The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. Each week we’re profiling one of these professionals in this ongoing series.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find you)?
Licensing found me at the onset of my career and has taught me many skills from a creative standpoint through business negotiations. I have been privileged to work with incredible people over the years who have put their trust in me and allowed me to build their brands and licenses to extraordinary levels.

What’s a “typical day” in your current position?
As my position requires a lot of travel, there is no such thing as a typical day. I have mastered the skills of balancing and multi-tasking. I am privileged to interact with buyers, top management at retail, and global licensing teams. 

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
My biggest personal accomplishment is my two beautiful children, who amaze me every day! On a professional level, without a doubt, it is the growth, success, and advancement I have experienced over the years from Merchandising Assistant to President of JCorp. As we all know in our industry, the path to success can be very challenging, but through hard work, observation, listening, and learning, I am proud to say that I have thrived and persevered.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
After the pandemic and its after-effects, sadly the landscape has declined and opportunities have shrunk. Adapting to the shifts has become a key focus. It is important to remain optimistic and innovative, as I have a trilateral ongoing responsibility to my company, our customers, and our licensors.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
What keeps me up at night is my drive. I have a responsibility to the company I work for, the team I lead, and the customers I serve, as well as the ambition to bring continuous opportunities to the market.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
You must have an open mind, creative skillset, think beyond the obvious, and seek out opportunities even when they are out of your comfort zone. Learn to be flexible and dependable. People skills are a huge factor—You have to trust, follow up, and follow through. Respecting and uplifting your peers is a key to success.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is the company mantra instilled by my mentors Marvin and Jon Gurman—You Go You Get! There is much truth within those four simple words, whether in your personal life or on a professional level. I am all about You Go You Get!

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
I truly believe that every collaboration deal is brilliant in its own way as it fuses two different markets in a new perspective. Let’s take the recent Tiffany-Nike collab—classic and timeless Tiffany meets athletic and iconic Nike. It was a legendary pairing.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I have been told that people skills are one of my top assets, so most likely I would be teaching! I love to motivate, to encourage, and to support those around me.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A varsity hoodie! Always supporting my industry!