Running a charity or not-for-profit often starts with passion — but passion alone isn’t enough to sustain it.

In this episode of Taking Back the Reins, Dina Shale is joined by Parvez for the first conversation in a new mini-series focused on the most common mistakes charities and not-for-profits make — and how to avoid them.

Drawing on decades of experience across the corporate world and the charity sector, Dina and Parvez explore the real, often unspoken challenges leaders face when they’re carrying responsibility, pressure, and accountability largely on their own.

In this episode, we discuss:

The “Passion Trap” — when founders unintentionally become the bottleneck

Chasing shiny objects on social media instead of clear, intentional communication

The difference between being busy and creating real impact

Why clarity, trust, and simple objectives matter more than complex strategies

This is an honest, grounded conversation designed to feel like sitting down for a cup of tea with someone who truly understands the realities of leading a purpose-driven organisation.

🎧 In the next episode, we’ll continue the conversation and explore sustainability, growth, and mindset in the charity and not-for-profit space.

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 sector

The hidden pressures faced by CEOs and charity leaders

Why many charities struggle to become sustainable

The tension between trustees, volunteers, and paid leadership

How commercial thinking can strengthen purpose-led work without losing heart

Why leaders often feel isolated—and where they can find real support

This 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.

In this episode of Taking Back the Reins, host Dina Shale shares a heartfelt update on how the past year has shaped her equine-facilitated learning journey in Lincolnshire. From rebuilding her business after a bold move from Leicestershire to forming inspiring collaborations for 2026, Dina reflects on the growth, challenges, and gratitude that come with following your purpose.

You’ll hear about the success of The Accelerator programme, summer work with the HAF team, exciting new retreats with Moon & Main, and her continued passion for equine therapy, sound healing, and community projects. Dina also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming website updates, training opportunities, and collaborations that are helping others build sustainable, heart-led organisations.

Whether you’re an equine facilitator, a business owner, or simply someone who loves stories of resilience and purpose, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and hope for the year ahead.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction – Welcome back and what’s ahead

01:20 Moving from Leicestershire to Lincolnshire: The leap of faith

03:30 Rebuilding and restarting the business from the ground up

05:10 Reflections on The Accelerator and new student journeys

07:00 Highlights from a busy summer with the HAF programme

08:30 Renovation projects, new facilities, and on-site improvements

09:45 Collaborations with Moon & Main and upcoming retreats

10:50 Partnering with coach Parvez Bhatti: Building sustainable charities

13:00 Lessons in community, growth, and starting over

15:00 Upcoming events: retreats, Echo Sound sessions, and more

17:00 Website updates, new booking options, and future plans

18:05 Final reflections – excitement, gratitude, and what’s next