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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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

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

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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!

Tariffs are shaking up the global chemical industry this year, creating uncertainty and shifting longstanding trade routes in unexpected ways. Victoria Meyer is joined by Joseph Chang and Al Greenwood of ICIS Chemical Business to break down the latest round of tariffs, including the dramatic 145% rate on Chinese imports and the sweeping, if temporary, 10% baseline affecting nearly every other country. They analyze how chemical markets from the US to Europe and Asia are being impacted, exploring falling product prices, disrupted supply chains, and the broader economic pressures facing manufacturers and end users alike.

With insights into policy-driven chaos, shifting sourcing strategies, and the growing ripple effects on sectors like housing and automotive, this episode highlights why strategic scenario planning, supply chain transparency, and adaptability are more critical than ever for chemical leaders.

Get ready for an in-depth look at these topics this week:

• Exploring the 2025 tariff policies and how they are reshaping chemical trade flows
• The economic ripple effects of the tariff policies
• Supply chain resilience and why chemical companies must map their entire supply chains
• Energy market dynamics: what is benefitting US chemical producers and what are the challenges
• Strategic planning in uncertainty and navigating the 90-day tariff pause

Killer Quote: "Look at your supply chains. Which products are you getting from Vietnam? Which products are you getting from lower tariff countries? And see where is the most advantageous supplier with the tariffs, and also look at product substitution... You have to be cognizant, not just of your supplies, but also your products. Which products could be affected by influx of displaced shipments?" - Al Greenwood

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What happens when scientific curiosity collides with entrepreneurial spirit? Dr. Charlie Landis shares his journey from studying geochemistry to becoming the Chief Technology Officer at Integrity Biochem. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Charlie elaborates on how his unique ability to connect disparate datasets has driven innovations in oilfield chemicals and beyond. This conversation reveals the process behind developing IBC’s first-of-its-kind encapsulation technology, which enhances hydrocarbon production by mitigating reservoir clogging with a unique polymer chemistry.

Host Victoria Meyer and Charlie discuss Integrity Biochem's strategic expansion into biosurfactants, an area sparked by an emergent young scientist during the COVID-19 pandemic. With insights into navigating new markets and valuing scientific innovation, Charlie reflects on the 'unseen challenge' of combining commercialization with scientific inquiry. Their discussion unfolds essential advice for young professionals, emphasizing passion, informed decision-making, and readiness to leap on new opportunities. Tune in to discover how Integrity Biochem continues to set a benchmark in chemical sustainability and innovation.

This week, we explore these topics in detail:

• The journey from scientific curiosity to commercial innovation and what it requires.
• The demands for building a successful startup in the chemical industry.
• Decisive leadership during uncertainty and balancing long-term vision with immediate challenges.
• What it takes to transition from familiar markets to entirely new ones.
• Scientific career success: reliable expertise, passionate dedication, and informed decision-making.

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As the world faces one of the longest chemical downcycles and a shifting global dynamic, Kendall Justiniano, founder and managing director of GrowthArc Advisors, offers a compelling perspective on how companies in the chemical industry can navigate the challenges of sustainability and innovation in today's economic climate. Justin and The Chemical Show host Victoria Meyer discuss the importance of reassessing portfolios based on fundamentals.

With a wealth of experience across various industry sectors, Kendall shares insights on tapping into untapped growth opportunities through strategic transformation, while maintaining a keen focus on the fundamentals of business growth. Victoria and Kendall discuss the evolving landscape of sustainability, exploring how companies can align their strategies with economic realities without compromising on long-term goals. They also highlight the need for chemical companies to bolster their core capabilities in market-driven innovation and commercial excellence, drawing parallels from lessons learned in the tech sector.

Get ready to explore these topics in depth this week:

• Chemical industry's current downcycle
• Sustainability in a cost-constrained environment
• Economic context and challenges in chemicals
• China's structural economic issues
• Risk assessment and portfolio management

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