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 like to get to the office early, have a coffee at my desk, check our trade numbers, and take a walk around the office engaging with the team.

What’s one item you always need on your desk?
An iPad.

What unique skill or characteristic do you bring to your team?
The ability to think strategically, breaking down and problem solving any challenges the teams are facing.

What is something you learned at a previous job that prepared you for your current role?
I learned not to micromanage people. I’ve seen first-hand how it fosters a poor culture and lack of trust that never delivers on its expected outcomes.

What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
Mentoring and seeing our people excel. I have a strong view that you should surround yourself with great people and provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

What is one thing you would change about the licensing industry?
I think the industry sometimes isn’t taken seriously and needs greater strategic thinking. It can often be too transactional, just about the deal, but it needs to viewed more in terms of brand building and a long-term approach to delivering value to all stakeholders. Contracts and guarantees can be counter intuitive to this approach.

If you had an extra hour in your workday, how would you use it?
I would spend it with my grandkids.

What is one thing you need to do every day to feel accomplished?
I’ve been fortunate to have a career over the last 35 years in the licensing industry delivering compelling product executions for all stakeholders, so I need to ensure we continue to deliver value to our partners every day. We can only do this by seeing our people thrive and grow, which is exceptionally rewarding for me.

Are you a carry-on or checked bag traveler?
For work it’s carry-on, and for holiday it’s checked.

What do you always have in your suitcase on a work trip?
Too many chargers—I never want to run out

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing?
I would be a lawyer.

What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Only worry about what you can control. Don’t sweat the small things. Failure leads to growth.

What are you most excited about moving forward?
The industry is in a very good state, which is evident with the growth in pure play and luxury brands now using licensing collabs to extend their reach and drive a new audience. There is significant investment in content coming down the pipeline for the next few years, so I’m excited to see the industry go from strength to strength.