Shawn M. Galloway is the latest in our series of Management Practice Specialty member profiles. Shawn is president and chief operating officer of ProAct Safety, a firm headquartered in The Woodlands, TX, specializing in safety strategy, leadership, culture, employee engagement and lean behavior-based safety (BBS). He has worked for ProAct Safety for 12 years and been in his current position for 8 years.

Shawn is a member of ASSP’s Gulf Coast Chapter. Many of you may recognize his name from his frequent posts on our LinkedIn page and as speaker at several conferences.

I asked Shawn about what achievements (professional or personal) he is especially proud. He first cited how he has been blessed with three daughters, Madison, 19, Isabella, 11, and Brianna, 8, and how he is especially proud of the women they are becoming.

He also mentioned that in July 2017, the 500th episode of ProAct Safety’s podcast, Safety Culture Excellence, was published. When the podcast was launched in January 2008, not knowing what he was committing to, he promised to release a new episode weekly. In the early years, they had a studio created for the recordings but with the consulting and speaking schedule Shawn maintains, he found himself traveling with a microphone and recording in hotels around the world. Shawn says that “several microphones later, we have become more organized by recording in advance and still release new episodes every Monday morning.”

He is also proud to have been recognized by many safety organizations. Professionally, he is most proud of the impact his clients make on the lives and families of their employees. “Not everyone is in a position to love what they do and I’m fortunate to have a career where what I do provides a lasting impact on people’s lives at work and away,” he says.

Shawn volunteers with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and he was named the 2016 Rookie of the Year for the Calf Scramble Donors Committee. When I was gathering information from Shawn, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was taking place with performances across 20 days. He was to be involved with the Calf Scramble Committee, one of the best parts of the show each day. Since the Calf Scramble began, the organization has awarded more than $11 million to more than 21,000 students for their education.

Shawn is also a judge for the Public Speaking Contest, dedicating 3 weeks each year to this charitable organization because of its focus on the education of the youth of Texas.

As if his regular work and personal schedule weren't busy enough, Shawn is finishing his 5th book (4th with coauthor Terry Mathis): Lean Behavior-Based SafetySM: BBS for Today’s Realities. His other books focus on insights into and methodology around safety excellence, strategy, culture and leadership.

As readers of these profiles know, I always ask our members how they “destress” when not at work. Shawn’s answer is that “along with my father, I’m co-owner of Galloway Cattle Co. with operations in Hockley, TX. When I’m not working with clients of ProAct Safety, you can often find me on my horse or working with our herd.”

He also has a house on Lake Livingston in Coldspring, TX. He and his family spend many weekends and most of the summer at on or in the lake. He is quick to point out that having air conditioning and a nearby body of water is a necessity in southeast Texas.

I would like to close with a statement from Shawn that exemplifies his approach to safety.

A professional goal I have set for myself is to continuously challenge and evolve the thinking around safety excellence. I do this with my consulting clients, my keynote speaking and of course with my articles, books, podcasts and videos. I’m thankful to ASSP for providing the opportunity to share my thoughts and for the recognition of the work of my firm. I also thank all those dedicated to improving safety and safety excellence. I believe it is among the most noble of callings.

Thanks, Shawn, for sharing a bit more about your personal and professional endeavors.