Four in 10 inspired to follow a dream, but many never thanked their mentor, study finds

FOUR in 10 Brits have been inspired by someone to pursue a talent, passion or career – but a third admit the person who encouraged them has no idea just how much of a difference they made. A study of 2,000 adults found among those who had a mentor, 63 per cent had believed the passion they were encouraged to do wasn’t for them – prior to meeting them. And 84 per cent said their champion was the first person to make them feel their talent was worth pursuing. Meanwhile, 23 per cent of those inspired by someone have never thanked them, while 61 per cent of the group are “gutted” they didn’t get the chance to express their gratitude. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! In total, 56 per cent often or very often look back on their advice, while 84 per cent want to continue their legacy by passing their wisdom onto the next generation. The research was commissioned by the Sky Arts Awards as it launches the search for the Sky Arts Hero 2026, celebrating the unsung teachers, mentors and champions behind people’s artistic journeys. Shappi Khorsandi, who has teamed up with the awards, said: “Behind so many creative careers is someone who spotted potential, nurtured confidence and encouraged a person to keep going when things felt difficult. “Many people can pinpoint a moment when somebody saw something in them before they saw in themselves. “Behind every artist, performer, writer or creative career recognised on-stage at the awards is often someone working quietly in the background, offering support, guidance and belief. “They may never seek recognition, but their impact can last a lifetime.” Most read in The Sun The research also found – beyond family and friends – schoolteachers, creative professionals and first bosses had the greatest impact. Of those who have a mentor who inspired them, secondary school was the period when they had the most influence (22 per cent), followed by the early stages of their career (15 per cent) and college (10 per cent). Meanwhile, 84 per cent said this person was the first to make them feel their talent or passion was worth pursuing. The biggest impact these people had was building confidence (43 per cent), encouraging them to keep trying (37 per cent) and giving practical advice (32 per cent). In total, 59 per cent have passed on the wisdom or encouragement they received to other people. This includes encouraging somebody who lacks confidence (49 per cent), sharing practical advice or creative skills (41 per cent), or even mentoring somebody themselves (36 per cent). Overall, 61 per cent believe the mentors behind creative careers rarely receive the recognition they deserve, according to OnePoll figures. Reasons for this include their work being behind the scenes (45 per cent), not seeking praise or recognition (42 per cent) and their impact not becoming clear until years later (39 per cent). Phil Edgar Jones, executive director of unscripted content at Sky, added: “Talent isn’t confined to any one background, but opportunity clearly isn’t evenly distributed. “For anyone looking to break into the arts, having just one person say ‘you can do this’ can be incredibly powerful. A teacher, mentor or youth worker can help someone see a future for themselves that they might otherwise have thought wasn’t possible. “The Sky Arts Hero Award is about celebrating those often-unseen people whose belief can genuinely change the direction of someone’s life. “We want the public to tell us who those people are so we can celebrate their contribution at this year’s awards.” Comment now