This year, the Delaware Business Times once again included Denise Dignam, President and CEO of Chemours, on its Delaware 222 list of impactful leaders—a recognition that is just one reflection of her broader influence on the company and the industry. In this Q&A, Denise shares her perspectives on leadership, culture, and Chemours’ commitment to delivering against its Pathway to Thrive strategy.
Q: What was your most pivotal moment as a leader?
When I became President and CEO of Chemours, a long-term investor told me that they believed that through our founding, Chemours was set up to survive, not thrive. I took that as a challenge and an opportunity. That moment crystallized our Pathway to Thrive strategy. By getting the basics right, living our values, and building a culture of accountability and respect, we’re showing the world that Chemours is here to thrive. Our talented people are at the heart of making it possible. What excites me most is seeing our team rise to the challenge, every day.
Q: What is your toughest challenge?
Every day I’m energized by the challenge of inspiring and aligning our 6,000 global employees. My focus is on fostering a culture where everyone understands our purpose, feels empowered to contribute, and lives our shared values. When our people are engaged and connected to our mission, there’s nothing we can’t achieve together.
Q: What’s on your bucket list?
Two things come to mind. First, caring for my mother reminds me how important it is to prioritize well-being and make time to stay strong and healthy. Second, I hope to return to tutoring, a passion of mine and something I used to dedicate a lot of my time to. I see tutoring as an extension of parenting, and I want to help parents and children have access to the resources they need to thrive. Giving back in this way is deeply meaningful to me.
Q: Is there anything you’d do over?
I don’t believe in do-overs, but I do believe in learning and growing from every experience. If I could do more of anything, it would be pushing myself out of my comfort zone—especially early in my career. For me, that meant public speaking. Doing the things that challenge us most often offer the richest opportunities for growth.
Q: What is a must-read book for leaders?
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz is a must-read. It’s about embracing the challenges and knowing you’re not alone. The book highlights the power of clear, honest feedback and the importance of transparency. When people can own issues and solve them together, that’s a superpower for any organization striving for continuous improvement.
Denise Dignam, the first woman to serve as President and CEO at Chemours, is recognized for her hands-on leadership and commitment to building a culture where every employee can thrive. Under her guidance, Chemours is advancing its Pathway to Thrive strategy, focusing on sustainable operations and science-driven innovation. Denise has championed investments in areas such as AI and data center cooling, while ensuring the company’s values remain at the center of its work. Her leadership is defined by a belief in transparency, accountability, and the power of collaboration to drive both business results and posi
