From the shyest girl in school to a voice for seriously ill children: Louise Griew’s story is one of quiet resilience and unexpected turns.

In this episode of Leading Lights, we meet Louise Griew, Chief Executive of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity - a role she never imagined for herself growing up in Pinner, North London. 

Once described as the shyest girl in her class, Louise now leads a national charity supporting the families of over 40,000 seriously ill children through a network of more than 200 specialist nurses.

Her path to leadership has been anything but linear. Louise shares how her previous roles, including agency side working with clients such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, a formative stint as Fundraising and Marketing Director at the Mayor’s Fund for London during Boris Johnson’s tenure, and time leading an RAF charity have all shaped the leader she is today: values-driven, quietly confident, and rooted in the belief that “kindness is free.”

This is a conversation about forging strength through experience, navigating personal challenges, and staying grounded when life doesn’t go to plan. Louise opens up about the setbacks that taught her the most, and what it really takes to lead with heart in a high-stakes world.

About Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children across the UK. There are currently over 200 Road Dahl Nurses caring for more than 40,000 seriously ill children, but there are many more children who do not receive this vital specialist care.  The dedication and expertise of our nurses reduces A&E visits, hospital admissions and consultant appointments. They’re also a vital lifeline to the whole family, coordinating care and providing access to emotional support.  That’s why we believe every seriously ill child deserves a Roald Dahl Nurse. 

Find out more about the charity:

https://www.roalddahlcharity.org/

Or on Facebook or Instagram:  @roalddahlcharity

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