In this episode I speak with Sarah Ramsey (Trustee) and Gareth Pierce (CEO) of Forget Me Not Hospice. While the conversation is centred on children’s hospice care, it also offers leadership insights into motivation, culture, and values—core themes that resonate across business, charity, and personal growth.
1. Purpose-Driven Leadership & Motivation
Both Sarah and Gareth transitioned from corporate careers into the hospice sector, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Gareth describes how every decision, conversation, and meeting is directly linked to helping children and families—a powerful daily motivator unlike anything in corporate roles.
The hospice operates with a "live well" philosophy, ensuring children and their families experience joy and support, not just end-of-life care.
Leadership takeaway: Clarity of purpose fuels motivation—whether in business or non-profit, leaders thrive when they see the direct impact of their work.
2. Building an Authentic Culture
Forget Me Not Hospice is described as a home, not a hospice—its environment, care philosophy, and team ethos embody warmth, family, and support.
The hospice’s values—Caring, Courageous, Positive, Pioneering, and Genuine—are not just words but lived daily. This is evident in staff engagement, family care, and visible signs of culture throughout the building.
Leadership takeaway: Culture is reinforced by actions, not slogans—organisations must embed values in daily work, physical spaces, and onboarding processes.
3. Leading Through Uncertainty & Financial Challenge
The hospice faces immense financial pressures, needing to raise £6 million annually, with only 10% from government funding. Despite these challenges, the team maintains a solutions-focused mindset, working with other hospices, corporate sponsors, and fundraising initiatives. Gareth stresses the importance of adaptability—balancing short-term survival with long-term advocacy for systemic funding reform.
Leadership takeaway: Resilient leadership requires both a survival mindset and a vision for the future—leaders must manage immediate pressures while keeping sight of long-term goals.
4. The Power of Collaboration & Collective Impact
Forget Me Not collaborates rather than competes with other hospices to advocate for change, share resources, and optimise costs. Unlike corporate environments where competitiveness limits collaboration, the hospice sector thrives on shared learning, open dialogue, and collective action.
Leadership takeaway: Successful leaders know when to compete and when to collaborate—building alliances, even in challenging sectors, is key to sustainability and impact.
Final Reflections – Finding Meaning in Leadership
Both guests emphasise that personal fulfilment comes from making a difference.
Sarah finds motivation in family stories, which remind her why she volunteers.
Gareth stays grounded by engaging with children and families, reigniting his passion daily.
Leadership takeaway: True leadership is not just about success; it’s about significance. When leaders align work with meaning and values, motivation and impact follow naturally.
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