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)?
Pure accident, or fate, depending on how you look at it. I started in the contracts division at Columbia Pictures Licensing when it was still on Fifth Avenue in NYC. After a year, Marvel Comics came calling, and I ended up with an office next door to Stan Lee. He spent a lot of time in LA, but when he was in New York it was unforgettable, like being front row to the making of a legend.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
There’s no such thing, and that’s exactly why I love it. I launched Moxie in 2001, and ever since, it’s been a constant mix of new brands, new deals, and new surprises.  When you own your own business, every day’s a juggling act, but an exciting one. And after doing this long enough, I’m lucky that opportunities now tend to find us.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
I’m not sure I can pick just one but closing an animated TV series deal with a major network for one of our most valuable children’s publishing franchises just this year was a huge thrill. And winning my first Tony Award ranks right up there too!

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The big agencies have gone full Pac-Man, snapping up every brand in sight. It’s made life harder for the independents, even though boutique agencies often bring just as much firepower and far more personal touch. But history has a funny way of leveling the field, think Barnes & Noble and Borders. When giants lose touch, the nimble ones survive.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Staying ahead of trends without losing sight of the classics. Moxie has always balanced “next big thing” energy with timeless brands. That’s our secret sauce!

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Flexibility. You have to pivot fast, spot opportunity where others don’t, and never hang onto bad partnerships. Dead weight kills momentum.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?  The best piece of advice is, “if you can’t find the door, build one.” It’s a classic Moxie mindset, and the best summary of our entrepreneurial spirit. My favorite quote is “don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great,” by John D. Rockefeller.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
At United Media, we did a deal with MET LIFE for Peanuts many years ago that I was part of.  The Snoopy dirigible (blimp) flew all over the country and was advertised on TV for more then 30 years. It was the first of its kind and was very memorable—and lucrative.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
Exactly what I am also already doing, which is producing Broadway theater! It’s my personal passion and has been my “other life” for more than 20 years.

The last licensed product I bought was…
Let’s just say my Amazon cart is basically a licensing museum.