The Power of Role Modelling and the Mindset It Shapes

This week, I was given the opportunity to reflect deeply on the life of my legendary grandmother, Evelyn Martin, who passed away three years ago on 30 September.

To many, she was an icon — the longest-serving announcer on LM Radio, and a familiar voice on Springbok Radio and Radio Highveld. To her listeners, she was a soothing voice and a trusted companion over the airwaves from the 1950s through the 1980s.

To me, she was Avó — my fun, giving, and deeply inspirational grandmother.

Growing up around her shaped my mindset in ways I only fully understand now. Watching her work, I learned that women could be capable, caring, confident, and full of life — even in times when female voices were only just being recognised in professional spaces.

I remember staying up late to listen to her broadcasts, tagging along to the radio station, and helping her choose songs from the LP catalogue. Back then, many songs were censored in South Africa — even “Like a Virgin” by Madonna — and I remember feeling secretly rebellious hearing the “real” version with her. That moment planted an early seed of curiosity, courage, and freedom of expression.

She also taught me gratitude and generosity. “Eat your food,” she’d say, “there are starving children in Africa.” But she didn’t just say it — she lived it, bringing meals to those less fortunate and showing me that compassion is something we do, not just something we feel.

Looking back, I realise how much she modelled grace under pressure — even while carrying the anxiety of living through uncertain times, including being evacuated when the radio station in Mozambique was taken over by armed forces.

From her, I learned three powerful mindset lessons that continue to shape my mindset today:

• To speak with confidence and authenticity, no matter the audience.

• To be grateful and give to those in need, and

• To show up as my brightest, truest self.

My grandmother didn’t just tell me what I could become — she showed me. Through her example, I learned that when we embody courage, kindness, and authenticity, we give others permission to see those same possibilities within themselves.

Her voice might no longer fill the airwaves, but her influence continues to shape how I show up every day — with gratitude, grace, and a deep belief in human potential.

Evelyn Martin working at LM Radio.