What does it mean to truly show up as yourself in the tech world?
Rae Hoskins, known as the “caffeine-fuelled tech Barbie,” offers a masterclass in authentic leadership while flipping traditional notions of what a tech executive should look like.
Rae’s journey defies convention – from managing a restaurant at 17 to becoming Technology Operations Manager at fintech company CU NextGen. Her path wasn’t mapped out with careful career planning but emerged from survival mode and a fierce determination to make her difficult childhood “mean something.” The turning point came when a mentor spotted her potential during a customer service call, simply tapping her on the shoulder to suggest she apply for an IT position. That moment of being truly seen changed everything.
As a neurodivergent leader with ADHD, Rae has transformed what many consider a limitation into her superpower. “If my brain were a web browser, I’d have 49 tabs open with three playing music I can’t identify,” she explains. But this unique cognitive style allows her to simultaneously grasp big-picture strategies and microscopic details, making her exceptionally effective in high-pressure situations. Rather than hiding these differences, she advocates for creating systems that support various thinking styles, ensuring tech environments welcome diverse minds.
Perhaps most refreshingly, Rae refuses to water herself down to fit corporate expectations. From her neon pink office to her candid communication style, she demonstrates that authenticity isn’t optional – it’s essential for true innovation and inclusion. “I show up loud and bold and covered in glitter,” she says, ensuring younger generations can envision themselves in tech roles without conforming to outdated stereotypes.
For anyone battling imposter syndrome or feeling stuck in their career, Rae’s advice is transformative: give yourself permission to dream bigger, document your wins, and remember that “imposter syndrome is a liar.” As she powerfully states, “You don’t owe anybody else in this world a watered-down version of what you want your life to be.”
Ready to break your own moulds? Follow Rae’s example by showing up unapologetically as yourself and watching how the right opportunities and people gravitate toward your authentic energy.
