Pat Shah Creates Star-Powered Collaborations that Delight Audible Listeners

Disney. President Obama and Mrs. Obama. Issa Rae. Kenya Barris. James Patterson. Michael Lewis. Audible works with leading creators and best-selling authors to produce Audible Originals and Audible Books—exclusive audio-first titles built for listening that customers love. Pat Shah helps make these collaborations possible and successful. As Global Head of Content Acquisition, Strategy, and Partnerships at Audible, Shah oversees worldwide teams responsible for all content acquisitions and partnerships, spanning both Audible Originals and Audible Books.

This includes structuring deals that bring Audible Originals to film and TV, expanding the reach of our storytelling and building new audiences for our creators. Shah’s teams also lead all dealmaking for Audible Theater’s live productions at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City, including Audible’s first musical, Dead Outlaw, which just earned seven Tony nominations.

Prior to joining Audible in 2020, Shah ran music strategy and licensing for Twitch and worked at Spotify and Universal Music. Looking back over the last five years, he says, “I’m energized by how much my role has evolved and how Audible itself has expanded its vision. The company today is more ambitious than ever, and I’m very excited about where we’re headed.” Shah shares some personal tidbits, including the unusual career journey he’s taken to get here.

How would you describe your philosophy of leadership?

I believe in balancing bold, strategic vision with pragmatic execution. That means pursuing game-changing opportunities, inspiring teams with clear paths to wins, and creating momentum through decisive action. Success comes from hiring exceptional people, empowering them with clarity, and driving toward bold, measurable outcomes.

What is your superpower as a leader?

Seeing the big picture and uncovering new opportunities that others may overlook. I excel at turning ambitious ideas into tangible momentum and inspiring others to see what’s possible, then aligning the right people, resources and priorities to execute with focus and impact.

What are some “left turns” you took on your career journey?

My career journey has been a series of left turns. It started when I moved from Kentucky to New York to become an analyst in investment banking. From there, I took another turn into private equity, diving deep into finance, deals and strategy. Then came the biggest shift: I left finance to join a music startup, despite having no background in the industry or any musical talent to speak of. That leap led to a long career in the entertainment industry, creating opportunities I never could have predicted. Each left turn taught me that the best moves aren’t always the most obvious, and that taking smart risks can open doors you never knew existed.

If you were stuck on a desert island and could only bring one piece of tech, what would it be and why?

My iPhone, without question.

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

How Did I Get So Lucky?

Lightning round!

• Coffee or tea? Coffee all day.
• Morning person or night owl? Night owl.
• Where are you working from currently? At our Los Angeles hub.
• How long have you been with Audible? About five years.
• Who is your biggest inspiration, career-wise? Peter Chernin.
• Dine in or take out? Dine in.
• Favorite hobby? Biking and traveling (most often in Mexico and Europe).
• Favorite Audible listen, go. A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost. (Hilarious!)