What makes a great role model?

The older I become, the more I’ve realised there are lessons in everything. Especially in failure.

And while it can feel tough in the moment, the long-term gains often outweigh the short-term losses.

But let’s be real, just because there are lessons to be learned doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own.

In fact, it’s way easier when you have someone to guide, support, and inspire you. That’s where role models come in.

Maybe it’s a mentor at work, a coach, a trusted colleague or even someone you admire from a distance.

Either way, having a solid role model can make a huge difference.

Particularly when it comes to leadership, where the road can sometimes feel lonely.

The role models you don't want!

Looking back on my career, I’ve had plenty of role models; some good, some terrible.

And you know what? You can learn as much from the bad ones as you can from the great ones.

I’ve worked with leaders who were dismissive, who micromanaged, who took credit for other people’s work.

I remember one boss who would constantly undermine her own team, then act surprised when morale was low. Watching her in action was a masterclass in how not to lead.

But while learning from bad examples is useful, it’s far better for your development (and your sanity!) to find role models who actually inspire you, lift you up, and show you what’s possible.

Why role models matter.

Without strong role models, women in leadership often face:

🚩 Feeling like they have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously

🚩 Struggling with tough decisions and self-doubt, without guidance

🚩 Watching others get opportunities while they hesitate to put themselves forward.

But with the right role model? Everything shifts.

They show you how to:

✅ Step into your confidence, even in intimidating rooms

✅ Build strong relationships and navigate tricky workplace dynamics

✅ Take bold steps in your career, even when it feels scary.

So, how do you actually choose a role model who will help you grow?

What I always look for in a role model.

Optimism & Positivity: I’m naturally a glass-half-full person, so I find it exhausting to be around those who constantly focus on what’s wrong rather than what’s possible.

A great role model sees opportunities where others see roadblocks.

They’re the ones who say, “Okay, this didn’t work, what’s the next move?” rather than throwing in the towel.

And optimism isn’t just about having a positive attitude. It’s also about confidence.

When you’re around someone with a can-do mindset, it’s contagious. It pushes you to think bigger, take more chances, and believe in yourself.

Respect & Compassion: I have zero time for leaders who are rude, dismissive, or step over others to get ahead.

If you’ve ever worked for someone who made you feel invisible, you know how damaging that can be.

True leaders lift others up.

They respect different perspectives, value collaboration, and understand that success isn’t just about what they achieve, but what they help others accomplish too.

When choosing a role model, look for someone who treats people well and not just when they need something, but always.

Accountability & Commitment: I once worked with a manager who never owned up to mistakes. If something went wrong, she’d throw someone else under the bus.

Every single time!!

It created an environment where people were afraid to take risks, because they knew they’d be blamed if things didn’t go perfectly.

That’s not leadership.

The best role models take responsibility. They admit when they’ve messed up, learn from it, and move forward.

That kind of honesty creates trust, and trust is everything in leadership.

Integrity & Honesty: Integrity means doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

I admire leaders who stick to their values, even when it would be easier to take a shortcut.

For example, I once had a senior colleague who refused to sugar-coat things. She’d always tell the truth, even when it was uncomfortable.

At first, it was a little intimidating, but over time, I realised how much I respected her honesty. It made me trust her completely.

That’s the kind of leader I wanted to be. That’s the kind of leader I looked up to.

So who are your role models?

Finding a role model can feel a bit tricky, especially when you're balancing the many demands of leadership. Yet working out who inspires and motivates you can be a game changer in your journey.

Ask yourself these questions to work out what would help you the most right now.

➡️ What do I admire most about this person?

Look for specific qualities, whether it’s their ability to handle tough situations, their empathy, or their decision-making skills.

➡️  Do they inspire me to be better, not just in my career but as a person?

Are they someone who makes you want to grow. If their actions push you to develop new skills or qualities, they might just be the right fit.

➡️  How do they deal with setbacks?

We all face challenges. A great role model shows you how to rise above them with grace, resilience, and determination.

➡️ Are they accessible or relatable?

While it’s fantastic to admire someone at the top, your role model should also be someone whose journey you can relate to. Can you see yourself on a similar path?

➡️ What tangible outcomes have they achieved, and how did they get there?

Look at the results. If they’ve overcome obstacles or reached milestones that resonate with your own goals, their path could be a valuable one to follow.

➡️  Do they encourage me to step out of my comfort zone?

A good role model doesn’t just reinforce what you already know, they challenge you to push your boundaries and try new things.

Final Thoughts

As a female leader, you might often find yourself isolated, making tough decisions with little external support. That’s where a role model can truly make a difference.

The right role model gives you the confidence to keep moving forward, even when you're not sure what’s next.

They remind you that you’re capable of more than you might believe, and they offer guidance on how to navigate those tricky moments.

They show you that you’re not alone.

So, ask yourself:

🔹 Who do I admire in a way that makes me want to rise to my best self?

🔹 How can I channel their influence into my own leadership journey?

Because when you have a role model who inspires and guides you, you’re never truly on your own. Their presence can give you the clarity, confidence, and courage to move forward, even when things feel uncertain.

If you're ready to find that support and step into your next level of leadership with clarity and confidence, let's chat.

Jackie x

P.S. Feeling stuck or uncertain about your next steps?

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