Role Models? I don't need one (or so I thought...)

I was on a bike ride with my brother this summer just gone, and we were asking each other questions. I asked him who is role model was, and he replied pretty much straight away that it was Virat Kohli, because of his determination and clear leadership qualities in captaining the Indian cricket team. He asked me the same question back, and I could not think of anyone. My mind was completely blank.

Now I'm not saying I've never met inspirational people. My circle of family and friends is full of admirable people (shout out to my parents and best friends!). However, when you google what a role model means, the definition includes someone who possesses qualities you want to imitate. And I never met anyone in my life whose behaviour I wanted to completely emulate. You know those people who are in their element, and you think to yourself 'I want to be just like them.' Yeah, I never had that thought :( Having admiration for someone's qualities, and holding them as a role model are two different things in my eyes.

After much thought, I replied to my brother that I was my own role model; I aimed to better myself through self-reflection and self-awareness. Some may say this is a pretty cocky answer lol. Even I think it is looking back.

I think sub-consciously, it was not the case that I did not want a role model, it was that I had not met someone who could be my role model yet. That was until 2 weeks ago...

I was scrolling mindlessly on LinkedIn, until I saw a post that caught my attention. It was written by a South Asian female who had recently founded her own law firm. I read the post once, and then again, and then probably another four or five times. It was so powerful and bought a smile to my face.

I clicked on her profile and absolutely loved everything she stood for. The reason why became my role model almost instantaneously was because:
a) her values aligned to mine;
b) she seemed ambitious and driven (qualities I love seeing in people)
c) she was South Asian and female; and
d) she was at the top of her legal game.
Therefore, I realised that personally representation and finding role models go hand in hand, particularly in professional situations. Similarly, my brother's role model happens to be a South Asian man too. Seeing someone like you, who has 'made it' makes you believe you can do it too. This is why we need more representation at senior levels in law firms.

So, I've found a role model but now what? Well, I've just sent her a message on LinkedIn (eeek!!). Fingers crossed she replies! And if not, at least I've got a role model I can admire from afar.