Valuable Career Advice from Audible’s Head of Global Talent Acquisition

Regina Ware is no stranger to working at the epicenter of world-changing advances in technology. During the dot-com boom in the late 1990s, she was in the heart of Silicon Valley, recruiting engineers for growing tech companies. “I loved being close to cutting-edge technology,” she says, “and I loved the impact I was able to make in someone’s career journey, as well as a company’s product or service.”

As Audible’s Head of Global Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, and Belonging, Ware continues making that impact by helping us attract, hire, engage, and retain top talent as we drive innovation in audio entertainment. Her team’s focus is on ensuring our employees can easily navigate and enjoy their experience at Audible, and feel valued, respected, and able to bring their whole selves to work.

Since joining Audible four years ago, Ware has helped us evolve how our teams around the world are structured, enabling them to collaborate seamlessly on global launches of our products and content. And she says her team has an “always on” approach to continually engaging the best talent. When she reflects on the early days of her career, she says, “I still feel the same passion for improving the lives of others and making an impact at any scale.” Below, Ware shares what makes Audible a great place to work, as well as valuable advice gleaned from her long career in recruiting.

What drew you to Audible?

The rare opportunity to be part of an organization that truly embodies its mission and values in everything it does. Our People Principles, particularly “Be Customer Obsessed” and “Activate Caring,” reflect a genuine dedication to our customers, creators, employees and community that I find incredibly compelling. The work being done by Audible’s Global Center for Urban Innovation, and our many initiatives for emerging creators and youth, including the Indigenous Writers’ Circle, the Emerging Playwrights Fund, Future Leaders internship and more, demonstrate that our principles are more than just words on a page; they actively create meaningful impact in the world.

Also, when I joined the Audible team, I was already a long-time listener, so I had experienced firsthand the magic of our product, which is the ability to turn everyday moments into opportunities for learning and entertainment. I've always believed in the transformative power of storytelling and education. And the breadth and quality of our content offering is unparalleled.

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self when you were first starting your career, what would it be?

• First and foremost, embrace change. In the dynamic world of tech and innovation, change is the only constant. Frame periods of transition as opportunities to acquire new skills and broaden your understanding. Maintain a long-term perspective during turbulent times by keeping future aspirations your north star.
• Focus on what you can control. In times of uncertainty, it's easy to get caught up in factors beyond your influence. I'd advise my younger self to channel energy into areas where I could make a tangible impact.
• Know that you belong. I'd remind myself that I earned my place at the table and that my unique perspective is valuable.
• Remember that every leader you admire once stood where you stand now. Trust in your ability to learn, adapt and grow. Your journey is unique, and every experience is shaping you into the leader you're destined to become.

If you were stuck on a desert island and could only bring one piece of tech, what would it be and why?

My phone, so I could talk to my grandchildren and loved ones all day.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Teleportation.

Lightning round

• Coffee or tea? Coffee.
• Morning person or night owl? See you in the AM!
• Where are you working from currently? Seattle, Washington.
• How long have you been with Audible? Four years.
• Dine in or take out? Dine in.
• Favorite outside of work hobby? Listening and walking my dog.
• Favorite Audible listen, go. So many! Currently, Project Hail Mary, George Orwell’s 1984 and The Wonder of Stevie.