Edward Marx isn't just senior vice president and CIO of of one of the nation's largest faith-based nonprofit health systems. He is also a published author.
In December, Mr. Marx's first book, "Extraordinary Tales From a Rather Ordinary Guy," was published, a collection of stories from Mr. Marx's life. The book uses events of Mr. Marx's life to outline rules that he lives by every day.
Mr. Marx says there were a handful of drivers encouraging him to write this book, but one in particular stands out.
"A lot of times, I've had people come up to me and say, 'I wish I could be like you.' On one hand I'm humbled, and on the other hand I feel bad," he says. "What is it about me that enables these sort of stories? When I reflected back, it has nothing to do with how I was raised or my upbringing or education. I'm very much an average person."
He continues, "I'm hoping that the book serves as inspiration and motivation, and [demonstrates] that even average people can have these extraordinary experiences if they live a principle-driven life."
In the book, Mr. Marx mentions several of these "average" obstacles and shortcomings that he experienced throughout his life. He was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States. He had a difficult time in college, graduating with a less-than-average grade point average. When he did land a job after graduating, he was fired.
"What I'm hoping is that people see themselves [in my stories]," Mr. Marx says. "I really believe anybody can relate to me. The story I'm trying to tell is that you don’t have to be exceptional to have extraordinary experiences. If you fully adopt some of the principles in the book, things will manifest."
One such principle, Mr. Marx suggests, is "Risk boldly, and often." He elaborates, "If you have not lost a job, love or had a near death experience, you are probably not risking boldly. I was fired from my first job out of graduate school. It was not because I failed to deliver, but I put myself at risk by always seeking to do more and bring about major improvements while my manager enjoyed the status quo."
Another principle Mr. Marx outlines is "Work your ass off." For example, he says that he was not the best tennis player, but he saw success on the court by putting in extra time hitting balls and practicing his serve.
Mr. Marx also lives by the principle to "embrace humility and service." He says, "we have opened remote medical clinics and orphanages and support missionaries. Sure we could drive newer cars, but there are no extraordinary tales that happen from accumulating toys."
"Extraordinary Tales From a Rather Ordinary Guy" is Mr. Marx's first book, but he is already in the process of another one titled "Voices of Innovation," a project done in conjunction with HIMSS.
"Voices of Innovation" is a collection of stories from organizations that are driving innovation through HIMSS' innovation framework.
"This is the theory but punctuated with stories of organizations putting it to work," Mr. Marx says.
"Extraordinary Tales From a Rather Ordinary Guy” is published by Charles Pinot.
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