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 got my start in licensing at THQ Wireless, a company that developed mobile entertainment during the flip-phone era, where my role evolved over time (before the iPhone). We developed licensed mobile games for big franchises like Star Wars, Pixar, NBA, and MLB—all on those early, color-screen phones. It was a really exciting time, as mobile gaming was just taking off. After that I moved over to CBS, where I began managing brands and partnerships. From there, my role grew as I worked with ViacomCBS, Paramount, and so on.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
In my current role at Mattel, a typical day involves a mix of discussions with third-party partners—potential partners we could collaborate with from a licensing perspective—and managing internal projects. Depending on the specific case, this involves overseeing the evolution of projects through production, marketing, launch, and live operations. I also focus on how we can grow Mattel’s digital games business, which includes a lot of strategic planning and development. So, it’s really a balance between building external partnerships and executing internal strategies.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint just one specific accomplishment, but what really stands out are the partnerships I’ve built over the years. While I’ve worked on and with some truly amazing brands and seen big successes, I’m most proud of the journey itself. I’ve worked in a television studio, on a movie lot, and now at a toy company, and each experience feels like a significant achievement. On top of that, being able to bring these iconic, fun brands into the world of video games is incredibly rewarding—it really feels like a major win.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
One of the biggest trends I’ve seen in recent years is how gaming has become top of mind and a major focus across all industries. It’s no longer just a niche or side project! Look at how The New York Times embraced gaming with Wordle and their broader game offerings, or our partnership with AirConsole and BMW for in-car gaming. Gaming is everywhere now, and everyone is a gamer. It’s also become a key initiative for entertainment and film studios. Back when I was working on mobile games for flip phones, the industry was still in its infancy. Now, it’s fully integrated into the core strategies of these companies, which is a significant shift.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
What keeps me up at night is making sure that we’re on the right path with our IP—choosing the right type of games and platform, while truly honoring the brands we work with. Mattel is in a strong position as a leading IP company, and we have many opportunities ahead. It’s crucial that we carefully evaluate each one to ensure we’re choosing the best path forward for the company and the brands.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
I believe that the top skill for any licensing executive is a deep understanding of the medium they’re working with and how it operates. Whether it’s video games or another platform, it’s essential to authentically align the IP with that space. Licensing is about building bridges and fostering true partnerships where both sides collaborate and communicate toward a shared vision. The best products come from this strong alignment—not just in deal terms, but in mutual goals and open communication.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
The best advice I ever received came from a career counselor during a particularly challenging time in my life. She told me to let go of fear, which was a powerful message and stuck with me. She reminded me that even in the worst-case scenario, you’ll still find a way to move forward. It’s a lesson in resilience and staying grounded.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
It’s a tough question! If I weren’t in licensing, I often think about what other paths I might pursue and one of those is teaching. When my kids come home and talk about their favorite teachers, I see how much those educators inspire them and make learning enjoyable. While I believe that I encourage creativity and help people engage with new ideas at Mattel, being a role model and educator for young children is something I would truly love.

The last licensed product I bought was…
The last licensed product I bought was the Woobles Snoopy crochet kit. I’ve been wanting to learn how to crochet for a long time, and this kit feels like the perfect way to start. I love the idea of creating cute, cuddly plushies like Snoopy—now I just need to find the time!