Speciality Sessions – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Speciality Sessions

Natasha Klymczuk

Science

Frequency: 1 episode/14d. Total Eps: 15

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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Recent rankings

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Apple Podcasts

🇩🇪 Germany - chemistry
19/08/2026
#49
🇺🇸 USA - chemistry
19/08/2026
#78
🇫🇷 France - chemistry
19/08/2026
#39
🇬🇧 Great Britain - chemistry
18/08/2026
#79
🇩🇪 Germany - chemistry
18/08/2026
#48
🇺🇸 USA - chemistry
18/08/2026
#76
🇫🇷 France - chemistry
18/08/2026
#38
🇬🇧 Great Britain - chemistry
17/08/2026
#79
🇩🇪 Germany - chemistry
17/08/2026
#46
🇺🇸 USA - chemistry
17/08/2026
#70

Spotify

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Score global : 63%

Publication history

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Latest published episodes

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Session #1 | A Noble Profession: David Jukes on Leadership and the Future of Chemicals

Season 1 · Episode 1

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 37:30

In this inaugural episode of Speciality Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk interviews David Jukes, CEO of Univar Solutions.

David shares his unique journey into the chemical industry, emphasising the importance of education and the need for better communication about career opportunities in chemistry.

He discusses the noble nature of the profession, the challenges faced by the industry, and the role of innovation and resilience in overcoming these obstacles.

David also reflects on his leadership experiences, the impact of AI on the future of work, and the essential value of chemistry to society. He concludes with advice for the younger generation, encouraging them to trust their instincts and be authentically themselves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Speciality Sessions

00:58 David's Journey into the Chemical Industry

06:26 The Importance of Education in Chemistry

11:30 Chemistry: A Good and Noble Profession

16:35 Leadership Lessons from David's Career

25:02 Navigating Challenges in the Chemical Industry

34:11 Innovation and Resilience in Chemistry

39:04 The Role of AI in the Future of Leadership

47:22 The Value of Chemistry to Society

52:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Younger Generation

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Trailer: David Jukes, Chemistry's Role & Risks in Modern Life

Season 1 · Episode 1

Monday, December 1, 2025 • Duration 00:31

TRAILER: Speciality Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk interviews David Jukes, CEO of Universe Solutions. David shares his unique journey into the chemical industry, emphasising the importance of education and the need for better communication about career opportunities in chemistry.

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Session #2 | From Founder-Led to PE-Backed: James Clews on What Really Changes in an SME

Season 1 · Episode 2

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 34:36

In this conversation, James Clews, Managing Director of Technikraft, discusses the various career paths available, emphasising that there is no singular right choice.

He highlights the advantages of working in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly the flexibility and quick decision-making that come with smaller teams and structures.

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Session #3 | Half a Shoe Size Too Big: Julia Schlenz on Growing Into Leadership

Season 1 · Episode 3

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • Duration 36:54

In this episode, Natasha Klymczuk interviews Julia Schlenz, President of Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India at Dow. Julia shares her unique career journey from public relations to the chemical industry, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and psychological safety in leadership. She discusses the challenges and opportunities within the chemical sector, particularly in relation to innovation and regulatory constraints. Julia also highlights the distinctive culture at Dow that fosters integrity and performance, and offers valuable advice for early career talent and her younger self.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julia Schlenz and Dow

01:56 Career Journey: From Public Relations to Chemicals

05:58 Building Credibility in a Technical Environment

09:58 Evolution of Leadership: From Proving to Supporting

14:01 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams

17:54 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

21:58 Supporting Early Career Talent

26:02 The Distinctive Culture at Dow

29:57 Opportunities and Challenges in the Chemical Sector

34:03 Innovation and the Future of Chemicals

35:58 Advice to Younger Self

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Session #5 | From Chemist to CEO: Marcus Jordan on Careers, Courage and Change

Season 1 · Episode 5

Monday, February 2, 2026 • Duration 37:00

In this episode, Marcus Jordan, CEO of IMCD, shares insights on the importance of distribution careers, the transition from technical to commercial roles, and the value of diverse experiences in building a successful career. He emphasizes the need for enthusiasm in leadership, the role of AI in transforming distribution, and the significance of work-life balance. Marcus encourages young talent to consider distribution as a dynamic and exciting career path, highlighting the industry's agility and the opportunities it presents for future-proofing careers.

