The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

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Now an independent company, Lummus Technology has become a leading technology developer for new capacity expansion investments in the industry. Their expertise, reputation, and skilled team are applying startup energy to excel independently and drive innovation. Leon De Bruyn, President and CEO of Lummus, an expert in the technology and chemicals, has played a crucial role in the growth and success of Lummus. Leon explores the remarkable transformation of Lummus, a more than one hundred-year-old startup in startup mode. 

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer welcomes Leon to share his wealth of knowledge and experience as he uncovers the secrets behind Lummus' remarkable evolution. Leon shares his leadership strengths and abilities and sheds light on Lummus' emphasis on portfolio expansion, growth, and incorporating new technology innovators. Exploring their focus on providing expertise throughout the value chain and their investment in innovative technologies, Leon shares Lummus’ interest in energy transition and market growth. 

Learn more about the following topics this week:

  • Challenges and opportunities of creating a new standalone company on the shoulders of an old company
  • Shifting mindsets: From engineering hours to customer value and technology
  • Instilling a new culture to drive growth and innovation
  • The role of digitization in Lummus' business 
  • Building a technology portfolio for the future

Victoria and Leon discuss Lummus’ accomplishments, its plans for the future, and the importance of leadership in navigating challenges, all while maintaining a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us as we uncover Lummus' fascinating story and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving chemical industry.

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01:31 Leon de Bruyn’s origin story
2:40 100 year-old technology company in startup mode
4:42 Challenges and opportunities in carving out a technology business
8:39 How Lummus has become more customer-centric
15:34 Redefining company culture to support new business structure and strategy
18:20 The role of digitization in enabling Net Zero carbon goals
24:02 Aligning values and goals to create a successful partnership
26:15 Future portfolio growth opportunities for Lummus Technology

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 The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business?

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.

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