Sherry Khan is the founder & CEO of Anideos, an innovative video production house functioning from three primary locations—New York, Dubai, and Karachi.

Let’s start with your background! Can you share with us your career journey and what you’re currently up to?

I started travelling and working at a young age. So, you can say that the learning phase of my life began pretty early. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management from Anglia Ruskin University, after which I began my professional career as an entrepreneur and business analyst.

However, I’m an artist at the core. I’ve always been spellbound by what art is capable of and the amount of thinking that goes into it. I started Anideos, an animation and tech company, from scratch out of curiosity and enthusiasm. As the CEO, I have made tremendous efforts to scale it from the ground up and draw in clients worldwide. Currently, I am on a journey to elevate Anideos to unimaginable heights!

We’d love to know what a typical day is like for you. Could you describe a recent workday?

A typical workday for me starts with checking in on the progress and ensuring the swift performance of all operations across the company. So, the first half of my day usually comprises internal meetings across departments.

As the company grows, it becomes crucial to ensure everyone’s needs are met. So, I check in with HR and admin to ensure they have the necessary resources and support before heading to the production team, where I focus on client projects, prioritising project management, timelines, and quality. Once all these matters are attended to, I take a break for lunch. 

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.

I prefer face-to-face or video meetings to maintain clarity. Delegating tasks efficiently is crucial, as I cannot do everything myself. The last hour of my workday is dedicated to improving service quality through trial and error with internal projects. 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.

Can you define work-life balance for yourself and share with us your approach in maintaining it?

To maintain a work-life balance, I adopt a proactive approach. I set clear boundaries by establishing designated work hours and creating a separation between work and personal life. I prioritise tasks based on importance and delegate responsibilities to capable team members, empowering them to take ownership. 

I also practise effective time management, utilising tools and strategies to optimise productivity and make time for regular self-care activities. By consistently applying these principles, I ensure a harmonious balance between my professional and personal spheres.

Besides, remember that success is not just measured by professional achievements but also by your overall well-being. Make time for self-care activities that replenish your energy, whether it is exercising, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies. Nurturing your physical and mental health enables you to show up at your best in all areas of life.

Change is constant, and it’s essential for growth. Have you made any lifestyle changes in the past year to improve your work-life balance?

Well, I don’t have any scientific evidence to back me up on this theory, but I came across an interesting concept that suggests sprinting; specifically, 30-second sprints, repeated eight times a day, can remarkably impact various aspects of the mind. I’ve been doing this for quite some time, and surprisingly it’s working wonders. 

I believe meditation has also 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 highly recommend allocating at least 20 minutes daily to this practice.

Lastly, a recent and significant change in my life has been the arrival of my son. Becoming a father has remarkably enhanced my focus and drive, ultimately improving my work-life balance. The combination of sprinting, meditation, and the blessings of fatherhood has played a pivotal role in helping me attain work-life harmony over the past year. 

We’re always on the lookout for new resources! Can you recommend any books, podcasts, or newsletters that have helped you in your journey towards balance?

Why not! I love watching Joe Rogan’s Podcast, and I specifically love the episode where Naval Ravikant was invited. Although I’m not an avid reader, some amazing books out there instantly catch your attention, and you simply cannot leave them unread. Here’s a small list of my best reads, and although the topics are pretty diversified, they play a huge role in the person I am today. 

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
• The Big Four by Agatha Christie
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Harari
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Lately, I’ve been devouring this book by Allen Carr, The Easy Way to Stop Smoking – to see if it helps (I really hope it does).

Before we wrap up, do you have any final words of wisdom or insights on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

I would like to end this conversation with a bit of advice from my own experience that I believe will be valuable for anyone seeking wisdom in work, life, and balance. 

Firstly, do what you love. Find meaning in your work and align it with your personal values. Having a clear sense of purpose becomes your guiding light, fueling your passion and resilience during good and challenging times.

Besides that, seek balance, not perfection. While striving for balance between work and personal life is essential for long-term happiness and fulfilment, understand that achieving perfect balance every day may not always be possible. Instead, aim for harmony over the long run. Prioritise and allocate your time and energy wisely, and ensure your actions align with your values and priorities.