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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 musical charts for Chemical Show fans.
Explore the year’s standout episodes—from market updates with S&P Global and ICIS to deep dives on personal care ingredients and the critical importance of cybersecurity for operations with Robert M. Lee. Hear how leaders such as Michael Lefenfeld are transforming legacy businesses, and discover what your peers are reading and listening to. Plus, get a preview of what’s ahead in 2026, including the show’s fifth anniversary and next year’s The Chemical Summit in Houston.
Additional Links:
Peter Huntsman Discusses Innovation, Leadership, and Regulatory Environments In Chemicals
Personal Care Ingredients Market Trends with Sunanda Desai of Kline + Company
2025 Chemical Market Update With Kurt Barrow & Tony Potter Of S&P Global
Transforming Hexion: CEO Michael Lefenfeld on Innovation, AI, and Leading With Customer Focus
Dragos CEO Robert Lee On Bridging The Gap In OT Cybersecurity For Critical Industries
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Victoria explores the following topics:
Killer Quote: "I'm really thankful that you've been part of the Chemical Show this year and looking forward to another great year together in 2026. So thank you and happy holidays.” - Victoria Meyer
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 and beyond.
Victoria and Lisa break down the widening talent gaps, the strategic importance of cross-functional leadership, and the rising demand for interim leaders and specialized roles. The conversation highlights the nuances of recruiting in North America versus Europe, effective use of LinkedIn for career mobility, and actionable guidance for succession planning. These insights help chemical industry professionals understand how to prepare themselves and their teams for the growth cycles ahead.
Victoria and Lisa discuss the following topics:
Killer Quote: "I would challenge a leader who might be part of this discussion to think about, okay, who am I building up in my organization to prepare myself for what we know and what we hope is going to be ahead in the next three to five years?" - Lisa Brantley
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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 are making difficult operational choices, and why even the industry’s cost advantages aren't a guaranteed ticket to success.
Victoria and John also discuss shifting strategies among buyers and sellers, the implications of recent structural changes and plant closures, and how companies are preparing for what could be several more years of pressured results. Despite the near-term headwinds, John underscores the long-term value of the U.S. cost position and the cycles that have always defined chemical markets, sharing practical insights for leaders seeking to navigate uncertainty and position their businesses for the future.
Additional Links:
Conversations On The Propylene And Olefin Market With John Stekla
The State Of The Petrochemical Industry Post Hurricane Ida With John Stekla
Victoria examines the following topics:
Killer Quote: "The bright and shiny thing really is ... the cost position that can't be reproduced anywhere in the world ... That puts us in a great position to take advantage of the demand when it bounces back. And it will, without a doubt. We're always in cycles and you could argue it's an eight or ten year cycle, but we've been through this before and we're in a very strong position to weather it." — John Stekla
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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 alignment to the team, strengthening key relationships, and setting personal leadership goals for the year ahead.
These steps go beyond simply completing tasks—they help leaders cut through year-end noise, avoid the common January “catch-up,” and step into the new year with clear purpose. Victoria draws from real-world executive coaching experiences, offering actionable questions and strategies for business professionals ready to boost their impact. Tune in to get a concise blueprint for finishing 2025 strong and building strategic momentum for 2026.
Victoria examines the following topics:
Killer Quote: “Closing the year strong isn't about doing more. It's not about finishing every task and checking off every task that showed up on your to do list for the year. It's really about focusing your energy, clarifying your impact, and creating momentum that carries into January.” - Victoria Meyer
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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 holiday table.
Victoria explores the uneven state of the economy, the rapid adoption of AI, the real story behind plastics and sustainability, how leaders are recalibrating during times of transition, and why talent and skills gaps are shaping the future of the industry. Her practical insights deliver both context and clarity for professionals facing today’s market challenges—making this episode a timely resource for both your Thanksgiving conversations and your business strategy.
Victoria explores the following topics:
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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 impact of tariffs and trade policy.
Victoria shares strategies for business leaders looking to finish 2025 strong and prepare for 2026, including focusing on core value segments, strengthening regional supply chains, protecting margins, improving demand forecasting, and prioritizing cash and investment discipline. This episode delivers actionable insights for chemical industry professionals facing tough decisions and searching for clarity in uncertain times.
