Desk Details: Ellie Terveen, EVP of Operations at Dr. Seuss Enterprises
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 kick off my mornings with a quick walk to wake up, followed by 15 minutes of quiet reflection before the day starts. It’s my sacred little ritual before the chaos of work begins and then, of course, coffee!
What’s one item you always need on your desk?
There’s always a highlighter on my desk—it’s my trusty sidekick for marking quick actions and follow-ups before they vanish into the abyss of ‘I’ll remember that later.” Bright and bold!
What unique skill or characteristic do you bring to your team?
One of the unique strengths I bring to the team is the ability to see possibilities beyond what’s immediately obvious and to think through how those possibilities could impact people, processes, and the bigger picture of the business. It’s like navigating an obstacle course finding purposeful paths that inspire growth and positive change.
What is something you learned at a previous job that prepared you for your current role?
With over 20 years in and around retail, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the business through hands-on experience across multiple disciplines, including operations, marketing, product development, and customer engagement. This diverse background has equipped me to effectively navigate the wide-ranging demands and complexities of my current role, allowing me to contribute strategically and adapt quickly to evolving business needs.
What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
My favorite aspect of my job is that every day brings something new—from discussing deals to shaping our long-term strategy to diving into our digital transformation initiatives. The variety keeps me engaged and constantly learning.
What is one thing you would change about the licensing industry?
One thing I would change about the licensing industry is to further streamline the process by embracing digital tools and automation. I think we’re starting to head in the right direction, but there’s still room to improve.
If you had an extra hour in your workday, how would you use it?
If given an extra hour in my workday, I would dedicate that time to strategic thinking and deep work by stepping back from daily tasks to focus on refining long-term goals, exploring new innovations, and improving processes. Uninterrupted time often sparks the best ideas.
What is one thing you need to do every day to feel accomplished?
To feel a sense of accomplishment each day, I prioritize completing my top three tasks. This disciplined approach ensures I remain focused, productive, and consistently make meaningful progress on the big priorities that need to be moved forward.
Are you a carry-on or checked bag traveler?
Carry on if the trip isn’t too long! Grab and go with less fuss.
What do you always have in your suitcase on a work trip?
I always keep chargers and adapters on hand to stay powered up during travel.
If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing?
I’ve always loved the idea of being an interior decorator, and it’s something I often do as a hobby. If I wasn’t in licensing, I might give it a shot!
What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
The advice I would give my younger self is to talk to as many people as possible, both inside and outside of your industry. There’s always something valuable to learn and it can build your knowledge.
What are you most excited about moving forward?
I’m truly excited about the incredible momentum here at Dr. Seuss, and I’m passionate about continuing to share this beloved brand with audiences around the world in fresh and exciting ways. There’s so much potential to explore new, creative, and engaging ways to connect with fans and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!