The Power of Example
Consider the individual who has profoundly shaped your career. For many professionals, this person is a role model. Whether a mentor, a colleague, a leader, or a public figure, they didn’t just set a standard; they transformed your mindset and propelled you towards your potential. This is the transformative power of role models.
New research from American Express and The Entrepreneurs Network shows that 71% of aspiring British founders had an entrepreneurial role model growing up, compared to 48% of the wider public. Role models don’t just inspire, they catalyse change. And they’re not just for those starting their career. At every level of leadership, role models are essential to staying grounded, growing, and helping others do the same.
The Career-Changing Benefits of a Role Model
83% of Gen Z employees say a workplace mentor is crucial to their career yet only 52% report having one. Source Together Platform.
A poll by Gallup and Amazon revealed that 68% of people with role models feel established in their career.
Having a role model doesn’t just make you feel good; it can be a game-changer, here’s how:
- Guidance: You can learn from someone else’s wins (and mistakes) to chart your own path.
- Inspiration: When things get tough, a role model’s story can remind you why you started, or how to overcome challenges.
- Skill-building: Observe and model behaviours that lead to success.
- Networking: Open yourself to new connections through your role model - new people, ideas, and opportunities.
- Mindset Shift: Adopt powerful habits such as resilience, creativity, and determination.
What Makes an Effective Role Model?
Let’s bust a myth: role models aren’t perfect. They’re not always famous. And they might not even know they are a role model to you.
Here’s what makes an effective role model:
- Authenticity: They walk the talk.
- Vulnerability: They admit mistakes and grow from them.
- Commitment to Others: They lift others as they rise.
- Vision and Purpose: They have a clear direction that inspires action.
- Micro-Moments of Leadership: Often, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impression.
- Listening First: They lead by hearing first, acting second
How to Choose a Role Model
Your ideal role model might be closer than you think. Look for:
- Shared values and vision
- Skills you admire or want to develop
- Qualities that align with your goals
- Get curious. Go to networking events, listen to podcasts, and explore our content for more inspiration.
We asked our Uspire team what qualities they looked for in a role model:
Colin Wright (Chairman) : “I looked for people who made others feel seen. That emotional intelligence shaped how I lead.”
Mark Francis (Client Director): “My role model taught me that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s the secret to connection.”
Amanda Downs (Client Director) : “Finding someone who challenged my thinking, without ego, helped me grow faster than any course ever could.”
From Inspired to Inspiring: How to Become a Role Model
Stepping into the role of a leader isn’t just about guiding a team or achieving a business goal; it’s about the influence you leave behind. The best leaders don’t only inspire in the moment; they set off a ripple effect that shapes behaviours, builds confidence, and encourages the next wave of leaders. Becoming a role model means being intentional about how you show up every day, even in the smallest interactions.
Great leadership has a ripple effect. Here’s a few ways to get started:
- Model positive behaviour consistently
- Lead with authenticity, not perfection
- Share knowledge and give others a leg up
- Develop a mentoring mindset
- Demonstrate resilience and integrity
- Engage in community and industry development
But there’s so much more. If you’d like to explore key characteristics of a good role model, understand how you can bridge the gap to get there, and create your very own role model blueprint which you can apply to your day-to-day leadership, join us at our upcoming Uspire LIVE event… The role model effect: How to be one and find one
Where Leaders and Role Models Connect: Uspire Live
At our Uspire LIVE event, we’ll explore this topic in more detail: how to find role models, how to be one, and how to use inspiration to spark real impact. You will discover your potential as a role model and connect with other likeminded leaders.
Uspire LIVE: The Role Model Effect: Helping You Be One and Find One, takes place in London on 16th October 2025. Click here for more information and to register for your complimentary ticket worth £499.
By attending, you will gain access to industry-leading speakers, Aisling Tuck and Mandy Hickson, receive practical tools, and a personal leadership blueprint. You will also get the opportunity to connect with other growth-minded leaders and participate in interactive, energising sessions focused on impact.
The Uspire Partnership: Building Leaders, Inspiring Change
Whether you are laying the foundations of your career or shaping the future of your organisation, the Uspire Partnership provides support, expert-led leadership programmes and strategic business growth strategies within a vibrant, supportive leadership community. Connect with us to get ‘Uspired’.
Sources:
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/children-entrepreneurs-60-more-likely-26312345