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 profile one of these professionals in this ongoing series.

How did you get into licensing? Or how did licensing find you?
Licensing most definitely found me! I thought my career would be in journalism, but after getting downsized from my newspaper job 12 years ago, I realized it was time to find something new. I decided to try my luck in the business world but wasn’t quite sure where I fit, so I took a contract job with Procter & Gamble managing licensing approvals at their corporate headquarters. I quickly became obsessed with licensing. It’s a field that requires mastering so many different disciplines—marketing, law, creative, finance, brand management—so there’s always something new to learn.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
I like to keep an open line of communication with my clients and licensees so there’s always emails, phone calls, and texts to be answered just to keep in touch with the day-to-day. I’m also likely working on a project, which could be a strategy document, a sales deck, or research. I like to keep up on business and industry news, so I’m also always reading and paying attention to what’s happening from a business and cultural point of view.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Working on Procter & Gamble’s trademark licensing program for eight years. I got to learn licensing working from the ground up with some of the best brands in the world. It was better than an M.B.A. and an invaluable experience.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The rise of the influencer economy now that there are no more gatekeepers. It is just fascinating to watch these online creators building their own audience and launching their own brands.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have to succeed?
Emotional intelligence will help you navigate the wide variety of personality types you’ll meet in your licensing career.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Or what is your favorite quote?
Fall down seven times, get up eight.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time?
The TOMY / Lamaze toy licensing program. I may be biased as Lamaze is my client, but these are beautifully designed toys that support healthy moms and babies.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing?
I like working with creatives, so I would be a Creative Director or a Marketing Director. But honestly, I think I’m already in the best profession.

What’s the most recent licensed product you purchased?
Lamaze’s Freddie the Firefly for a friend’s baby shower. Iconic!