Anita Goyal MBE revealed she relies on a four-point formula for achieving happiness and celebrated the impact of female “change-makers” on the industry at this week’s Leading Women in Care Awards event.
Mrs Goyal, who is chair of the Hallmark Foundation and an award-winning philanthropist, author and community champion, kicked off the event at London’s Pullman St Pancras Hotel by calling for more women to own, run, and manage businesses in social care.
Despite an 85% female workforce in the care sector, women are still underrepresented in leadership.
Mrs Goyal drew attention to the challenges women face today, being pulled in more directions than ever before.
She applauded the women in the room for being change-makers, not just professionally but leaders at home and beyond.
“Each of us is driven by a deep sense of purpose: to uplift, to serve, and to create meaningful change. We need to do much more to ensure that care is better valued, rewarded and funded.”
“We also need to recognise the challenges of a largely female workforce. Like our population, the care workforce is aging, with many due to retire in the next decade. Many will also be caring for their own family members, they may be experiencing menopause and the impact that has on their health. Yet they continue to do one of the most demanding jobs in our society for relatively low pay.”
Amongst these competing focuses, Mrs Goyal encouraged attendees to return to one question: ‘what does happiness look like for you?’
For her, it is found in a formula that she calls ‘G to the power of four equals happiness.’
The formula is made up of four key elements: growth, giving, gratitude, and goals.
Mrs Goyal explained: “Growth is a process of learning and evolving. Giving is at the heart of what we do in social care; it isn’t just about financial contributions, it’s about how we give with impact via time and talent too. Gratitude shifts our mindset, helping us to appreciate what we have and find meaning in the small moments in life and turn challenges into lessons. Finally, goals give us direction, focus and momentum.
“However, this shouldn’t just be about achievement. Our goals should align with what we truly believe fulfils us. I encourage us all to keep coming back to the question: are my goals feeding my soul, or just my schedule?”
A common theme in discussions at the Leading Women in Care Awards 2025 was the need for women to uplift themselves; only in doing so, Mrs Goyal said, can you uplift and care for those around you.
“We don’t just lead, we thrive, and when we thrive, our teams, our communities, and the people we serve also flourish. As inspirational women in care, we are more than just leaders, we are change-makers.”
Closing her keynote speech, she added: “Together, there’s a lot that we can do to promote women working and leading in care, and today is about celebrating the achievements of our women peers in this space. It’s about using our voices to encourage future female leaders, and holding mindful space for our own happiness and goals as women in this busy and exciting sector.
“We recognise and acknowledge women’s many contributions to care today around International Women’s Day, and we should continue to do so every day.”
