Animation, Autonomy, and the Art of the Career Pivot with Sherene Strausberg

Introduction

For our 100th episode, we welcomed Sherene Strausberg, an Emmy-nominated creative and the founder of 87th Street Creative. Sherene leads a woman-owned animation studio focused on storytelling for healthcare and nonprofits. Her career path is one of the most inspiring I have heard. She combines film composition, sound engineering, graphic design and motion design into a powerhouse studio that makes a real impact. What began as a solo journey while raising young kids has grown into a B Corp certified business that is doing meaningful work in women's health and beyond. Sherene does not just talk about purpose in her work; she lives it.

 

What You'll Learn

• How Sherene transitioned from music composition and sound design into animation and storytelling

• Why animation is such a powerful tool for healthcare, tech and nonprofit clients

• The reason good design is more foundational than animation techniques

• What sound design adds to an animated piece, and why it is more than just icing on the cake

• How Sherene balances entrepreneurship with parenting using what she calls "smart mom multitasking"

• The story behind her studio's rebranding to focus more intentionally on women's healthcare

• The importance of mentorship, and why she continues to give and receive guidance

• Tips for running a value-driven creative business with flexibility and focus

 

Quote of the Episode

"I was so enthralled by explaining how cancer grows in breast tissue… I realized I wanted to reposition my company to focus on women's healthcare. It speaks to me personally and professionally." – Sherene Strausberg

 

This quote really struck a chord with me. Sherene did not pivot her business because of a trend or a marketing opportunity. She made the change because it aligned with her values and her lived experience. That kind of clarity gives purpose to everything you create. When your mission lines up with the work, everything becomes more focused and more powerful. Sherene's decision to lean into women's healthcare was not just smart; it was personal. That authenticity shows up in every project she takes on.

 

Overview

This episode flew by. Sherene and I talked about everything from launching a creative studio with a baby in one arm to finding the sweet spot where purpose meets storytelling. We dove into the challenges of pivoting careers, rebranding with intention and what it means to run a creative business that actually fits your life. Sherene opened up about what it is like to be a woman building a company in the animation industry, and she shared how she finds balance through flexibility rather than rigid structure. I especially loved hearing how she weaves her sound design roots into her studio's work. Her story is a reminder that when you bring your whole self to your business, the work gets better and the journey becomes more rewarding.