TPL Experiences

Right then, a slightly personal post from me this morning.

So a couple of weeks ago, I attended the 's 42 under 42 event with my husband, . In all these years of building a business and working in this city, it was surprisingly our first 'business' event together!

Spending time with him that evening made me reflect on . Not the loud kind, but the steady, everyday kind.

You see, growing up in Mumbai as the youngest of 3 girls, I had come to believe that building my professional identity was my only chance of surviving in the city. I started working quite early in life- as a model, International Master of Ceremonies, Sports TV Presenter, Consultant .....so naturally my professional identity was extremely important to me.

However, moving to this country and starting again shook it all up for me. I lost that sense of identity completely and it took me a while to figure things out and build it all back up.

Through all of that, Sameer has stood by me.

He encouraged me to step into rooms I did not feel ready for.

He pushed me to put my name forward when I doubted myself.

He believed in me when I was ready to give up!

Even now, he remains my sounding board, my quiet challenger, and my unpaid NED! He is not too keen on the title mainly because it remains “unpaid” but what's he going to do right! 🤣

As first-generation immigrants, building a life, family, careers, and a business here has come with its own challenges. But I am deeply grateful I don't do it alone. ☯️

So here is a rare picture of us at the 42 Under 42 event, and a small public thank you to the man who has quietly backed me through it all. ❤️

- For us- soooo much!

I am so excited (and also slightly nervous) to share that TPL Experiences is entering a new phase of growth in 2026!!

You are going to see a more intentional expansion in how we show up, the spaces we work in, and the value we continue to create across sectors. I am going to be talking more about this new phase over the coming months but what excites me most is not just the growth itself, but how it continues to be grounded.

in purpose.
in values.
in the belief that the work we do, should create meaningful, lasting impact.

There is a lot that I am looking forward to sharing in the coming months. But for now, I am holding onto this moment of clarity. That growth, when led with intention, can be both ambitious and deeply aligned.

As we step into this next chapter, I am curious:
What does intentional growth look like for you this year?

I am so excited to share details of the Annual Conference taking place on the 28th of April.

One of the things I am increasingly aware of in my work as Chair, is how important it is to stay connected to the bigger picture. Not just the work we are delivering day to day, but the wider conversations shaping our sector, our city, and the communities we serve.

That is exactly why spaces like Third Sector Leeds matter. They create room for dialogue, challenge, and collective thinking, helping the voice of the third sector continue to influence decision making across the city. In times of uncertainty, that connection matters even more. It helps us move from working in silos to working with shared purpose and intent and I can't wait to welcome you to our annual conference.

If you work in or alongside the third sector in Leeds, this conference is a great opportunity to connect, learn more, and be part of the conversation.

You can sign up using the link below. Please do share this with your networks or tag someone who would benefit from attending.

All the details are in the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/third-sector-leeds-annual-conference-tickets-1985575875895?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=VAL+Master+List&utm_campaign=eae07b67df-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_06_23_09_06_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6a9a73b378-eae07b67df-432099181

Voluntary Action Leeds Leeds Community Foundation

For those of you who know me well, you will know that holds a very special place in my heart.

For the past 5 years, this group that I have co-created with older LGBTQ+ people has been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. Through funding ups and downs, pauses, and plenty of unknowns, we have kept going. And I am really proud of that.

So I am very happy to share that we are about to begin a new chapter as part of Unheard Leeds, a project led by Fall Into Place Theatre.

We will be exploring ***r and + histories together, and I am genuinely excited about what this could open up for the group, and for me too.

If you know someone in your network who might like to join us, please do share this with them. We are a warm, funny, creative, and very welcoming bunch, and we would love to widen the circle.

https://fallintoplace.co.uk/call-out-for-older-lgbtqai-people-in-leeds-unheard-leeds-creative-histories-project/

One of the biggest themes I have been exploring recently with our clients is this: how do we lead well through uncertainty?

Because let's be honest, is not a phase anymore. It is the environment we are operating in- all the time!

And when change happens, whether through restructuring, regulation, or unexpected disruption, the impact shows up quickly in people, team dynamics, and .

This is why culture and leadership are not “soft” topics. They are critical parts of how organisations manage risk, build trust, and stay steady under pressure.
In uncertain times, people do not just need a plan. They need clarity, care, and confidence in how they are being led.

