Sherry Khan is the visionary driving force behind Anideos, serving as its founder and CEO. His wealth of expertise, cultivated over a decade in the US market, propels him to steer his business towards unparalleled heights, consistently delivering outcomes that resonate with clients. Sherry’s overarching objective revolves around fostering a secure space where an artist’s creative expression is esteemed and everyone can manifest their artistic imagination.
Sherry embarked on his professional journey armed with a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management from Anglia Ruskin University. Although initially set forth as a business analyst and entrepreneur, he swiftly distinguished his true calling and founded Anideos. Since then, Sherry has made immense efforts to scale his business from the ground up and showcase his love for animations and illustrations. His commitment to the enterprise is unbridled, and he derives immense satisfaction from spreading his knowledge to budding entrepreneurs.
Beyond his role at Anideos, Sherry collaborates with numerous B2B and B2C enterprises, assisting them in formulating effective strategies to achieve their business objectives and prosper. He is unafraid of embracing calculated risks, a trait that has fueled both his professional and personal growth. Sherry’s dedication to his craft, coupled with his adaptability to the ever-evolving digital landscape, underscores his mission to establish Anideos as a prominent name in the digital space.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical workday for me begins with checking progress and ensuring that all operations run smoothly. The first half of my day is frequently spent attending internal meetings across departments. As the organization grows, it becomes increasingly important to ensure everyone’s demands are addressed. So, I check in with HR and admin to ensure they have the support they need before proceeding to the production team, where I focus on client projects. I take a lunch break when I’ve completed all of these tasks.
The second half involves video conferences and important client calls to provide updates, followed by a meeting with the marketing head to brainstorm ways to enhance brand awareness and strengthen our online presence. The last hour of my workday is dedicated to improving service quality through trial and error with internal projects.
Besides, I make my day productive by adopting a proactive approach. I set clear boundaries by establishing designated work hours and separating work and personal life. Initially, I used to work 16 hours a day, but I now maintain a healthy work-life balance, allowing quality time for both work and home. I guess this is what helps me make the most out of the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life is a core part of my role as a CEO at Anideos, and I do it by taking decisive action. I’m not one to shy away from risks. I carefully assess the potential risks and benefits, and once I’m convinced that the idea has merit, I’m all in. I’m willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to transform those ideas into tangible outcomes. This proactive approach has consistently proven effective in turning concepts into reality and driving our company forward.
What’s one trend that excites you?
What really gets me excited is the progress in 3D Printing and Virtual Reality. It feels like we’re on the brink of a massive transformation in these areas, and I cannot wait to see how things unfold and change the way we do things.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
During the early years of establishing Anideos, I dedicated myself to long, relentless work hours. Over time, I observed that this took a toll on not only my physical well-being but also my mental health. Consequently, my ability to concentrate on work and contribute effectively suffered. That was when I realized it’s vital to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Meditation has helped me achieve a positive work-life balance. It is a workout of the mind that trains it to be less distracted, more attentive, and more self-aware. So, I allocate at least 20 minutes daily to this practice, a choice that has significantly boosted my productivity and overall performance. Ultimately, I believe that productivity isn’t synonymous with toiling day and night. Instead, it means maximizing the use of your time and investing valuable effort during the hours you are actively working.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could travel back in time and offer advice to my younger self, it would be this: Always remember that the greatest rewards come from pursuing your passion. Don’t lose faith in your artistic endeavors, and stand confidently in your love for what you do. Ultimately, doing what you love can lead to personal fulfillment, success, and recognition. So, stay committed to your art, and let your passion fuel your journey.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
I firmly believe that animation is super important in the world of technology. Many people might disagree with me, but I believe animation will be a big part of how AI (Artificial Intelligence) evolves. It won’t just stop there; it will also have a significant role in emerging technologies like AR, Blockchain, Drone light shows, and the IoT. The creative integration of animation in these domains will revolutionize user experiences, storytelling, and data visualization, ultimately shaping the future in a way that many may not currently foresee.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I consistently do and highly recommend to others is setting aside time for continuous learning. The world is evolving, especially in the fast-paced business environment, and staying up-to-date is crucial. Whether reading industry-related books, taking online courses, or seeking out mentors, investing in your knowledge and skill development is a game-changer.
