DigiChem Dialogues

About DigiChem Dialogues

DigiChem Dialogues is a dynamic podcast series hosted by Agilis Commerce, dedicated to exploring the transformative impact of digital technology in the chemical industry. Each episode features insightful discussions with industry executives and thought leaders who share their experiences, best practices, and innovative strategies for navigating digital transformation. Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into: Practical Approaches: Learn about effective methods for implementing digital solutions in chemical distribution and manufacturing. Data Protection Strategies: Understand the importance of safeguarding data in an increasingly digital landscape. Engagement Techniques: Discover ways to enhance internal and customer engagement through digital tools. Regulatory Navigation: Explore solutions for overcoming regulatory challenges unique to the chemical sector. Join us as we delve into real-world examples and actionable insights that empower organizations to thrive in the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned executive or new to the field, DigiChem Dialogues offers a collaborative platform for learning and growth in the ever-evolving landscape of the chemical industry. Tune in to connect with experts and stay ahead of the curve in digital transformation.

Publisher

Agilis

Category

business · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Nov 2024

Latest episode

21 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Jul 2026

   Getting ROI from AI: 3 Pillars of Value Creation and Why They Matter | Dr. Krishnan Sankaranarayanan, Former CDO, SABIC Aramco

   Nearly every chemical company is investing in AI. Most executives are still asking the same question: where does the business value actually come from? In this episode of DigiChem Dialogues, host Jay Bhatia sits down with Dr. Krishnan Sankaranarayanan — former Chief Digital Officer at SABIC Aramco, a 12-year ExxonMobil veteran, and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Princeton — to break down why so many AI initiatives fail to deliver, and what separates the companies that get real ROI from those still stuck in pilot mode. Krishnan lays out the three pillars of AI value creation: the data foundation, change management, and — most critically — solving the right problems. He shares candid, firsthand examples from his time at SABIC of initiatives that worked, ones that didn't, and the key differentiators between the two. Key topics covered: Why most companies are still in the "disciplined experimentation" phase of AI, and what it actually takes to reach enterprise-scale value. What an AI-ready data foundation looks like in a chemical company — and where most organizations quietly fall short. Why change management, not technology, is usually the bigger obstacle to AI adoption, and the specific moments where it breaks down. The most common — and costly — mistake companies make: executing well on the wrong problem. Where AI is generating real, durable ROI in chemicals today (and where it's still more hype than reality). The one thing Krishnan says every company should get right before spending a single dollar on AI. Krishnan currently teaches AI for Chemical Engineers at the University of Houston and AI Transformation for executives at Columbia University. 🔗 Watch the full episode (https://digichemdialogues.agiliscommerce.com/getting-roi-from-ai-3-pillars-value-creation-krishnan-sankaranarayanan) #DigiChemDialogues #AI #ChemicalIndustry #DigitalTransformation #AIROI

2. 

   17 Jun 2026

   Sniper Marketing: Winning Complex B2B Accounts in Today's Digital Age | Jörg-Holger Krause, SABIC

   In complex B2B, the customer does not exist. What exists is a network of people — engineers, buyers, managers, and users — each with different incentives, and most companies still market to all of them with the same generic message. In this episode of DigiChem Dialogues, host Jay Bhatia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybhatia2017/) sits down with Jörg-Holger Krause (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhkrause/), Manager of Sales Excellence at SABIC (https://www.sabic.com), for a conversation built on nearly five decades of experience across Hüls, Evonik, DSM, and SABIC, spanning Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. Jörg makes the case for what he calls Sniper Marketing — Refined Accounts-Based Marketing — a precision approach to B2B selling that replaces the shotgun method of mass campaigns with targeted, stakeholder-specific value messaging. He walks through the three types of buying influencers every complex account contains, how value mapping works across an entire industry value chain using a real example from plastics packaging, why sales and marketing should operate as one unified function rather than two competing departments, and where AI genuinely helps precision selling versus where it just creates more noise. Key topics covered: Why the idea of a single "customer persona" breaks down in complex B2B accounts, and what to replace it with. The three buying influencers in every deal — economic, technical, and user — and why each one needs a completely different message. How to map value creation across an entire industry value chain, using a real-world example from plastics packaging. Why "smarketing" — sales and marketing operating as one team rather than two silos — produces better results than either function working alone. How AI is already changing both marketing content production and sales enablement, and what to watch out for as adoption accelerates. A practical first step for any commercial or marketing leader looking to apply this approach starting this week. Whether you sell chemicals, plastics, industrial materials, or any complex B2B product with multiple decision-makers in the room, this conversation will change the way you think about who you're actually selling to. Show Notes / Guest Bio: Jörg-Holger Krause (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhkrause/) is Manager of Sales Excellence at SABIC (https://www.sabic.com) and has spent nearly five decades in chemical sales and marketing across Hüls (now part of Evonik), DSM, and SABIC, working across Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. He has led sales excellence programs, launched early digital commerce and e-shop tools in the plastics industry, and developed the Refined Accounts-Based Marketing methodology used by commercial teams to win complex, multi-stakeholder B2B accounts. He is the developer of ValueWe, a value-mapping workflow tool built in partnership with Double Loop. Jay Bhatia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybhatia2017/) is the Founder and CEO of Agilis (https://www.agiliscommerce.com) and host of DigiChem Dialogues — a monthly series bringing together senior commercial and digital leaders in the chemical industry.

