Based in Austin, Texas, Caliber marketing and events executive Laura Grace Pustmueller joined the team in 2018. This pasta lover, puzzle pro, and photographer sat down with Caliber culture manager, Kate Forster, to talk about some personal fun facts and her career organizing Caliber events and fintech and financial services conference partnerships. Read on to learn more about Caliber marketing and events executive Laura Grace Pustmueller in this Staff Spotlight interview.

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

LG: Most people call me LG, but my favorite nickname would probably be “Rara” which was coined by my 4 year old niece. When she was just learning how to talk and trying to say my name, her version of Laura came out as “Rara” and it stuck. Now even my friends call me Rara or Rara Grace! Being Tia Rara to my niece and nephew is one of my favorite things in the world.

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

LG: I’ve lived in Austin for almost five years—time flies when you’re having fun! I was raised in Dallas and my entire family still lives in the Dallas area. Luckily, Austin and Dallas are only a three hour car ride away, so with how often I drive up there to spend time with family and friends, it feels like I split time in the two cities! Our remote work policy makes it easy for me to work from Dallas when it’s more convenient than heading home to Austin. 

Kate: What non-work activities inspire you?

LG: Photography, reading, spending time with friends, running, spin classes, listening to music + going to concerts, and trying new spots around town. I also love traveling, so getting to travel for all of our events has been such a fun opportunity that I’ve really enjoyed! (I got to check out Boston for the first time last fall for our Boston Fintech Week VIP Party!)

Sneak peek of tonight’s #fintech party in Boston! @FinTechSandbox #BostonFintechWeek VIP opening reception cohosted with @CaliberComms and sponsors @BowdoinGroup @ThinkRiseGlobal. More photos to come! #BFTW22 #FintechEvents@Brian_Luciani @sarah_biller @ssumner7 @davidjegen pic.twitter.com/GsgFTIs7zn

— The Financial Revolutionist (@Fin_Revolution) September 27, 2022

Kate: If you had to include one ingredient in every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

LG: Does “pasta noodles” count as an answer? The day has yet to come where I get sick of pasta. My current #1 favorite meal is spicy vodka rigatoni. I make it every week without fail. 

You can get really creative with pasta! The pasta salad recipes are truly endless. Here are two of my favorites if you need some lunch inspo: Tomato Mozzarella Basil Pasta Salad + Asian Noodle Salad

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

LG: The Great Gatsby has always been my favorite book. In high school, I started collecting different versions of the book. My favorite version is a leather bound copy that my grandmother gave to me from my grandfather’s personal library after he passed away when I was in college.

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

LG: They don’t know that I met John Cena in New York and he gave me $100. Just kidding… Everyone already knows that because I told them while playing “Two Truths and a Lie” at our bi-weekly happy hours (and it is actually true!). I don’t think they know that I have a lot of random, hidden talents, of which include being really good at bowling and finishing puzzles quickly. If all else in life fails, I recently learned that being a professional puzzler is a real job…  

Kate: When you think about your time at Caliber, what career accomplishment or milestone makes you feel most proud?

LG: This is a fact that sometimes surprises people, but I started at Caliber as our very first graduate program candidate! From starting as a graduate associate, to being hired full time, to getting a promotion, and now leading Caliber events efforts, I’m so proud of the personal and professional growth I’ve gained while at Caliber. I really believe that my success here wouldn’t have been the same without the encouraging leadership who have believed in me and given me the opportunities to excel and grow! 

Kate: What’s your favorite thing about organizing Caliber events and partnering with fintech and financial services conferences?

LG: After a few years of strictly remote work and video conferencing, in-person events are really having their moment in the sun again. Caliber events are highly curated to facilitate meaningful connections and networking that will go beyond the evening. I love getting to create the space for these connections and conversations. After all, what’s better than an evening of good drinks, good food & great company? The quality time spent with our team members and clients during the events is the cherry on top! 

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

LG: I’ve been working for Caliber just as long as I’ve lived in Austin, so this June will be 5 years. I’d have to say my favorite thing about Caliber is the culture and the people. I have a unique perspective of seeing the growth that’s taken place over the 5 years and I’ve seen the culture really shift and improve in ways both big and small. It’s really a testament to you, Kate, and the leadership team on how much hard work and dedication is invested in the hiring process. It’s paid off and is the reason we have such an amazing team today!