One of the most interesting things about the question “Who inspires you?” is that it isn’t about the person you name. It’s about you. It’s a question that draws a line directly from the values you admire to the way you choose to live and work. And, because of that, answering it well requires thoughtfulness, authenticity, and a little bit of strategy.

Why This Question Really Matters?

When an interviewer asks this question, they aren’t looking for trivia about historical figures or your favorite athlete’s bio. It's about seeing "the shape of the problem" rather than just the surface-level details​ much like choosing work that resonates with your aptitude and interest, selecting an answer that reflects your values allows for deeper self-alignment.

What they’re doing is using a simple question to learn complex things about you. Here’s what they’re really looking for:

1. Your Values
   Who you admire reflects what you value. Leadership? Creativity? Persistence? The person you choose and the reasons you admire them offer insight into what drives you.
2. Your Aspirations
   This is where things get interesting. If the person who inspires you has qualities you strive to embody, your choice signals what you’re aiming for in your career and life.
3. Your Story
   The best answers to this question reveal something about your journey—where you’ve been and where you’re headed.

How to Approach the Question?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a test. There’s no “correct” answer. But there are answers that are more compelling than others. Here’s how to get it right:

Step 1: Choose the Right Person

This isn’t about picking the most famous or impressive person. Instead, think about someone whose values or accomplishments align with the story you want to tell about yourself. It could be:

• A historical figure: Someone whose impact resonates with you.
• A mentor: Someone you’ve worked with and learned from directly.
• A family member: Someone whose influence has shaped your character.
• A creator or innovator: Someone who inspires you to think differently.

For example, if you’re applying for a role in product management, you might choose someone like Elon Musk for his ability to think big and execute bold ideas. But if you’re in healthcare, Florence Nightingale’s focus on compassion and systemic change might resonate more.

Also Read: How to Answer "'How Do You Ensure Your Work is Impactful" in an Interview

Step 2: Connect Their Traits to Your Own Goals

Once you’ve chosen someone, dig into why they inspire you. This is where you bridge their qualities to the qualities you admire and hope to embody. Think about:

• Specific Traits: What do they do exceptionally well? Are they creative? Resilient? Empathetic?
• Their Impact: How did they change the world—or at least the part of it they touched?
• Your Takeaway: What lessons from their life do you apply in your own work?

For example:
"I’m inspired by Serena Williams. Her ability to maintain focus and push boundaries while staying true to her values is something I aspire to in my own work. I apply this by setting clear goals and sticking to them, even when challenges arise."

Mistakes I Would Avoid

1. Being Vague
   Saying, “I admire my mom because she’s great” doesn’t work. Instead, focus on why she’s great: “My mother inspires me because she always approached challenges with creativity and optimism, which taught me to tackle problems with a solution-oriented mindset.”
2. Choosing Someone Cliché Without Depth
   Gandhi, Steve Jobs, or Oprah can be fantastic choices, but only if you have a unique angle. If not, your answer risks sounding generic.
3. Not Connecting to the Job
   Your answer should help the interviewer understand how your inspiration impacts your work. Don’t leave that connection implied—spell it out.

Examples of Strong Answers

For a Leadership Role: Angela Merkel

"Angela Merkel inspires me for her calm, data-driven decision-making in high-pressure situations. As a manager, I strive to emulate her ability to balance empathy with analytical thinking, ensuring my team feels supported while driving measurable results."

For a Creative Role: Hayao Miyazaki

"I’m inspired by Hayao Miyazaki for the way he uses storytelling to explore complex themes with simplicity and beauty. As a designer, I try to create experiences that are both deeply meaningful and accessible, much like his films."

For a Technical Role: Grace Hopper

"Grace Hopper inspires me for her ability to see the bigger picture in computer science. She didn’t just write code; she envisioned the systems and structures that shaped the industry. In my work, I strive to think beyond the immediate problem to how my solutions will scale and evolve over time."

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How Would I Take It Further?

Answering this question well doesn’t just help you stand out in an interview—it can also be a moment of self-discovery. Who inspires you? Why? What does that say about the kind of work you want to do? These aren’t just questions for an interview; they’re questions for life.

If you’ve never thought about it before, try making a list. Write down the people who’ve influenced you most—whether they’re famous figures or friends—and think about the traits they share. Patterns will emerge. And those patterns are like signposts, pointing you toward the kind of person you want to become.

Fin

When someone asks, “Who inspires you?” they’re really asking: What do you care about? What kind of person are you striving to be? Answer honestly, thoughtfully, and with purpose, and you’ll leave your interviewer not just impressed—but inspired.