A thought leader's journey in redefining print security and business value. Discover how expertise, education, and people-first innovation drive organizational success and inspire meaningful change.
Her Story
About Holly
Holly Cederholm serves as a commercial account rep at HP, a role she has held since 1989. In this position, she works with approximately 400 assigned accounts to increase sales of HP Print by leveraging multiple routes to market, including HP partners such as CDW, SHI, and Insight, channel partners consisting of copier and printer dealers nationwide, and direct customer engagement. She also collaborates across HP departments including supplies and PC teams. Prior to HP, Cederholm spent 22 years in multiple roles at Canon Direct after beginning her career in direct sales at a copier dealer from 1989 to 1991, with additional experience at Ricoh Direct. She earned a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and maintains certifications including CDIA, Network Plus, and annual HP certifications. Among her notable achievements, she won a presentation competition in Las Vegas while supporting sales assessments at Ricoh. Cederholm has engaged in mentoring within her team at HP and volunteers with organizations such as the Clearbrook community and Savior Starving Children.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Holly
01What do you attribute your success to?
My ability to stick with it and get along with just about anyone. I am a very good listener, and I never talk over people. People like to hear themselves talk, and I let them. I learned early on that I needed to hear three no's from someone before I move on to the next.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best salesperson is the best listener.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would absolutely, highly recommend sales. I wouldn't exactly recommend print sales... I've been doing this for 37 or 38 years at this point. And I've loved it.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Holly
Why I am a Thought Leader in the Future of Work, Print, & Security
Leading Through Expertise, Education, and Empowerment in the Modern Workplace
In Today's Rapidly Evolving Workplace
In today's rapidly evolving workplace, true thought leaders do more than sell products. They challenge conventional thinking, educate others, and help organizations navigate change. I have built my reputation by doing exactly that.
Rethinking Print in a Digital World
As a commercial print and security sales professional at HP, I have spent my career helping organizations rethink the role of print in a digital world. While many people view printers as simple office equipment, I have been at the forefront of educating business leaders that print devices are critical network endpoints requiring the same level of security, management, and strategic attention as PCs and other network-connected devices.
This perspective has helped elevate conversations beyond hardware discussions to broader business outcomes focused on security, productivity, compliance, and the future of work.
Translating Complex Technology into Business Value
What distinguishes me as a thought leader is my ability to translate complex technology concepts into business value that executives can understand and act upon. Whether speaking with CIOs, CISOs, CFOs, or IT directors, I consistently focus on helping organizations reduce risk, improve employee experiences, and create more efficient workflows.
My message is clear: Technology should enable people to do their best work while protecting organizations from emerging threats.
Leadership, however, is not measured solely by expertise. It is measured by the willingness to share that expertise with others.
Recognition Within HP
I have earned recognition within HP for proactively sharing best practices that help colleagues succeed. I received an HP Future Ready Award for leveraging LinkedIn Sales Navigator in innovative ways to secure executive customer meetings and for regularly educating my peers on strategies that drive commercial business growth.
My passion for learning, collaboration, and helping others succeed has made me a respected voice within HP and a role model for fellow sales professionals.
Shaping the Future of Work
Beyond my individual accomplishments, I actively contribute to the broader conversation about the future of work. My presentations and customer engagements focus on how AI, security, sustainability, and hybrid work are reshaping today's workplace.
I advocate for a people-first approach to technology adoption, encouraging organizations to view innovation not as a disruption, but as an opportunity to empower employees and create better business outcomes.
Influence Beyond Sales Results
Thought leadership is ultimately about influence.
My influence extends beyond sales results. I influence how customers think about security. I influence how colleagues approach business development, and I influence how organizations prepare for the future.
By combining deep industry expertise with a commitment to education and a genuine desire to help others succeed, I have established myself as a trusted advisor and respected leader in the print and security industry.
Through my ability to inspire, educate, and drive meaningful change, I have established myself as an influential woman whose impact extends beyond business results to the people and organizations I help succeed.
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