The Impact We Don’t Always See

Posted on September 30, 2025

This past week, something quite special happened. I attended two separate events, both unrelated, both in very different settings. Yet at each event, I was reunited with someone I had taught dance to many years ago when they were children.

Those of you who have worked with children or young people will know the joy of seeing them grow, develop, and eventually spread their wings. But rarely do we get the opportunity to see, years later, how the experiences we shared shaped their journey.

At both events, these now-adult women approached me with warmth and enthusiasm. They didn’t just remember the classes — they remembered the feeling of being in that space. They remembered the encouragement, the discipline, and the belief that was instilled in them at a young age.

One of them said words that stopped me in my tracks:

“My generation wanted to achieve more, and your generation made us believe we could.”

Another said simply but powerfully:

“You were so important to my childhood.”

And a third line that struck me deeply:

“Those experiences shaped us.”

I can’t tell you how humbling that is to hear. When you’re standing at the front of a dance class, helping children learn a routine, or encouraging them to keep going when they stumble, you don’t think of yourself as shaping futures. You think of it as just “teaching the class.” But those little moments — the encouragement when they’re struggling, the belief that they can do more, the joy of achievement when they finally nail a tricky step — those are the seeds that grow into confidence, resilience, and ambition.

The Invisible Ripple Effect

What this week reminded me of is something we can all easily forget: the impact we make on others is not always immediate, nor is it always visible. It can take years — sometimes decades — before we realise the difference we made.

Think about it. How often do we remember to thank the teacher who first encouraged us? The coach who believed in us? The colleague who gave us a chance? Many of us carry those memories, but life moves forward, and we don’t always circle back. When we do, it’s powerful for both sides.

The truth is, each of us is leaving a legacy of influence every single day. It might be through words, actions, encouragement, or even just showing up consistently as someone who believes in others. And while we may not see the results right away, those moments are planting seeds that may one day grow into something much bigger.

Lessons for All of Us

For me, this experience was a reminder to keep showing up — not just in professional settings, but in all areas of life. To keep encouraging, keep believing, keep offering kindness. Because even if you don’t see the results immediately, someone, somewhere, may carry your words or actions with them for years to come.

For leaders and mentors, it’s a call to remember that your influence reaches far beyond what you might think. The way you treat people, the belief you instil in them, and the encouragement you give might just be shaping the trajectory of their lives.

For parents, teachers, and coaches, it’s reassurance that the investment you make in young people matters. The time, the effort, the patience — it all builds into the foundation of who they become.

And for everyone reading this, it’s worth reflecting: who left an imprint on you? Who made you believe in yourself when you might not have? Whose encouragement carried you through a tough time?

A Call to Action

As I left those events this week, I felt humbled, grateful, and inspired. Grateful to have been part of their journey, humbled by their words, and inspired to keep showing up for the people around me — even in the smallest ways.

So, here’s my invitation to you:

• Think about the people who shaped you, even if it was years ago.
• Reach out and thank them if you can — they may not even realise the impact they had.
• And keep in mind that you, too, are shaping others right now, often in ways you won’t see until much later.

Because a kind word, a moment of belief, or a spark of encouragement can last a lifetime. 🌱

If this resonated with you and you’d like to explore how connection and encouragement can spark growth in your business or personal journey, let’s connect.
Book a Connectivity Call today — let’s start building the impact you want to make.Connectivity Call