How Chemical Leaders Can Thrive: Mentoring, Feedback, and Navigating Challenge with Jeff Hancher - Ep. 222

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 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 

Great leadership is forged through adversity, not comfort. Leadership expert Jeff Hancher joins host Victoria Meyer to explore the evolving challenges of leading teams in today’s chemical industry—where post-pandemic disruption, hybrid work, and rising mental health concerns are reshaping expectations. Jeff shares how growing up in poverty, serving in the military, and climbing the corporate ladder from truck driver to senior leader shaped his views on feedback, resilience, and mentorship. Victoria and Jeff discuss the mechanics of effective feedback, how to build robust leadership skills in a volatile world, and why personal investment in growth and mentorship is more critical than ever. Drawing from Jeff’s new book, "Firm Feedback in a Fragile World," and personal stories from the chemical sector and beyond, this conversation delivers actionable insights for leaders tackling retention, talent development, and organizational change.  Get additional insights on: The changing landscape of leadership and how to build and apply leadership skills Jeff Hancher's career journey and how mentorship shapes professional success at every level. Strategies for delivering honest, clear feedback while maintaining trust and team morale. How to leverage AI, digitization, and supply chain challenges as opportunities for leadership growth. Practical tactics for finding mentors, building confidence, and becoming a leader others respect and follow.  Killer Quote: "It's not the load that weighs you down, it's how you carry it. The greater the adversity, the greater the opportunity for impact."  —Jeff Hancher  Additional Links: Check out Jeff Hancher’s book “Firm Feedback in a Fragile World” here.00:00 "Path to Higher Education" 03:34 Unexpected Career Path at Cintas 07:54 Leadership Challenges Amid Industry Disruptions 11:16 Leadership Through Adversity 16:52 Navigating Career and Family Dynamics 18:41 Leaders Beyond Business Results 22:32 Leadership vs. Product: The Cultural Impact 25:51 Leadership Under Stress: Managing Reactions 29:51 Shift Perspective, Lead Resiliently 32:20 Mentor's Impact on Sales Career 35:15 Ultimatum at a Crossroads 37:22 Leadership's Impact on Personal Growth 42:29 Finding a Mentor: Simple Strategy 44:20 Evaluate Your Investment in Success 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 

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.  “Our job is really to listen, interpret, validate, and then be smart enough to give it back to the industry—as a, ‘we heard you say this, we’ve acted, and now we’re providing you that solution that you didn’t even know how to ask us for, but we heard you.’”  —Jennifer Abril 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   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 

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. “We've all assumed that polymer sciences are, you know, composites and stuff and playing with the same basic molecules, but maybe not.”  — John Richardson 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  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 

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   ***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  Wondering how we produce our podcast? We use Transistor to publish our podcast. Check it out here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoria We use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1 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. Killer Quote: "The most important piece of advice I would give is to recognize the opportunities as they come to you and as they're presented to you and have enough faith in yourself to take advantage of those opportunities...even if you feel like you don't know how to kind of execute against them." - Sunnie Desai 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 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 

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 Killer Quote: “In times of uncertainty, relationships matter. Businesses and people, and it's people that are inside the businesses, need higher levels of trust and confidence in their partners when we're in these periods of uncertainty.” -Victoria Meyer 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  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 

The speed of communication during a crisis can determine whether a company maintains control of its story or loses it to speculation and misinformation. Gerard Braud, crisis communications expert, joins host Victoria Meyer to share real-world insights from decades of experience in both journalism and the chemical industry, emphasizing the critical need for rapid, clear, and well-prepared communication when incidents occur. Together, they explore how chemical companies can build effective crisis communication strategies, prepare holding statements, tackle challenges like incomplete information and confidentiality, and leverage tools such as SituationHub to streamline the process. With practical examples and straightforward advice, Gerard and Victoria discuss why preparation on a “clear, sunny day” is essential to protect revenue, reputation, and brand in the face of crisis—highlighting what every chemical industry leader should know before the next incident hits the news. Learn more about these topics this week: Inside the Mind of a Crisis Expert: Gerard Braud's career from his early days as a TV journalist to a crisis communications advisor for the industry. Redefining Crisis Response: why traditional, slow corporate communication puts companies at risk Mistakes Companies Make: what happens when companies don’t prepare The New Rules of Media Engagement Leadership on the Worst Day Killer Quote: "If you're not getting a statement out in under fifteen minutes, you're doing it all wrong. Be prepared on a clear, sunny day so you’re your best on your worst day." — Gerard Braud Other Links: Managing Crisis Communications: How To Save Your Reputation With Gerard Braud 00:00 Crisis Communications in Chemicals 03:32 Streamlining Crisis Communications 07:33 Crisis Communication Tool: SituationHub 12:49 "Crisis Communication Holding Statement" 15:04 App Privacy and HIPAA Compliance 17:58 "Effective Media Training with Scripts" 21:29 Crisis Communication Strategy Essentials 25:29 Rethinking PR Quotes and Efficiency 26:32 Manipulating Media with Built-In Quotes 30:18 Engage, Share, Stay Tuned 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 

Starting your career is more than landing that first job—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong growth and opportunity. With graduation season in full swing, Victoria Meyer shares her most impactful career advice for new graduates in and beyond the chemical industry, drawing on insights from industry leaders and her own journey. From embracing the career marathon to building a strong network or “work posse,” finding your expertise, and knowing when to speak up, Victoria offers practical tips that every professional can use—whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career. Financial wisdom, communication skills, and seizing new opportunities are at the heart of this episode, alongside the encouragement to take calculated risks and develop a joy for success over fear of failure. Perfect for bookmarking and sharing with colleagues or the new grads in your life, this episode delivers concise guidance and inspiration for anyone ready to thrive in their professional journey.  Get ready for an in-depth look at these topics this week: 00:00 Career Advice for Chemical Professionals 03:35 Career Advice: Embrace the Journey 06:50 Build Your Posse 11:50 "Seize Opportunities" 13:14 Career Growth Takes Time 17:16 "Communication: Key to Success" 20:12 Congrats, Class of 2025!  Killer Quote: “When opportunity knocks, open the door. Be open and flexible. Take a chance. Right? Broaden your skills. And, when you get that chance, show up and work hard.” – Victoria Meyer