Transforming a 150-year-old chemical business into a technology-driven solutions provider requires both innovative thinking and strategic agility. Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO of Hexion Incorporated, joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the company’s evolution from its roots as Borden to leading the engineered wood industry with advanced adhesives, resins, and AI-powered manufacturing systems. Michael shares how Hexion’s focus on customer-centered solutions, digitalization, and strategic partnerships is driving rapid change, while also navigating global market pressures and evolving workforce needs.

Victoria and Michael explore the role of artificial intelligence in modern manufacturing, from boosting product quality and sustainability to supporting workforce upskilling. The conversation extends to lessons in leadership and innovation, including Michael’s advice for young professionals on staying curious and building diverse teams. This episode offers actionable insights for chemical industry professionals facing transformation and rising expectations in an increasingly complex market.

Victoria and Michael discuss the following topics:

• How Hexion evolved from a 150-year-old chemical supplier into a customer-focused, technology-driven solutions company.
• Running a chemical business with PE speed: fast decisions, strategic pivots, and compressed timelines.
• Leveraging partnerships and external innovation
• Deploying AI systems to boost operational efficiency and reshape workforce skills.
• Building successful chemical careers through curiosity, diverse thinking, and strategic humility.

Killer Quote: "We believe that there are great innovations everywhere, and we want to be partnered with the best in what they do and provide our capabilities, our strengths to make them get to market faster.” - Michael Lefenfeld

00:00 Innovative Career in Tech Transformation

03:18 "Journey into Private Equity"

07:30 Hexion's Innovation-Driven Transformation

10:25 Localized Manufacturing Minimizes Tariff Impact

16:16 Hexion's Innovative AI and Sustainability

18:46 Introducing SmartPress: AI-Driven System

21:07 AI-Enhanced Custom Glue Solutions

24:13 "AI Empowers Uniform Operator Upskilling"

27:48 Stay Curious, Ask Questions

30:37 Interdisciplinary Innovation Key

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Leadership transitions can shape the future of entire industries. With Jennifer Abril stepping into the role of President and CEO at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), host Victoria Meyer spotlights Jennifer’s unique leadership journey, her approach to driving transformation, and the qualities that make her a strong fit for ACI. Through selected highlights from previous conversations, listeners gain insights into Jennifer’s background in advocacy, coalition building, and the importance of strategic alignment across diverse industry groups.

The episode unpacks key themes such as the challenges of balancing member needs, the strategic acquisition of industry events, and how trade associations are adapting to dynamic supply chains and shifting market demands. With a look at signs of industry change and priorities for the future, the conversation offers valuable perspective for chemical industry professionals interested in leadership, organizational transformation, and what lies ahead for ACI under Jennifer’s guidance.

Get additional insights on:

• Leadership in Transition: Jennifer Abril's move from SOCMA to the American Cleaning Institute
• How SOCMA and ACI connect diverse members and shape specialty chemical manufacturing's future.
• Jennifer's approach to reinventing trade association value—from reclaiming events to meeting evolving member needs.
• Industry responses to localization, reshoring, and policy shifts in building adaptable business models.
• Key trends and regulatory impacts chemical professionals should monitor under Jennifer's leadership.

00:00 "Five Questions with Jennifer Brill"

05:27 "Future Insights & Signposts"

07:07 Unexpected Career Path in Chemistry

13:20 Industry Insight and Responsive Solutions

16:01 Rise in Localization and Reshoring Efforts

17:49 Federal Workforce Transition Challenges

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Is China’s strategic push for chemical self-sufficiency reshaping the global petrochemical landscape? John Richardson, senior consultant at ICIS, joins The Chemical Show to share insights on how misjudged growth expectations for China, shifting demographics, and the rise of state-driven capacity expansions have led to the deepest, longest downturn in industry history. John and host Victoria Meyer examine why capacity was built around hopes for perpetual strong Chinese demand, only for real estate and demographic headwinds to alter the trajectory—creating a world of oversupply, negative margins, and mounting uncertainty.

Their conversation covers the ongoing impact of trade tensions, the real drivers behind Chinese investment decisions, and why shutting down uneconomical assets is becoming a pressing necessity, especially in Europe and Asia. John and Victoria also weigh the challenges and promises of AI and data intelligence in a conservative, data-guarded sector, and offer advice for industry leaders navigating persistent market disruption. For chemical professionals, these perspectives highlight why adaptability, intelligence, and innovation will be critical in mastering both today’s volatility and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Discover more about the following topics:

• How China's pivot from growth to self-sufficiency is reshaping global petrochemicals.
• Why chemicals face their worst business cycle ever, with Asian producers bleeding money on polyethylene.
• How tariffs and shifting policies create constant uncertainty for chemical companies.
• Why China's government-backed enterprises compete on strategy, not just cost.
• How data and artificial intelligence will separate industry winners from losers.

00:00 Chemical Industry Insights by John

06:08 Domestic Chemical Manufacturing Expansion

08:48 Polyethylene Margins: China vs. Middle East

11:31 Tariffs and Global Business Perspectives

14:43 China's Trade Resilience Amid Challenges

20:23 Data Sharing's Impact on AI

23:50 Debating Productivity's True Impact

26:34 AI: Industrial Revolution or Renaissance?

