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)?
I was first introduced to licensing in college through a sports marketing course that briefly covered the topic of collegiate licensing. That’s where I first learned about The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and founder Bill Battle, who helped revolutionize the industry by creating the first centralized agency for collegiate merchandise—educating universities on how to protect, market, and monetize their trademarks and IP. CLC was headquartered in Atlanta, where I live, so I began networking and making connections at the company, which ultimately led to my first full-time role on the Apparel Management team. After five years at the agency, I transitioned to the brand-owner side in corporate licensing and I’ve never looked back. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my time at CLC—it helped me learn the business and realize the power of licensing.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
While my day-to-day often fluctuates, most of my time is spent sourcing/vetting partners, evaluating proposals, reviewing contracts, recalibrating internal strategy, and monitoring program performance. I also spend time preparing for bi-weekly and monthly leadership updates. One of the most fun parts of the job is tasting and reviewing sensory samples for new food & beverage projects coming down the pipeline.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
I’ve been fortunate to work with many great brands throughout my career, many of which I grew up with and genuinely feel connected to as a consumer. What I’m most proud of is simply being part of those brands’ journeys and helping create new ways for consumers to experience them. Seeing licensing bring brands to life in unexpected, meaningful ways—and build new connections with fans—is the most rewarding part.

What are the most significant trends or changes you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Across every sector, licensing has become less transactional and far more strategic. Today, the strongest partnerships are rooted in purpose—they’re culturally relevant, consumer-led, and scalable programs that create incremental value for both the brand and the business. Brands are thinking beyond the shelf and looking for partnerships that extend the brand experience in a way that feels authentic. As licensing leaders, it’s our responsibility to stay ahead of these trends and adapt to evolving consumer needs and retail dynamics.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Working with such iconic brands comes with real responsibility to protect the equity, ensure consistency, and manage risk thoughtfully. I wouldn’t say it keeps me up at night as we have strong checks and balances in place, but it’s always top of mind. My biggest challenge is prioritization. With a strong portfolio of brands that translate well in the licensing world, there is no shortage of ideas, but licensing is extremely fast-paced and resources can easily be spread thin. The key is filtering through what truly drives impact—based on the goals and objectives—and having discipline to pass when the “juice isn’t worth the squeeze.” Focus is everything.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have to succeed?
If I had to choose one, it would be effective storytelling. A strong, holistic story is what gets people to believe in an idea, whether you’re pitching a partnership, proposing a new product idea, or securing leadership buy-in at the highest levels. It comes down to clearly articulating the “why,” quantifying the impact, and outlining a path forward to the desired outcome. The goal is to bring people on the journey so they don’t just understand your recommendation, they act on it.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or your favorite quote?
“Complexity gets talked about, simplicity gets executed.” It’s a reminder that communication isn’t about showing people everything you know—it’s about presenting your information in a way that is clear and actionable. When expectations and direction are simple and aligned, results follow. And ultimately the goal is to shift from talking to more doing.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time?
Sticking with food, the extension of TGI Fridays’ restaurant-quality branded appetizers into the frozen grocery aisle stands out to me (and it’s one I bought frequently myself). It became more than a licensing deal—it was designed to extend the brand beyond physical restaurants and into CPG/retail, it established credibility for food licensing as a revenue-generating business model, and it created a playbook for other QSR/food brands to follow many years later.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I’d likely be in marketing or brand management in food, sports, or entertainment. There’s no “professional life before licensing” for me, but based on my personality and interests that’s likely the path I would’ve pursued.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A quick stop at my local convenience store to purchase a Kool-Aid Tropical Punch energy drink—OH YEAH!