Victoria explores the following topics:
Killer Quote:"Cash is king, right? And that's what we're seeing. And getting smarter with how you're managing cash... This is around being crystal clear who your high value customers and your lesser value customers are and how you serve them. It is looking at your portfolio, your customer portfolio and optimizing it. Optimization gives you strength for your own business." - Victoria Meyer
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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 influencing everything from oil prices and supply chains to chemical production strategies worldwide.
The episode explores regional strengths and vulnerabilities, with North America, the Middle East, and China taking leading roles amid rationalization and capacity closures in Europe and South Korea. Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale share insights on how chemical producers are responding to cost shifts, supply chain resets, and evolving consumer demand. The conversation also previewed the upcoming World Petrochemical Conference and CERAWeek, emphasizing the need for industry leaders to stay agile in response to accelerated change, emerging technologies, and global market imbalances.
Victoria, Kurt, and Andrew discuss the following this week:
Killer Quote: "We’ve gone from that globalization to regionalization—that almost helps some of your high cost players very short term...that’s a very near term. How long that lasts if we have another round of tariff movements—European, and we will, but European, I don’t know what it is, but we will in Q2." —Andrew Neale
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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 fresh start after splitting from Solvay, Syensqo’s focus spans advanced materials for aerospace, automotive, healthcare, electronics, water filtration, and more.
Host Victoria Meyer and Mike discuss building a culture where AI becomes a daily tool for everyone, the company’s research priorities, and the launch of customer innovation centers designed to foster collaborative, customer-centric solutions. They also address leading through change—both technological and organizational—offering candid insights on managing culture shifts, developing future leaders, and the role of purpose-driven innovation in attracting and retaining talent in the chemical industry.
In this week's episode, Victoria and Mike talk about:
Killer Quote: "Our job is to turn molecules into money... and we do that by solving our customers' biggest challenges. You can't do that if you're not interacting with the customer." —Mike Finelli
Accelerating sustainability through industry-wide collaboration is changing how chemical companies approach procurement, carbon reduction, and risk management. Victoria Meyer welcomes Jennifer Jewson, Chief Procurement Officer at LyondellBasell and President of Together for Sustainability (TfS), alongside Danielle Warnock, Senior Manager at Nouryon and TfS Regional Lead, to discuss how strategic alliances like TfS are driving real progress on sustainable procurement across the chemical industry.
Victoria, Jennifer, and Danielle examine the foundations and impact of TfS: standardizing supplier engagement, launching shared audit platforms, and advancing product carbon footprint measurement to address complex Scope 3 emissions. The conversation covers how sustainable procurement is intertwining with business strategy, the challenges and realities of delivering on corporate sustainability promises, and how companies are equipping teams and the next generation of leaders to advance long-term change. Discover how collaborative platforms and disciplined governance are helping shape the future of chemicals, and why staying committed to sustainability is critical for competitiveness, growth, and continued license to operate.
Victoria, Jennifer, and Danielle discuss the following topics on this week's episode:
Killer Quote: “We do together what we cannot do alone.” — Jennifer Jewson, on the collaborative power of the Together for Sustainability alliance
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Efficiency and innovation have quietly embedded sustainability into the DNA of the chemical industry—long before the hype cycles and regulatory pressures. Mitch Toomey, VP of Sustainability and Responsible Care at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss how sustainability priorities are shaped by business needs, customer expectations, and practical realities. Mitch shares his journey from management consulting to the United Nations, BASF, and now ACC, spotlighting the business case for sustainability and the real progress chemical companies are making in reducing emissions and waste, even as industry output grows.
The conversation explores how the expectations around sustainability have shifted, why incremental improvements and transparency matter, and how the value chain—spanning suppliers, manufacturers, and customers—is working together to deliver meaningful results. Mitch addresses common public misconceptions about the chemical industry, offers insights into aligning diverse member interests at ACC, and closes with advice for future leaders who want to make an impact across business and policy.
