David Shenkenberg – CSR, CIOX Health

As a child, David Shenkenberg aspired to read all of the books in his school library. Although that never happened, David has read numerous books in all genres.

Currently, he reads mostly nonfiction, mysteries and humor. He used to write for technical publications. He also enjoys movies and video games. His love for intellectual pursuits led him into information technology. He particularly enjoys using computer systems to help others in the medical field.

He was inspired to apply his knowledge of information systems to the medical field by his father, Dr. Todd Shenkenberg, who is an oncologist, and his mother, who has managed his medical office for several years.

What are your favorite books and why?

I have so many favorites that it is hard to pick one. I love all of the Agatha Christie mysteries. My favorite is “And Then There Were None” because several people are invited to a house on an island where they soon discover that they are about to die.

I also love anything written by Ray Bradbury. My favorite work of Bradbury’s is Something Wicked This Way Comes, which is about the experience of two kids at a frightening carnival.

What’s your favorite film and why?

I love Braveheart because it is about fighting for a cause greater than oneself. I also enjoy the action sequences, particularly all of the fighting with axes and swords. I like how there is a love story intertwined with all of the action. The fact that the novel is based on historical events makes it all the more awesome.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

The best piece of advice that I ever received was “bloom where you’re planted.” This saying is a lot like, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Basically, it means that we should have a positive attitude and strive to be our best no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.

What are your aspirations in life?

My number one aspiration is to improve people’s lives. Whenever I have worked on something, whether it was a venture that I started or a company that I worked for, I only have gained satisfaction when what I was doing was helping others. Money comes second. Like everyone else, I aspire to make money to pay for the mortgage and the automobile, but, beyond living the middle-class American Dream, I do not need more to keep myself satisfied.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people just do not care. I have a lot of passion in my work, and I strive to do the best work. When I see others who want to do the bare minimum to get by, I hate that.

If you do not know the answer, find out what it is. If you are performing poorly, learn how to perform better and then put that knowledge into action.