3. 

   29 Apr 2026

   Winning in the Age of AI: New Growth Playbook for Chemical Companies | Dan Futter, Dow & Chris Musso, McKinsey

   What does it actually take to win commercially in the age of AI — and how is it different from what chemical companies have done before? In this episode of DigiChem Dialogues, host Jay Bhatia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybhatia2017/) sits down with Dan Futter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-futter-0797283b/), Chief Commercial Officer at Dow (https://www.dow.com), and Chris Musso (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismusso/), Senior Partner and Global Chemicals Lead at McKinsey (https://www.mckinsey.com), for an unscripted conversation on one of the most urgent questions facing the chemical industry right now. Dan and Chris pull no punches. From AI-mediated customer discovery and the death of traditional SEO, to the data foundation every company needs before any of this works, to why the bottleneck for most chemical companies right now isn't operations — it's commercial growth. Key topics covered: How AI is fundamentally changing the way chemical buyers discover and evaluate products — and what that means for your go-to-market strategy. Why putting a chatbot on your website isn't enough — and what Dow has actually built to prepare for the AI-mediated search era, including a generative AI search agent going live on Dow.com June 1st. How AI agents are being used to find new customers, qualify leads, and handle early-stage conversations at a scale no sales team could match. Why clean, structured, and contextual product master data is the non-negotiable foundation — and how to think about getting there. What will separate chemical companies that scale AI into a real growth engine from those still stuck in pilots three years from now. Whether you run a $50M specialty chemical business or a $5B global operation, this conversation will give you a clear-eyed view of where the industry is heading and what you need to do about it. Show Notes / Guest Bios: Dan Futter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-futter-0797283b/) is the Chief Commercial Officer at Dow (https://www.dow.com), one of the world's largest chemical companies with over $40B in annual revenue. Dan has led commercial transformation at Dow for over 30 years, including building out Dow.com into a major digital demand generation engine and spearheading the company's AI-driven commercial strategy. Chris Musso (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismusso/) is a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company (https://www.mckinsey.com) and leads the firm's global chemicals practice. Chris has advised chemical companies around the world on commercial transformation, AI adoption, and growth strategy, and holds a PhD in materials commercialization. Jay Bhatia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybhatia2017/) is the Founder and CEO of Agilis Commerce (https://www.agiliscommerce.com) and host of DigiChem Dialogues — an executive series bringing together the most senior commercial and digital minds in the chemical industry.

4. 

   17 Mar 2026

   You Can’t Cook AI in a Dirty Kitchen: Data & Architecture Foundations with Allnex CIO

   AI is on every agenda, but in the chemical industry, most initiatives struggle for a simple reason: the foundation isn’t ready. In this episode of DigiChem Dialogues, Jilles Eissen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilleseissen/?originalSubdomain=nl) (Global CIO, Allnex (https://allnex.com/en)) joins Jay Bhatia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybhatia2017/) (CEO, Agilis (https://agiliscommerce.com/)) to break down why “you can’t cook AI in a dirty kitchen,” and what it actually takes to make AI deliver real outcomes. Drawing from experience across manufacturing, R&D, and enterprise systems, Jilles explains how years of growth, acquisitions, and local optimization have left many companies with “spaghetti kitchens”: complex, fragmented landscapes that AI will only amplify. The path forward isn’t more tools, it’s better foundations: clear ownership, structured data, aligned processes, and architecture that reflects today’s company, not yesterday’s. What You’ll Learn Why AI amplifies messy data and disconnected systems What “data context” actually means in practice Where organizations lose control (R&D → production → commercial handoffs) Why data governance is a leadership responsibility—not an IT task How to move from “spaghetti” complexity to scalable, layered systems About the Guest Jilles Eissen is the Global CIO of Allnex, a leading producer of industrial coating resins and additives. He leads enterprise-wide digital transformation across data, architecture, and operations in a global manufacturing environment. About DigiChem Dialogues DigiChem Dialogues is a podcast series featuring leaders across the chemical industry, focused on practical insights in digital transformation, data strategy, and AI. Follow DigiChem Dialogues for more conversations with industry leaders on making digital transformation real in chemicals.

