Personal Legend Project: Eric Holcomb

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

Eric Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor of Indiana

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Indiana Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb a number of times over the past few years.  I respect his enthusiasm for government and his tireless dedication to improving our state, which is why I immediately thought of him for this project.  I’ve photographed him in a number of settings and he’s always genuinely friendly and jovial.  I also appreciate that he actively seeks opinions from both sides of the aisle to get work done that’s in the best interest of our community.

I met up with Eric in Batesville on Thursday as he toured RomWeber Flats, a new type of senior living community, and met with executives at Hillenbrand, Inc., one of Indiana’s largest employers.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

The following set of six questions will be answered by each of the subjects.

1)  Some people call it a “true calling” or their “life’s work.”  In the book The Alchemist, author Paulo Coelho calls it your Personal Legend. What do you consider to be your true calling, or Personal Legend?

In the simplest sense, working with others to solve problems.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

2)  When did you first realize that this was your calling?

Probably around the time I started playing basketball in elementary school.  I enjoyed the teamwork aspect, how everyone has a role, and each position is as important as the next.  That approach led to involvement in high school student government, served me well in the U.S. Navy, and has since proven incredibly valuable throughout my entire career in public service.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

3)  People often become completely engrossed, losing track of time or outside concerns while performing tasks related to their calling.  This might be referred to as being “in the zone” or “flow.”  When do you experience this most often?

Daily.  I try to schedule my days such that I’m running from one thing to the next.  It not only allows me to do more, it’s keeps my actions genuine, not staged.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

4)  What is the greatest challenge or obstacle you’ve faced in pursuit of your life’s work?

Not enough hours in the day and being unable to be two places at the same time.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

5)  What has pursuing your Personal Legend taught you?

Don’t waste a day.  Unplugging can be healthy and even necessary to recharge the batteries, but don’t unplug from contributing to something greater than yourself.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

6)  What piece of advice can you offer to others seeking their true calling?

Whatever you are doing, don’t do it just for the money, or you will just be short changing yourself.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2016 when he was Lieutenant Governor.

Are you following your Personal Legend?  Tell us about it in the comments below.

Subscribe to the blog, or add us to your RSS feed to follow along as we post a new set of images each day for the next 30 days.   For background on this project, check out our first post in the series.

Author: Zach Dobson

Zach Dobson is a documentary and commercial photographer based in Indianapolis. He holds a degree in journalism from Indiana University with a concentration in photography. Since starting his business in 2006, Zach has focused on documenting people’s lives and businesses in action. Zach’s client list includes the Indiana Pacers, Coca-Cola, the AARP, ZipCar, Indiana University, Visit Bloomington, Hamilton County Tourism, Land O’Lakes, RIOT LA Comedy Festival, Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana High School Athletic Association. Zach is a Professional Member of the American Society of Media Photographers [ASMP]. He resides in Carmel, Ind. with his wife and business partner, Courtney, and their five children.

1 thought on “Personal Legend Project: Eric Holcomb

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *