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Speciality Sessions: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Natasha Klymczuk
Speciality Sessions is a podcast by Kelham Partners, the executive search and talent advisory firm for the global Specialty Chemicals & Ingredients sector. Hosted by Natasha Klymczuk, it explores the people, ideas, and trends shaping the industry; from transformation and sustainability to innovation, culture, and careers. Conversations that connect science, leadership, and the people driving change.
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- 4 days ago29 min
Session #13 | Building For the Long Term: Thoralf Gliese on Leadership, Innovation & Private Ownership
In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Thoralf Gliese, Chief Commercial Officer at Omya.With more than 20 years inside one of the world’s leading specialty materials businesses, Thoralf shares his perspective on transferable skills, innovation, leadership, customer intimacy, and why long-term thinking matters more than ever in today’s market environment.The conversation explores the evolution of chemical distribution, the value of adjacent sector experience, how innovation creates resilience during downturns, and the differences between privately owned and publicly listed businesses when it comes to decision-making and strategy.Thoralf also reflects on his own career journey from the paper industry into specialty materials, the importance of staying connected to academia and science, and why some of the best opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone.Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:21 - From Paper Industry to Omya01:41 - Moving Beyond One Industry02:24 - Staying Connected to Academia & Science03:16 - Attracting Young Talent into Chemicals05:24 - Why Customer Proximity Matters07:03 - Moving from Technical to Commercial Roles08:09 - Transferable Skills & Adjacent Sector Hiring10:54 - How to Successfully Onboard Cross-Industry Talent12:32 - Omya’s Evolution into Distribution14:17 - Changing Market Perception & Strategic Focus17:49 - Innovation & Technical Credibility19:29 - Innovation During Market Downturns20:59 - Long-Term Thinking in Difficult Markets21:33 - Private Ownership & Thinking in Generations23:01 - Strategic Decision-Making in Private Businesses25:03 - Leadership During Challenging Markets25:30 - What Good Leadership Actually Looks Like26:44 - Why Communication Is Critical in Leadership27:12 - Career Change, Risk & Leaving Your Comfort Zone28:29 - Final Reflections on Leadership & Communication
- 2 weeks ago36 min
Session #12 | Beyond Compliance: Chris Brown on Sustainability & Commercial Value
In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Chris Brown, VP ESG at Synthomer.From starting his career in environmental engineering to leading ESG strategy at one of the world’s leading specialty polymer businesses, Chris shares a commercially grounded perspective on sustainability, innovation and the future direction of the chemical industry.This conversation goes beyond compliance and reporting - into how sustainability creates competitive advantage, why commercial teams are central to innovation, and how chemistry underpins almost every aspect of modern life.Chapters00:00 - Introduction & Chris Brown’s Background02:00 - Perceptions of the Chemical Industry05:40 - Why Chemistry Has a Branding Problem09:15 - Why Chemistry Underpins Modern Life10:00 - Sustainability as Long-Term Strategy12:15 - Why Sustainability Must Be Embedded Into Business Strategy14:10 - Reframing Sustainability Around Commercial Value15:30 - The Role of Commercial Teams in Sustainable Innovation18:20 - Building Customer Relationships Through Sustainability21:25 - Innovation Timing & Market Readiness24:15 - Who Really Drives Innovation in the Value Chain?25:55 - Reasons for Optimism in the Chemicals Sector26:30 - China’s Five-Year Plan & Global Competition28:00 - How Chemistry Enables Sustainable Outcomes31:30 - Advice for Sustainability Leaders33:45 - Changing Perspectives on Sustainability & Leadership
- May 5, 202630 min
Session #11 | Leadership Without All The Answers: Anna Bertona on Judgement, Complexity and Building Teams
In the first episode of Season 2 of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Anna Bertona, CEO of Azelis.From entering the chemicals industry without a traditional background, to leading one of the world’s top distribution businesses, Anna shares a candid view on leadership, decision-making, and what it really takes to operate in a complex, high-performance environment.This conversation goes beyond the headlines - into how leaders actually think, hire, and make decisions when the stakes are high.Chapters00:00 - Introduction & About Azelis02:00 - Breaking Misconceptions in Chemical Distribution03:45 - What Makes the Distribution Model So Powerful05:00 - Manufacturing vs Distribution: Why Transitions Are Hard06:45 - Leadership Style: Empowerment vs Accountability08:20 - How Leadership Evolves Over Time09:10 - The Behaviours That Destroy High-Performing Teams10:05 - Scaling Culture in a Global Business11:50 - Hiring for ‘Why’, Not Just Job Specs12:50 - Consulting vs Industry Thinking14:40 - Decision-Making Without Perfect Information16:00 - Women in Leadership & Industry Progress19:40 - The Real Challenge: Retaining Talent21:00 - What Makes a Great Leadership Team23:00 - The Toughest Career Moments24:15 - Letting Go of the ‘Super Specialist’ Mindset25:20 - Advice for First-Time Senior Leaders26:30 - Navigating a Challenging Market29:40 - What Anna Changed Her Mind About
- Apr 14, 202626 min
Session #10 | Stay Calm and Carry On: Christian Kohlpaintner on Resilience in Leadership
In this final episode of the first series of "Speciality Sessions," host Natasha Klymczuk sits down with Christian Kohlpaintner, a seasoned leader in the chemical industry, to discuss the art of resilience and leadership. Christian shares insights from his extensive career, including his transition from CEO at Brenntag to a supervisory role at Evonik. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the European chemical sector, the importance of building resilient business models, and the role of mentorship and coaching in personal and professional growth. Christian also offers valuable advice for leaders at all levels on fostering team resilience and navigating career transitions.Chapters:[00:10] Introduction and Welcome[01:28] Opportunities in the European Chemical Sector[03:07] Building Resilient Business Models[06:43] Leadership and Team Resilience[09:59] Career Transitions and Taking Risks[14:02] Mentorship and Coaching[19:11] Leadership Challenges and Adjustments[21:19] Innovation in Distribution[25:25] Final Thoughts and Advice
