Meet the Speaker with Palvi Dodhia

Welcome to our brand-new newsletter series: ‘Meet the Speaker’ where we’ll be interviewing members of our speaker line-up for Care Show Birmingham 2025. It’s a chance to get to know the experts behind all the real insights, experience, and guidance presented at the show.

First up we meet Palvi Dodhia, Director & Co-Founder of Serene Care...

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in the care sector?

I started my career in investment banking, working in operations, project management, and regulation at Goldman Sachs and other top-tier financial institutions. Handling everything from compliance to high-pressure project delivery, I gained valuable skills… but it wasn’t where my heart lay.

Alongside my husband Jay Dodhia (CEO), I co‑founded multi award winning Serene Care. We are a boutique care‑home operator specialising in dementia care—with a mission: quality care for all, driven by values like privacy, dignity, respect, trust, empathy, and kindness. We didn’t come from a health and social care background, so after buying our first home, we threw ourselves into every aspect of the business—from staffing and regulations to hands‑on care. It was a crash course in what really matters.  

As COO, I’ve overseen everything from digitisation to operations, audits, payroll, recruitment, and compliance. By working alongside our teams, we’ve built homes that are not just regulated—but compassionate and people‑focused.

I’m proud to serve as:

• Co‑Chair, the People Plan Subgroup
• Ambassador, Championing Social Care
• Ambassador, Dementia UK  

I regularly speak at events like the Care Show London —sharing what we’ve learned about people‑first care, digital innovation, and supporting dementia‑specialist homes.

I also do advisory work for others in the health and social care sector to share best practices and teachings from my time at Serene Care

What’s the focus of your presentation/s at this year’s conference, and why is this topic important right now?

Jay and I are going to be speaking about “future proofing our care business” because the world around us is changing—fast. From evolving regulations and rising care demands to workforce challenges and digital disruption, our sector is facing immense pressure.

But with pressure comes opportunity. ‘Futureproofing’ isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about building resilience, staying ahead of change, and ensuring we can continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care in a sustainable way.

We need to adapt, innovate, and plan for the long term. 

I am also joining a panel regarding “starting a new business” as I have seen firsthand how challenging—but also how rewarding—it can be to start out in this sector. The landscape is complex: regulations, staffing, compliance, funding. It can be overwhelming if you’re new. That’s why sharing real, practical insight is so important—so new providers don’t just survive, but build strong, sustainable services from day one.

What’s one thing you hope attendees will take away from your session?

Clarity and confidence – Starting out as a new care provider can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, structure, and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable. I want people to leave feeling more confident about taking those first steps or strengthening what they’ve already built and a future-focused mindset – Whether you’re just starting out or already running a service, it’s vital to think long term. I hope people begin to see futureproofing not as a luxury, but as a necessity—and feel inspired to innovate, adapt, and build care businesses 

Have there been any recent developments or research in running a care business that you find particularly exciting?

AI is transforming the care sector by enabling smarter, more proactive support. From predictive analytics that identify health risks before they escalate, to voice-activated virtual assistants that remind service users to take medication or flag signs of distress, AI is helping care providers deliver safer, more personalised services. For new providers, adopting AI tools early can improve efficiency, reduce emergency interventions, and free up staff to focus on high-value, human-centred care—making it a powerful way to future-proof your business from the outset.

What’s one misconception about running a care business that you often encounter — and how do you address it?

Many people believe that technology in care services is just a “nice to have” rather than a necessity, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In today’s care environment, digital tools—like electronic care records, remote monitoring devices, and compliance management software—are essential for delivering safe, efficient, and person-centred care. They reduce paperwork, improve communication between staff, and provide real-time insights that help prevent crises before they happen. For new providers especially, embracing technology from the start isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about building a resilient, high-quality service that meets regulatory expectations and responds to the complex needs of those in your care. Ignoring technology puts your service at risk of falling behind and missing opportunities to innovate and improve outcomes.

How do you continue learning and evolving in your practice?

I believe continuous learning is absolutely vital in the care sector, where regulations, best practices, and technologies are always evolving. To stay ahead, I regularly engage with professional development courses—both online and in-person—that focus on leadership, compliance, and innovation in social care. I also draw inspiration from modern leadership thinkers like Simon Sinek, whose emphasis on purpose-driven leadership and the power of starting with why has helped me keep the focus on the deeper mission behind the care we provide. Leaders like Sinek remind us that effective leadership isn’t just about managing tasks, but about inspiring people by connecting them to a meaningful vision—something that’s essential in delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

What do you enjoy most about working in this field?

What I enjoy most about working in the care sector is the profound opportunity to make a real, positive difference in people’s lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to help individuals maintain their dignity, independence, and well-being, especially during vulnerable times. Knowing that the care and support we provide directly improve outcomes—whether it’s helping someone regain confidence after an illness or simply brightening their day—gives my work deep meaning. In this field, every small act matters, and the connection we build with those we care for reminds me daily why this work is so important and fulfilling.

Outside of work, how do you like to unwind or recharge?

Outside of work, I like to unwind by spending quality time with my friends and family—it really helps me recharge. I’m also passionate about travelling, going to the gym regularly and a big fan of going to the theatre. 

 

Don’t miss Palvi’s sessions at Care Show Birmingham, 8-9 October 2025 at NEC, Birmingham. Register now to secure your free pass