5. 

   15 May 2025

   Omnichannel Excellence & AI-Driven Innovation: Transforming Customer Experience at Henkel

   In this episode of DigiChem Dialogues, we sit down with Sebastian Förster, Manager of Customer Experience Activation at Henkel Adhesive Technologies and Henkel’s 2025 Corporate Influencer of the Year. Sebastian takes us inside Henkel’s approach to building immersive, value-driven customer experiences in a complex B2B world — blending digital tools, physical Inspiration Centers, and co-creation with customers to drive real impact. We discuss: ✅ How Henkel bridges physical and digital CX through innovation hubs like the Inspiration Center ✅ Practical strategies for co-creating with customers at scale ✅ Using data and feedback loops to drive continuous CX improvement ✅ Real-world AI use cases in marketing, R&D, and automation ✅ Why storytelling and emotion matter in B2B customer journeys ✅ Tips for chemical companies looking to start small and scale smart in digital transformation Whether you’re a CX leader, digital strategist, or marketer in the chemical industry, this episode is packed with insights you can act on. 🎧 Listen now and learn how customer-centric thinking can shape the future of B2B engagement. 📍 Watch the full episode on-demand: digichemdialogues.agiliscommerce.com/omnichannel-excellence-ai-driven-innovation-transforming-customer-experience-at-henkel (https://digichemdialogues.agiliscommerce.com/omnichannel-excellence-ai-driven-innovation-transforming-customer-experience-at-henkel)

6. 

   29 Jan 2025

   Leadership & Innovation in the Chemical Sector: A Conversation with Megan Gluth

   In this groundbreaking episode of DigiChem Dialogues, host Jay Bhatia interviews Megan Gluth, the pioneering CEO of Catalynt and the first female Chair of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD). Episode Highlights: An intimate look at Megan's remarkable journey from rural Iowa to leading a top chemical distribution company Insights into human-centered Capitalism and Innovative Leadership Strategies Exploring the transformative impact of digital technology and AI in the chemical industry Candid discussions about women's leadership and industry evolution Discover the critical demographic shifts reshaping the chemical workforce, with Millennials and Gen Z expected to comprise 75% of the industry within the next 4-5 years. Megan provides expert perspectives on how AI and digital technologies are revolutionizing chemical distribution and when digitalization will transition from a "nice to have" to a "must-have". About the Guest: Megan Gluth (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-gluth-bohan/) is the CEO & Owner of Catalynt Solutions, a certified women-owned chemical supplier recognized on the Puget Sound Business Journal's 2023 Middle Market Fast 50 list. She's also the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023 award. A must-listen for industry professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in the future of chemical distribution and innovative leadership. Hosted by Jay Bhatia, Founder and CEO of Agilis (http://www.agiliscommerce.com).

7. 

   20 Nov 2024

   AI and Digital Transformation in the Chemical Industry with Westlake CDO, Constantyn Chalitsios

   DigiChem Dialogues presents an engaging episode featuring Constantyn Chalitsios, exploring the cutting-edge intersection of AI and digital transformation in the chemical industry. This conversation delves into the innovative approaches and strategic insights for leveraging technology to drive operational excellence. Key highlights of the episode include: AI Implementation Strategies: Constantyn shares practical approaches for integrating artificial intelligence into chemical industry processes, highlighting the transformative potential of digital technologies. Digital Transformation Insights: Explore the challenges and opportunities of digital adoption in the chemical sector, with a focus on how organizations can effectively navigate technological change. Technological Innovation: Discover the latest trends in digital solutions that are reshaping the chemical industry's operational and customer engagement models. Future of Chemical Distribution: Gain valuable perspectives on how AI and digital tools are creating new opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. Tune in to learn from Constantyn Chalitsios's expert insights on driving digital transformation and AI adoption in the chemical industry.

8. 

