{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Chemical Show: Leadership Conversations on Strategy, Supply Chain, Innovation, Talent and Trends","title":"Transforming Hexion: CEO Michael Lefenfeld on Innovation, AI, and Leading With Customer Focus - Ep. 223","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/1cdb9ced\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1805,"description":"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. \nVictoria 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. \n \nVictoria and Michael discuss the following topics: \nHow Hexion evolved from a 150-year-old chemical supplier into a customer-focused, technology-driven solutions company. \nRunning a chemical business with PE speed: fast decisions, strategic pivots, and compressed timelines. \nLeveraging partnerships and external innovation \nDeploying AI systems to boost operational efficiency and reshape workforce skills. \nBuilding successful chemical careers through curiosity, diverse thinking, and strategic humility. \n \nKiller 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 \n00:00 Innovative Career in Tech Transformation \n\n03:18 \"Journey into Private Equity\" \n\n07:30 Hexion's Innovation-Driven Transformation \n\n10:25...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/rIWBq6x3GKwCrdS9ibBekoi3MKKGzbqaa2KvU21DRho/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mMjMz/ZTBmOTVlZWIyODA1/NDYwMDFhMTAzMzU5/OGEzNy5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}