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)?
My first exposure to licensing was a publishing deal we did for a television show I was working on called The Librarians. From there, I stumbled into licensing at 20th Century Fox and never looked back!

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
I wake up every day around 4:45am, walk my dog, do some uninterrupted work and international emails, then exercise. A clear mind is a productive mind! Once in the office, we are laser focused on growing the Magnum Ice Cream Company’s licensing business, so we are looking for new licensees for the rapidly growing program. I usually end my day with a Popsicle or some Breyers ice cream! 

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
My biggest personal accomplishment was finishing my second IRONMAN triathlon this past April. Professionally, I would have to say the Popsicle x C4 energy drink deal. It’s everywhere!

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Food licensing has really grown in popularity, both in consumables but also in non-consumable categories.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Genericized trademarks. Imagine being such a household name they start naming the category after you…

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Focus.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE quotes (aka Jahanisms), so I have many, but these ones have been resonating with me lately: “Luck favors the persistent” and “Fortune favors the bold.”

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
Probably the Madden NFL videogame series.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I’d probably be a stand-up comedian!

The last licensed product I bought was…
Popsicle x C4. I told you it’s everywhere!