Four in 10 Brits credit score a mentor for his or her profession – however many by no means stated thanks
New research reveals 84% of people only felt their talent was worth pursuing after a teacher, boss, or mentor stepped in
Six in 10 are ‘gutted’ they never got to say thank you(Image: Getty Images)
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. Of those who had a mentor, prior to meeting them, 63% had believed the path they wanted to pursue wasn’t for them, but were later encouraged to do so.
The study of 2,000 adults found 84% said their mentor was the first person to make them feel their talent was worth pursuing. But, 23% of those spurred on by someone else have never thanked them, while 61% of respondents are “gutted” they didn’t get the chance.
Many artists were spurred on by their mentors(Image: Getty Images)
In total, 56% often or very often look back on their advice, while 84% 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.
Comedian and author 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.”
Shappi Khorsandi believes behind every artist is a network of support(Image: Heathcliff O’Malley)
The research found, beyond family and friends, schoolteachers, creative professionals and first bosses had the greatest impact on people’s careers.
Of those who have a mentor who inspired them, secondary school was the period when they had the most influence (22%), followed by the early stages of their career (15%) and college (10%).
The biggest impact these people had was building confidence (43%), encouraging them to keep trying (37%) and giving practical advice (32%).
In total, 59% have passed on the wisdom or encouragement they received to other people. This includes encouraging somebody who lacks confidence (49%), sharing practical advice or creative skills (41%), or even mentoring somebody themselves (36%).
Overall, 61% 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, not seeking praise or recognition and their impact not becoming clear until years later.
Now many are keen to pass on what they’ve learnt to the next generation(Image: Getty Images)
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.”
