What is one word that describes you?

If I had to choose one word to describe myself, it would be reliable. Throughout my career and personal life, this quality has been at the core of everything I do. Whether leading drilling operations in extreme environments, overseeing complex projects, or simply being someone others can count on, reliability has always been my guiding principle.

In my industry, where precision, safety, and efficiency are non-negotiable, being reliable is not just a trait it’s a necessity. Exploration drilling is unpredictable, and challenges arise constantly. Equipment failures, harsh weather, logistical hurdles these are everyday occurrences. But one thing remains certain: my team knows I will always be there to find solutions, make the right calls, and ensure the job gets done properly.

Reliability extends beyond work. In my personal life, I value trust and consistency. If I make a promise, I keep it. If I commit to something, I follow through. This mindset has earned me not only professional respect but also lasting friendships across the many countries I’ve worked in.

Being reliable doesn’t mean never making mistakes it means owning up to them, learning from them, and continuously improving. It means showing up, even when things get tough, and pushing forward when others hesitate.

So, if someone were to ask me for one word that defines me, I’d confidently say: reliable. Because in the end, skills and knowledge matter, but being someone others can depend on is what truly makes a difference.

Lajos

What was the best compliment you’ve received?

To be honest, this is a difficult question for me to answer. As a man, I don’t often receive compliments, or at least not in the way that women do. It’s just not something that happens frequently, and to be fair, I’ve never really paid much attention to it.

I’m also not the type to give out compliments easily. It’s not that I don’t appreciate people, but overly sweet or flowery words just don’t come naturally to me. I sometimes wonder if women actually value compliments as much as they seem to, or if they see through them when they’re exaggerated or insincere.

That being said, I do think that the best “compliments” aren’t necessarily about appearance or charm. The most meaningful recognition I’ve received has been for my work, my reliability, or my ability to handle tough situations. When someone genuinely appreciates my skills or the effort I put into something, that feels more rewarding than any generic flattery ever could.

Maybe that’s the difference some people appreciate words, while others, like me, prefer actions and results.

Lajos

You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?

If I were to embark on a cross-country trip, my ideal mode of transportation would undoubtedly be a car. Unlike planes, trains, buses, or bikes, a car gives me full control over my journey. I can set my own schedule, decide where and when to stop, and adjust my plans as needed.

For me, comfort and predictability are key when traveling long distances. A car allows me to pack everything I need without restrictions, choose my own route, and enjoy the drive at my own pace. There’s a certain freedom in being able to take detours, explore hidden gems, and experience the journey on my terms.

While other transportation methods have their advantages, nothing beats the flexibility and convenience of a road trip in my own vehicle.

Lajos

Who is the most confident person you know?

I’ve never really paid much attention to who the most confident person around me is. Maybe it’s because true confidence is often quiet, subtle, and not in need of validation. What I do notice, however, are the people on the opposite end of the spectrum those who try too hard to appear confident but end up revealing the cracks in their facade.

Where I come from, these people stand out more than anyone else. They are the ones who speak the loudest in a room, always eager to share their achievements, their wealth, or their status. They dominate conversations, dismiss opposing views, and often feel the need to prove themselves at every turn. But beneath the surface, their need for recognition betrays something deeper perhaps insecurity, perhaps a desperate attempt to convince themselves and others of their worth.

True confidence, in my experience, is rarely showy. It’s the person who listens more than they speak, who doesn’t need to impose their opinions on others. It’s the quiet expert who knows their craft inside out but doesn’t feel the need to boast. It’s the individual who walks into a room and doesn’t seek attention, yet commands respect through their actions rather than their words.

In a world where social media and public perception often reward bravado over substance, it’s easy to mistake arrogance for confidence. But the most self-assured people I’ve ever met didn’t need to tell me they were confident I could simply feel it.

Lajos

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

When negative emotions surface in my life, I’ve learned that fighting against them often makes things worse. Instead, I’ve developed a different philosophy: these feelings usually have legitimate roots that deserve my attention.

My strategy is straightforward I acknowledge the emotion, seek its source, and take immediate action. Rather than suppressing or ignoring uncomfortable feelings, I view them as important signals guiding me toward necessary changes.

For example, when anxiety appears before a presentation, instead of trying to calm myself with temporary distractions, I address the underlying cause: perhaps I need more preparation or to practice my delivery. The negative feeling serves as valuable feedback that I’m not fully ready.

