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?
After a few phone calls, which I normally take from the car, I am very much looking forward to having my espresso.

What’s one item you always need on your desk?
A toy, ideally a Schleich figurine, since that reminds me of why I am doing this job.

What unique skill or characteristic do you bring to your team?
I would consider myself an excellent listener. That helps understanding challenges and how to handle them.

What is something you learned at a previous job that prepared you for your current role?
I worked in a consultancy firm before I joined Schleich and zooming in and out into new topics is something that really helped me get good insights into a broad variety of topics.

What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
Working with my team. I have a fantastic team, and I truly enjoy bringing them together and enabling them to be at their best.

What is one thing you would change about the licensing industry?
Limit the amount of licensing contracts that can be handed out by a licensor in order to provide clear uniqueness to licensees.

If you had an extra hour in your workday, how would you use it?
Spending more time with my team trying to understand their needs and how I can better support them.

What is one thing you need to do every day to feel accomplished?
I have learned that there is not one thing, but I need to see progress. That can be things like improved team dynamics, projects, an empty email inbox, etc.

Are you a carry-on or checked bag traveler?
Carry-on, for sure.

What do you always have in your suitcase on a work trip?
I always have a Schleich animal in my backpack. It has helped me so many times, either to explain what we are doing or to bring joy to a restless kid in the airplane.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing?
Most likely I would have stayed a consultant, but I found my true passion in the licensing industry. I like how a billion-dollar industry is still such a small community.

What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Relax; everything will be all right. I was and I still am a very driven person, however the amount of stress that I created for myself was, in many cases, unnecessary.

What are you most excited about moving forward?
New product launches, innovation, and continuing bringing smiles to kids.