Listen to Victoria, Kristin Corbitt, Angie Griffin, and Emelia Nosser Here:
Learn how to reach the C-suite from women who’ve led the way in the chemical industry. Victoria Meyer hosts an enlightening panel discussion featuring Kristen Corbitt, President and CEO of Mays Chemical, a Ravago Company; Angie Griffin, Chief Commercial Officer of Third Coast; and Emelia Nosser, Chief Procurement Officer of Pactiv Evergreen. These leaders share their unique paths, highlighting pivotal moments and the choices that propelled them to the top. From temporary roles to leadership positions, their stories underscore the significance of adaptability, resilience, and the power of saying yes even when the path is uncharted.
The discussion explores navigating significant career transitions, balancing professional and personal lives, and addressing biases in the industry. The panelists reveal invaluable insights on maintaining positivity amidst change, the importance of seeking opportunities that leverage one’s strengths, and fostering a supportive environment for both personal and career growth. Aligning leadership values with company culture and embracing change are emphasized as key elements in achieving sustained success in the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry.
Join us on this week’s episode to learn more about these topics:
- Origin stories and pivotal career moments
- Adapting to change and transition in the chemical industry
- Impact of bias in the industry
- Balancing career and family
- Leadership advice for early to mid-career professionals
Killer Quote: “Change is inevitable whether or not you’re bouncing from one company to another or one role to another. Take in all you can from each of those experiences, making sure that you’re learning from each, knowing that everything is temporary” – Angie Griffin
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Watch the Interview with Kristin Corbitt, Angie Griffin, and Emelia Nosser Here:
Women in Leadership: Road to the C-Suite
Navigating the Path to Leadership in the Chemical Industry: Insights from Women in the C Suite
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In recent years, the chemical industry has seen a significant shift as more women are breaking new ground and advancing into leadership positions. These leaders bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and dedication, contributing to the industry’s evolution. In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the latest episode of The Chemical Show, titled “Women in Leadership: Road to the C-Suite,” brings together the fascinating stories and insights of three female executives. Through their journeys, we uncover the challenges, opportunities, and pivotal moments that shaped their careers, offering inspiration for the future leaders of tomorrow.
Finding Your Path
One of the most compelling aspects of the journey to the C Suite is how diverse and unexpected these paths can be. We hear from Emelia Nosser, Angie Griffin, and Kristin Corbitt about their unique introductions to the industry.
Emelia Nosser shares that she stumbled into the chemical industry accidentally, beginning her career with a temporary position at Lever Brothers (now Unilever), where she discovered a passion for purchasing aroma chemicals. This serendipitous entry has led to over thirty-five years in the field, underscoring the importance of keeping an open mind to unexpected opportunities.
Angie Griffin’s journey began from a place of necessity, as she entered the chemical industry with a degree in English. A position as a customer service rep at Equistar, which later brought her to Houston, laid the foundation for a fruitful career. Her story illustrates how unconventional backgrounds can offer fresh perspectives and success in the industry.
Kristin Corbitt, whose path is deeply rooted in family business, candidly discusses how she climbed the ranks from temporary summer help to CEO of Mays Chemical, now a Ravago company. Her trajectory highlights the balance between leveraging one’s heritage and proving one’s capabilities independently.
Pivotal Moments and Decisions
Every career has defining moments, and for these leaders, saying “yes” to new challenges was often the catalyst for growth. Angie recalls a significant turning point when an unexpected offer to lead Third Coast Chemicals prompted her to embrace the opportunity, demonstrating the power of confidence and support from mentors.
Similarly, Kristin emphasizes her decision to stay with Mays Chemical through tumultuous times, such as a challenging ERP implementation. Her commitment to the business through adversity exemplifies how resilience and dedication can pave the way for long-term leadership success.
Navigating Change and Transition
In an industry that’s ever-evolving, adaptability is crucial. The panelists share strategies on managing transitions effectively and thriving in new environments. Emelia advises staying open to change and seeking out advocates within the organization who can provide guidance and support.
Angie underscores the inevitability of change, whether transitioning between roles or navigating new managerial styles. Her approach of embracing growth over fear is a valuable mindset for anyone looking to excel in the industry.
Kristin elaborates on the recent acquisition of Mays Chemical by Ravago, showcasing how aligning with companies that share similar values can facilitate smoother transitions. Her experience underscores the importance of building relationships and proving one’s leadership abilities even in new corporate structures.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
The journey to the C-Suite isn’t without its challenges, particularly in maintaining a work-life balance. The panelists share personal strategies for achieving balance and emphasize the importance of clear communication and self-advocacy.
Emelia highlights her experience working with supportive managers and companies that value family, demonstrating the significance of setting personal priorities and finding environments that respect them.
Angie discusses the societal perceptions of work ethic and dedication, reminding aspiring leaders that balance requires active effort and sometimes challenging norms.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
The panelists conclude by offering advice for those at the start of their careers. Emelia encourages embracing discomfort and learning from mistakes, while Angie advises focusing on roles that highlight one’s strengths.
Kristin stresses the value of staying nimble and adaptable in a constantly changing industry. Their insights serve as a guide for aspiring professionals to navigate their own paths towards leadership.
As these remarkable women demonstrate, the road to the C-Suite is as diverse as the industry itself. Their stories of perseverance, adaptability, and leadership illuminate the possibilities awaiting those who dare to pursue their passions in the chemical industry. As we celebrate their achievements, we inspire a new generation to forge their own journeys to the top.
About Kristin Corbitt:
Kristin Corbitt, daughter of founder William G. (Bill) Mays, has worked at Mays Chemical Company for over 25 years. Prior to her appointment to the President and CEO in 2012, Kristin served in a variety of roles such as Customer Service, Purchasing, Sales, Director of Supply Chain, Vice President of Operations and the Assistant to the Chairman. Kristin received both her BS Business Management (1998) and MBA Management (2002) from Indiana University Kelley School of Business.
About Angie Griffin:
Angie Griffin is the Chief Commercial Officer at Third Coast, with 27 years of experience in the chemical industry. She spent the first 15 years of her career at LyondellBasell, where she honed her skills in supply chain and account management. For the past 13 years, Angie has led commercial initiatives at Third Coast, driving growth and innovation. In 2024, she was honored as the American Chemistry Council Responsible Care(R) Partner Employee of the Year. Angie is also an active member of Vistage Worldwide, a peer advisory organization focused on the development of business leaders in small to mid-sized companies.
About Emelia Nosser:
Emelia Nosser is the Chief Procurement Officer of Pactiv Evergreen. She has led both global and regional organizations, responsible for reshaping procurement and driving positive financial impacts to the P/L.
Her experience spans several industries, including consumer products, electronics, medical equipment, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, holding leadership roles in verticals like operations, transportation, logistics, IT and procurement. Prior to Pactiv Evergreen she held key roles in Fortune 500 companies, including Unilever, Pfizer, Intel Church and Dwight and most recently Shiseido.
Emelia is a dedicated leader and collaborative business partner, building strong and lasting relationships.