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

How do you start your day?
I try to spare half an hour to think while walking around in the morning to warm myself up both physically and mentally for the beginning of the day. Morning is the most energetic moment of the day filled with hope, and I would like to use such a precious moment in the most effective way.

What’s one item you always need on your desk?
Nothing is sitting on my desk before and after work. This gives me a fresh start every time I commence work the following day. As for what I need during work, well… my desk is a mess! Believe it or not, making the desktop totally clean without any objects on it refreshes you and resets your mood or emotion, especially in the case of negative ones. I encourage you to try it.

What unique skill or characteristic do you bring to your team?
I do not believe I am gifted with such a unique skill to describe here but I firmly believe that respect and trust among the staff working together and teamwork are the basis of business. And always being positive under any circumstances is important. This sets the base line for job efficiency and the joy of work.

What is something you learned at a previous job that prepared you for your current role?
I was a head of corporate planning department in my previous job and there I recognized, once again, the importance of consistently minding the total operations of the company and being aware of the current state of industries and global trends. Because work and business cannot be accomplished alone, we need to observe and sense the surrounding environment that is ever changing and getting faster, to adapt ourselves. This theory is valid and true for any type of industry or business. My favorite phase from Charles Darwin, the 19th century scientist, is “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
I feel privileged that I am positioned to share my knowledge and experience with younger staff. This is a small return of what I have been receiving from my seniors and friends. Because I cannot return the favor to my seniors, I would like to pass it on to younger generations.

If you had an extra hour in your workday, how would you use it?
I would use the extra hour to spend it with my family and for reading books.

What is one thing you need to do every day to feel accomplished?
To complete things that need to be done within the day.

Are you a carry-on or checked bag traveler?
It depends on how long the trip lasts. I try to travel light but am forced to have a checked bag if the trip is for a week or longer.

What do you always have in your suitcase on a work trip?
Tiny things and confectioneries as giveaway souvenirs. Though they are only tiny things, they still become topics of conversation and give cheerful moments with people I encounter.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing?
I would be doing and in fact I was in the aerospace business a long time ago. I personally like vehicles, especially those that can fly such as airplanes and rockets.

What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Making a small effort daily and make it one that will be rewarded. That is a sure 100% probability. And also, to try harder.

What are you most excited about in 2023?
These days have finally returned where you can go wherever and see whomever you wish.