Adriana Alcântara has a Passion for Sharing Stories, in Brazil and Beyond

Adriana Alcântara knows firsthand about the power of storytelling. In addition to being the country manager for Audible’s service for Brazil, she’s the co-author of Rise and Raise Others which features women in leadership roles sharing stories about the first steps, challenges and choices that preceded their success. She’s also narrating the Portuguese-language version of her second book, Connections, which releases on Audible in November and focuses on the dynamic between personal and professional life, with perspectives from industry leaders including Audible’s own Chief Brand and International Officer Susan Jurevics.

Alcântara’s passion for sharing stories by and about professional women stems from her long career leading business development, growth, marketing, and branding for global entertainment and media companies operating in Latin America, as well as teaching postgraduate business courses at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP), one of Brazil’s most prestigious universities.

Now she’s working to ensure Brazilians have access to Audible’s catalog of international and local titles that educate, inspire and entertain them throughout their busy days and nights. Here she shares more about her human-centric approach to leadership, the exciting experience of bringing Audible to Brazil, and the morning routine that starts her day off on a good note.

How would you describe your approach to or philosophy of leadership?

I truly believe in a humanized leadership, where trust, respect and understanding are important values that empower performance. When people feel comfortable, they can grow more, learn more and contribute more to the business. I know my team’s personal realities, which helps me assess the level of support I need to give them—and it works both ways: I’m a mom, and sometimes I have to pivot for family emergencies. I can’t ask for that ability if I don’t give it in return.

As a leader, what is something you’ve accomplished that you are particularly proud of?

Launching Audible’s service for Brazil in October 2023. It was very challenging, but the collaboration between teams, combined with the amazing energy and abilities of the team we built, made it happen. We’re excited about showing Brazilian people who we are and what we do. Our launch made the cover of four top newspapers in Brazil, and there was a lot of influencer content made about it—all of which was totally organic. Now we’re reaching even more people with the global media campaign, “There’s more to imagine when you listen,” which is appearing online, in the app, and on social media, inspiring Brazilians to discover how listening to Audible can maximize the hours in their day.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

The power to magically transport myself to different places. I’d love to be there, in person, for all our global meetings—meeting people is very important to me and plays a big role in how we work together to achieve a better result. Also I have family living in the US, so I always use my vacation time to see them, but I’d love to transport myself to Australia—I’m crazy about koalas and want to go there to see them!

What do you think is your strength as a leader?

Openness and communication. I believe these are critical for making things happen. We need to listen to others and empower them to share their opinions. We need to keep in mind that we work with people, and we all have good days and bad days. Let’s celebrate the good ones and respect the bad ones, since they won’t last forever.

If we made an Audible Original about your life, what would the title be?

Connections, like the title and theme of my second book! I’ve connected easily with people—even strangers—since I was a child, and I build long-term relations with almost everyone. I love how we can learn from each other, and I am proud of the connections I have and how they continue in my life.

Lightning round

• Coffee or tea? Both!
• Morning person or night owl? Morning person. I usually go to bed at my kid’s bedtime, since I need to sleep several hours to be fully functional.
• Where are you working from currently? São Paulo, Brazil.
• How long have you been working with Audible? More than two years.
• Who is your biggest inspiration, career-wise? I’ve been very fortunate to have met and worked with a lot of people that I admire tremendously, and who have played a big role in my professional and personal development. That said, Susan Jurevics has continuously impressed me with her leadership, humanity, strategy and communication skills.
• Dine in or take out? Dine in.
• Favorite hobby outside of work? I love theater and ballet. I still practice classical ballet and contemporary dance in the studio to start my mornings off on a good note.
• Favorite Audible listen, go. Think Again by Adam Grant, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, La Amica Geniale by Elena Ferrante.