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)?
My first contact with the licensing and merchandising industry was in the very early 2000s. I started at what was then MM Merchandising Media, now Seven.One Licensing, as a young Junior Key Account Manager for the merchandising collection of the BMW-Williams F1 Team, BMW’s Formula 1 racing team at the time. I was able to take part in everything from retail distribution to sponsors support to sales at the racetracks—I was immediately enthusiastic about this business. Since our agency was also responsible for product development and sourcing, I was able to experience the entire value chain. It was a great time back then.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
The wonderful thing about my job is that there is no such thing as a typical day. In our industry, new challenges, learnings, and contacts arise every day. No matter what you plan for the day, things turn out differently. But that’s what makes it so exciting and varied. Doing exactly the same thing every day wouldn’t be for me anyway.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
I always wanted to lead a team. So, I would call that my biggest accomplishment for myself personally. I told myself early on that, based on my experience, I wanted to lead a team in which everyone feels supported and can contribute their ideas and skills. I work on that every day as best I can.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The licensing industry is subject to constant change. That includes responding to changing consumer behavior, new origins for brands, reaching target groups differently, and consumers’ different expectations of products. The licensing industry must constantly question itself in this regard. Established business models and cooperations may have to adapt to modern developments. Furthermore, the licensing industry in the DACH region needs new talents and therefore attention for this exciting economic sector.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
My answer might sound like that of a contestant in a beauty pageant, but I actually ask myself what kind of world I can leave to my children. Especially when it comes to the state of the earth, I am concerned with the right measures that I can take in small ways to protect the climate. I hope that everyone makes the contribution they can to do the right thing as a whole.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
The following applies not only to me as a license executive, but certainly in general—try to listen to the other person and to achieve a common goal in partnership. We have incorporated the credo of cooperation on equal terms deep into our department’s DNA. This works very well as long as all projects run smoothly. It is only when something is not 100% positive that you see what a good partnership is worth. In my opinion, that should be the goal. To be a good and reliable partner.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
My marketing professor once said: “Make mistakes, what else can you learn from? They just shouldn’t be deliberate or careless.” I’ve been doing well with this statement for years. For me it means something like, “Stay brave but use your experience and keep on reflecting.” And if something doesn’t work out, that’s just how it is, but you’ve done everything you can to make it a success.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
Without my doing anything, the wobbly Elvis from the 2000s Audi advert was a great licensing deal. More recently, I think the transformation from an influencer named Bibi to the product brand BILOU (Bibi Loves You) is a prime example of how a brand can emerge from a new content platform. Unfortunately, I wasn’t involved in that.

There are many personal projects I’m proud of—being involved at the FIFA World Cup 2006 as a licensee (headwear and scarfs); a large product portfolio for Maya the Bee/Wickie/Heidi; The Voice of Germany perfume, which became a best seller; The Masked Singer plush as an own operated product; being the first to bring a podcast product onto the market; and the first influencer board game. There are oh so many great projects that wouldn’t have been possible without a great team.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
When I was young, I wanted to work as a travel agent. But I hope that the licensing industry wants to keep me for a long time, because I like being here.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A collectible figure from Funko Pop. As a fan of the John Wick film series, I couldn’t resist buying the Funko Set 580 “John Wick with Dog.”