Don on the Importance of Working Backwards
In 2014, Don gave the commencement address to graduates of Rutgers University—Newark. In his speech, Don shared how success can be achieved by working backwards from a vision of the possible. [18 min.]
Don Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
In November 2024, Don was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, Class of 2024, alongside other noted New Jerseyans. [6 min.]
Inc. Shares NYU Award Acceptance Speech
Inc. in September 2024 published an abridged version of Don Katz’s acceptance speech for his alumni award from New York University, in which he shared how the school helped him to forge his own path in media and storytelling. [4 min.]
Outside Magazine Highlights Don Katz's Two Careers in a Feature and a Podcast Interview
Audible founder Don Katz sat down with Outside Magazine to talk about how "a love of words fueled his ambitions" initially as a journalist and author, and later as creator of what Outside called "one of the most successful tech and media startups of all time." [12 min.]
New York University Names Don Distinguished Alum
During a luncheon at Gotham Hall in Manhattan, New York University, Don’s undergraduate alma mater, honored Don with a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for his success in the worlds of art, culture, and entertainment. [11 min. 15 secs.]
Don Katz: “Find Somebody Who’s Going to Care What’s Going to Happen to You.”
Don visited Montclair State University to speak to a full room of undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members about transitioning from the writerly life to running a company, turning ideas into reality, and the importance of a broad education and strong teacher relationships. [1 hour]
Don Honors Mentor Ralph Ellison in Black History Month Post
In honor of Black History Month, employees throughout Audible, including Don, have been answering the following question: Who in Black History has most influenced your life and/or career, and in what ways? [4 min.]
Don Named to High School Alumni Hall of Honor
Don, a graduate of New Trier Township High School, located outside Chicago, was named to the school’s Alumni Hall of Honor. [4 min.; 7 min. video]
Don Named to List of Most Influential Business People in NJ
New Jersey business publication ROI-NJ named Don to its Power List 2024 - Super 60 ranking of the most influential business people in the state. [1 min.]
Remembering Newark Pioneer—and Audible Landlord—Marc Berson
Don sent the following message to Audible employees in December 2023, honoring the passing of longtime Newark business leader and real estate developer, Marc Berson. [1.5 min.]
Don Introduces Neil Gaiman at Newark’s NJPAC
Neil Gaiman took the stage at NJPAC in Newark, reading excerpts from his work and answering questions from a packed audience. Don introduced the celebrated author and longtime Audible creator. [3 min.]
Don Shares Learning from Ralph Ellison, the Brilliance of the Spoken Word, at NYU
Don marked the 70th anniversary of the publication of Ralph Ellison’s iconic novel, Invisible Man, during NYU’s alumni weekend in October 2023. [52 min.]
Don Shares Importance of Ralph Ellison on Audible’s Founding Vision
Don was featured in the Fall 2022 issue of Humanities Magazine, honoring the 70th anniversary of the publication of Ralph Ellison’s iconic novel, Invisible Man. Don shared how Ellison influenced the founding of Audible and Don’s vision to bring Ellison’s words to life. [13 min.]
Don Discusses Disability Inclusivity, Impact Groups at Audible
On October 12, 2023, Don addressed a packed crowd at Audible’s Innovation Cathedral about how disability awareness and inclusivity have been core tenets of the company since its founding. [6 min.]
Montclair Local: Don Discusses Nourishing Community at Film Festival
In November 2022, the Montclair Local profiled Don’s conversation with noted celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. [4 min.]
The Aspen Times: ‘Audible Upset the Literary World’
The Aspen Times in June 2023 covered Don’s discussion with renowned physicist Brian Greene at the Aspen Ideas festival. During the talk, Don focused on the founding of Audible, the company’s resilience, and going against the status quo. [3 min.]
Jazz in the Key of Ellison
Audible and Don hosted “Jazz in the Key of Ellison,” a jazz and spoken words tribute to the great novelist whose ability to hear the music in words inspired Don’s writing career and informed the founding of Audible. [8 min.]
A Note on Immigration
A note Don shared with Audible’s global employees about the executive order on immigration. [1 min.]
Don Shares Audible’s Story in Steve Fiffer’s The Moment
Steve Fiffer, noted writer and memoir collaborator, published his collection of essays by people who are transforming the world for the better in The Moment: Changemakers on Why and How They Joined the Fight for Social Justice, including a note from Don on how he envisioned Audible becoming a company that exemplifies what a company can mean beyond what it does. [11 min.]
Don Receives Film & Media Institute Innovator Tribute at Gotham Awards
Don received the Gotham Film & Media Institute Innovator Tribute at the 32nd annual Gotham Awards Ceremony in New York City on November 28, 2022. [9 min.]