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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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

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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

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube

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