That's why I am looking forward to delivering a session on -Leading Through Change in Uncertain Times for The RiskBites(R) Club and Karen Eckstein Limited

If this is a conversation your organisation needs right now, please get in touch to get access to the meeting happening tomorrow at 1pm.

See you there?

A quick update for those of you who may have seen my recent update on being appointed as of Third Sector Leeds- it has been a busy few weeks behind the scenes!

One of the things we are particularly excited about this year is working alongside leaders across the , the , and the wider city to bring greater clarity to the priorities we are focusing on as the at Third Sector Leeds.

This latest newsletter is a good place to start if you would like to understand more about the work that is happening and where the focus is and if you are part of the third sector and would like to be more engaged with Third Sector Leeds, I would really encourage you to take a look at our round up (below), share it within your networks, and consider joining as a member.

https://mailchi.mp/f7c37dbb78ec/the-latest-from-tsl-4724451?e=8f54c4a0df

Start of a new financial year already! So how is it looking for you?

The last quarter at has been full. Delivering across the arts and culture space, supporting creative businesses, working on values and behaviour with clients, and continuing our community work.

But alongside all of that, one thing I am really proud of is something much quieter.

I took time out- I had promised myself to do this at the start of the year and I am so proud of taking action. It wasn't too much- just a couple of days away, with no agenda other than to pause, reflect, and check in on where we are and where we are going.

And in that space, a few things became very clear.

💫That the impact we are creating is real.
💫That the value we are building is meaningful.
💫And that alongside the business, I have grown too. As an entrepreneur, as a facilitator of change, and as someone who continues to be invited into rooms where decisions are being shaped.

That is something I don't take lightly.

Because while my ambition continues to grow, it is purpose and intention that holds it all together, for me.

The time away from 'delivery' mode to do some solid 'thinking' has confirmed how much I value the pause in between the doing.

Question for you then-
Are you giving yourself enough space to pause and really see how far you have come?

I was recently revisiting the final report of a multi-year community development programme I had the privilege of leading and facilitating a few years ago: Power of Communities.

The programme was delivered across different strands and localities across West Yorkshire, and what struck me most on reading this report was seeing the work delivered by myself, my associates, and TPL Experiences recognised as one of the most impactful strands within this large, multi-million programme.

What makes me especially proud is not just the outcomes for the organisations directly involved, but the ripple effect that followed. The learning from this work has been embedded into future programming and planning across the health and care sector and the wider third sector.

It is a powerful reminder that when community work is done with care, rigour, and intention, its impact does not end when a programme closes. It travels forward.

Sharing the report here, feeling proud, humbled, and grateful to have played a small part in something that continues to shape future thinking.

I am always keen to speak to those working to build the capacity of the third sector across the region, if you fancy a conversation then please reach out :)

https://forumcentral.org.uk/leeds-power-of-communities-report-supporting-health-and-care-in-neighbourhoods/

One of the privileges of being a business mentor across different programmes and contexts, has been learning how important it is to meet people exactly where they are!

Over the last couple of months, I have received some incredibly thoughtful messages from mentees. What they often reflect back is not advice or strategy, but the feeling of being seen, heard, and supported without being pushed toward someone else’s version of success.

It is easy to get caught up in our own definitions of achievement. But mentoring has continually reminded me that every journey is different. We each adapt, change, and grow based on our circumstances, values, and evolving perspectives on success, failure, and recognition.

Holding that truth feels essential and I remain genuinely chuffed and humbled by the trust placed in me as a Mentor by the 100 plus creative businesses I have mentored in the past three years.

Question for you- As a leader, mentor, or colleague, how often do you pause to meet people where they truly are, rather than where you think they should be?

Incase you missed this update from me-I am pleased to share that I have recently been appointed as of .

Third Sector Leeds (TSL) advocates for the values and voice of the third sector in supporting Leeds’ Best City Ambition.

As Chair, I am looking forward to supporting the Leadership Group to guide TSL’s vision, strengthen its independence and continue championing the sector within the city’s major strategic conversations — from health and wellbeing to inclusive growth and community resilience. As Chair, I am committed to a collaborative, values-led approach focused on partnership, long-term thinking, and meaningful change.

You can find out more about TSL and the official announcement here-
https://doinggoodleeds.org.uk/news/third-sector-leeds-have-appointed-a-new-chair-of-the-tsl-leadership-group/?utm_source=VAL+Master+List&utm_campaign=82ed23208a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_21_09_59_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6a9a73b378-82ed23208a-431863507