Audible Sound Bites with Nicolas Sotomayor

Nicolas Sotomayor is an Associate Manager, Creative Development on our Content team. He joined us in November 2020 as a Production Coordinator for our studios in Newark, NJ, and has since relocated to our Culver City (Los Angeles), CA hub to work on Audible’s podcast offering for customers. We love that he brings his background in meditation and wellness to work as well—he even hosts sound baths for his teammates!

Can you describe your role at Audible?

Part of my role on our Content team is to “keep the trains running on time.” This means working with all of the key stakeholders to ensure we meet our deadlines and deliver podcasts by their intended release date. Listeners expect to have their content delivered on time, especially if it’s a weekly podcast.

What made you choose to work at Audible, and what made you want to stay?

As an audiophile, I knew I wanted to work with my ears in some capacity. Although I am not an audio engineer, I still get to listen to quite a lot of Audible Originals that are being produced in-house, and I also get to experience how nonfiction content is developed from start to finish. The people here are what makes me want to stay. Almost everyone I get to work with is a creative in some capacity. We have authors, podcasters, comedians, and all sorts of musicians within our teams. I was even fortunate enough to have a few jam sessions with other employees after work.

What’s a People Principle you embody, and how do you embody it?

Study and Draw Inspiration from Culture and Technology: I am really passionate about sound and sonic experiences, so I was excited to hear that a few Audible Originals were being mixed in spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. Listening to audio content with immersive sound enhances my experience, and I’m sure other listeners would agree.

How do you feel about Audible's impact work in the community?

Audible is truly a company whose mission goes beyond financial success. Since joining the team, I have been impressed by how many of our programs exist to give back to the cities in which we operate, like Newark. The NWK Delivers and the Live Local programs are two of my favorites. I’m excited for our other hubs to launch and expand programs that serve underrepresented communities in their areas.

Are there any employee benefits you love?

The Hub+Home hybrid working model has been key in striking that work-life balance for me. Additionally, the weekly meditation sessions are a great way to pause throughout the work week and focus on wellness. And I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the sound baths I’ve led for our employees! They’re incredibly effective at relaxing and focusing the mind and body.

What was your first Audible listen?

My first Audible listen was The Enneagram by Helen Palmer. It’s a nonfiction audiobook introducing nine personality types that can provide some insight and direction to oneself. I was on my own personal journey at the time, and some friends in Montreal introduced me to this book. I found it to be the perfect listen for a lengthy road trip back home. I have been an Audible listener ever since.

What advice do you have for someone considering working at Audible?

Don’t be afraid to be yourself, particularly in the interview process. There are many times when we feel the need to put on a “mask” to pretend to be who we think we are supposed to be. I was able to let my personality show during my interview, and I am encouraged to be myself when I am around my team. It makes it a much more pleasant and less stressful work environment.

Lightning Round!

Favorite genre? Health & Wellness.
What hub are you aligned to? L.A.
Listening from a speaker or headphones? Headphones—it’s personal.
Morning person or night owl? Night owl.
Favorite snack? Ice cream.

What are you currently listening to?

I recently started to listen to yasiin bey’s A Dynamic Career in Communications. I am a huge fan of his music and acting, and I have gone to see him perform multiple times. It’s always interesting to hear the journey of an artist as told by themselves.