David Eichler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi David, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the glue of society. Energy and intelligence are important but there’s plenty of those to go around. Integrity is always at a premium.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
There are two versions of me in 2025. The first, is as a photographer. I have been shooting for 50 years and have been exhibited in galleries and museums in 15 states and counting. The next is a mental health therapist. In 2023, I sold my PR and marketing firm of 18 years, went back to grad school and received a masters in social work, Now I am helping a whole new kind of client with much more important problems than seeing their picture in the paper. I am applying a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom to work with people facing suicide, grief, trauma, depression and bipolar disorder. And I love it.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Professor Jeanine Basinger at Wesleyan University. She was the founder and leader of the school’s film studies program and cinema archive. I still consider her my mentor all these (many!) years later. Jeanine refused to give me an A on anything. It was always an A- because she knew I was the kind of person who had to be kept hungry and working harder.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I hope it’s when my wife said “I do.”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That who you are is what you achieve.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I have always tried to listen to people. To look them in the eye, remain still and not start to construct what I will say next. Really listen. Now, I’m doing it to help people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eichlerphotos.com
- Other: https://www.nextstagemt.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