Additionally, I’d like to emphasize the importance of networking and building strong relationships. Success in any field often hinges on the people you know and your cultivated connections. So, don’t underestimate the power of networking, both professionally and personally. Building and nurturing meaningful relationships can open new doors, provide support, and lead to invaluable opportunities.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I am overwhelmed or struggling to maintain focus, I have a few strategies to help me regain my balance. First and foremost, I take a break. Stepping away from the situation briefly lets me clear my mind and recharge. Additionally, I incorporate meditation into my routine, which helps to center my thoughts and enhance my mental clarity.
Interestingly, I’ve also experimented with a concept that involves sprinting to refresh my mind. While I don’t have scientific evidence to support this theory, I’ve found that engaging in 30-second sprints, repeated eight times throughout the day, has had a surprisingly positive impact on various aspects of my mental well-being. It’s a personal strategy that I’ve been implementing for some time now, and it has proven to be remarkably effective in helping me maintain focus and manage overwhelming situations.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has helped me grow personally and professionally is continuous learning and skill development. I prioritize staying current with industry trends and acquiring new skills relevant to our field. This commitment has allowed me to adapt to the changing dynamics and remain a valuable asset. By doing so, I’ve also been able to take on diverse roles and responsibilities within our organization, which has been instrumental in our growth.
Besides, from a business standpoint, promoting a culture of continuous learning within our company has been equally beneficial. Encouraging our team members to acquire new skills and knowledge has improved overall productivity and innovation. It has empowered our workforce to adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics and offer creative solutions to complex challenges.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I wouldn’t label it a failure but rather a significant challenge we encountered during my career. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted businesses worldwide, presenting us with additional hurdles to tackle. During those early years, when many enterprises increasingly embraced the digital landscape, we faced numerous challenges in establishing our presence in this new realm.
One of the obstacles we encountered was breaking through the digital noise and positioning our company as a standout. It became evident that merely providing high-quality products or services was no longer enough to retain customers; we also needed to adapt swiftly to ever-changing market conditions. We invested in meticulous planning and well-timed preparation to overcome this challenge, ultimately allowing us to thrive digitally.
Furthermore, time management posed another initial challenge for our business. We deduced significant resources to A/B testing and experimenting with various strategies to refine our processes. However, this intensive focus on time management was a valuable learning experience in the long run. It helped us streamline our approach and gave us a competitive advantage over competitors targeting the same market.
So, while these challenges were indeed demanding, they taught us invaluable lessons in adaptability, strategic planning, and effective time management. These lessons have since become integral to our continued success and have reinforced our resilience in facing unforeseen challenges.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Do what you truly love because, in the end, that’s what matters. You can begin by finding your passion or perhaps a course that captivates you. Dedicate a few months to learn and master it, surpassing the average skill level. Next, utilize various online platforms to monetize your newfound expertise. There are countless opportunities out there to turn your expertise or hobby into a profitable online venture. For instance, you can offer online workshops, create digital products, provide consulting services, or more.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Todoist. It’s an invaluable tool in my professional life that helps me stay organized and productive, whether at my desk or on the go.
I use it to create detailed to-do lists, set priorities, and establish due dates for each project or task. Its collaboration features also allow me to share tasks with team members, streamlining project management and ensuring everyone stays on track.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The recent best $100 I spent was on a perfume called Game of Spades. It was a bit over $100, but it’s been a worthwhile investment.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
Well, my favorite Podcast has to be The Joe Rogan Experience – it’s a fun, light-hearted show that allows me to delve into varying viewpoints and lessons. I like to follow it in my free time, and I specifically love the episode where Naval Ravikant was invited.
Besides, I don’t have a favorite book, but I can name a few that interest me. The topics are pretty diversified; nonetheless, they play a massive role in shaping me into who I am today – including Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, and Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really liked watching the series, The Blacklist recently. It’s a well-written, well-acted show that, even after 10 seasons, never ceased to surprise me. The show is part thriller, drama, spy, and crime – so if you’re into that, it’s a must-watch.
Key learnings:
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance for boosted productivity. It can help you be less distracted, more self-aware, and more attentive.
- Stay up to date with the changing market dynamics. Prioritize continuous learning and skill development to remain a valuable asset.
- Remember that the greatest rewards come from pursuing your passion. So, be persistent and never lose hope.