Julien Ngue: From Cameroon to California – A Journey in Safety Management.
Julien Ngue moved from Cameroon to the United States in 2016, seeking a better life and career opportunities in safety management. Reflecting on his journey, Ngue cites the U.S. Declaration of Independence as his driving force: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” he said.
Since arriving in the U.S., Ngue has worked in various roles, including over two years as a safety manager at Amazon. He now serves as an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) manager at Gabe Inc., a global professional services provider based in California. Ngue oversees a team of safety experts, manages a capital project for a biotech client, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
In a recent Faces of EHS interview, Ngue shared insights into his career and the safety industry:
Q: How did you start in the EHS field?
I began with an internship in 2009. As a chemistry student, I realized I was skilled but lacked passion for a chemistry career. I sought a field that would utilize my chemistry background. That’s how I discovered quality, environmental, health, and safety (QEHS) management. My elder brother introduced me to both chemistry and QEHS after his experience during an ISO 9001:2000 audit.
My initial EHS experience was right after school in Cameroon, where a two-year degree is usually required for a good job. Upon moving to the U.S., I was determined to re-enter the EHS field. I pursued certified health and safety officer credentials to understand U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. This led to my certification as an Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST).
Q: How challenging was it to join the EHS industry in the U.S.?
The journey was tough. I first had to find a way to stay relevant with a master’s degree in EHSQ and international experience. Overcoming self-doubt was crucial. Financing my transition into a U.S. safety role was also challenging, taking nearly a year to pay off the $900 credit card debt for my OSHA 510 certificate.
Q: Has being an immigrant shaped your success in EHS?
Yes, it has. My diverse background has influenced my approach as an EHS professional. Effective leadership requires soft skills that vary by region. Adapting these skills to different cultural contexts has helped me support and guide my team effectively.
Q: What’s your best mistake and the lesson learned?
One significant mistake was believing I needed to have all the answers as a manager. This led to a reactive approach early in my career. It took me two years to understand that being a safety professional is about planning, not reacting. A mentor’s advice and experiences in Cameroon taught me to learn from the environment and focus on promoting safety through continuous improvement.
Q: What are your thoughts on safety culture in organizations?
Safety should be a core value, not just a priority. Risk management should be integrated into all company processes. Properly implemented, it reduces emotional and mental stress in the EHS field and enhances operational safety without slowing down productivity.
Q: What EHS issues need more focus?
EHS programs should focus on developing specific performance indicators tailored to their business units. Traditional indicators often fail to sustain a safer workplace. A holistic approach with diverse employees may not always be effective.
Q: How will new safety technologies impact EHS professionals?
Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are valuable for documentation and training, but their effects on human behavior concerning occupational hazards are still uncertain.
Q: What are you most proud of?
I am proud of my resilience in the EHS field, overcoming diverse challenges and adapting across different cultures.
Q: Any advice for those entering the EHS profession?
Ensure you enjoy your work and always strive to perform it well.