   20 Nov 2024

   Navigating the Future: Challenges & Opportunities in Chemical Distribution with Eric Byer

   DigiChem Dialogues presents an insightful episode featuring Eric Byer, President and CEO of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD). In this engaging discussion, Eric shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of the chemical distribution industry and the recent transformation of ACD. Key highlights of the episode include: Key Priorities: Discover ACD's strategic focus areas, including sustainability, regulatory compliance, and talent retention in the context of digital transformation. Digital Strategies: Gain insights into how technology is being leveraged to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations within the chemical distribution industry. Collaboration and Support: Understand how ACD is fostering collaboration among its members to embrace digital tools and best practices effectively. Future Trends: Explore emerging trends in digitalization that are shaping the future of chemical distribution and how organizations can prepare for these changes. This episode offers valuable insights for industry professionals seeking to understand the current state and future direction of chemical distribution. Tune in to hear Eric Byer's expert perspective on navigating regulatory challenges and driving industry growth through strategic organizational changes.

9. 

   20 Nov 2024

   Getting Your Global Organization Digital Ready - Strategies & Lessons from Evonik's CDO, Henrik Hahn

   DigiChem Dialogues presents an enlightening episode featuring Henrik Hahn, Chief Digital Officer of Evonik Industries, as he shares invaluable insights from Evonik's digital transformation journey. This episode offers a comprehensive look at strategies for preparing a global organization for the digital age in the chemical industry.Listeners will gain expert knowledge on: Evonik's digital evolution, from initial experimentation to full-scale implementation Practical approaches and starting strategies for embarking on a digital transformation journey Critical lessons learned from both successful and challenging digital initiatives Effective methods for achieving organizational alignment on digital projects The transformative potential of AI in the chemical industry and how to leverage it Henrik shares his firsthand experience of Evonik's digital journey, including the establishment of a dedicated unit for digital exploration in 2016. He discusses the importance of fostering a "digital mindset" across the organization and how this cultural shift drives value more than technology alone. This episode provides actionable insights for chemical industry professionals at any stage of their digital transformation. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize existing digital strategies, Henrik's expertise offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of digitalization in a global chemical company. Tune in to learn how Evonik is leveraging digital solutions and AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation in the chemical sector. Discover strategies you can apply to prepare your own organization for success in the digital era.

10. 

    20 Nov 2024

    Best Practices and Lessons Learned from a Successful Digital Transformation Journey with Marius Vaarkamp

    DigiChem Dialogues presents an illuminating episode featuring Marius Vaarkamp, Business Director of Fuel and Lubricant Solutions at BASF, as he shares invaluable insights from BASF's successful digital transformation journey. This episode offers a deep dive into the practical aspects of implementing digital solutions in the chemical industry. Listeners will gain expert knowledge on: Proven strategies for seamlessly integrating digital tools into existing business processes Overcoming challenges in digital adoption among customers and internal teams Balancing innovation with minimal disruption to ongoing operations Key lessons learned from BASF's e-commerce implementation for their OPPANOL® product line Marius shares his firsthand experience of how BASF's digital commerce portal, developed in collaboration with Agilis, has significantly improved sales efficiency and customer engagement. He discusses the tangible benefits observed, including growth in sales, increased repeat orders, and enhanced customer satisfaction through self-service features. This episode provides actionable insights for chemical industry professionals looking to embark on or optimize their digital transformation journey. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a digital transformation enthusiast, Marius's expertise offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of digitalization in the chemical sector. Tune in to learn how BASF is leveraging digital solutions to create a more efficient, customer-centric approach to chemical distribution and discover strategies you can apply to your own organization's digital evolution.

11. 

    20 Nov 2024

    How USAF Veteran Colie Whitaker is Transforming Chemical Distribution with a Digital Customer Experience

    DigiChem Dialogues presents an insightful episode featuring Colie Whitaker, a USAF veteran turned chemical distribution leader, as he shares his transformative journey in digitizing the industry. This compelling discussion explores how The Whitaker Company rapidly implemented a digital customer portal, revolutionizing its approach to chemical distribution. Listeners will gain valuable insights into: Colie's unique path from military service to spearheading innovation in chemical distribution The strategic decision-making process behind launching a digital customer portal in just three months Whitaker's vision for leveraging digital solutions to reshape the future of chemical distribution Practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles in digital transformation initiatives This episode offers a rare glimpse into the real-world challenges and triumphs of digital adoption in a traditional industry. Whether you're a chemical industry professional or interested in digital transformation across sectors, this discussion provides actionable takeaways and inspiration for embracing technological change. Tune in to discover how digital solutions are reshaping customer experiences and operational efficiency in the chemical distribution landscape straight from a leader at the forefront of this evolution.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32