- Mar 31, 202631 min
Session #9 | Mistakes Can Change the Course of History: Jenn Klein on Resilience of the Chemical Industry
Most chemical industry leaders don’t get the recognition they deserve — but Jenn Klein is changing that. As CEO of SOCMA, she reveals how the specialty chemical sector touches our daily lives in more ways than we realise, from water safety to electronics, and why understanding this industry’s power is crucial for the future.In this candid conversation, Jen shares her unexpected journey into chemicals, from political science to industry advocate, and explains why her passion lies in supporting the unsung heroes behind the products we use every day. You'll discover how the sector's nimbleness and problem-solving mindset are shaping resilient, innovative companies that are investing strategically despite global uncertainties.ChaptersIntro: Leadership & Influence - 00:00SOCMA & CEO Role - 05:24Leadership Transition - 07:33Sector Pathways - 09:13Sustainability Connection - 11:24Unique Industry Traits - 13:15Value Chain Communication - 15:25Underappreciated Areas - 17:02Attracting Talent - 19:10Career Growth - 20:36SOCMA Advocacy - 22:10Industry Voice - 24:03Regulatory Challenges - 25:01Hazard vs. Risk - 27:22Manufacturing Trends - 29:26Agility in Disruption - 31:47Reshoring Momentum - 33:21Talent & Diversity - 36:09Mentorship & Leadership - 38:23Self-Awareness & Learning - 40:44Embracing Failure - 43:12Life Mantra - 44:34
- Mar 17, 202627 min
Session #8 | The Financial Side of Chemicals: Dr Bernd Schneider on M&A and Value Creation
In this episode, Bernd Schneider, Global Co-Head of Chemicals at Stifel, discusses the intricacies of M&A in the chemical industry, addressing misconceptions, the impact of ownership changes, and the evolving landscape of buyers. He shares insights on what makes a good chemical asset, the challenges faced in post-M&A scenarios, and offers advice for CEOs navigating ownership changes. Bernd also reflects on his unique journey from a polymer chemist to investment banking, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in career development.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bernd Schneider and Stiefel02:47 Understanding the Chemicals Sector and Its Opportunities03:46 Misconceptions About M&A in the Chemical Industry05:19 Impact of Ownership Change on Employees07:20 Advice for CEOs During Ownership Changes09:43 Common Surprises in Post-M&A Scenarios10:50 Shifts in the Chemical Asset Buying Landscape12:05 Evaluating Value in the Bio Landscape12:29 Strategic vs Financial Buyers13:54 Current Market Dynamics in Chemical Assets15:04 Characteristics of Good Chemical Assets18:21 Future Predictions for M&A Activity21:56 Transitioning from Chemistry to Finance26:59 Advice to My Younger Self
- Mar 3, 202631 min
Session #7 | Passion and Discipline in Practice: Martin John on Leading Through Transformation
In this episode, Natasha Klymczuk interviews Martin John, CEO of KRAHN Chemie Group, discussing his transition from a large manufacturing company to a more agile distribution role. Martin shares insights on leadership, the importance of chemistry in various industries, and the challenges of adapting to a new organizational structure. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships, enabling value, and learning from experiences in the chemical industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Martin John and KRAHN Chemie Group00:55 Transitioning from Production to Distribution05:56 Finding Passion in Chemistry09:19 Leadership Lessons from a Diverse Career11:23 Navigating the Shift to Agile Organizations13:28 Balancing Progress and Patience as a CEO15:14 Lessons Learned in Leadership18:03 The Marathon of Change19:45 Listening to Understand22:42 Deciding When to Act24:26 Navigating Structural Changes27:00 Skills for Future Leaders29:19 Advice for Young Professionals31:30 Next Episode
- Feb 17, 202624 min
Session #6 | Dare and Care: Antje Gerber on Leading Transformation Through Cycle Pressure
In this episode of Specialty Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk speaks with Antje Gerber, EVP INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS at Sasol, about the company's transformation in the chemical industry, its South African heritage, and the importance of leadership during challenging times. Antje shares insights on managing change, fostering employee morale, and the need for optimism and realism in leadership. The conversation also touches on the role of chemicals in energy transition and the significance of diverse experiences in leadership roles.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sasol and Antje Gerber00:51 Sasol's South African Heritage and Global Perspective02:27 Transformation in the Chemical Industry04:45 Managing Change and Employee Morale08:25 Cultural Shifts and Leadership in Transformation10:49 Balancing Optimism and Realism in Leadership12:11 Understanding Seysol's Global Impact13:06 Cultural Differences in Leadership14:47 Chemicals and Energy Transition15:37 Leadership Adaptability Across Different Companies18:51 The Importance of Diverse Experience in Leadership20:24 Passion for the Chemical Industry21:28 Future Opportunities in the Chemical Sector22:42 Advice for the Next Generation in Chemistry
About Speciality Sessions
Speciality Sessions is a podcast by Kelham Partners, the executive search and talent advisory firm for the global Specialty Chemicals & Ingredients sector. Hosted by Natasha Klymczuk, it explores the people, ideas, and trends shaping the industry; from transformation and sustainability to innovation, culture, and careers. Conversations that connect science, leadership, and the people driving change.
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