While Abe.ai is an “artificial intelligence” company, there’s a deep team of talented professionals (i.e. real people) from a variety of disciplines that make our engine run smoothly and powerfully. Each month, we will give you an opportunity to get to know one of these “Faces of Abe.”
Director, Client Experience & Success
Our first profile features someone that brings a ton of positive energy as well as nearly two decades of experience to Abe.ai. Her title perfectly describes the vital role that she plays in our success – say hi to Andrea Bruno, Director of Client Experience & Success.
Where do you call home?
San Francisco, CA
How long have you lived there? Where before?
I’ve lived in San Francisco for about four years. Before that, I lived in Charlotte, NC and Tampa, FL and grew up in Wisconsin.
Where did you attend school?
I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida and a Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University.
What led you to your career path?
A long, winding and random road! My brain has always tended to be more technical, but my personality is best suited for collaboration with teams and clients. After many years in the semiconductor industry creating hardware, a move to finance and software felt like a tremendous departure, but also a natural next step to what the market and my skill set were geared for. Ultimately, I love taking on complex problems and inspiring people to think creatively to solve them, so I’ll follow the challenges wherever they are! My role at Abe.ai offers me the perfect opportunity to combine these traits.
Speaking of your role, tell us more about what you do at Abe.ai…
My role currently includes leading our Client Experience and Sales teams. My primary focus is the successful delivery of our product to clients. In addition, I’m involved with the development of new direct sales leads, delivery/implementation of direct and channel partnerships, and driving value of our product to clients post launch. I’m fortunate to work with two great teams.
How long have you been with Abe.ai?
While it seems like I just started yesterday, I’ve been with Abe.ai for just shy of one year. Time flies when you’re having fun!
What do you enjoy best about working at Abe.ai?
I love that every day brings a different challenge – there is quite literally no routine. And best of all, my coworkers make those challenges a delight to figure out!
What do you do in your spare time?
I try to be outdoors as much as possible which is why San Francisco is such a great fit for me. Hiking, running, even just walking around the city. I also love to backpack in the summer months. It started as a curiosity and now I’ve worked my way up to 160 mile multi-week trips in the wilderness. During the winter, I love to snow ski. I’ve fallen in love with Napa and wine country, the ballet and all of the amazing food in the area. Needless to say, I definitely take advantage of all that the Bay area has to offer.
What’s getting heavy rotation in your music playlist these days?
I am loving the new Pearl Jam song and it’s Talking Heads influence. I also listen to a fair amount of classical music based on the San Francisco Ballet’s new influence in my life.
Favorite TV show/series?
I love weird shows that you’d never predict based on my personality. “Twin Peaks” is one of my all time faves. I also loved “Lost” because I watched it after the series ended, so I didn’t have the same disappointment as people who had been watching for years. “The Man in the High Castle,” “The OA,” “Westworld”… anything with an alternate universe or time travel is on my list. The stranger the better!
Favorite movie of all time?
I’m really bad at these “favorite things” – I like everything!
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m pretty open and transparent, so I don’t think there’s much that would surprise anyone about me, but perhaps it would be a surprise to know that despite being extremely social and high energy, I’m really an introvert at heart. I definitely need a LOT of time alone to recharge.