Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Unprecedented transformation is shaping the chemical industry's talent landscape as companies prioritize digitalization and commercial fluency over traditional experience. Victoria Meyer is joined by Lisa Brantley, Head of Client Consulting and Executive Search for the Americas at Mercuri Urval, to discuss how global market shifts, AI, and structural change are redefining what chemical executives need for success in 2025 and beyond.
Victoria and Lisa break down the widening talent gaps, the strategic importance of cross-functional leadership, and the rising demand for interim leaders and specialized roles. The conversation highlights the nuances of recruiting in North America versus Europe, effective use of LinkedIn for career mobility, and actionable guidance for succession planning. These insights help chemical industry professionals understand how to prepare themselves and their teams for the growth cycles ahead.
Victoria and Lisa discuss the following topics:
- Why 2025 was surprisingly strong for executive searches and transformation-focused hiring in chemicals.
- How talent shortages are impacting early-career professionals and senior leaders.
- 2026 hiring outlook: specialty roles, streamlined leadership, and the push for digital and sustainable growth.
- Navigating the US-Europe pay gap and international recruiting challenges.
- How leaders can quantify results, grow networks, and build cross-functional skills.
Killer Quote: "I would challenge a leader who might be part of this discussion to think about, okay, who am I building up in my organization to prepare myself for what we know and what we hope is going to be ahead in the next three to five years?" - Lisa Brantley
***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
***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:
World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.
Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com
World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.
Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com
Creators and Guests
What is The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business?
Looking to lead, grow, and stay ahead in the trillion-dollar global chemical industry? The Chemical Show - the #1 business podcast for the chemical industry - is your go-to resource for leadership insights, business strategies, and real-world lessons from the executives shaping the future of chemicals. Grow your knowledge, your network, and your impact.
Each week, you'll hear from executives from across the industry - from Fortune 50 to midsize to startups. You’ll hear how they're tacking today's challenges and opportunities, their origin story (what got them here!), how you can take and apply these lessons and insights to your own business and career.
We talk:
- Business Transformation
- Innovation
- Digitization of business
- Strategy
- Supply Chain
- and so much more
Founder and host Victoria King Meyer is an expert interviewer - who brings out the best in each guest. She gained her industry experience at leading companies, including Shell, LyondellBasell and Clariant. Today, she is a high-performance coach and advisor to business leaders in chemicals and energy, as well as the host of The Chemical Show podcast, and founder of The Chemical Summit.
Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest!
Websites:
https://www.thechemicalshow.com
https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
https://www.progressioglobal.com