Leaving Stability for Purpose: Sergio Panday’s Journey (Netherlands) | Building Balance with Muhammad Ali

A lot of young men are quietly living the same life: stable job, decent money, “safe” career… but deep down, they feel empty. Like they’re building a life that looks good on paper but doesn’t feel like them.

If you’re a young man building life in the Netherlands (especially as diaspora), Sergio’s story will hit different.

In Episode 1 of Building Balance with Muhammad Ali, I sat down with Sergio Panday - a former international banker who spent 18 years in banking, including years in Singapore, before making a bold move: leaving stability to build Roots Inspire, a company focused on meaningful impact and legacy.

This conversation hits hard because Sergio is not selling fantasies. He’s honest about the real tradeoffs: pressure, uncertainty, family responsibility - and how you still move forward with purpose.

Trailer: What this episode is really about

Who is Sergio Panday (Suriname to the Netherlands)

Sergio’s story starts with identity, resilience, and responsibility.

• Born in Suriname, raised mostly in the Netherlands

• That outsider-insider identity is a real Netherlands experience, and it shapes how you build confidence, community, and career here

• Grew up with a single mother raising two boys

• Carried the “where do I belong?” question early in life

• Built ambition through sports (basketball, kickboxing) - including the pain of big dreams getting “crushed” and learning to rebuild

• Climbed in banking, but always felt pulled toward ownership and entrepreneurship

And then life forced a decision point.

The moment stability stopped feeling like success

Sergio explained something that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt stuck:

He was doing “well” in banking - but he didn’t see it as his life’s work.

Then the world changed.

When the George Floyd tragedy and the global wave of conversation on race and identity happened, Sergio felt frustrated being far away from the discussion in Singapore. That frustration turned into an idea - and once the idea started working, he said something powerful:

If you truly believe in an idea… at some point, you have to try.

Not because it’s easy. But because living with regret is harder.

Purpose isn’t a vibe - it’s legacy

One of the most important parts of this episode was how Sergio defined purpose.

For him, purpose is tied to legacy:

• Legacy in family: raising strong, healthy boys who can build their own lives

• Legacy in work: creating something that lives beyond him and genuinely helps people
  

This is a big reminder for young men: purpose isn’t always “I love my job.” Sometimes it’s “I’m building something that matters.”

The real advice young men need about careers

Online, you hear: “Quit your job, follow your passion.” Sergio gave the balanced version:

For most people, it’s more realistic to find purpose inside what you already do, and shape your life strategically:

• Do more of what you enjoy

• Reduce what drains you

• Stay flexible, because life doesn’t follow a perfect plan
  

Then he dropped the line that should be a mirror for every man:

It’s not about what you want. It’s about what you’re willing to do for it.

Everybody wants wealth, a great marriage, a strong body, and respect… but the question is: are you willing to do the work that comes with it?

Sergio’s financial advice for his kids (and for you)

This segment was pure gold for young men chasing “financial freedom” without a plan.

Sergio’s advice, framed through what he’d teach his sons:

1. Discipline No discipline = no freedom. Simple.
   

2. Think long-term (learn before you earn) Early in your career, learning skills and building capabilities will pay you more over a lifetime than chasing quick money.
   

3. Want less to feel richer Being rich is not only about earning more - it’s also about needing less. If your wants keep growing, you’ll never feel satisfied.

Investing: stop gambling with your future

Sergio’s investing take was refreshingly honest:

• Invest in what you understand

• Understand risk

• Diversify (cash, stocks, real estate - not all eggs in one basket)
  

Then he flipped the typical influencer advice:

The best investment I know… is myself.

Meaning: skills, career capability, and building a real business you understand beats blindly chasing hype.

He even answered the “Bitcoin vs beachfront property” question with a “no-brainer” response: property - because if you have that kind of money, gambling it is madness.

The most important decision of your life: choosing a wife

This part matters, especially for young guys who only look at beauty and vibes.

Sergio said it plainly:

Choosing your wife is the most important choice you’ll ever make.

Why? Because you’re not just choosing attraction - you’re choosing a teammate for 60 years:

• Can you run a household together?

• Can you rely on each other?

• Does your partner add peace or add stress?

• Will they support your growth?
  

This wasn’t theory. Sergio described his wife as someone who gives space, supports his sanity, and helps carry the load - not someone who becomes extra pressure.

Emotional message from Sergio’s wife

This was the surprise moment of the episode - and honestly, it hit.

His wife shared how proud she is of him:

• He doesn’t give up

• He’s a strong example for their boys

• She emphasized that big moves require a supportive spouse

• She highlighted the small daily things that matter: breakfast with the boys, school runs, patience with emotions

The honest cost of chasing purpose

Sergio also said something most men are scared to admit:

Leaving a stable, high-paying life can be selfish.

Not selfish in a “bad guy” way - but in the sense that it affects your whole family:

• lifestyle changes

• moving countries

• stress

• uncertainty
  

And only time will tell if it was “worth it.”

That honesty is what makes this episode powerful: it’s not motivational fluff - it’s real life.

Self-care for high-responsibility men

Sergio’s self-care isn’t fancy. It’s practical:

• wind/water sports as “forced mindfulness”

• gym early morning before school runs

• dedicated one-on-one time with each child

• time with his wife (easier as kids grow)
  

Big reminder: self-care isn’t a spa day. It’s anything that keeps you sane and stable so you don’t break under pressure.

“The West” isn’t magic, your mindset is

For listeners in Pakistan, India, and Southeast Asia, Sergio gave a mature perspective:

Yes, you can build a life anywhere. But the grass always looks greener.

The key isn’t where you go, it’s the attitude you bring:

• If you go to take, you’ll be disappointed

• If you go to add value, you’ll grow
  

That mindset alone separates winners from complainers, no matter the country.

Final takeaway: confidence comes from value

If you only remember one thing from this episode, let it be this:

Balance + financial growth starts when you build confidence in what value you can bring.

That’s the foundation:

• stronger career

• stronger relationships

• stronger finances

• stronger self-respect

Watch the full episode

If you made it this far, here’s the bigger picture.

Building Balance with Muhammad Ali is a Perfecto Casa podcast that exists to help young men build balanced and fulfilling lives through self-care, relationships, and finances - without burning out and without losing what matters most. We’re not here for motivational noise. We’re here for real conversations, real lessons, and practical moves you can apply immediately.

If you want more episodes like this (and the full podcast experience), head over to our YouTube channel Perfecto Casa, where we host Building Balance with Muhammad Ali.

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See you in the next episode.