Victoria and Mitch explore the following topics on this episode:
Killer Quote: "What’s a safe and sustainable facility is a profitable facility." – Mitch Toomey
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People and culture are at the heart of transformation in an AI-enabled world—especially for chemical industry leaders navigating rapid change. Host Victoria Meyer recaps the highlights from The Chemical Summit 2025, where leaders gathered in Houston to share perspectives on business strategy, workforce evolution, technology, and sustainability. The central themes included the critical role of organizational culture, the need for strong collaboration and business agility, and how digital tools and AI are reshaping work across the sector.
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Listeners get insights from keynote speakers and panelists on purpose-driven leadership, the realities of upskilling talent, and the impact of new technology on daily operations. Victoria explores how companies are building resilience in supply chains, creating customer value beyond price, responding to economic volatility, and implementing AI not as a job-taker, but as a growth engine.
Victoria discusses the following topics:
Taking on a 100-year-old industry with a startup mentality requires equal parts resilience, adaptability, and trust. Jimmy Jett, CEO of Integrity Biochem, joins host Victoria Meyer for an insightful fireside chat that uncovers the challenges and strategies behind transforming a traditional chemical business. Jimmy shares how his team moved innovative technology from the pharmaceutical sector into oil and gas, then successfully scaled into personal care and mining.
Their conversation highlights the unique pressures of operating a startup in a legacy market—navigating regulatory hurdles, building a culture of speed and trust, and leveraging partnerships for rapid growth and scale. With candid stories on leadership, funding, and talent, Jimmy and Victoria shine a light on what it takes to disrupt and thrive in the chemical industry today, amidst economic, geopolitical, and technological shifts.
Victoria and Jimmy explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "You have to find those experts in those market segments that can tell you go, no go. And there’s plenty of market segments where we are not a fit. Absolutely not. And so you just have to keep plugging away until you find that little niche and then you go hard with it... you go hard only if the volumes and the margin justify it." — Jimmy Jett
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
Oversupply, uncertainty, and shifting global forces are reshaping the chemical industry in unprecedented ways. Dewey Johnson, Senior Vice President of Dow Jones and global head of Chemical Market Analytics, joins host Victoria Meyer to dissect what’s driving the deepest and longest industry downcycle on record—from China’s march toward chemical self-sufficiency to the impact of sustainability targets and supply chain risk. Dewey shares his perspective on the global landscape, the interplay of political, economic, and environmental pressures, and why market participants are facing tough decisions about assets, investment, and strategy.
Victoria and Dewey also explore how companies are navigating regional differences, the growing importance of AI, and why the next five years could bring more M&A, shutdowns, and portfolio reshaping. With insight into the evolving role of Chemical Market Analytics under Dow Jones, this conversation offers chemical industry professionals a candid look at the trends and disruptions shaping the market today—and practical considerations for staying resilient and competitive into the future.
Victoria and Dewey discuss the following topics:
Killer Quote: "This is the longest and deepest down cycle ethylene has ever experienced, ever." — Dewey Johnson
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
Connect with The Chemical Show guests and industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 30 - October 1, 2025 in Houston, TX.
https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
As the chemical industry closes out a turbulent 2025, leaders are facing another critical inflection point. In this solo episode, host Victoria Meyer lays out the key market trends, leadership strategies, and execution tactics that matter most for finishing the year strong and setting up for success in 2026.
Victoria unpacks how permanent asset shutdowns, trade and tariff volatility, tighter capital, the evolving business case for decarbonization, and uneven demand are reshaping industry decision-making. She dives into the practical steps that chemical leaders—from the C-suite to frontline managers—can take now to sharpen operational discipline, drive portfolio value, and protect strategic growth opportunities amid uncertainty.
From capital allocation and supply chain resilience to customer partnership and talent management, Victoria emphasizes the importance of strategic discipline and a focus on the fundamentals. Leaders need to navigate today’s challenges but also position their business to capture opportunities as the landscape evolves.
Victoria highlights:
Killer Quote: “This is the quarter where strategic discipline really differentiates those who are merely surviving from those who are positioning to grow into 2026.” – Victoria Meyer
Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
Connect with The Chemical Show guests and industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 30 - October 1, 2025 in Houston, TX.
https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
Pricing remains one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood levers for growth and profitability in the chemical industry. James Hogan, partner at Simon Kucher and expert in pricing strategy and customer behavior, joins host Victoria Meyer to break down today’s evolving landscape—from regional market differences and shifting supply dynamics to the rising role of digital tools and sustainability. Their conversation highlights how value goes beyond price alone, with factors like product quality, lead time, technical support, and strong customer relationships playing critical roles in differentiating both commodity and specialty chemical businesses.
