Rohan Sharma
As seen in:
LinkedIn,
Medium,
Forbes,
Yahoo Finance,
World Economic Forum,
Flipboard,
VentureBeat,
CIO,
InformationWeek,
ThePrint
and
Covers:
Technology, Business and Finance, Lifestyle, Personal Finance, Travel, Healthcare and Life science, artificial intelligence
AI & Strategy Exec | Ex-Apple, Disney | TEDx Yale | Springer Author | 30+ indexed publications | Advisor -Stanford, UCLA | 50K+ C-Suite Readership
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
"My first job as a journalist wasn’t in the traditional sense—it was creating in-depth reports and thought pieces for internal publications at a Fortune 100 company. While it wasn’t a newsroom, the experience taught me the value of precision, storytelling, and understanding an audience. Translating complex technical concepts into actionable insights for executives laid the groundwork for my career in journalism, where I continue to bridge technical expertise with impactful narratives
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I’ve used a typewriter, and it was a fascinating experience. There’s something uniquely tactile about the rhythmic clack of the keys and the immediacy of seeing your thoughts take shape on paper. It taught me the value of precision and intentionality—each word mattered because editing wasn’t as simple as hitting backspace. While I embrace modern technology, that typewriter experience reminded me of the art and discipline of writing, qualities I carry into my work today.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is transforming news in profound ways. It has democratized information, giving voices to individuals and communities that were previously underrepresented. Stories now unfold in real-time, enabling immediate engagement and response. However, it has also blurred the lines between fact and opinion, amplifying the need for journalists to prioritize accuracy and credibility. For me, social media is both a challenge and an opportunity—a platform to reach broader audiences while upholding the highest standards of journalism.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favorite fictional journalist is Lois Lane from Superman. She embodies tenacity, courage, and a relentless drive to uncover the truth, often risking her own safety to expose injustice. While her stories are set in a world of superheroes, her commitment to journalism reflects the real-world values that great reporters strive for: integrity, curiosity, and the power to make a difference. Plus, her ability to juggle investigative reporting with navigating the extraordinary makes her an inspiring figure in any newsroom—fictional or not
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means being a bridge between complex realities and public understanding. It’s about uncovering the truth, asking the hard questions, and presenting stories in a way that informs, inspires, and empowers. For me, journalism is a profound responsibility—one that shapes conversations in boardrooms, government halls, and classrooms alike. It’s not just about reporting events; it’s about driving meaningful change by shedding light on the issues that define our world.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
The funniest news-related hashtag I’ve come across has to be
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
"I prefer to be pitched on stories via email, with a clear and concise subject line that immediately signals relevance to my areas of focus—technology, AI, digital transformation, and societal innovation. A strong pitch provides context, explains why the story matters, and includes supporting data or unique insights. Bonus points if it’s personalized and demonstrates an understanding of my audience. I also appreciate a short, thoughtful follow-up if you don’t hear back right awa
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I rely on a combination of tools to streamline my workflow and deliver impactful stories. For research and writing, I use tools like Google Scholar, Semrush, and Grammarly to ensure accuracy and optimization. For data analysis and insights, Tableau and ThoughtSpot are my go-to platforms, enabling me to integrate compelling visuals and evidence into my narratives. Collaboration and communication happen through platforms like Slack, Trello, and Microsoft Teams
What's your favorite social network?
My favorite social network is LinkedIn. It’s a platform that transcends social media—it’s where meaningful conversations happen, ideas are exchanged, and professional connections turn into impactful collaborations. For someone like me, operating at the intersection of business, technology, and academia, LinkedIn is the perfect space to share insights, engage with thought leaders, and stay connected to global trends.
Who do you wish followed you?
I would love to be followed by global thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators—individuals like Satya Nadella, Jacinda Ardern, and Elon Musk. Their perspectives on technology, leadership, and societal impact align with the themes I explore in my work. Having their attention would not only validate the relevance of my insights but also open doors for deeper conversations that could influence meaningful change on a global scale
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I’ve always been driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for storytelling. For me, journalism is about uncovering the 'why' behind the 'what'—exploring not just events, but their impact on people, industries, and societies. I wanted to bridge the gap between complex topics like AI and digital transformation and make them accessible, actionable, and meaningful for diverse audiences. Journalism gives me the platform to inspire change, spark conversations, and amplify the voices that need to be heard
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I didn’t work for my high school newspaper, but I often found myself acting as an informal editor and storyteller among my peers. Whether it was crafting compelling narratives for class projects or initiating thought-provoking discussions during debates, I honed my ability to identify key insights and present them in ways that captivated audiences. Those early experiences laid the foundation for my later work in journalism, where storytelling became a tool to connect, inspire, and drive change at the highest levels of business, government, and academia.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The story I’m most proud of is my piece on how public-private partnerships can bridge the 'AI divide.' It wasn’t just about highlighting the challenges of equitable AI adoption but also proposing actionable solutions that resonated with leaders in business, government, and academia. The response was overwhelming—policymakers and executives reached out to discuss the ideas further, and it sparked conversations that went beyond the page. For me, it was a reminder of the power of journalism to not only inform but also inspire change at the highest levels
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice to aspiring journalists is to cultivate curiosity and embrace lifelong learning. In today’s fast-evolving world, the ability to adapt and stay informed about emerging trends—whether in technology, business, or societal shifts—is invaluable. Focus on storytelling that connects emotionally while remaining factually robust. Build a network of mentors and thought leaders, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. Most importantly, stay authentic and remember that journalism isn’t just about reporting; it’s about amplifying voices, challenging perspectives, and driving meaningful change
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is when you have a story that challenges conventional thinking or highlights an emerging trend, particularly in AI, digital transformation, or societal innovation. I value pitches that are concise, well-researched, and tailored to my audience. While my schedule can be demanding, I make it a priority to review pitches early in the morning or late evening—times when I can give them my full attention. If the pitch sparks curiosity or offers a fresh perspective, I’m always open to collaborating.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever received was concise, highly personalized, and aligned perfectly with my beat. It opened with a compelling statistic about AI adoption in underserved sectors, immediately grabbing my attention. The sender clearly understood my focus on technology’s societal impact and provided access to exclusive data, along with an offer to connect with a key expert for additional insights. Not only did it result in a well-received article, but it also sparked a long-term collaboration that enriched my understanding of the field
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever received was a mass email with no personalization, offering a generic product completely unrelated to my beat. It was clear that no research had been done on my work or audience. As a journalist, I value thoughtful, targeted pitches that show an understanding of the topics I cover and the stories I strive to tell. A bad pitch isn’t just ineffective—it’s a missed opportunity to build a meaningful connection
What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is a classic espresso
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, you’ll most likely find me exploring nature trails, immersing myself in a new travel destination, or engaging in deep conversations over coffee with thought leaders. These moments away from the screen are where I find inspiration, gain fresh perspectives, and recharge to tackle the complex challenges I write about. They’re also a reminder that the best stories often start beyond the desk.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
My favorite publication to read is The Economist.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about my beat—covering AI, digital transformation, and societal innovation—is that it’s purely technical. While technology forms the backbone, the real story is about people: how these advancements impact lives, reshape industries, and redefine what’s possible. My work goes beyond the algorithms to explore the ethical, economic, and human implications, which are often overlooked but equally critical to understanding the bigger picture
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