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)?
Licensing sort of found me. I had previous experience working on licensing and collaboration partnerships during my time in the action sports industry, and I’ve always had a passion for bringing brands together in meaningful ways. So, when the opportunity at Dr. Seuss Enterprises came along, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. On a personal level, I also have a four-year-old daughter, which made the opportunity even more special. Being able to work with a brand that I have such a deep connection to, and then share that experience with her, was something I simply couldn’t pass up.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
Typical doesn’t really exist in our whimsical world at Dr. Seuss. But if I had to describe a typical day, it usually starts with a cup of coffee and a few minutes of meditation before getting my daughter ready for school. From there, it’s off to drop-off and then straight to the office, where no two days are quite the same. My day is often a mix of meetings and phone calls, reviewing creative concepts and product assortments, evaluating retail opportunities, researching trends for future style guide development, and helping shape our eCommerce strategy. It’s a dynamic role that blends creativity, collaboration, and business strategy, which is what makes it so rewarding.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping lead the creative vision and product assortment strategy for our 2025 Walmart Grinch program, Merry Mischief. The program earned a 3-Star Award from Walmart’s Entertainment Council, which drove significant growth for our overall business, making it especially rewarding to see both the creative and commercial success of the program come to life.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
We’re seeing a significant shift toward more elevated and simplified product design and creative across all age demographics. Character-forward artwork is beginning to take a back seat to the elements, emotions, and storytelling that surround the character. This approach allows textures, materials, color palettes, and subtle design cues to take center stage, creating a more sophisticated consumer experience. Rather than overtly showcasing a character, the goal is to evoke the feeling of the brand and story in a way that feels more immersive and authentic. It’s an “if you know, you know” approach that invites consumers to connect with the brand on a deeper level and feel like they’re part of the story themselves.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
One of the biggest challenges is finding the right balance between preserving the legacy and integrity of our iconic characters while evolving them to resonate with new trends, emerging consumer audiences, and expanding product categories. It’s important to keep these beloved characters relevant and culturally connected without losing the timeless qualities that have made them endure for generations. The goal is to honor their heritage while thoughtfully introducing them to new ways of engaging with consumers.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Relationship management and storytelling are the two strengths that I believe are at the heart of what makes a partnership truly successful. Strong relationships create trust and alignment, while compelling storytelling brings products and collaborations to life in a way that resonates with consumers. When those two elements come together, they create meaningful experiences and products that people genuinely connect with and remember.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“Sometimes, if you aren’t sure about something, you just have to jump off the bridge and learn to fly on your way down.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that when you’re facing uncertainty, feeling stuck, or experiencing decision fatigue, sometimes the best path forward is to take the leap and commit. Not every decision will lead exactly where you expect, but every experience offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain valuable perspective. Embracing that mindset has taught me that progress often comes from having the courage to move forward, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. 

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
Green Eggs and Spam is one of the first major projects I had the opportunity to work on at Dr. Seuss, and it remains one of my favorites. Bringing together two iconic legacy brands in such a simple, clever, and unexpected way was an incredibly rewarding experience. The collaboration perfectly balanced creativity, nostalgia, and humor, showcasing how powerful a partnership can be when it feels both authentic and unique. It was a pleasure to help bring the concept to life and see consumers connect with it so enthusiastically.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
Surfing as much as possible.

The last licensed product I bought was…
Harry Potter LEGOs for my daughter and I to build together.