From Partner in Private Equity to Charity Trustee: Graham’s Brave Starts Journey

After more than two decades as a partner in a private equity firm, I decided it was time for a change. I’d wrapped up my role at Primary Capital after 23 years — and while I genuinely enjoyed much of what I did, I was ready to move on from the constant pressure and structure that came with it.

At first, the freedom felt wonderful. For a few months, I basked in the relief of not having quarterly reporting deadlines or the relentless pace of deal-making. But soon after, a new feeling crept in — uncertainty. I began to wonder, “What do I actually want to do next?” I assumed I’d stay in my comfort zone: perhaps become a chairman or non-executive director in private equity–style businesses. But something about that felt too obvious. I didn’t just need a new role — I needed a new direction.

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Discovering Brave Starts

I came across Brave Starts while searching online for career change programmes and decided to reach out. I ended up speaking with a member — a former violinist who was exploring a new career in IT — and she told me, “You have to meet Lucy, she’s fantastic.” That recommendation was enough for me to sign up.

Looking back, joining Brave Starts was the catalyst for everything that’s followed. Through the workshops and conversations, I started opening up to possibilities I’d never previously considered.

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Finding Purpose in the Charity Sector

One of the first suggestions Lucy made was to look into Before, a charity supporting other charities with strategy and grant applications. Initially, I brushed it off — I thought I needed to “find a job.” What I didn’t realise then was that sometimes, the right opportunities find you when you’re moving in the right direction.

A few months later, Lucy encouraged me again to explore Before, and this time she introduced me to its founder, Mary Rose Gunn. I spent an hour listening to her extraordinary story and came away inspired. By the end of our conversation, I asked how I could help. She suggested two things: applying to become a Strategic Application Consultant and joining their list of potential trustees.

I went through their full process — which, reassuringly, was structured and professional — and before long, things started to take shape. The very next day, I got a call: one of their supported charities was looking for a new Chairman. It felt too soon, but I decided to meet them anyway.

When I met Ros, the founder, everything clicked. It truly was love at first sight — as I often tell her, and she doesn’t disagree! That meeting marked the beginning of a new, fulfilling chapter in my life.

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Lessons from the Journey

This experience taught me that stepping away from a long-established career isn’t about losing your identity — it’s about rediscovering it. Brave Starts gave me the structure, confidence, and community I needed to explore what’s next and make a meaningful transition.

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🎥 Watch the full interview with Graham below.

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