I was reading an interesting article in my professional journal on the positive and negatives effects of social media. What struck me wasn’t so much the headline topic, but the sub context of who are our role models?

The article was focusing on who do young women look to and aspire to be like? This could easily apply to anyone of course. Yet if we take the younger generation (10 – 25) as an example then I wonder who people are looking towards.

Currently there’s a swathe of “influencers” and “celebs” as potential and probable candidates. However, hopefully we can do better than that. Especially as these people are being supported as marketing ventures by various large companies.

The article made the point that often the Marie Curries and Florence Nightingales are shown as great examples. Where are the contemporary movers, shakers and difference makers? Surely there must be relevant and current aspirational people in a variety of roles. How do these people get to play a larger role in influencing future minds?

I would suggest it’s up to all of us to look for such people, then to promote those we believe can be emulated to make a difference. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt if we lead by our own example too, as we can all be role models to those around us.