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:

• Mixed Q2 2025 earnings: Chemical industry performance varies widely
• Specialty outperforms commodity: Differentiation and regional focus drive success
• Cost-cutting and cash preservation are top priorities for companies
• Supply chain resilience: Regional diversification key amid disruption
• Leadership priorities - Strategic planning, talent, innovation, and communication for 2026

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"

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

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:

• Using AI and technology to accelerate maritime operations
• How Veson transforms complex data into actionable supply chain intelligence.
• Using AI to speed up demurrage claims assessment by 300%
• Why AI augments rather than replaces human expertise in shipping.
• Leadership advice for non-traditional career paths

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

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

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.

With business leaders facing volatile headlines and uncertainty heading into 2026, understanding the real economic signals has never mattered more. Principal Economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce of Stantec join host Victoria Meyer to break down the trends shaping the chemical industry, from the current state of macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds to the impact of policy moves, interest rates, and global demand. Together, they discuss how companies can separate data from sentiment, apply scenario planning, and stress-test their outlooks in a dynamic marketplace.

Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick explore the hard financial data leaders should be monitoring—ranging from bookings, backlogs, and billings to corporate profitability and the health of the consumer. They highlight how strategic pricing, scenario analysis, and a keen eye on the bond market can help chemical leaders build resilient plans for 2026 and beyond. The episode wraps with practical leadership advice for navigating unpredictability and maintaining confidence during uncertain times.

Victoria, Jeremy, and Patrick discuss the following:

• 2025–2026 Chemical Outlook: Modest growth expected and key market signals for decision-makers.
• Strategic planning approaches for uncertain economic conditions and scenario testing.
• How tariffs, taxes, and regulations in major markets impact chemicals.
• Data Over Hype: Focus on financial metrics (bookings, backlogs, billings) vs. market sentiment.
• Leading Through Uncertainty: Practical strategies for confident leadership during volatile times.

00:00 Chemical Summit 2025 Preview

05:08 "Planning with a Macroeconomic Focus"

10:15 "Business Growth Analysis Essentials"

13:10 2026 Economic Outlook Challenges

17:30 Plan for Contingencies, Stress Test

21:07 Rising Interest Payments: Global Impact

25:06 Strategic Pricing Amid Inflation Challenges

28:03 Focus on Hard Financial Data

31:28 Consumer Resilience Amid Economic Changes

33:02 Chemical Market's Post-Peak Adjustments

37:23 Bond Market's Impact on Mortgages

39:09 "Confidence in Informed Decisions"

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

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.