Chemical Show: Business, Leadership, Supply Chain, Talent, AI, Trends - Conversations and more

Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas.  Visit thechemicalsummit.com

On this episode of The Chemical Show, Geoff Smith, partner at Mercer, joins Victoria Meyer to unpack what’s really changing in the chemical industry’s talent landscape. Drawing on Mercer’s recent Global Talent Trends Survey, Geoff explains why employee thriving is down, especially among managers, and what leaders can do to support and engage their people in a fast-changing, tech-enabled world. 


Victoria and Geoff discuss the impact of AI and rapid change on jobs, the shift toward flatter organizational structures, and how career progression is evolving. They offer actionable advice for leaders and professionals: communicate with authenticity, clarify career paths, and foster continual learning. The importance of context and judgment, alongside technology skills, gets special attention. 


Tune in for key takeaways: 

  • Why employee thriving is dropping and what this means for managers 
  • How AI and technology are changing, but not replacing, critical roles 
  • The reality of career paths in a flatter organization 
  • Leadership priorities: building skills, supporting managers, and clear communication 
  • Practical guidance for professionals navigating the “messy middle” of their careers 

Killer Quote: "You own your career and the trajectory. Always invest in yourself by continuous learning... It should be okay to ask questions so that you get clarity so that you can do your job." -- Geoff Smith 

Creators and Guests

Host
Victoria King Meyer
Founder & Host of The Chemical Show + The Chemical Summit; Victoria brings 25+ years industry leadership experience including Shell and Clariant and a Victoria brings a practical, business-focused perspective to conversations about leadership, strategy, innovation, and the forces shaping the future of the chemical industry.to

What is Chemical Show: Business, Leadership, Supply Chain, Talent, AI, Trends - Conversations and more?

Looking to lead, grow, and stay ahead in the global chemical industry?

The Chemical Show is the #1 business podcast for the chemical industry, bringing you leadership insights, business strategies, industry trends, and real-world lessons from the executives shaping the business of chemicals.

Each week, host Victoria King Meyer sits down with leaders from across the chemical industry, from Fortune 50 companies to mid-sized businesses and innovative startups. You’ll hear how they’re navigating today’s challenges and opportunities, the experiences that shaped their leadership, and the insights you can apply to your own business and career.

Conversations explore the issues that matter to chemical industry leaders, including:

• Business strategy and growth
• Leadership and talent
• Innovation and technology
• AI and digital transformation
• Supply chain and operational resilience
• Markets, customers, and industry trends

Victoria brings more than 25 years of chemical industry experience from companies including Shell, LyondellBasell, and Clariant. Today, she is an executive advisor and coach, founder of The Chemical Summit, and host of The Chemical Show.

Whether you’re an executive, business leader, or rising leader in chemicals and materials, The Chemical Show helps you stay informed, think differently, and lead with greater impact.

Follow The Chemical Show on LinkedIn and join the conversation. (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chemical-show/)

The Chemical Show: https://www.thechemicalshow.com
The Chemical Summit: https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
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