Sue Shlapakovsky’s Team is Actively Shaping How Users Discover Content

Whenever a customer engages with Audible, Sue Shlapakovsky’s work is one of the first things they encounter. As Head of Product Science, Discovery and Martech, Shlapakovsky leads a team of product managers, applied scientists and data scientists working closely with our tech and UX teams to “craft a unique journey for each listener across their entire Audible experience,” from signing up for Audible’s service to discovering each perfect listen, and beyond.

In 2015, Shlapakovsky was completing a part-time MBA in Strategy and Marketing at NYU while living in D.C. During her four-hour bus commute to New York on Friday evenings for weekend classes, she fell in love with audiobooks, so when she saw an opening for a product manager at Audible, she was eager to apply. Now she and her team are using cutting-edge technology like machine learning and AI to amaze Audible customers with search and personalization.

“When you open the app and immediately spot a title that resonates with you, that's our technology at work,” she says. Among her many proud moments at Audible was the recent launch of Maven, the industry's first AI-powered search for audiobooks, which uses natural language to help customers find their next listen. “Whether it's your next ‘unputdownable’ thriller, a thought-provoking memoir, or an undiscovered gem that becomes your new favorite, our goal is to make sure great stories find their way to your ears.” Here Shlapakovsky shares her thoughts on technology and leadership at Audible, as well as what (and who) most inspires her.

How would you describe your philosophy of leadership?

My leadership philosophy centers on empowering my team and fostering an environment that nurtures curiosity and passion. I believe that my role as a leader is not to have all the answers, but rather to create a space where team members feel confident to question assumptions, push boundaries and embrace a culture of continuous learning and innovation. I encourage open dialogue, collaborative problem-solving and calculated risk-taking.

What have you found most helpful for balancing a leadership role with your personal/family life?

I've learned that ruthlessly prioritizing my time and establishing boundaries has been crucial for balance in my life. I have to be intentional about where I spend my time. I've learned to discern when to lean in and when to trust my team to excel in their areas of expertise.

What’s the most exciting thing about leading at Audible right now?

Operating at the intersection of AI, storytelling and personalization. We're at a transformative inflection point where we can create immersive and tailored experiences for listeners in ways we've only imagined before. Leading a team that is actively shaping how users discover content is an exciting challenge. The potential ahead of us is truly enormous, and we're just scratching the surface of what's possible.

What do you like best about your work?

I enjoy the challenge of solving really hard problems alongside brilliant people. I get to work with incredibly talented teams across the company and see ideas translate to impactful product launches. It’s rewarding to see the improvements we make to the Audible experience materialize to millions of users. There's a deep-rooted mission that permeates everything we do—we're not just building products, but actively impacting the lives of our customers and our community.

What’s your superpower as a leader?

Navigating ambiguity. I thrive in complex, fast-moving environments where the path forward isn't always clear, whether it's tackling intricate AI problems, setting the product vision or guiding teams through change. Throughout my career, I've consistently been drawn to challenges that require both analytical thinking and creative problem-solving.

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self when you were first starting your career, what would it be?

Trust yourself more. Early on, it's easy to assume everyone else has it all figured out, but the truth is that no one has all the answers. The best leaders aren't those who know everything; they're the ones who stay curious, ask insightful questions and adapt quickly. I'd also tell myself that career paths aren't linear. Those moments of uncertainty or challenge often lead to the most significant personal and professional growth, so embrace them rather than fear them.

If you could travel back in time, where would you land?

Inspired by a recent vacation to Italy, I'd choose Renaissance Florence. I'd love to visit Leonardo da Vinci's workshop and witness firsthand how one of history's greatest minds approached innovation, creativity and problem-solving.

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

Roadmaps and Real Life: The Art of Juggling What Matters.

Lightning Round

• Coffee or tea? I love a good cup of Ceylon tea.
• Morning person or night owl? Morning person.
• Where are you working from currently? Our Newark hub.
• How long have you been with Audible? I just passed the ten-year mark. Time flies when you’re having fun!
• Who is your biggest inspiration, career-wise? My parents.
• Dine in or take out? Dine in.
• Favorite hobby? Traveling and experiencing new food and cultures.
• Favorite Audible listen, go. It’s hard to pick just one. I loved First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston. It had a great mix of suspense, clever twists and a main character that I couldn’t help but root for. It was an “unputdownable” for me.