Fabio Massaru Narahara

As a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and the executive sponsor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ECMS, I firmly believe that fostering an inclusive environment strengthens our organization and contributes to the betterment of our society. It is my personal commitment to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and valued within our community.   Here are a few ways you can become an ally: 1. Learn about the LGBTQ+ community, its history, and challenges. 2. Stand up and speak out against discrimination and offensive language. 3. Donate, volunteer, or participate in events that support LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and culture. 4. Use inclusive language, preferred pronouns, and avoid assumptions about someone’s gender. 5. Listen to LGBTQ+ colleagues without judgment. If you make a mistake, be open to being corrected to get it right the next time. #PrideMonth #belongatBASF #ALLChemie 

62

Umicore showcases it's #circular #businessmodel at World Circular Economy Forum WCEF explaining how we turn into #technologymaterials & then bring them #backtolife once they reach their end-of-life!

16

Brazil’s Braskem restart at Triunfo to kick off petchem hub normalization Braskem has restarted operations at its Triunfo facility in the flood-hit state of Rio Grande do Sul, which will allow other players in the petrochemicals hub to start up their plants as many depend on input from the Brazilian polymers major to operate. #ICIS #Brazil #Braskem #Triunfo #floods #RioGrandedoSul #restart #petrochemicals #chemicals #chems

1

The latest issue of ICIS Chemical Business focuses heavily on distribution, and celebrates the Top 100 Chemical Distributors. Brenntag was proudly again the top-ranked distributor on a global basis out of 320 companies participating. Congratulations to all 17,000+ colleagues, and thank you for your hard work and contributions in 2023. Among other columns and articles within this issue, there is an interview with some interesting insights from both our CEO and Chairman Christian Kohlpaintner and Brenntag Essentials CEO Ewout van Jarwaarde. I’m encouraged by the comments made and optimistic expectations of month-on-month growth in demand. As Christian explains, “Overall, I would say current demand is now reflecting true underlying demand because the destocking which we could observe for 12 to 18 months has come to an end and now we see underlying demand which shows sequential improvement.” In the interview, Ewout also speaks about our new Brenntag Essentials “Triple” strategy, “leveraging our last mile service operations, regional sourcing and supply chain services, and global supply chain capabilities. We are investing into what we call a ‘tollgate’ - these are big transportation hubs with access into regional markets.” The company’s “Strategy to Win” also has a strong commitment to M&A - €400 to €500 annually, and examples of this are referenced as well. The future ahead for Brenntag is bright, as we continue to grow and reinvest in ourselves, creating even better ways to service our customers and reducing complexity in challenging global supply chains. #Brenntag #StrategyToWin #Triple #ChemicalDistribution #ICIS #Chemicals

72

When we start the year and set our annual goals, we are filled with ambition and the desire to accomplish many things. As the year progresses, we encounter business challenges such as a changing market environment, a longer development cycle or internal structures & processes that need to modified to effect meaningful change. This is when we need to take a step back to identify and focus on the “Must Win Battles”. Some key takeaways from this article: (1) focus on one growth project at a time, aligned with the company’s vision and priorities, (2) face business realities while keeping the faith, embracing the brutal truth while maintaining an unwavering faith in the outcome, and (3) no single individual holds all of the answers, bring in teammates to amplify your impact where you alone cannot. Read on for more leadership insights…

9

1 commentaar

Ensuring Food Safety is an immense challenge in low moisture manufacturing environments. What can you do about it? Join Ecolab and industry experts who will talk about managing the challenges of zone transition in food processing plants and provide six steps you can take today. Register here: https://bit.ly/3KyNtjH

