In a world that celebrates bold ideas and transformative leadership, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Serwan Sewnundun, a dynamic professional whose journey bridges engineering, commerce, and community leadership. Recently honored with the Cross-Industry Visionary Leadership Award at the International Prime Global Awards 2025, Serwan stands today as a figure of dedication, discipline, and human-centered leadership. “My journey reflects continuous learning and a commitment to service,” he shares, encapsulating a career defined by resilience and purposeful growth.
Serwan’s remarkable path began far from corporate boardrooms. He started working at the age of 11 as a school-going gardener to earn extra income, an experience that instilled in him the values of grit and self-reliance. “Every step from childhood to today taught me the value of persistence and learning,” he reflects. Through the years, he rose from humble beginnings to leadership roles across prominent organizations, including NAMECO N.V., FATUM, JCI, VSB Young Management, and several football clubs.
His early academic journey was just as impressive. Winning distinctions such as Best Student of the School, Best Student in Infrastructure Studies, and Best Student in Civil Engineering, he built a foundation of discipline and high achievement. From Shri Vishnu MULO School to NATIN-MBO and Stg Polytechnic College Suriname, excellence became a habit that shaped his worldview.
Serwan began his career in civil engineering, joining NAMECO as a supervisor before rising to the position of Director of Engineering. The engineering world taught him structure, precision, and the ability to find solutions under pressure. “Engineering gave me discipline and a mindset of problem-solving,” he says, acknowledging how the field shaped his leadership approach.
His transition in 2016 to FATUM marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where technical expertise met commercial strategy. Over the years, Serwan advanced steadily to his current role as Deputy Director of Commerce, overseeing multiple departments and driving strategies grounded in customer value, team empowerment, and sustainable organizational growth. “What defines my approach is a commitment to people, connecting teams, ideas, and projects to move organizations forward,” he explains.
With three master’s degrees reinforcing his philosophy of lifelong learning, Serwan exemplifies what modern leadership looks like, interdisciplinary, empathetic, and forward-looking.
Influence plays a profound role in Serwan’s leadership evolution. He finds inspiration in leaders such as Waldo Ramdihal and Wim Lalbiharie, and in the many colleagues, mentors, and teams who shaped his professional lens. “Their dedication and insight continually motivate me to improve and lead with impact,” he says. His goals ahead are focused: empowering teams, fostering innovation, and building sustainable organizations that serve both people and community.
Serwan describes his greatest strength as his ability to connect people and ideas with purpose. Analytical, adaptable, and deeply invested in integrity, he thrives on collaboration and believes in bringing out the best in others. “I openly embrace my weakness too, the tendency to take on many responsibilities at once,” he admits candidly, adding that learning to prioritize and delegate has been central to his leadership evolution.
His leadership style is rooted in servant leadership, blending empathy with strategic clarity. “I believe in empowering teams and valuing each individual’s strengths,” he notes. Alignment, collaboration, innovation, accessibility, and accountability are the pillars of his management ethos, reflecting a leader who grows by helping others grow.
Behind Serwan’s achievements stands a strong personal foundation. His wife, Rouchnie Pherai, plays a pivotal role in his life and career. “She stands beside and behind me, supporting and encouraging me in everything I do,” he shares, acknowledging the balance her presence brings. He also credits his mother, brother, sister, and in-laws for their unwavering guidance.
Serwan’s idea of balance is simple: be fully present, wherever you are. Whether leading teams or spending time with family, he believes in giving each moment its due. His leisure time, playing football with veteran and younger players, reading, studying, engaging with JCI peers, or enjoying FIFA with family and friends, keeps him grounded and energized.
His accolades reflect both professional excellence and community impact. From the Cross-Industry Visionary Leadership Award and multiple JCI honors to early distinctions such as Best Student titles, Serwan’s record narrates a story of consistent achievement, intellectual growth, and community service. “These awards inspire me to continue pursuing excellence and meaningful impact,” he says.
To readers and aspiring leaders, Serwan’s message is both thoughtful and inspiring, “Lead with purpose, integrity, and curiosity. Value the people around you, stay open to new ideas, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Leadership is not about titles, it’s about the positive impact you create.”
