Gaby Umaña is a Support Engineer whose work helps to keep Audible’s app experience smooth and seamless. Working from our Mexico City support hub, they participate in Audible PRIDE, helping to represent the power of inclusion and representation in the workplace, while also making a difference in the community by engaging in impact initiatives there.

What is life like at the Mexico City hub?

We have a really nice community here! My team takes part in events and activities inspired by Impact Groups such as Audible PRIDE and Women in Tech, as well as Audible’s People Principle,  “Activate Caring.” We enjoy out-of-office activities too, such as football (or “soccer,” as it’s known in the US) and regular outings at restaurants.

How does the work you do affect listeners, or your colleagues, worldwide?

As Support Engineers, we take care of creating and maintaining Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructures that allow Audible’s Software Development Teams to deliver exciting new products and features to Audible’s customers worldwide.

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

I am a big Rush fan, so the first audiobook I grabbed from the virtual shelf was My Effin’ Life by Geddy Lee, the lead vocalist, bassist and keyboardist of that great band.

How are you inspired by Audible’s People Principles in your day-to-day work?

We are constantly encouraged to “Be Customer Obsessed” and deliver the best work we can on their behalf. That principle also guides our team vision to work together and care for each other’s well-being.

Also I “Draw Inspiration from Culture and Technology” by paying attention to the environment and being hungry to learn about new technologies that I may have to use at some point. We have plenty of leaders in the tech space who are constantly setting examples for how to innovate and delight customers.

Can you describe any community impact activities you’ve participated in? What do those experiences bring to you, personally?

I helped to organize Pride month here in 2024, and I hope we will have a very strong presence this year. It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness within our community about the importance of inclusion and diversity in a successful company. I have also worked with vulnerable communities here in Mexico City, as part of our events inspired by Activate Caring.

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

I think Audible’s People Principles inspire our ways of working, but I consider Activate Caring our “True North.” It means you will always have someone here to help you if you need it.

What advice would you have for a candidate considering a role at the Mexico City hub?

Creativity is very important, so it is not enough to just do what you are asked, but to make innovation an essential part of what you do every day. 

Lightning Round!

Favorite genre? Biographies and sci-fi.

Listening from a speaker or headphones? Mostly headphones.

Favorite activity while listening? Cooking.

Morning person or night owl? Morning person.

Favorite snack? Mexican “botanas.”

What are you currently listening to?

I am loving a series of articles by Harvard Business Review on management and leadership. I’m also listening to the Audible Exclusive, Memorias de un Luthier, an autobiography by one of the members of Les Luthiers, an Argentinian theatre/music/comedy group.