This morning on Lucy and Kel, amid the sparkle of the 2025 Logies, it wasn’t a red carpet moment or celebrity joke that stuck with us, it was Jelena Dokic’s tears… and her powerful words.

Accepting her award for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story, Jelena paused to thank someone unexpected. Not a producer. Not a stylist. But tennis legend Todd Woodbridge. “You’re the reason I’m standing here,” she said. “You believed in me professionally. I hope everyone finds a Todd like I did. You’re a massive reason why I’m here, I’m standing here in every single way.”

At a time when Jelena was retiring from tennis and unsure of her next step, it was Todd who saw what she couldn’t, a voice for commentary, a presence for TV, a future worth building. He didn’t just give her advice. He gave her belief. When she didn’t believe in herself.

We often think of mentors as official roles or big names. But the most life-changing voices are often the ones in the background. A teacher who encouraged you. A friend who said, “You’re made for this.” A colleague who opened a door when you were ready to quit. Lucy and Kel, with their listeners, shared stories of people who had believed in them when they didn’t believe in themselves. For Lucy, it was her counsellor Anne, who encouraged Lucy to fly, when she only thought she’d fall.

These aren’t just kind gestures or empty words. They’re turning points.

So here’s the real question Jelena’s moment leaves us with: Who saw you before you saw yourself?
And as Lucy and Kel encouraged the Light Family this morning – who are you quietly cheering on? Who are you encouraging and believing in?

Let’s be the voice that sticks. The nudge that matters. The hidden mentor that changes everything. Belief is powerful. And the people who speak it, even once, can change the course of a life.

Jelena Dokic poses with Logie Award. Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie Awards.