44

“We are living through a sustainability laundry revolution”. These words from my colleague Virginia Sanchez González, resonated deeply during our catch up following the ACI Chemicals Future of Homecare Cleaning Products Europe 2024 Conference. Discussions within the chemicals industry often highlight the environmental impact of surfactants, crucial compounds in many essential homecare products like laundry detergents. Focusing on this topic is paramount as it addresses the broader challenges and opportunities for sustainable practices in the sector. ➡ Did you know that the petrochemical and chemical industries contribute approximately 2.2 billion tons of CO2 emissions, accounting for 6% of total carbon emissions (Saygin & Dolf Gielen, 2021). Notably, 10% of these emissions come from homecare products (David Bott, 2023). As the world’s largest producers of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) and with our entry into alcohol derivatives through Sinarmas Cepsa Pte. Ltd., #CepsaQuímica is a leader in the production of surfactants and its main raw materials. With sustainability now a priority at every step of the value chain, we are transforming industry challenges into opportunities, aiding our customers, and paving the way for a better future in homecare. We have embraced our responsibility to innovate and lead sustainable transformation through the creation of NextLab - R. By redesigning this essential raw material for LAS (the main surfactant in Home Care), we are making it more sustainable while maintaining all its excellent properties, using new sustainable raw materials in the production process. Why does this matter? 🌟 By innovating at the molecular level, we help reduce the environmental impact of homecare products. 🌟 Our advancements assist detergent producers in meeting the evolving demands of consumers by providing our sustainable solutions, without compromising performance standards. Our industry’s trajectory is increasingly geared towards sustainable development, reflecting a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. While we remain dedicated to following industry trends and addressing the needs of our customers, we all play a pivotal role in facilitating a substantial and successful transition. A journey that will be most effective through our joint efforts. Thank you to our surfactants team for their continued contribution to powering these meaningful discussions! #NextChemicals #Chemicals #SustainableChemistry #PositiveMotion

198

3 commentaren

🪑🏆People in the Netherlands are the “European champions of sitting”, meaning that they risk dying early from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other conditions linked to inactivity. 😯 > New research says that, although the Dutch are among the sportiest in Europe, almost two-thirds of them also sit for more than eight hours a day – with lawyers and IT workers the most sedentary. > This so-called “chair use disorder” leads to an estimated 21,000 premature deaths in the country every year – while nations like the UK, Denmark, and the Czech Republic have similar issues. 🌟As a new LGC Mikromol™ article on the origins of treatments for CVD points out, diseases that affect the heart and circulation claimed 18 million lives worldwide in 2019. To learn more about how we ensure the safety of medicines for CVD, visit https://okt.to/Gqjfgh #CardiovascularDisease #pharma #ScienceForASaferWor

1

Chemical #PlasticRecycling will play a very important role in reducing plastic pollution and establishing a truly #circulareconomy in Europe and globally. When speaking with Marian Gmenta at the #KBR Europe #EnergyTransition conference in Rotterdam last week, I asked him how the mass balance approach will impact the further development of the Plastic recycling industry. One key aspect, he mentioned, is that "we need to make sure that the mass balance is transparent, it's credible and it's auditable." Listen to his full response by clicking the video below. #Wedeliver #NetZero #Mura #HydroPRT Francis Tsang, Przemek Olszynski, Rakesh Singh, Brian Heasley, MBA, MChE, Monica Normark, Chris Scharf P.E., Paul Langston, Radomir Gabruś, John Boertjes, Gonzalo Baillo

100

4 commentaren

Today, I came across a post that made me pause and reflect. It also highlights an interesting aspect of many ‘mature’ companies: the employee demographics tend to skew toward more experienced colleagues. With fewer Gen Z employees in the mix, intergenerational interactions can be limited. It might take a conscious effort to seek out conversations across generations. However, considering that Gen Z and millennials are rapidly integrating the workforce and moving into leadership roles, fostering intergenerational communication becomes crucial for maintaining a cohesive company culture. So, let me ask you: Are you actively engaging in conversations with your younger or older colleagues?" 😊 #IntergenerationalCommunication #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #CrossGenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceDiversity

5

It gives me great pride when I reflect back two years in China through this picture. Building a strong team takes time, effort, and intention. It's definitely something to be proud of. Here are some tips to keep your team thriving: 🍀Celebrate milestones, big or small. Recognition is a powerful motivator. It shows your team that their hard work is appreciated and keeps them engaged. 🍀Continue to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. This will allow your team to continue to learn from each other and bring new perspectives to the table. 🍀Invest in your team's development. Provide opportunities for them to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.

