David Ohm

 

This week’s interview is with David Ohm.  David works for LabCorp, a life science company in the clinical trials and diagnostic space.  They are best known as one of the largest diagnostic lab testing companies in the world.  What makes LabCorp stand out from their competition is their Clinical Research Organization (CRO) arm.  CRO provides LabCorp with the latitude and flexibility to widen their scope and apply solutions to healthcare in multiple ways.  Dave is the Executive Director of Hospital and Health Systems.  He acts as the liaison for LabCorp and health systems at an enterprise level.  He will engage predominantly with senior leadership within those organizations to discuss ways they can collaborate to grow efficiencies within the lab, clinical trials, data tool applications and capital injection through outreach partnerships.

David worked at the Chicago Board of Trade as a commodities trader where he learned about himself and has helped him in his career. It was also one of the most unique jobs that he has had.  He shared a story with me “I was in the trading pits during what we called “open outcry”.  What most understand as a bunch of people gesticulating wildly with their hands while screaming at each other.  Believe it or not, there was a definite method to the madness.  In this role, one is extremely independent without much support.  It is a very sink or swim scenario heavily laden with risk and reward.  Typically, “new fish” survive in the pit a matter of days to weeks before leaving.  There was a very high failure rate there.”  He learned self-discipline and how to believe in himself.  That situation will teach you how to achieve a high sense of self-esteem.  He would like to mention that he works in a vibrant company that provides a strong infrastructure of tools and resources.  His senior leaders within the organization are fully supportive and responsive and in some form or another have also contributed to his growth.

He has a strong belief in ownership.  Even when he is wrong, he does not place the responsibility on another coworker.  When you recognize there are ways something one could have done better, true growth becomes possible.  If you always own it, you can always fix it.  A great book David would recommend is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand as he is a believer in meritocracy and accountability. 

David use to struggle with haring his weaknesses with anyone as he assumes he is responsible for resolving the obstacles alone.  He didn’t want to be a burden on anyone so he would not ask for help.  Over the years he learned how important it is to have mentors.  Having the perspective from another person, whether it is a coworker, friend, friend, or significant other, is eye opening and provides a positive additional insight on managing problems and obstacles.  Also, it never hurts to have someone at a high level in your corner.  He would recommend to those starting out in the industry, be competitive.  If your goal is financial success, healthcare sales are typically the right direction to head in.  A life science degree helps but not needed.  Always build relationships and it is extremely beneficial.  Never hesitate to reach out to anyone for advice or connections.  You never know who that person could lead you to or what road that connection can land you down the line.  And most importantly always stay extremely professional.

David has great drive which has made him successful.  His high self-esteem and self-worth has also been useful.  When speaking with a new potential employee he will ask “What do you consider a large salary?”  The answer he values most is “There wouldn’t be a cap I could put a number on”.  Because the minute they give you a number they told you what they believe their worth is in a production sense. 

He has been fortunate where he is able to balance his work life and personal life.  He has been fortunate where LabCorp and his boss both respects this balances.  They trust each other from an employer and employee standpoint.  His boss knows he will always be there for him for when an emergency arises, and he will always carry work phone in that “just in case event”.  The mutual respect means his boss would never expect him to miss a birthday party but also knows if he needs him, he is only a phone call away.