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 across the country.
Rae Forward came out of a school hall in Leeds. 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 used to be: someone who could do the work but had no idea the door was open.
Credentials
- UK Next CIO 2025, awarded by IDC and CIO UK
- Chartered Manager, CMgr MCMI
- Microsoft Certified Trainer
- BSc (Hons)
- Studying for a Master’s in Executive Leadership at the University of Leeds
- 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.
Schools and organisations
Buying for a group?
Schools, colleges, universities, employers and community organisations can order at a discount. Twenty copies or more receive 35% off, and larger orders can be discussed. Email hello@raeforward.com with what you need.