Desk Details: George Wade, President at Bay Laurel Advisors
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 usually start by catching up on industry news. The early morning hours are perfect for reviewing updates from Licensing International, License Global, and IAAPA. Once I’m caffeinated, it’s time to dive into emails and get the day moving.
What’s one item you always need on your desk?
Besides my computer? Throat lozenges. With so many conference calls throughout the day, it’s always good to be prepared. And of course, a few family photos—a great reminder of what’s most important.
What unique skill or characteristic do you bring to your team?
We are in the business of fun, so a positive ‘can do’ approach is important if not critical. Our team’s focus is on the ‘what if’ to bring success to our clients.
What is something you learned at a previous job that prepared you for your current role?
Build a strong, trusted network of like-minded colleagues! Relationships have been foundational to my career, enabling the growth of a trusted network of partners who collaborate effectively and genuinely enjoy working together. Part of what I so enjoy about the licensing industry is the friendships that I have built over the years!
What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
Since the focus of our business is location-based entertainment projects, I love the opportunity to develop unique consumer experiences that bring joy to guests of all ages, no matter the scope or scale! I never grow tired of talking with guests to learn what they enjoyed and how to take the experience to the next level of excellence.
If you had an extra hour in your workday, how would you use it?
Time feels like one of the most precious commodities these days. Between the daily to-do list, back-to-back video calls, and the steady stream of emails that all need follow-up, there’s not always much room to just think. I’d use that extra hour to step back, reflect, and spend some uninterrupted time on big-picture thinking.
What is one thing you need to do every day to feel accomplished?
I start each day with a priority checklist—items that must be accomplished that day. Have I completed the priorities set that morning? If not, what will I do tomorrow make sure these tasks are met?
Are you a carry-on or checked bag traveler?
Carry on!
What do you always have in your suitcase on a work trip?
A raincoat is with me everywhere I travel. Mother Nature is undefeated! Be prepared!
If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing?
At this stage of life, if I wasn’t involved in licensing and location-based entertainment, I’d be devoting more time to volunteering for nonprofit organizations. We face so many challenges today, the opportunity to serve our community would be especially gratifying.
What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
I’d remind myself to seek out input from stakeholders even more than I already was. Teamwork is critical to success, and it’s important that everyone involved in an initiative feels heard and valued. I believed in that ten years ago, but I appreciate the impact of true collaboration even more today.
What are you most excited about moving forward?
Content is evolving faster than ever, with new platforms and distribution channels popping up every year. What really excites me is figuring out how brands can engage consumers in meaningful ways across all these new touchpoints. It feels like we’re entering a whole new frontier for the licensing and brand experience industry, and there’s a lot of opportunity to innovate and connect with audiences in ways we’ve never seen before.