30:49 Innovative Multi-Pane Glass Advancements

31:43 Innovative, Stronger Glass Advances

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Performance is taking center stage in the beauty and personal care ingredients sector, as revealed on the floor of NYSCC Suppliers Day 2025. Host Victoria Meyer explores the notable shift away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” uncovering how companies are reframing their focus towards innovation, plant-based solutions, and advanced product performance.

Victoria is joined by John Harrold of Zinco Verde, who discusses novel, energy-efficient zinc oxide for sunscreens, and Christoph Krumm of Sironix Renewables, highlighting breakthroughs in bio-based surfactants derived from agricultural waste. The conversation unpacks how trends like neurocosmetics, microbiomes, and a pragmatic approach to environmental benefits are shaping the industry’s direction. Get a first-hand perspective on what’s driving R&D, purchasing, and consumer choices in today’s dynamic beauty ingredient market.

Gain insights on the following topics:

• Innovation Takes Center Stage: Companies are pivoting away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” putting real innovation and performance at the heart of product development.
• Neurocosmetics and Microbiome Science and how new ingredients target mood and neurological benefits alongside appearance, while microbiome-friendly formulations gain traction.
• Sustainability Reconsidered: Companies shift from "sustainability" rhetoric to pragmatic solutions and value-driven innovation.
• Plant-Based Performance: Industry messaging replaces "natural" with "plant-based" and "performance”.
• Start-up leaders discuss bringing advanced technologies to market

Killer Quote: “If you had asked me this when we spun out as a company, I would have told you bio based is the innovation, right? That is the reason for existing. That's really not the case. As we found. Bio based ingredients matter. People still want them. The reason for existing for us is performance.” — Christoph Krumm, CEO of Sironix

0:00:24 Bonnie’s career in chemicals

0:02:51 Responsible Care principles at Evonik

0:04:20 Sustainability's growing importance.

0:05:13 Evonik's sustainability pillars: next-generation solutions, technology, and culture.

0:06:34 Customer demand for sustainable solutions

0:08:29 The importance of culture in driving change

0:13:49 Leadership and career lessons, women in leadership roles, Bonnie's career advice

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Wondering how we produce our podcast?

• We use Transistor to publish our podcast. Check it out here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria
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• We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://get.descript.com/j0hyfup4gm0t

Innovation and uncertainty are reshaping the personal care ingredients market, driven by pressures ranging from sustainability and natural ingredient demands to regulatory shifts and the opportunities presented by AI. Sunanda Desai, Vice President at Klein and Company, joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss the factors transforming the $30 billion personal care ingredients sector. They explore how consumer trends toward well-being and neurocosmetics are redefining product development, and examine the impacts of tightening tariffs, shifting regulations, and supply chain disruptions on industry strategies.

Victoria and Sunanda address how leading companies are using digitalization and AI to drive hyper-personalization and enhance ingredient efficacy assessments, even as market adoption remains uneven. From managing uncertainty with “no regret” moves to evaluating manufacturing footprints and potential M&A, this episode offers timely insights for leaders navigating a turbulent landscape. Sunanda also shares strategic advice for industry professionals and highlights opportunities for growth despite today’s volatile environment.

Learn more about these topics this week:

• Examining the personal care ingredients market and the key trends driving the $30B industry
• How top companies respond to market volatility, tariffs, and regulations with "no regret" strategic approaches to maintain agility.
• How AI technologies are revolutionizing ingredient assessment and product personalization in personal care.
• Opportunities in Disruption: Quick wins, cross-selling, and M&A possibilities as companies reformulate products and restructure supply chains (Maybe we don't want to mention M&A??)
• Sunanda Desai shares advice on seizing opportunities to pivot (roles and industries) and building a successful career in chemicals and personal care.

00:00 "Personal Care Ingredients Market Insights"

04:36 Personal Care Ingredients Market Overview

09:11 AI's Role in Personalization and Optimization

13:29 Strategic Moves for Ingredient Suppliers

14:42 Thriving Through No-Regret Moves

20:28 "Investment Challenges in Manufacturing Moves"

22:06 Seize Opportunities with Confidence

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Uncertainty is the new normal for the chemical industry, but leaders still need to make smart decisions that drive business forward. Victoria Meyer tackles the critical actions leaders should be taking at the midyear point of 2025, offering strategic advice for operating in volatile markets, maintaining resilient supply chains, and effectively communicating through change. With insights from industry leaders, she highlights the importance of scenario planning, mindful diversification, and strategic cash management while emphasizing the value of strong relationships across the business ecosystem.

Victoria also spotlights the upcoming The Chemical Summit in Houston, which centers on leadership through industry transformation, and explores the internal and external moves executives are using to keep their teams focused and adaptive.

Learn more about these topics this week:

• Midyear Reset: Now is the time to pause, reassess, and recalibrate your business strategies for the rest of 2025
• Leading Through Uncertainty: Unpack the specific challenges chemical companies are facing this year
• Smart leadership moves and the five key actions that drive confident decision-making and resilient operations
• The power of strategic relationships: why reinforcing existing partnerships and building new ones across the supply chain is more important than ever before
• Seizing opportunity in change: Learn how industry leaders are preparing for the unexpected

00:00 "Chemical Summit: Leadership Through Change"

05:35 "Six Leadership Tactics for Uncertain Times"

07:53 Enhancing Internal and External Communication

12:04 Clarifying Goals and Strengthening Relationships

16:40 Refocusing on Diversified Supply Chains

17:52 Strategic Diversification in Markets

21:57 Strategic Investment and Relationship Management

25:07 Midyear Reset for Leaders

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