Audible’s Head of UX Design Sandy Fershee Finds Inspiration Everywhere

Sandy Fershee is Audible’s Head of UX Design, leading teams responsible for creating an easy and enjoyable experience in whatever way customers access Audible, including the Audible app and website, Amazon surfaces and devices, via in-vehicle and voice controls, and more. She joined us recently, coming from a background leading global human-centered design and innovation teams across automotive and tech.

Fershee is the embodiment of Audible’s People Principle “Study and Draw Inspiration From Culture and Technology,” deriving lessons, insight, and ideas from all around her, then applying them to her user-focused design ethos. She shares about this, as well as her hunger to see and experience the world, its people, cuisines and dances, and the value she finds in being an introvert.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I am a curious person and keep my senses attuned to draw inspiration from diverse sources.

I love being outdoors and observing the beauty and diversity of nature. I find it fascinating how the seasons and the landscape (especially shorelines) change over time. Nature reminds me of impermanence—that this, too, shall pass—and the possibility of new life: when one door closes, another opens.

I enjoy spending time with people who have different experiences and perspectives from mine. I learn from them and get inspired by their stories, choices, and actions. I also listen to podcasts, read books, and explore new places that challenge and expand my worldview.

I appreciate various forms of artistic expression, such as artwork, books, music, meals, and dance. They elicit and evoke emotions in me, ranging from joy to sorrow, wonder to curiosity. They also inspire me to create something of my own.

I find inspiration in both moving my body and being still and daydreaming. They help me to relax, recharge, and reconnect with myself. It also allows me to synthesize and integrate what I experience, observe, and learn from my other sources of inspiration. These practices keep my thinking and being fresh and alive. They feed how I live, work, and lead.

Is there an Audible listen you think everyone should hear? Why?

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. She defines and demystifies introversion and extroversion (and ambiversion, in between) and how these traits affect our lives, work and relationships.

In a society where extroversion has long been the more idealized, she expertly lays out the value that introverts bring to the mix. As an introvert, I found this work to be personally transformational and empowering, embracing and unleashing the power of my strengths for good. This book is for everyone, with its insights and empathy-building for the diversity of personalities, especially the previously unsung “quiet” type.

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

Teleportation. I would bounce around the world at a moment’s notice. I love adventures, spontaneous outings and connections, and I love to travel to a variety of places—cities, remote areas, all the climates and the life within them. I would visit friends and family around the world. I would eat a variety of cuisines. I would learn a dance from every stop and pass it on. I would offer my help. I would take care and leave no trace.

Lightning Round

• Coffee or tea? Tea. Green and black (and mint at night).
• Morning person or night owl? Night owl. But I miraculously transform into a morning person in the summer!
• Where are you working from currently? Detroit, and I’ll be relocating to the New York City area soon.
• How long have you been with Audible? About six months.
• Who is your biggest inspiration, career-wise? I’ll name three: Beyoncé, who has mastered the blending of artistry, business, and social impact. Her work ethic, cutting-edge creativity, and authenticity show that there are always new possibilities. Debbie Millman, who has shaped the world of design and design education, as well as the art of the interview and storytelling through her acclaimed, long-running podcast, Design Matters. She has been a source of wisdom, insight and inspiration for me and so many other designers and creators. Patti Smith, who has devoted her life to the act of creating—a poet, a singer, a songwriter and an author. Her online concerts during the pandemic were a lifeline of hope and connection for me.
• Dine in or take out? Dine in. I love a great restaurant and communing over a meal.
• Favorite outside of work hobby? Designing my home to offer a rejuvenating retreat. I like to rearrange the objects I have, add artwork and refresh rooms with new meaning and purpose for family and friends to relax within and enjoy.
• Favorite Audible listen, go. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. He’s brilliantly talented and his storytelling beautifully bittersweet.