Abstract
Role models have consistently been positioned in management research as crucial for career success, with ongoing calls for more positive and inspirational role models. However, while we understand how individuals learn from or identify with role models, inspirational function of role models — defined as evocation, transcendence, and a motivational force (Thrash et al., 2014) - has remained largely unexplored. Without this analysis, our understanding of the processes of role modelling influence remains incomplete. Drawing on 60 in-depth qualitative interviews with UK-based professionals, this paper presents the first-of-its-kind analysis of how professionals—both men and women—construe the process and meaning of inspiration in their encounters with career role models. By mapping inspiration as a distinct function of role models and theorizing the mechanisms through which it operates this paper develops the literature on role modelling and deepens our understanding of their influence and impact.