Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

Her favourite smell is night-scented stocks, she loves any food with mushrooms, gets frustrated with people who say ‘no’ without an alternative and would like to share a car with singer Joan Armatrading but only if she’s doing the driving!

Clare Gallie, Chief Executive Officer of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, takes the 20 Questions’ hotseat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Any Miss Marple that has Joan Hickson in the lead role. The way she plays the part is so mischievous and I love a good mystery.

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: Joan Armatrading, but only if she is singing and I am driving. I am a terrible passenger (and singer).

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: The people – patients, volunteers and staff. It’s diverse, fun and challenging (in a good way).

Q: And the worst…?

A: Email. I much prefer speaking to people and meeting them face to face.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: My Dad. He died several years ago but he made so much of his life and made a difference to so many people.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Night-scented stocks.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Portland Bill. I love the rustic coastline.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Work out what your values are and go for a career that reflects these – that way every day can be rewarding.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Middle of the Road: ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Injustice – and erratic drivers (see my answer to the second question, above!)

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: Gilbert & Sullivan: ‘Three Little Maids From School Are We’. It’s jolly and many years ago I played the bassoon in the school orchestra – very badly.

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: Enthusiasm, positivity and empathy.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Anything with mushrooms.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Steamed sponge pudding and custard obviously!

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: The coastline.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: Find a way to encourage more students into nursing. We have a national nursing crisis and need to find a way of training more nurses and helping them to stay in nursing roles into the future.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: People who say ‘no’ without giving an alternative. Blockers.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Portland Bill. See my earlier answer.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: I hope I will still be helping people. Potentially I’ll be surrounded by grandchildren and, probably, still helping my four children to pay off their university debt!

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Like my Dad, making a positive difference to people’s lives.