184

4 commentaren

🌟 Embracing Imposter Thoughts: A Strength in Leadership 🌟 Imposter syndrome—a familiar topic that has surfaced repeatedly in this forum over the past few months. Who among us can honestly claim to have never grappled with self-doubt? 🤔 Studies reveal that imposter feelings disproportionately affect women, occurring more than twice as often as in men. Yet, most of us remain reticent about discussing these inner struggles openly, fearing labels of weakness or inadequacy. 😶 However, I stumbled upon a fascinating article today by Russell Reynolds Associates—one that sheds new light on imposter thoughts. Research suggests that these very doubts might actually be a desirable leadership trait. They characterize interpersonally effective leaders without negatively impacting job performance. 🚀 As technology and generative AI continue to reshape leadership demands, and economic and geopolitical uncertainties persist, boards are increasingly prioritizing social skills in C-suite hires. Leaders who embrace collaboration and vulnerability tend to thrive. 🌐 So, let’s shift our perspective. Instead of allowing imposter thoughts to weigh us down, let’s recognize them as indicators of confidence in our abilities. They remind us that others may excel in areas where we’re not the experts. 🌈 The most successful leaders—the ones we admire and willingly follow—don’t shy away from these thoughts. They leverage them to foster a learning-oriented approach. 📚 Remember, it’s okay to feel like an imposter sometimes. It’s a sign that you’re pushing boundaries and growing. 🌟 #ImposterSyndrome #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #LeadershipMindset #CareerGrowth #VulnerableLeadership

7

You are a leader, not an ostrich. The myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand to escape danger persists despite being just that – a myth. Yet, this fabled behavior has become a popular metaphor for leaders who shy away from confronting conflict, hoping it will sort itself out. As I've reflected on such situations, one root cause stands out: the lack of psychological safety within organizations. True leaders must create an environment where employees feel empowered to take risks, experiment, and learn from their mistakes without fear of repercussions. By providing this "air cover," leaders foster a culture where teams can fail fast and fail small, avoiding costly, catastrophic missteps. One of the most powerful ways to cultivate psychological safety is for leaders to exemplify an authentic learning mindset. When those at the helm demonstrate an openness to learning and being taught, even by those they lead, it creates a space where vulnerability is embraced, and growth is celebrated. So go out there and be vulnerable and show that even an old dog can learn new tricks! #learn #conflict #SudhirWrites

98

20 commentaren

Bruna Goes explains how Indovinya is using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to combat climate change at the 2024 AOCS in Montreal #2024AOCS

17

Amazing achievement for Solenis to be one of the 62 private businesses to make the list of 2024 US best managed companies for the 4th year in a row judged by an independent panel; based on the following criteria: strategy, execution, culture and governance/financials. #solenis #diversey #2024USBestManagementCompanies

12

1 commentaar

🚀 Exciting read about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing employer branding and recruitment strategies. Discover how AI is optimizing brand strategies, streamlining the recruitment process, and overcoming skills gaps. Don't miss out, read the full article here. #AI #EmployerBranding #Recruitment #HR #ArtificialIntelligence

4

1 commentaar

What an insightful view on leadership cultures. Understanding the leadership culture of the companies you work for (and with) can really help you navigate complex situations. What do you think...are they accurate?

22

5 commentaren

In business, think of your plan as preparing for a battle. Here's how to make it simple: - Do the Right Thing: Always be ethical and honest. - Think Ahead: Figure out what problems might come up and be ready to tackle them. - Pick the Right Spot: Choose locations and goals that make sense for your business. - Build a Great Team: Find good people who believe in your mission. - Stay Organized: Have clear rules and plans to keep things running smoothly. Following these steps can make your journey to success much smoother.

14

For organizations to truly innovate and grow, leaders in every role and at every organizational level must be attuned to how they are creating new value while simultaneously protecting existing value. Just as a soccer coach must simultaneously pursue both scoring and defending, leaders must constantly focus their attention on opportunities to create value — through innovation, risk-taking, and experimentation — and to protect value — by preserving and defending key aspects of their responsibilities. Because both approaches are essential to success, organizational leaders must proactively and continually encourage their teams to adopt both a creating value and protecting value mindset when tackling their day-to-day responsibilities. But how can leaders do this? More specifically: Where and how do leaders deploy these two approaches, and how do these approaches change over time? In this article, the authors offer four steps leaders can take to ensure that they’re on the right path for growth.

1

1 commentaar