Meet HOLLIE MCKAY

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful HOLLIE MCKAY. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with HOLLIE below.

HOLLIE, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found purpose in the spaces most people don’t see. I grew up in a small country town in Australia and spent my early years as a ballerina, seeing the world through movement and music. At 20, I was hired as a journalist, and everything changed. Traveling the world, I realized just how many stories never make the headlines—stories tucked away in the darkest corners. I was immediately drawn to them. Even in moments of doubt or frustration, when I’ve tried to pursue more stable, structured paths, this work always calls me back. It’s the stories of the untold that keep me going.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a war and humanitarian journalist, author, and mother to a beautiful little girl named Raven Rita. Over the years, I’ve reported from some of the most challenging and conflict-ridden places on Earth, sharing the stories of those often forgotten or silenced. My work has always been about giving a voice to the voiceless, spotlighting the human cost behind the headlines.

Right now, my focus has shifted to something deeply personal and universally vital—mothers and maternal health around the world. I’m diving into the untold stories of motherhood in war zones, displacement camps, impoverished communities, and underserved systems. It’s raw, emotional, and necessary work. As a mother myself, I carry these stories with a different kind of weight and responsibility now.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that storytelling has the power to change hearts, minds, and policies. Whether it’s through my journalism, books, or advocacy, I strive to shine a light in the shadows—because people deserve to be seen, and their stories deserve to be told. I pour my heart into holliesmckay.substack.com

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, curiosity, and empathy.

Resilience has been everything. This work—especially reporting from war zones and remote areas—can be incredibly demanding physically, emotionally, and mentally. The ability to keep going, even when it’s hard, lonely, or dangerous, has carried me through. For anyone starting out, resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. Push yourself outside your comfort zone, take on challenges, and learn to sit with discomfort. That’s where your strength grows.

Curiosity has been my compass. The need to understand, to ask questions, to go deeper—that’s what led me to stories in forgotten places. Let your curiosity guide you, even if it takes you off the beaten path. Read widely, travel if you can, and never stop asking “why?”

Empathy is the heartbeat of good storytelling. It’s what allows you to connect with people, to truly see them and reflect their truth with care. Cultivating empathy starts with listening—really listening—to others without judgment. Spend time with people who are different from you. Get quiet and observe. That’s where connection lives.

For anyone early in their journey: stay open, stay brave, and stay kind. Your unique voice and perspective matter more than you know. And remember the power of empathy.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that played a profound role in my development as a journalist and human being is Hiroshima by John Hersey. It’s a masterclass in compassionate, unflinching storytelling. Hersey didn’t just report on the devastation of the atomic bomb—he humanized it by following the lives of six survivors in the aftermath.

What struck me most was the quiet dignity in his writing. He let the people speak for themselves, without sensationalism or ego. That approach taught me that the most powerful reporting often lies in the restraint—the ability to listen deeply, to observe with care, and to let the story breathe.

A few key takeaways that have stayed with me:
– Bear witness with humility. You’re not the story, but you are the vessel for it.
– Details matter. The ordinary moments—someone picking up a sandal, walking through rubble—can hold extraordinary emotional weight.
– The human spirit endures. Even in the most unimaginable horror, there is resilience, grace, and the will to keep going.

Hiroshima reminded me that journalism, at its best, isn’t just about information—it’s about humanity.

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