Based in Austin, Texas, Caliber Director Holland Eichorn joined the team in October of 2022. This focused weightlifter, inspired traveler, and lively social butterfly sat down with Caliber Culture Manager, Kate Forster, to talk about her career in public relations for financial services and fintech companies. Read on to learn more about Caliber Director Holland Eichorn in this Staff Spotlight interview.

Kate: What is your favorite nickname and how did you get it?

Holland: I’ve never really had a nickname. A friend of mine calls me a “golden retriever” because (apparently) my morning energy, desire to make friends with everyone, and general happiness give off golden retriever vibes. 

Kate: Where do you consider “home”? What is special about it?

Holland: Austin will always be the city I consider “home.” I spent a lot of my childhood here and it’s the city where I have the strongest roots. Aside from the amazing friends and family I have here, Austin just has an energy that is so different from anywhere else I have lived. It has become a tech hub with incredible events and activities, and yet you can still go paddle boarding downtown or drive 5 minutes for some great hiking. And, there is no end to great music and new artists to discover. 

Kate: What non-work activities inspire you?

Holland: I’d probably say lifting weights is the biggest non-work hobby that impacts the way I approach my day-to-day and inspires me to work harder. Self-discipline has never been my strongest trait, so embracing weightlifting requires me to flex that self-discipline muscle and push myself to get stronger, make it to the gym when I don’t want to, and focus on end goals.

Travel is also a big activity that inspires me. Experiencing new places, new cultures, and new adventures is a great way to always be learning and to keep engaged with the world. 

Kate: What’s your favorite movie and/or book?

Holland: Since childhood, my favorite book has been Where the Red Fern Grows. Yes, it makes me cry every time and yet I still love it dearly. I even have a signed first edition! 

Favorite movie is harder to say because I have so many. I love classics, and To Sir, With Love has always been a favorite of mine. Shawshank Redemption is also a go-to of mine. And, I will almost never say no to re-watching and singing along to The Greatest Showman. 

Kate: What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?

Holland: My colleagues probably don’t know that, originally, my grand career plan was to be a librarian. I was accepted to University of Texas to pursue a Library Science graduate degree and, luckily, Forbes listed it as the #1 worst master’s degree to get that year. So…I did what any 22 year old might do and turned down my spot and went backpacking around Europe for two months. A lot of self-discovery later, I realized that being a librarian might have been the worst choice ever for an extrovert who loves talking to people. Ten years later, and I couldn’t be happier that public relations ended up being my career. 

Kate: Name one thing that amazes you about fintech or innovation in financial services.

Holland: What continues to amaze me about fintech and the innovations happening in financial services is that it touches every aspect of our lives in some way. You read about various fintech products, but it’s amazing to see how these companies have not only transformed financial services but also how their products and solutions have impacted how almost every other industry works in one way or another. 

Kate: What’s your favorite thing about working at Caliber?

Holland: By far, it’s the people. Yes, we have great clients and the industries we work in are fascinating, but it’s the teams I work with that make me look forward to showing up every day. From our most junior team members to leadership, everyone at Caliber is constantly curious (a company value and a critical trait in our field) and is always willing to help each other. This camaraderie has created a truly unique company culture. 

Kate: What historical figure do you most admire?

Holland: My answer here will always be Dolly Parton. I am inspired by anyone who has built themselves up from the most humble of beginnings like Dolly has. But what I admire most about her is that she embodies so many traits I aspire to—she is intelligent, endlessly forgiving and kind, gives back to her community in a quiet and humble way, and stays true to who she is without taking herself too seriously. It never hurts to ask “What would Dolly do?”