Congratulations to our SMS Standout Lee Joseph. Lee went out on a hitch to cover for a coworker who was out on leave. He received high marks from our client, stating, “he did an awesome job during his stay. He played an important role and conducted himself in a professional manner. We will welcome him back to join our operation whenever needed; he was a great asset to the platform.” Great work, Lee!
We got a quick glimpse into what a day at work looks like for Lee and learn some fun facts about him.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
L.J. I start my day by waking up at 4:00 am and giving thanks to God for starting my day. Then, I have a balanced breakfast and begin safety meetings. After, I walk the decks conducting a hazard hunt for things that might have changed during the night. During my walk, I enjoy conversing with people to ensure that they are in the right frame of mind and talking to the team about their operations and some hazards that may be involved with their job. Lastly, I share my findings and information with the OIM on safety matters.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
L.J. Visitng Antioch, Tennessee, when my grandbaby was born. It was an awesome day to hold my first grandbaby in my arms; I am a very happy grandpa.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
L.J. To me, safety is a value, and I value my life and the many lives that work around me on the job. I try to instill that value in everyone.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
L.J. Completing a workday without getting hurt or any damage to the equipment. I enjoy being on the deck, conversing with everyone, and ensuring they have all tools needed to complete their work safely.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
L.J. Chicken.
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
L.J. No side hustle. My hobbies are fishing, hunting, and riding my Harley. We do a lot of community service such as back-to-school drives, Easter egg hunts for kids, things for the kids and elderly, and cancer march throughout Louisiana.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
L.J. My motivation comes from the work done on the rig, platform, or in a work area, knowing everyone is working safely. I also take pride in knowing that I am doing all I can to provide for my family.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
L.J. The most fulfilling moment in my career was when I switched from the ambulance to the safety side. It offers the environment where I have the strongest background in. Working offshore and overseas is what I love doing for SMS.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
L.J. Morgan Freeman. He always keeps a cool head in the face of danger.
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
L.J. When I truly understood the power of God and accept him as my Savior. He opened up so many doors for my family and me.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
L.J. To always keep safety as a value and practice what you preach. Always have a clear and concise plan for your daily operations even though the situation may change, you can stay on track with your mission.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
L.J. Family time; being able to enjoy the fruit of your labor with the one that you love, riding my Harley, and church fairs and community service to help out those that are in need.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
L.J. The Holy Bible.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
L.J. The power to clone myself would be awesome; therefore, I could be in more than one place at a time by helping and understanding people and the world’s problems. Time is the most important thing that you can give to a person.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
L.J. When I was a young roustabout on a drilling rig, a crane operator told me God gave us two eyes, two ears, and one mouth. The reason he did that is so we can be better at listening, observing, and understanding. The one mouth for when it was your turn to talk; you learned how to handle situations.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
L.J. 1.To live long enough to watch the grandkids finish college and get married.
- To visit the great wall of China.
- To ride my Harley from the East to the West coast of the United States.
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
L.J. One dog, and his name is Sir Joseph.
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say, and why is he here?
L.J. It is very hot today, Lee. Let’s go get a cold beer and enjoy the shade.
