Press and media
Available for interviews, panels and podcasts.
Holly Rae writes and speaks about why capable people rule themselves out of technology, and what the industry loses when they do. Press enquiries and speaking requests are welcome.
Biography
Press headshot. Right click to save, or email for a high resolution version.
Holly Rae
Author and founder, Rae Forward
Holly Rae has spent more than twenty years in technology. She started in hands-on technical work and now leads a professional services practice at a UK managed service provider, building and running a team that designs and delivers modern workplace technology for organisations.
Rae Forward came out of a school hall in Leeds. In November 2024 Holly asked 250 students how many were thinking about a career in tech, and five hands went up. Not because the other 245 had considered it and decided against. Because nobody had ever explained what working in tech actually looks like. After one conversation about the roles that exist, more than thirty hands went up.
She writes for the person she wishes existed when she started thinking about a career in tech.
Credentials
- UK Next CIO 2025, awarded by IDC and CIO UK
- Chartered Manager, CMgr MCMI
- Microsoft Certified Trainer
- BSc (Hons) in Professional Management
- Member and supporter of Girls and Tech
- Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors
Topics
- Transferable skills, and why they matter more than people think.
- Career paths in tech, and the roles nobody explains properly.
- Non-technical roles in a technical industry.
- What tech actually is, for school and college audiences.
- Women in technology and senior leadership.
Formats
Talks, panels, podcasts, written pieces, video and school sessions.
Holly has spoken to school groups about what working in technology actually involves.
The books
Getting Into Tech (Without Starting Over) is a practical guide to the technology industry for anyone who has ever thought it was not for them. Roles, skills, salaries, learning routes and how to position yourself, explained without jargon.
Getting Into Tech: The Companion Workbook is a structured six-part workbook that turns the reading into a plan, including the Rae(l) Strengths assessment.
Both are published by Rae Forward and available in print and ebook. Review copies, cover images, ISBNs and full format details are available on request. See the books.
Interviews and appearances
You Can’t Be What You Can’t See
Girls and Tech, July 2026. Running time 7 minutes 35 seconds.
Holly joined Girls and Tech for episode three of their You Can’t Be What You Can’t See series.
The conversation covers how Holly first got into tech and the part her dad played in it, what she would say now to anyone thinking about making the move, and the thinking behind Getting Into Tech (Without Starting Over) and the Companion Workbook. It closes on why representation in the industry still matters, and why so many capable people rule themselves out before anyone has explained what working in tech actually involves.
Schools and organisations
Looking to buy for a group?
Schools, colleges, universities, employers and community organisations can order at a discount. Twenty copies or more receive 35% off, and further discounts for larger orders can be discussed. Email hello@raeforward.com with what you need.