This approach transforms negative emotions from enemies into allies. By respecting what these feelings are trying to tell me and taking swift action, I often resolve the underlying issues more effectively than if I had simply tried to push the emotions away.

Lajos

What activities do you lose yourself in?

Each of us has activities that capture our full attention, making hours pass like mere moments. For some, it’s reading, painting, or exploring nature, but for me, it’s a bit less inspiring: paperwork. Or rather, avoiding paperwork.

Truth be told, paperwork has never been my favorite task. I am remarkably skilled at procrastinating, shuffling papers around, and postponing deadlines until the very last minute. It’s almost an art form how efficiently I can push it aside. Yet inevitably, the day arrives when these neglected tasks pile up, forming a wave that threatens to crash down on me. Only then, when I’m nearly overwhelmed, do I finally dive in.

And here’s the interesting twist I often find myself getting completely absorbed in it once I begin. There’s a certain satisfaction in ticking off boxes, signing documents, and finally clearing that formidable stack of papers. It’s paradoxical, I know, but perhaps it’s precisely this sense of accomplishment that keeps the cycle repeating itself.

Lajos

Whenever people talk about their favorite movies or TV series they’ve watched over and over again, I can’t relate at all. Not because I don’t like movies, but because I simply can’t stay awake long enough to watch one.

The moment I sit down and start a film, within five minutes, I’m out like a light. It doesn’t matter how exciting, dramatic, or action-packed the movie is—I just can’t stay awake. It’s like my brain associates watching movies with a signal to shut down completely.

So, while others might have a list of films they can quote word for word, I’d be lucky if I even remember how most movies end. Maybe one day I’ll break this pattern, but for now, the idea of rewatching something more than five times? Not happening!

Lajos

I’ve often wondered just how superstitious I really am. Sometimes, I tell myself it’s all just harmless habit, but then I catch myself avoiding the number 13, hesitating when a black cat crosses my path, or making sure to sit down for a moment if I have to return home after already heading out. Rationally, I know these things shouldn’t have any real impact on my life, but somehow, they still do.

I wouldn’t say it’s extreme—I can laugh at myself about it—but it’s definitely ingrained in my routine. Maybe it’s just human nature to cling to little rituals, to feel a sense of control over the randomness of life. Or maybe, deep down, part of me still believes in luck and fate more than I’d like to admit.

Lajos

If I had to compare myself to an animal, I would undoubtedly choose a fish. Born under the Pisces zodiac sign, I have always felt a strong connection to water and the qualities often attributed to this element.

Much like a fish, I navigate life with a calm and steady approach. I tend to be thoughtful, observing my surroundings before making decisions. I prefer to go with the flow rather than fight against the current, adapting to challenges rather than forcing solutions. At the same time, I value my independence and personal space, much like a fish exploring the depths of the ocean.

However, beneath the surface, there is always movement. Even when I appear composed, my mind is constantly working, considering possibilities and weighing different perspectives. I believe this balance of tranquility and introspection helps me stay grounded, no matter how turbulent the waters may become.

Lajos

Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.

Dear 100-Year-Old Me,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Reaching a century of life is an incredible milestone, one that few get to experience. As I write this, I wonder what wisdom you have gathered, what stories you could tell, and what memories still bring a smile to your face.

Right now, I am still in the midst of my journey working, traveling, and constantly learning. Life is full of challenges, but also moments of joy and adventure. I hope you look back on these years with pride, knowing that every risk taken and every decision made was worth it. I wonder, do you still remember the thrill of drilling in the most remote corners of the world? The satisfaction of completing a difficult project? The friendships forged in the toughest of conditions?

I also hope that you’ve taken the time to slow down, to appreciate the simple pleasures watching the sunrise, sharing a laugh, reading a good book. Have you finally learned to relax? Or does the fire of curiosity and ambition still burn as brightly as ever?

If there’s one thing I’d like to ask, it’s this: Did I live well? Did I make a difference in some way? I hope the answer is yes. And if not, I hope you still have the strength and courage to change that, even now.

No matter what, I want you to know that I am proud of you. You made it. You’ve seen a century of life, and that alone is an achievement worth celebrating.

With admiration and hope,

Your Younger Self

Lajos