Panagiotis Balalas of London, UK on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Panagiotis Balalas shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Panagiotis, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about grounding myself and setting a clear focus. I start by catching up on the news and any updates that might shape the day ahead. Once I’m at my desk, I review priorities, look over planned activity, and organise my tasks so I know what needs immediate attention. I go through any messages or overnight updates, make a quick plan for the day, and set aside time for any creative or strategic work that requires early focus. It’s a structured start that helps me stay centred and prepared before the day becomes busier and more fast-paced.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Panagiotis Balalas, and my work sits at the intersection of strategic communication and creative storytelling. I’m based in London, UK and currently split my time between two roles that I’m genuinely passionate about. Professionally, I’m the PR & Communications Manager at CIBSE (the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) which is the leading international authority for building services engineers, providing professional development and setting best practice guidelines, where I help shape how we communicate with our members, partners, and the wider industry globally. What makes CIBSE special is its mission-driven focus: supporting a global community of engineers who are driving safer, more sustainable, and more energy-efficient buildings. My role allows me to bring clarity, purpose, and consistency to that story.
Alongside this, I’m also a radio producer and host at Greek Beat Radio, where I create and present shows centered on Greek music, culture, and community. It’s a completely different creative environment, but one that keeps me connected to my roots and gives me another outlet to reach and engage audiences internationally.
Both roles allow me to do what I enjoy most: shaping narratives, building connections and creating content that resonates. Right now I’m working on a mix of communications projects at CIBSE and new segments for upcoming radio shows, two worlds that are different in rhythm, but equally meaningful to me.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful comes from realising, at a very young age, exactly what I wanted to do in life. I was one of those children who knew instinctively that communicating, creating, and connecting with people through stories, was where I belonged. That clarity gave me a sense of purpose very early on. I remember setting myself small goals—even as a child—to move towards the life I imagined, whether that was speaking in front of others, experimenting with music and radio, or finding ways to express ideas creatively. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had that sense of direction so early. It gave me a foundation of confidence and determination that’s carried me into the roles I’m proud to hold today.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: trust the path you’ve chosen – you were right about yourself from the start. I’d remind him that the goals he set so early weren’t naïve; they were the foundation of everything that would follow. I’d tell him to be patient, stay curious, and keep believing that his passion for communication and creativity would one day become his everyday reality. Most of all, I’d reassure him that he’s going to get exactly where he hoped to be.
And this is the same advice I offer to anyone starting their career now: trust yourself, trust the process, and trust the universe. Your gut feeling is almost always right—follow it, and it will take you exactly where you need to go.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is authenticity. Showing up as yourself, being honest, and treating people with respect. They’d also say I care deeply about meaningful connection, whether that’s through my work in communications or simply the way I nurture friendships. And I think they’d agree that purpose is important to me: having goals, working towards something I believe in, and putting passion into the things I choose to do. Above all, they know I value people, community, and staying true to the values that guide me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. Everything I’m doing today feels like it was written into my DNA from the start. Even as a child, I had an instinctive pull towards communication, storytelling, and connecting with people, long before I understood what those things looked like as a career. No one had to tell me to follow this path; it just felt intrinsically mine.

And I’ve always carried with me something my grandmother, Eleni, used to tell me: “There is nothing you can’t achieve in the world, as long as you wish and have the will for it.” Those words shaped me. They gave me confidence, direction, and a belief that hard work and intention could turn childhood dreams into reality.

And I know I’m one of the lucky ones. Not because it came easily—it didn’t—but because I knew early on what I wanted and worked consistently to get there. The dreams I had as a kid are, in many ways, the life I get to live now, shaped by a lot of hard work, persistence and belief in that inner compass.

So yes, I’m doing exactly what I was born to do, something that’s always felt natural, aligned and unmistakably part of who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.panagiotisbalalas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panagiotis_balalas/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panagiotisbalalas/
• Twitter: https://x.com/PBalalas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanagiotisBalalasOfficial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@panagiotisbalalas
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/panagiotisbalalas