The Right People in the Right Room: Building Sustainable Charities and Purpose-Led Work

In this episode of Taking Back the Reins, Dina Shale is joined by Parvez to explore what it truly takes to build sustainable charities, not-for-profits, and purpose-led organisations—especially when passion is high, but support and structure are stretched.Parvez shares his journey as a first-generation migrant who spent two decades in global investment banking, working across technology, leadership, delivery, and large-scale transformation. Those years shaped how he thinks about execution, failure, governance, and why having the right people in the right room at the right time matters more than good intentions alone.Together, Dina and Parvez reflect on:Moving from commercial success into the charity and not-for-profit sectorThe hidden pressures faced by CEOs and charity leadersWhy many charities struggle to become sustainableThe tension between trustees, volunteers, and paid leadershipHow commercial thinking can strengthen purpose-led work without losing heartWhy leaders often feel isolated—and where they can find real supportThis conversation marks the beginning of an ongoing series where Dina and Parvez will share honest discussions, lived experience, and practical insights to support leaders who are carrying a lot and don’t always know where to turn next.If you’re leading a charity, not-for-profit, or values-driven organisation—and you’re trying to balance vision, governance, and sustainability—this episode is for you.