Daniel Waithe is a Senior Director of Quality Assurance (QA) leading Audible tech teams in testing several back-end systems, including those around data, generative AI, and marketing tools. His teams are also responsible for the tooling and infrastructure that help our employees across the world do their best work. Get to know what inspires him in his role, and what he loves about Audible’s workplace culture and product.

What is life like at the hub you are aligned to?

Since moving to Newark from Atlanta about a year ago, I've been exploring the city by bike, which is a great way to discover neighborhoods. Audible’s downtown location makes it easy to enjoy Newark's amazing food scene, especially the Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants in the Ironbound district. I've also gotten involved in the community by volunteering at food distribution events. As I continue to make Newark home, I'm excited to experience more of the city's rich history and be part of its growing energy.

What was your first Audible listen? What inspired you to check it out?

The Jumbies. We were getting ready for our first family road trip with our young sons, and I needed something to keep them entertained during the long drive. The boys loved it so much that every time we'd stop for gas or snacks, they'd immediately ask to turn it back on when we got back in the car. What started as a way to keep the peace during a road trip ended up being this great family experience we all enjoyed together.

How do you draw inspiration from culture and technology?

My approach to drawing inspiration starts with curiosity about people's experiences and challenges. I engage in community events, follow thought leaders across industries, and stay connected to cultural touchpoints through podcasts, books, and conversations. These often reveal pain points or opportunities that others might overlook.

On the technology side, I explore emerging trends through industry newsletters, developer communities, and hands-on experimentation. My experience as a start-up founder taught me to look beyond the obvious applications of new technologies, considering how they might be reimagined to solve real needs.

This combination of cultural awareness and technological understanding has become my framework for inspiration, helping me contribute solutions both at Audible and in my ongoing endeavors.

Have you participated in any community impact activities? What do those experiences bring to you, personally?

I've been volunteering with a church in Newark to prepare and distribute meals to neighbors in need, which goes far beyond providing food—it's also about creating moments of human connection and dignity. What I find most rewarding is interacting with the children who come with their families. Whether it's sharing a joke, giving a high five, or simply exchanging smiles, these small moments of joy are so meaningful, especially where people might be facing challenging circumstances. These experiences remind me that meeting basic needs like food security is essential, but equally important is acknowledging and celebrating our shared humanity through kindness and genuine interaction.

Other than the people, what do you love most about the culture here?

What stands out most about Audible's culture is our authentic commitment to our People Principle of “Activate Caring.” It shows up in how we approach our work, how we make decisions about our product, and especially in how we engage with our community and each other. This isn't just a statement on a wall, but something we actively demonstrate through our initiatives and actions. Having been part of different organizations throughout my career, I find it remarkable and refreshing to be in a culture where this level of care and community impact is fundamental to who we are.

Can you share about a time when you felt that someone at work practiced “Activate Caring” towards you?

While my father was experiencing significant medical issues, I found myself struggling with the emotional weight of being physically distant from him. During a conversation with a colleague, I opened up about the situation. She listened with empathy and understanding, sharing her own experience with a similar situation. Her willingness to be vulnerable and offer her own perspective was incredibly comforting. That moment of real connection had a profound impact, demonstrating how “Activate Caring” in the workplace can extend beyond professional boundaries to provide real emotional support when needed.

What are the benefits you find invaluable for your personal well-being, or that help make both your work life and personal life more fulfilling?

Audible’s tuition reimbursement benefit is allowing me to design my educational journey, which is focusing on understanding how AI intersects with business. This opportunity to level up my skills without the financial burden is invaluable. It not only contributes to my personal growth but also enhances my ability to contribute meaningfully to Audible's future initiatives. The company's support in this area demonstrates a real commitment to employee development and innovation, which I find both personally fulfilling and professionally motivating.

What advice would you have for a candidate considering Audible?

Be ready to embrace new ways of working and thinking. We have access to incredible resources through Amazon, and the most successful people here are those who actively seek out and leverage these tools and connections to drive innovation.

However, don't be afraid to challenge established norms—we value fresh perspectives and ideas that can help us evolve. The key is finding the balance between respecting what works while being bold enough to suggest improvements and new approaches. Success here comes from being adaptable, taking initiative to explore the vast resources at our disposal, and having the courage to speak up when you see opportunities for positive change.

Lightning round!

Favorite genre? Audio Performance and Dramatizations.

Listening from a speaker or headphones? Headphones.

Favorite activity while listening? Commuting to work and biking around the neighborhood.

Morning person or night owl? Night owl, quickly transitioning into a morning person.

Favorite snack? Pineapple and mango.

What’s one of your favorite listens?

The Unusual Suspects with Kenya Barris and Malcolm Gladwell has become a recent favorite because of the way their contrasting styles create such rich conversations. Their natural ability to tag-team interviews, knowing when to drive the conversation forward or hang back, brings out remarkable insights from their guests.