversation about the realities facing chemical producers, traders, and buyers as the industry moves into 2026. They examine the drivers of margin compression, how U.S. and global players a...

Leaders who finish strong in December are the ones who start January ahead—both in focus and momentum. Victoria Meyer offers a practical 15-minute leadership reset for chemical industry professionals looking to close out 2025 with intention while laying the groundwork for a high-impact 2026. With just three weeks left in the business year, Victoria shares four core actions: resetting priorities, bringing clarity and alignm...

What’s the one thing you should always bring to Thanksgiving dinner? According to host Victoria Meyer, it’s a great conversation starter—especially about topics that matter in the chemical industry today. From questions about the future of plastics and the impact of AI to navigating a challenging job market and redefining leadership, Victoria lays out five key talking points to help spark smart, relevant discussions around...

The chemical industry is navigating its longest down cycle in two decades, with oversupply, weak demand, and tariff uncertainty shaping a challenging landscape for business leaders. Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the third quarter 2025 earnings reports, highlighting five key themes impacting the industry: soft demand, price and margin pressures, disciplined cost control, shifts in supply chain strategy, and the increasing imp...

Geopolitics, energy volatility, and persistent oversupply are reshaping the global chemical industry as 2025 draws to a close. Victoria Meyer sits down with Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale from S&P Global to address the forces driving today’s market dynamics, the impact of government policies, and the shifting landscape heading into 2026. They break down how new sanctions, tariffs, and energy transition policies are influ...

What does it take to transform a legacy chemical business into a cutting-edge innovation engine? Mike Finelli, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Syensqo (formerly Solvay), shares his journey from mailroom to C-suite and outlines how the company is leveraging sustainability, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence to drive growth and solve some of the world's toughest challenges. With a 160-year heritage and a f...