In conversation with Kitesh Patel, Places for People

This month, we caught up with Kitesh Patel, Director of Risk at Places for People (PfP), one of PREACH Inclusion’s corporate partners.

During our conversation, we reflected on his upbringing, career trajectory and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). From his early experiences in Leicester to his current role in one of the UK’s largest social enterprises, Kitesh’s story offers valuable lessons on navigating personal identity, professional challenges, and making a lasting impact in both the workplace and society.

So, grab a cuppa and dive into his inspiring story.

Where it all began: a story of identity, family, and cultural upbringing

Kitesh’s journey is rooted in his background as a British Hindu growing up in Leicester during the 1980s. As the eldest child in a family of immigrants from India, he grew up in a household where his mum navigated the complexities of settling into a new country while raising a family. This shaped Kitesh’s own understanding of identity and belonging.

“There were a lot of questions about who I was, where I fit in and how others perceived me.” – Kitesh

As one of only three Asian boys in his primary school class, that feeling of being different was apparent. This was further amplified during his secondary school years, where Kitesh would occasionally hear biased language or comments from some of his peers, making him more aware.

It was during this time that he first began to meet individuals of various religious backgrounds, which expanded his understanding of diversity. Growing up in Leicester, a city that was not very diverse in the eighties, Kitesh quickly learned which areas to avoid. However, today he finds it fascinating to see how the city has transformed, with Leicester now being home to a 60% ethnic minority population.

Kitesh then went onto study accounting and finance at De Montfort University, a decision which was partially influenced by his family.

“I guess I did follow a stereotypical route to some extent. However, my mum always wanted my siblings and I to have strong financial security with our career choices, which is a common trait in immigrant families.” – Kitesh

Kitesh with his family.

Fast forward to today, and Kitesh is a father. He reflected on how his parenting approach has evolved, discussing topics like religion and cultural identity, with his children.

“Encouraging them to recognise and understand their identity is just as important as professional and personal development.” – Kitesh

It’s clear that his journey is not just personal but also deeply generational, as he works to instil in his children the lessons of embracing who they are and understanding the complexities of culture and faith.

Career reflections: from public sector to social enterprise leadership

Following his degree, Kitesh was keen to secure a position with training opportunities for his accounting qualification.

Kitesh began his career at Rutland County Council, starting as a trainee Auditor. While pursuing professional qualifications that gave him a strong foundation, he advanced within the organisation. However, Kitesh was keen for more.

“I didn’t want to get pigeonholed into one sector… I wanted to gain commercial experience in the private sector. My mum, while supportive, was a bit concerned about the move. Public sector was seen as stable and safe.” – Kitesh

That next step took him to Mercedes and then Volkswagen, respectively, where Kitesh was able to experience corporate culture, while immersing himself into new growth opportunities and projects that were making an impact.

When Kitesh joined Places for People (PfP) in August 2022, he found a mission that matched his values. Over his first year, he came to appreciate the scope of PfP’s work, with 13,000 colleagues across the UK working to solve the housing crisis and build sustainable communities. To Kitesh, this role is more than just his daily tasks, it's a chance to tackle some of the UK's biggest challenges.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that is building homes and communities. It feels good to know that my work is having a tangible impact on people’s lives.” – Kitesh

Going beyond the job: leadership, representation, and making a difference

Outside of his role at PfP, Kitesh’s commitment to creating positive change extends to several other initiatives. He was previously a member of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors Midlands Committee, contributing to events and training for the professional body in the region. He is also a member of the Audit and Risk Panel for Leicestershire Police, where he works to provide transparency and accountability.

In addition, Kitesh serves as an independent member of the Audit and Risk Committee at the Acis Group, a housing association based in Lincolnshire. His work in these roles is not just about professional growth; it’s also about representation.

“There can be a lack of diversity in certain Committees and Boards. Being involved with these roles, not only supports my personal development but also helps amplify the voices of underrepresented groups.” – Kitesh

Kitesh is clear about his motivations: “It’s about recognising the wider impact I can have beyond just doing well in my job. Representation matters, and if I can help change the landscape for others, that’s a win.”

Diversity and inclusion at the heart of Places for People

An important priority for Kitesh at PfP is diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). One of the first meetings he had after joining the company was with the Chief People Officer, where the topic of DE&I was front and centre.

Since then, he has taken on the role of Senior Leadership Team (SLT) sponsor for the Cultural Diversity Group (CDG), helping to drive change at every level of the organisation. His focus is not on quick fixes but on long-term goals that will result in meaningful change.

“It’s about more than just visibility and celebrating our diverse workforce. We need data to inform our decisions… data about our workforce, our recruitment practices, and our succession plans.” – Kitesh

During Kitesh’s time at PfP to date, the organisation has launched a reverse mentoring programme, which has been instrumental in helping to build stronger connections between junior and senior colleagues.

Back in November 2024, Kitesh and other members of the CDG led the inaugural Cultural Diversity Community Day, an event that brought together colleagues from across the country to engage in meaningful discussions about race, religion, and cultural differences.

While the work is ongoing, Kitesh is proud of the progress made.

“It’s not just about the events or programmes we run; it’s about creating safer spaces where people feel comfortable opening up.” – Kitesh

Kitesh attributes PfP's 42nd place ranking on Glassdoor’s ‘Best Places to Work’ list and being ranked in the top 500 (and number 1 in the Housing sector) of the UK’s Employers, in part by the organisation’s ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion.

Places for People’s inaugural Cultural Diversity Community Day in Leeds, November 2024.

Mentoring the next generation and shaping the future of the housing sector

Kitesh is equally enthusiastic about supporting the next generation of leaders in the built environment and housing sectors. He is currently mentoring several young professionals and continues to work towards increasing representation within these industries.

“I want to see more colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds become visible in these sectors.” – Kitesh

Personal recommendations: books and podcasts that have shaped his journey

Kitesh is a fan of personal development books and podcasts, often turning to them for inspiration. One book that particularly resonated with him is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, a thought-provoking exploration of influence and power dynamics.

“It’s really made me think differently about how to influence people and navigate power structures.” – Kitesh

When it comes to podcasts, Kitesh enjoys The Secret to Success by Eric Thomas, which offers motivational stories that have deeply moved him. He also listens to Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett and The Joe Rogan Experience, appreciating the wide range of guests and topics.

Words of wisdom: what Kitesh would tell his younger self

As we wrapped up the conversation, Kitesh had a simple but powerful message for his younger self:

“Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay. Be brave, take risks, and think about the bigger picture.” – Kitesh

He encourages others to embrace opportunities, take bold risks and trust in their own worth.

Kitesh also reflects on the importance of professional development.

“I wish I had invested in activities like a vocal coach or a sales coach earlier. These investments have pushed me to be better.” – Kitesh

Lastly, he reminds his younger self to approach life more holistically: balancing career ambition with personal growth and well-being.

Through his experiences and initiatives, Kitesh is proving that success is not only about professional accomplishments but about making a meaningful impact that transcends the workplace.

A huge thank you to Kitesh for sharing his story.