Takeaways

People are the biggest asset in any organization.
Distribution offers diverse career opportunities.
Transitioning from technical to commercial roles can be rewarding.
Diverse experiences enhance leadership capabilities.
Managing enthusiasm in teams is crucial for success.
Communication with management is key for career growth.
AI can streamline processes in distribution.
Agility in distribution allows for adaptation to market changes.
Work-life balance is essential for effective leadership.
Encouraging young talent is vital for the industry's future.

Chapters

00:00 Inspiring the Next Generation

04:20 The Value of Distribution Careers

10:37 Transitioning from Technical to Commercial Roles

13:01 The Importance of Diverse Experiences

20:15 Managing Enthusiasm in Leadership

21:21 Navigating Career Changes

22:57 The Role of AI in Distribution

27:13 Future-Proofing Careers in Distribution

28:57 Agility and Team Dynamics

30:20 Work-Life Balance as a Leader

Session #4 | From Print to Pixels: Andrew Warmington on Trade Media, Trust and Telling the Industry’s Story

Season 1 · Episode 4

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 23:55

In this conversation, Andrew Warmington discusses the contrasting marketing strategies of large corporations and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). He highlights the challenges SMEs face in gaining media coverage compared to bigger players with substantial marketing budgets. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of unique contributions from lesser-known companies in attracting media attention.

Takeaways

- Big players have larger marketing budgets and dedicated teams.

- Editors are interested in featuring unique companies.

- SMEs don't need to struggle to get media coverage.

- Networking at industry shows is crucial to build trade media relationships.

- Unique contributions can attract media interest.

- Editors appreciate new and interesting stories.

- Marketing strategies vary significantly between large and small companies.

- Engagement with media can lead to better coverage for SMEs.

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Session #6 | Dare and Care: Antje Gerber on Leading Transformation Through Cycle Pressure

Season 1 · Episode 6

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 24:18

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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sasol and Antje Gerber

00:51 Sasol's South African Heritage and Global Perspective

02:27 Transformation in the Chemical Industry

04:45 Managing Change and Employee Morale

08:25 Cultural Shifts and Leadership in Transformation

10:49 Balancing Optimism and Realism in Leadership

12:11 Understanding Seysol's Global Impact

13:06 Cultural Differences in Leadership

14:47 Chemicals and Energy Transition

15:37 Leadership Adaptability Across Different Companies

18:51 The Importance of Diverse Experience in Leadership

20:24 Passion for the Chemical Industry

21:28 Future Opportunities in the Chemical Sector

22:42 Advice for the Next Generation in Chemistry

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Session #7 | Passion and Discipline in Practice: Martin John on Leading Through Transformation

Season 1 · Episode 7

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Duration 31:40

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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Martin John and KRAHN Chemie Group

00:55 Transitioning from Production to Distribution

05:56 Finding Passion in Chemistry

09:19 Leadership Lessons from a Diverse Career

11:23 Navigating the Shift to Agile Organizations

13:28 Balancing Progress and Patience as a CEO

15:14 Lessons Learned in Leadership

18:03 The Marathon of Change

19:45 Listening to Understand

22:42 Deciding When to Act

24:26 Navigating Structural Changes

27:00 Skills for Future Leaders

29:19 Advice for Young Professionals

31:30 Next Episode

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Session #8 | The Financial Side of Chemicals: Dr Bernd Schneider on M&A and Value Creation

Season 1 · Episode 8

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 • Duration 27:44

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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bernd Schneider and Stiefel

02:47 Understanding the Chemicals Sector and Its Opportunities

03:46 Misconceptions About M&A in the Chemical Industry

05:19 Impact of Ownership Change on Employees

07:20 Advice for CEOs During Ownership Changes

09:43 Common Surprises in Post-M&A Scenarios

10:50 Shifts in the Chemical Asset Buying Landscape

12:05 Evaluating Value in the Bio Landscape

12:29 Strategic vs Financial Buyers

13:54 Current Market Dynamics in Chemical Assets

15:04 Characteristics of Good Chemical Assets

18:21 Future Predictions for M&A Activity

21:56 Transitioning from Chemistry to Finance

26:59 Advice to My Younger Self

Session #9 | Mistakes Can Change the Course of History: Jenn Klein on Resilience of the Chemical Industry

Season 1 · Episode 9

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 31:49

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

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Speciality Sessions – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Speciality Sessions – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify