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 must thank my old boss, Ben Li from Fantawild. He’s the one who brought me into the licensing world and taught me so much. I’ve been really lucky, all of my bosses and teammates over the years have been incredibly supportive.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
That’s the most fun part for me, I think, that every day is brand new. I usually work on a bunch of different licensing projects at the same time. I’ll be brainstorming with colleagues on how to move things forward, jumping on calls with clients, and keeping my boss, designers, or artist reps on the same page. And, of course, there are always endless emails and reports waiting for me every day.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
For me, it’s all about building and mentoring my team. Watching people I’ve been worked with do great things, not just in licensing but in areas like gaming and brand marketing, is what makes me so proud of. Helping them grow helps me grow too.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The biggest change is that licensed products aren’t just for kids anymore. As Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha are getting older, we’re seeing adults of all ages becoming big consumers. That means we have to think about them at every step, from how we manage an IP to the products we design.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Probably figuring out that balance between the creative side and the business side. How do you build an IP that really connects with people and how do you help partners create products that really stand out? It pushes me to keep learning and be ready for any future challenges.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
You’ve got to be able to roll with the punches. This industry changes fast, so you need to be a quick learner and adapt to new possibilities all the time.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“Know how the game is played, but don’t play games.” It’s about being smart and aware but still staying true to yourself.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
I love the campaign from 2021 with the artist Bu2ma’s “Alexsander The Fat Tiger” and Glico. The commercial they made is so fantastic—super creative and, honestly, one of the cutest IP ads I’ve ever seen.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I’ve always enjoyed sales. If I weren’t doing this, I’d probably be in marketing for some cool indie brand.

The last licensed product I bought was…
It was a “Twinkle Twinkle ” plush keychain from Pop Mart.