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 found me through my co-founder Elan Freedman who came from the licensing world through his family at Surge Licensing. When we met, I was the Global Head of Creator Engagement at YouTube, working with some of the top creators in the world. Elan opened my eyes to the world of licensing and all that’s possible. I immediately saw the opportunity for creators in licensing given their massive audiences, deep connections with fans, and a level of authenticity that can translate incredibly well into products and brands. I made the jump from YouTube to co-found Volt Factor, where we bridge the gap between the licensing and creator worlds.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
Most days start with a workout and that’s about all they have in common! The majority of my time is spent on all things creator related. My job is to know who’s hot, who’s next, and who has the potential to become a great licensing partner. My days are often spent researching creators and trends, and meeting with people across the creator economy, including managers, agents, platforms, and of course creators themselves! I also spend significant time with our Volt Factor creators as we’re very hands-on with the strategy, development, and execution of their licensing programs.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Personally, it’s my family. My husband and my two kids are my greatest teammates. Professionally it’s all of the relationships I’ve built across the creator ecosystem. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most innovative and creative people in the world who are shaping the future of content, community, and fandom.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Where fandom originates now. We are witnessing fandom moving from traditional media (TV, film, publishing) to digital creators. I see it with my own kids and their friends. Their favorite IP isn’t necessarily coming from studios. It’s coming from creators they watch every day, feel like they know personally, and would genuinely buy products inspired by. That’s a different kind of fandom than what the licensing industry was built around.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
As a founder, I think a lot about the growth and health of our business, whether that’s bringing in new creators and licensing partners, building strategic partnerships, or executing for our existing creators. I’m an optimizer, so I’m often thinking about how we can do things better, smarter, and more efficiently.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Intellectual curiosity. The licensing industry is rapidly changing, and creators are reshaping the way fandom and IPs originate. The executives who will succeed are the ones who stay genuinely curious about new platforms, new formats, new creators, and new ways fans connect with IPs.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
One of my favorite quotes is “slow yourself down.” I came across the phrase at a little acai spot of the same name in Hanalei, on the north shore of Kaua’i. Hanalei is a magical place that naturally forces you to be calm and present, and I try to carry that mindset with me beyond vacation. The default setting in our work culture is frantic energy, everyone is racing to a finish line, and trying to handle everything all at once. But moving fast doesn’t always mean executing well. I’ve found that when you intentionally slow the pace and clear out the noise, you create the space to see what’s really important and what works best

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
As a sports fan it’s hard not to go with the Jordan x Nike collab. They basically invented the blueprint we’re working from: an individual with a distinct identity and fandom becoming a brand that lasts far beyond his playing career by decades. This is what we’re building with our creators—brands that endure beyond their digital fame.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I’ve spent my career working with creators, so I’d probably be in the creator economy in some capacity, perhaps CEO of a creator company or running creator partnerships for one of the platforms.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A Porsche x Aimé Leon Dore hat for my brother and seasonings from our creator Kimmy’s Kreations’ new line.