Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees. Rachael Holland Vice President of Growth | AMPERAGE […]
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Rachael Holland
Vice President of Growth | AMPERAGE Marketing
Age: 38
Residence: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Hometown: Decorah, Iowa
Education: Master of Business Administration
Best advice you ever received? “It’s okay to be human.” Mind-blowing, right? But seriously, it’s taken me years to truly accept that letting my guard down, admitting mistakes, and sharing failures is not a sign of weakness, it's a badge of resilience and growth. It’s still something I have to remind myself of regularly, especially as a leader.
What do you consider your "big break" in your career, so far? I’m not sure if this qualifies as a "big break," but it was definitely a pivotal moment in my career. When a new VP of Corporate and Community Partnerships joined my previous company, I was a young director among my peers. He took the time to really get to know me — listening to my ideas, understanding my strengths, and helping me see my own potential.
He taught me that leadership isn’t about titles, having direct reports, or even age. He trusted me to lead meetings and trainings with peers across the country — something I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for. But his belief in me sparked my “aha” moment: Leadership is about influence, not authority. We all have the ability to lead from where we are.
What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 50? By the time I’m 50, I hope to have become a better version of myself each year — both personally and professionally. It’s not about checking off some grand achievement, but more about consistent growth. I want to keep evolving, learning, and finding new ways to make a positive impact on the world around me. Oh, and maybe finally get over my fear of cats.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support? Mental health. I’d focus on initiatives that tackle mental health in a holistic way — addressing not just the symptoms but the root causes. It’s so important to support the whole person, especially when it comes to long-term well-being.
