

The People Who Believed in Me — Stories of Support That Changed Everything
The People Who Believed in Me — Stories of Support That Changed Everything
Behind every confident leader is someone who saw their potential early — someone who gave them a shot, nudged them forward, or simply said, “You’ve got this.”
On the Love Your Career podcast, Lawrence Everest often asks guests about the people who shaped their journey. Again and again, they talk about belief — the quiet kind that changes everything.
In this blog, we share the stories of six professionals who found strength in the belief of others, and how that support helped shape the careers they have today.
1. Someone Gave Them a Shot They Didn’t Expect
Confidence doesn’t always come from within — sometimes it starts with someone else seeing something in you before you do. Several guests spoke about opportunities they only received because someone took a chance.
“I wasn’t even thinking about applying for the role, but my boss pulled me aside and said, ‘You should go for it.’ That changed everything.”
— Maddie Cummings, Leisure Professional
“A senior leader once told me, ‘I think you’re ready for more.’ At the time, I didn’t believe it — but I stepped up, and they were right.”
— Paul Bowman, Wexer
“I was offered a project I thought was out of reach. But they backed me — and that helped me back myself.”
— Suzanne Gabb, Good Boost
2. A Mentor Helped Them Find Their Voice
Sometimes belief isn’t about opportunity — it’s about guidance. Many guests mentioned people who helped them find clarity, speak up, or navigate the noise in a pivotal moment.
“There was a mentor who taught me to pause before I speak — to own my space. That’s when I started leading properly.”
— Steve Scales, Gladstone
“I used to feel like I had to prove myself constantly. A mentor helped me understand that I already belonged.”
— Duncan Jefford, Everyone Active
“It wasn’t about fixing my flaws — it was about helping me recognise my strengths.”
— Chloe Kinch, Proinsight
3. Someone Saw More in Them Than Just Their Job Title
Great leaders lift others beyond their roles. Several podcast guests talked about people who didn’t just value them for what they did, but who they were — and who they could become.
“I had a manager who saw leadership in me long before I did. He gave me responsibilities that pushed me — and trusted me to grow into them.”
— Dave Hopkins, Proinsight
“I remember someone telling me, ‘You’re not just good at your job — you’re good with people.’ That feedback stuck with me for years.”
— James Lawrence, Lifestyle Fitness
“The best kind of belief isn’t loud. It’s quiet, consistent backing — and that’s what I had.”
— Julie Allen, Active Net
Final Thoughts
Behind every confident decision, there’s often someone who helped make it possible. Belief is a powerful gift — especially when it’s shared freely.
If you’ve ever been encouraged, promoted, mentored, or simply reassured by someone who saw your potential — this blog is a reminder to do the same for someone else.
🎧 Want more insight like this? Listen to the Love Your Career podcast or visit loverecruitmentgroup.com for the full series.