James and Victoria examine the transformation from formulaic to value-based pricing, the complexities introduced by tariffs and distributors, and the increasing need for scenario planning in a volatile market. They also discuss how technical backgrounds, transparent communication, and understanding what customers truly value can drive both personal career growth and business results.
Victoria and James explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "Everybody wants to avoid a price war. In an industry like this where margins are razor thin, you can't afford to go down. So let's all focus on adding more value. You add more value, you find a way to add more value, customers will find a reason and willingness to pay a little bit more. And, you know, our side is let's raise the bar rather than lower the bar." - James Hogan, Partner at Simon-Kucher
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
Connect with The Chemical Show guests and industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 30 - October 1, 2025 in Houston, TX.
https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
The chemical industry is facing a new wave of digital transformation, with artificial intelligence and data integration promising tangible productivity gains. Ali Amin Javaheri, CEO of Knowde, returns to The Chemical Show with host Victoria Meyer to share how the industry’s historically “laggard” approach to technology is giving way to practical applications that drive value—from automating regulatory workflows to empowering sales and commercial teams. Ali draws on his deep industry background to discuss the challenges and opportunities chemical companies are encountering as they seek to unify fragmented data and leverage new tools to streamline operations.
Victoria and Ali explore the critical role of leadership in successful digital adoption, the importance of targeting top business priorities, and why user adoption still hinges on solving the right problems. Their conversation covers the evolution from early e-business systems to modern AI-driven solutions, highlighting how faster access to knowledge, connected data sources, and executive engagement are fundamentally changing how chemical companies operate and create value—for their teams and their customers.
Victoria and Ali cover these topics:
Killer Quote: "You have no idea how many times I hear the two words ‘change management.’ And of course it’s hard—you know, people have their preferences and certain behaviors. However, people can change and people can be led to a better direction. A lot of times folks want that if they understand the why and it’s being repeated over and over again as to why it’s so important." - Ali Amin-Javaheri, CEO of Knowde
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
Connect with The Chemical Show guests and industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 30 - October 1, 2025 in Houston, TX.
https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
How does a 75-year-old manufacturing company successfully transform through bold acquisitions and shifting market conditions? Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company, sits down with Victoria Meyer to share Carpenter’s journey from “old-school” chemical company to global leader in comfort cushioning and consumer bedding. Brad offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Carpenter navigated the integration of major acquisitions—including Recticel, NCFI Polyurethanes, and the iconic Casper mattress brand—amid supply chain turbulence, economic uncertainty, and evolving industry demands.
Victoria and Brad also tackle the changing culture in manufacturing, Carpenter’s approach to digital transformation and AI, and how leaders can balance people-first values with the drive for profit and growth. With practical leadership advice and candid stories from the front lines, this episode is a must-listen for chemical industry professionals interested in business transformation, growth strategies, and the future of manufacturing.
Victoria and Brad discuss the following:
Killer Quote: "Sales is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is reality." — Brad Beauchamp, President and CEO of Carpenter Company
00:00 "Carpenter Company Insights with CEO"
03:42 Guest Appreciates Podcast's Positive Impact
06:55 Journey from R&D to Chemical Sales
11:45 Growth Strategy Over Coasting
15:53 Flexible Foam Acquisition Discussion
17:28 "Understanding the Casper Story"
21:37 Changing Mattress Market Dynamics
26:17 Brand-Driven Billion-Dollar Businesses
30:18 "Understanding Organizational Talent Variability"
31:17 Balancing Growth and Pace
34:48 Investing in Europe's Consumer Market
39:22 Carpenter's Transformative Profit Sharing Plan
41:16 AI's Role in Evolving Work Practices
44:53 Navigating Information in New Industries
49:51 "Curiosity Fuels Lifelong Learning"
51:05 Uncontrollable Career Advancement Factors
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
How companies manage people and talent is rapidly changing—especially in the chemical industry where agility, performance, and well-being are now critical business drivers. Victoria Meyer is joined by Milan Taylor, partner at Mercer and featured speaker at the upcoming Chemical Summit, to discuss how workforce redesign, skill-based development, and the integration of technology like AI are shaping both challenges and opportunities for chemical companies.
