The progress of your peers simple proves what is possible

At university, I was surrounded by future stars of stage and screen —Lucy Prebble, Alan Lane, Justin Audibert. It felt like they were all on the edge of “making it.”

So instead of looking up to distant idols, I focused on the people just ahead of me - those peers.

Soon, London and Edinburgh fringe nights became the testing ground—where I learned, failed, and grew alongside Mike Bartlett, James Graham, Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

When one of them made progress, it pulled the rest of us forward. Opportunities began to feel real and within reach.

It’s like Smokey Robinson growing up with Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. Being around that talent made him believe it was possible.

Sometimes, it’s not about huge leaps—it’s about seeing the people next to you win, and knowing you can too.

Saying to yourself not that they have succeeded instead of you.

But rather, their success simply proves that it can be done.

Blazing an inspirational trail in the wake of which you walk.