In this episode of our Sustainability in Action podcast series, we spotlight the Performance Products team—winners of the Huntsman Corporation's 2024 CEO Award for Manufacturing Excellence—for their innovative project, “Turning Straw Into Gold: Recycling Ethyleneamine (EA) Lights" Responding to evolving market dynamics, the team reengineered operations at two Ethyleneamines (EA) plants to reduce production of lower-value products and increase output of more profitable, in-demand materials. By creatively repurposing existing equipment and optimizing processes, they achieved significant performance gains—without the need for new capital investment. This initiative not only enhanced operational efficiency and profitability but also demonstrated how sustainability and innovation can work hand in hand to deliver lasting value. Subscribe now and don’t miss a single episode of our special podcast series featuring the 2024 CEO Award finalists. Each week, we’ll take you behind the scenes with the teams driving innovation, excellence, and real impact across our business.

Today we are joined by Dr. Mary Beckerle, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Huntsman Cancer Institute Member, and Huntsman Corporation Board of Directors to discuss her personal journey and the inspiring legacy of John Huntsman in the fight against cancer. The discussion covers the evolution of cancer treatment over the past two decades, highlighting significant advancements in precision medicine and immunotherapy. Dr. Beckerle emphasizes the importance of research, early detection, and the emotional weight of leading an institution that serves as a beacon of hope for patients and their families. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of cancer, the importance of leadership in healthcare organizations, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in cancer treatment. They discuss the significance of communication in leadership, the challenges faced in a male-dominated field, and the need for effective science communication to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding.

Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Personal Stories and Inspirations 03:07 From New Jersey to Utah: A Leap of Faith 06:13 The Visionary: John Huntsman and His Legacy 08:53 Transforming Cancer Care: Progress Over Two Decades 12:07 The Science of Hope: Innovations in Cancer Treatment 14:59 Understanding Cancer: Causes and Prevention 17:55 The Role of Research: From Lab to Patient Care 20:49 The Weight of Responsibility: Leading with Compassion 32:22 Understanding Cancer and Cell Identity 34:21 Leadership in Complex Organizations 39:01 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities 42:22 The Importance of Communication 48:20 The Future of AI in Cancer Treatment 58:13

The Role of Science in Society cancer research, AI in healthcare, Huntsman Cancer Institute, John Huntsman, cancer treatment innovations, personal stories, healthcare leadership, precision medicine, immunotherapy, cancer prevention, cancer, leadership, communication, artificial intelligence, science, healthcare, organizational culture, problem-solving, patient care, innovation