As a Director of Brand and Content Marketing, Pia McMorran helps Australians discover Audible and all the listens that fit perfectly into their everyday lives. Here she shares about the work she does from Audible’s Sydney hub, and why she actually likes reading the comments section on social media.   

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

We are in Sydney’s Central Business District, so it’s easy to travel into the office and everything you could want is at your doorstep. Audible’s Sydney hub is tight knit; we are all on the same floor and have lunch together every day. It’s a very vibrant place to work.  

As you contribute to Audible’s mission to surprise and delight listeners around the world, what’s your biggest source of inspiration?  

Australia has always been a fantastic test market for ideas that can scale globally and we generally have a large appetite for creative risk. I draw inspiration from lots of things, but mostly meme culture and the goblins of the internet — some of the best comedy in the world is going down in the TikTok comments section. 

How does the work you do affect listeners or colleagues across different markets worldwide? 

My role is serving listeners in Australia, but I am part of the global brand and content marketing team and work on global content releases. I'm currently working on the launch of our full-cast adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula and I'm excited for people to experience both the audiobook and all of the marketing we have planned around it. 

What was your first Audible listen?  

The Audible Original It Burns, by Marc Fennell. I listened to it before I worked here. Weird documentaries are my jam, so when I heard about a scandal to breed the world’s hottest chili pepper, I was in.  

Can you share an example of a time when you received customer feedback that was meaningful to you?  

The comments section on social media is always a great barometer for when something has (or hasn’t) resonated. I worked on an April Fool’s Day prank where we got beloved spicy-romance narrator Teddy Hamilton to read the dictionary, and the comments section proved we hit the right mark with our audience. Comments like “this made my day” always give me a smile.  

How do you exemplify our People Principles in your day-to-day work?  

I’ve always been a big believer in the mantra that “well done is better than well said” when it comes to creative ideas. Audible’s People Principles, “Study and Draw Inspiration from Culture and Technology,” “Articulate the Possible and Move Fast to Make It Happen,” and “Activate Caring,” are key to delivering that. I think I’m pretty good at spotting opportunities for Audible in the culture and finding a way to bring them to life. Relationships are key, I try to be someone people want to work with so that, when I come knocking on their door with ambitious ideas, they are willing to get on board.   

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

We volunteered for an organization called “Thread Together,” which collects excess stock from Australian clothing brands and provides clothing care packages for people in need. It made me realize that something as small as having a new outfit to wear can bring an immense sense of dignity and care to people who are struggling, so I took great pride in putting together an outfit that the recipients would feel wonderful in.  

Can you share about a time you were an advocate or ally for someone else, or for a group of people? 

One of the most impactful things I’ve done is become a certified Mental Health First Aid responder. This might surprise you, but as an Australian, I’ve come across far more people crying in bathrooms than snake or spider bites. Providing a non-judgmental ear and knowing how to help guide people through difficult times goes a long way.  

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

The sense of collaboration within Audible and across other Amazon businesses, and a “can-do” spirit. I’m lucky to be working with Amazon MGM Studios on upcoming book-to-film adaptations and have also worked with Prime Video, Amazon Books and Amazon Music on other projects.    

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?  

The small things that make life a bit easier: public transport and mobile phone reimbursement, lunches, health insurance. I have a seven-year-old daughter, so anything that helps take away a small part of the mental load of being a parent is great.  

What’s one quality people interested in working on the Brand and Content Marketing team need to be successful here? 

Curiosity. I think that’s good advice for anyone, really. Ask questions, be open to exploring outside your remit, try new technology, put your hand up for stuff. You never know what opportunities it will unlock.   

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

I used to work for a creative agency, and Audible was my client, so when an opportunity came to work at Audible, I leaped at the chance. There’s so much room for creativity with the stories we get to tell through our Originals, the global IPs we are entrusted with, and within the BookTok community. It really makes no two days at Audible the same. 

What are you currently listening to? 

Girl on Girl, by Sophie Gilbert. I listened to Famesick, by Lena Dunham, and it encouraged me to go deeper on the cultural forces behind her story. Girl on Girl explores how media has shaped and warped women’s relationships with themselves and other women, giving me a whole new perspective on Lena’s story.  

See open Brand & Marketing roles at Audible