Real work.
Real responsibility.
Real leadership.
Meet Norman K. Desormeaux—author, EHS executive and host of The Safety Directive.
More than three decades of high-stakes leadership.
Norman's experience spans construction, oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, data centers, environmental operations and other complex environments.
His work in the United States and internationally has brought him close to the decisions that determine whether risk is controlled before work begins—or merely documented after something goes wrong.
His books and podcast are an extension of that experience. They challenge safety professionals to understand the business, build credibility across functions and become a more influential part of operational and executive leadership.
Explore the books →Safety is a leadership capability. Not a department on the sidelines.
The strongest systems are not defined by how many procedures they produce, but by the quality of decisions and controls they create in everyday work.
Start with people.
Respect the expertise of those closest to the risk. Make it safe to speak up and possible to act.
Understand operations.
Influence improves when safety leaders understand the constraints and objectives shaping decisions.
Design for consistency.
Build systems that support good decisions through change, pressure and organizational growth.
Leadership beyond compliance.
The 2026 HSE Leadership Forum cover centers on the ideas that have shaped Norman’s work: leadership, operational risk, and systems that strengthen organizational performance.
His writing, interviews and professional discussions connect those ideas to the responsibilities facing today's leaders.
Bring experience-based leadership insight to your event.
Speaking, interviews, executive discussions and leadership conversations.