Pia Larsen

UCLH

What are you most proud of?

I’m really proud of my career and for being a role model to others. I’ve built a career that I love and gained all my qualifications whilst I’ve worked full time including my degree, my MCIPS and now my MBA and also whilst having kids.

What makes you angry?

Inequality and biases, particularly in respect of gender but also race inequality and discrimination.

What sports team do you support (if any)?

The Lioness’

Which famous person would you most like to meet and why?

Jacinda Ardern – her leadership is so inspiring and has demonstrated to the world that empathetic, kind and compassionate leadership is effective and compelling. If only there were more leaders like her in the world, I think we would be in a better place.

What superpower would you most like to have and why?

Teleportation so I could flit between the UK and Australia where I could enjoy the beach, the sunshine and being with family without a 24hour flight.

What historical figure do you most admire and why?

Rosa Parks – the American civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat because of her race which sparked a turning point in the civil rights movement, demonstrating how one woman and one act can make a huge difference to the world.

What’s your perfect weekend?

A weekend relaxing with friends and family, some spa treatments and a personal chef to cook amazing food all weekend. Food is definitely my fuel for life!

What’s your favourite meal?

I couldn’t pick a favourite – I am a real foodie so I love good quality food, be that a lovely flat white coffee, a beautiful salad from Ottelenghi, a French patisserie, a Danish smorrebrod (open sandwich on ryebread), some smokehouse BBQ, some fresh cooked prawn linguine or dinner at a Michelin restaurant! I can’t wait to be working near to Borough Market when I move to Guy’s and St Thomas’.

Can you describe yourself in one word?

Tenacious

What do you hope to be doing 5 years from now?

Three of our 4 kids will be over 18 by then and we’ll have one child in school so I hope things will be slightly less busy. I hope that we will be having some decent long haul holidays to America and Japan.