So, how does one become a role model?

That is the irony. You don’t. You don’t set out to become a role model. You set out to do your job. You set out to carry out your responsibilities. You do whatever is the right thing. You do whatever is required. Not just from a selfish point of view or just an organisational perspective but from a wider human being perspective. You simply care for people. You do things without expecting or asking “what is in it for me” question.

You cannot demand respect. You need to earn it. Same thing here. You cannot aspire to be a role model. But, you can become one. Ironical? Yes. But that is how life is!