Victoria and Milan explore data-driven insights around HR priorities, the importance of aligning KPIs with business strategies, and the growing pressure on leaders to address employee stress and burnout. They also address practical strategies for small and midsize companies to maintain agility and foster growth—even with limited resources. Whether you’re a leader looking to refine your talent strategy or aiming to future-proof your workforce, this episode offers valuable, actionable perspectives for navigating today’s workforce transformation.
Victoria and Milan investigate these themes this week:
Killer Quote: "You can only deliver that business performance if you've got strong alignment all the way down the organization." – Milan Taylor
00:00 "Optimizing HR in Chemical Industry"
05:38 Agility: Speed, Precision, Intent
10:20 "Revolutionizing Work Through Automation"
13:23 Realistic Project Management & Transformation
17:24 HR's Cautious AI Adoption
21:40 Top Employee Priorities: Pay & Benefits
22:47 Workplace Strain Amid Economic Pressures
26:25 Unrealistic Targets Drive Employee Exit
32:23 Boost Engagement & Skills Transition
33:38 "Keys to Authentic Professionalism"
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
Economic uncertainty, supply chain complexity, and shifting global demand are shaping the chemical industry’s trajectory as businesses wrap up Q2 2025. Host Victoria Meyer unpacks the mixed earnings results from major chemical players and highlights what leaders need to focus on for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. From confronting persistent weak demand and managing operational excellence, to navigating regionalization, cost discipline, and supply chain resilience—Victoria breaks down the core industry trends and reveals how specialties are outperforming commodities in today’s market landscape.
Victoria also shares actionable insights for leaders: prioritize talent, double down on communication, and remain agile in both investment and innovation strategies. With business transformation and sustainability still at the forefront, this episode provides practical guidance to maximize opportunities and overcome current market challenges. Explore how industry leaders are preparing for future shifts—and why attending the upcoming Chemical Summit in Houston could be critical for your business and leadership growth.
Victoria discusses the following:
00:00 Q2 Insights in Chemical Industry
05:40 Commodity Cost Cuts & Specialty Chemical Resilience
10:15 Automotive Industry's Ongoing Struggles
11:34 Rethinking Business Amid Global Shifts
16:44 Smart, Nimble Investment Strategies
20:49 Evolving Business and Sustainability Shift
24:01 "Clear Communication is Key"
25:04 "Be Ready for 2026 Opportunities"
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.
How is artificial intelligence changing the world of maritime shipping and the broader chemical industry supply chain? Victoria Meyer speaks with Per Ostman, VP of Product Management at Veson Nautical, to explore the impact of technology and data-driven solutions on shipping operations. Per shares how Veson Nautical integrates advanced software and AI-enabled workflows to help shipping companies manage complex data, enhance efficiency, and adapt to rapid changes in the marketplace.
Victoria and Per dig into the speed and complexity of shipping data, the importance of system integration, and the role of AI in streamlining tasks like claims handling. The conversation also addresses the human side of technology adoption—how AI is transforming jobs, creating new opportunities, and driving a need for continual learning. With practical advice for industry professionals and real-world examples, this episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of technology, people, and progress in maritime shipping and chemicals.
Victoria and Per explore the following topics:
Killer Quote: "Don't sand down the edges of who you are because then you're not being your optimal self and you can direct your optimal self to do just about anything." - Per Ostman
00:00 Classics Major's Unique Tech Perspective
06:57 Veson Nautical's Integrated Maritime Solutions
09:09 Navigating Complex Shipping Data
12:51 Data Integration Challenges
18:36 AI Streamlines Claims Demurrage Process
23:20 AI Enhancing Claims Analyst Roles
25:35 "Tech Solutions: Communication & Collaboration"
29:31 Leadership Advice for Chemical Industry Entrants
30:54 Embrace Uniqueness, Pursue Passions
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Sponsored by Newry. Newry helps you uncover growth where you're built to win - fast.
Visit newrycorp.com and see the Newry team at The Chemical Summit.