We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vishesh Sharma a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vishesh, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
The first time I was laid off was in 2002 right after the twin towers fell. I was laid off again on 2004. Then again in 2008 from a Pan-Asian network. I loved working for the network. I was surrounded by incredible colleagues, and the experience was fulfilling. Unfortunately, the economic downturn and some poor business decisions led to the network shutting down, leaving many of us without jobs. At first, I was nervous and upset—it took about a week or ten days to process everything. But then, I refocused, picked myself up, and started job hunting. The market was tough, but I was fortunate to land a role at an online social media company. That, too, eventually led to another layoff, but each experience taught me resilience and I adapted to the circumstances. Instead of feeling lost, I got myself back on my feet and started again. I have grown up with the idea that everything happens for our greater good even when we don’t see it.
More recently, I was laid off from a Publication. While I valued my time there, it reinforced a critical lesson: many companies prioritize filling positions over investing in people. Too often, employees are seen as placeholders—until budgets tighten or leadership decides to bring in “new blood.” These transitions can feel impersonal, but at the end of the day, it’s just a job.
Surprisingly, when I was laid off this time, I felt a sense of relief. I had an unshakable confidence that I’d find another opportunity. I took a proactive approach, leveraging LinkedIn Pro, applying to multiple positions, and securing several interviews. Eventually, I found the right fit at NYU Langone.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that layoffs aren’t personal—they’re a business decision. The key is to processing your emotions is feel them, let the emotions flow, trust in your skills, and keep moving forward. Every setback creates space for new opportunities, and often, what comes next is even better than what was left behind.
Most importantly, I never make my job my entire life. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and enjoy it. Feel lucky to be able to tell stories, but, as there is saying my friend recently reminded me off, We get around 80 to 85 summers and winters in a lifetime—choose how you spend them wisely.
Work will always be there, but time is the one thing we can’t get back. I try and spend more time with my family and friends. Go see the world, live your dreams and do what you really want too. Don’t let failure define you. Get up and do it differently with people who value you and believe in you. It’s the only thing that matters to me most.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
With over a decade of expertise in the industry, I’ve passionately dedicated myself to crafting a wide range of creative videos.
From social media ads to captivating reels and compelling pitch videos, I have worked with some of the most iconic brands in the world. Brands like Mercedes, BVLGARI, Esquire, Vogue, Vanity Fair, White Castle, Nutella, NYU Langone Health, Pfizer and Novartis.
In addition to my professional achievements, I take great pride in co-founding Kalakars.org, a creative collective that empowers South Asian artists in the film and television industry. Through this collective, we have nurtured and mentored aspiring talents, and our success stories include films that have been featured at prestigious events such as the Cannes Film Festival.
Connecting and chatting with acclaimed luminaries like Mira Nair, and Gurinder Chadha has been a transformative experience, allowing us to constantly learn and grow our craft.
Beyond my work with brands and organizations, I have also ventured into the world of independent filmmaking, producing award-winning short films that captivate audiences and explore various facets of the human experience. Projects like “Color of Anger,” “Love Comes Later,” “Brunch Wars,” and many more have garnered critical acclaim and recognition.
In all my endeavors, I strive to tell compelling stories, push the boundaries of creativity, and create a lasting impact through the power of video.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
There’s no shortage of advice on what it takes to succeed, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d say the three most important skills are listening, observing, and communicating—especially now, as AI becomes a bigger part of the industry. While AI can be a helpful tool, it’s also creating new challenges that make human connection and collaboration more important than ever. Go out and meet people build community. Things are changing at a rapid speed. Don’t follow the trend, follow your instincts. Learn the tech but make sure the story is still authentically yours.
1. Listening
Listening has always been essential, but in today’s world, it’s even more critical. With AI automating certain processes and analyzing data, it’s easy for human voices to get lost in the shuffle. Truly listening—to the team, clients, and the audience—helps ensure that projects stay grounded in real human needs and emotions. It’s how we keep creativity authentic and meaningful.
2. Observing
Observation is about noticing the details that technology might miss—the subtle dynamics between team members, the emotional impact of a scene, or the cultural shifts that influence storytelling. As AI tools take over tasks like editing or script analysis, it can sometimes feel like the human touch is being overshadowed. Being observant allows us to step back, see the bigger picture, and ensure technology serves the story rather than dictates it.
3. Communicating
Clear communication has always been vital in creative industries, but now it’s even harder—and more important. With AI introducing new workflows and sometimes creating misunderstandings about roles or expectations, staying aligned requires extra effort. Miscommunication can lead to frustration or even derail a project entirely. Strong communication ensures that everyone feels heard and supported, especially as we navigate this evolving landscape together.
While AI has its benefits, it’s also making things more complicated—changing how we work and sometimes creating distance between people. That’s why these three skills—listening, observing, and communicating—are more crucial than ever. Success isn’t just about adapting to new technologies; it’s about supporting each other and staying connected as we face these challenges together
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The past year has been one of the most challenging chapters of my life. Losing my father was a heartbreak that reshaped how I view everything—my relationships, my work, and even myself. On top of that, navigating changes in both my personal and professional life while being far from my family added layers of complexity.
Through it all, one thing has kept me grounded: the belief that I can adapt, learn, and grow no matter what life throws at me. Every challenge has taught me something new about myself—about resilience, about perspective, and about what truly matters. And if there’s one thing I’ve come to treasure more than ever, it’s the support and love of my family. They’ve been my anchor in these tough times, even from afar.
It’s made me realize how precious family time really is. When we’re caught up in the hustle of life, it’s easy to take those moments for granted. But looking back, I see just how much those relationships have shaped me. If there’s one thing I’d encourage anyone to do, it’s to make the most of the time you have with your loved ones—especially your parents. Those shared moments are irreplaceable, and they mean more than we often realize in the moment.
On a brighter note, I’ve had the chance to start a new chapter professionally as a Digital Media Manager at NYU Langone Health. Working alongside brilliant doctors who are transforming medicine has been nothing short of inspiring. Telling their groundbreaking stories has given me hope—not just for the future of healthcare but for humanity as a whole. It’s been a reminder that even in tough times, there are people out there making a difference and pushing boundaries for the betterment of all.
This year has been a rollercoaster, but it’s taught me to hold tight to what matters most: growth, hope, and the relationships that truly define us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Visheshsharma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmanrocks?igsh=czNoenNkb2d0eWxq&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/visheshsharma?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
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