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’re profiling one of these professionals in this ongoing series developed in partnership with MyMediaBox.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find YOU😊)?
I was exhausted with the daily grind of a career in restaurant management and desperately wanted to find a steady “office” job to get my foot in the door with a new career path. The only problem was, I had no idea what I wanted to do.  Luckily, a dear friend of mine worked for KISS’s management company and knew that their licensing agency Epic Rights, who also represented a robust roster of many other classic rock icons, was looking for an office assistant. I LOVE music, so I took a big leap of faith in applying for the job, (after googling “what the heck is licensing”) 😊
I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I knew I would give it my all. Taking that job in music merchandise and licensing was the best decision of my professional life. I thought I was excited to work in music, but what I found instead was a passion and knack for consumer products licensing!

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
In my current role, I seek out new licensing opportunities across various product categories for EMI’s corporate clients and brands, while also managing the relationship between EMI and Client for a select few. In addition to my sales role, I oversee product development for our clients’ brand extensions, acting as the conduit between licensee and client to ensure all products not only abide by any inherent brand guidelines, but also uphold and foster the brand’s equity and integrity.

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
My biggest personal accomplishment is the love of my life, my four year old son. My biggest professional accomplishment would have to be my growth trajectory. I’m proud of the hard work and dedication I put in which took a hopeful Office Assistant who knew nothing about licensing to Director of Licensing in the first few years of my career. I’d be remiss not to say I couldn’t have done it without the great leadership team at my previous job.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
It’s hard to answer this question without focusing on Covid. This pandemic really shook the lifeblood of our industry. With commerce so severely affected, the ways in which licensees, licensors, and agents alike worked to adapt and overcome has been pretty remarkable. That’s not to say it hasn’t been devastating to many, but in an effort to focus on the positive…  From licensees fast-tracking e-commerce solutions and new manufacturing capabilities, to licensors allowing for forecast excursions or necessary financial term amendments, to Licensing International implementing small business grants, and more, the resilience of some and helping hands of others has been very inspiring to me.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re unfamiliar with something. This took me a long time to get comfortable with because I was so concerned by what people might think of me. Every time you pretend to understand a topic when you don’t, you’re actively keeping yourself from learning something new.  Ask questions!

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? OR What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t future-trip!” This came at a personally very difficult time in my life and helped me focus day by day instead of worrying about what the future held. Thanks to my mentor, Lisa Streff, for the sound advice.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you)
There are so many but I will go with a personal favorite of mine, inspired by my son. When he was a few months old, I noticed a lack of rock n roll board books in the market, so I made it a mission to make it happen for him. Every time I got a “no” from a prospective publisher, it just made me try harder. Finally, the team at Hachette/Running Press saw the vision and  “Baby Rocker” was born. I may have cried when I saw Baby Bowie on a retail shelf for the first time and my son still wants to read Baby KISS every night! 😊

The last licensed product I bought was…
A Paw Patrol RC Toy

THE 2021 PEOPLE PROFILE SERIES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYMEDIABOX

MyMediaBox is the leader in providing online solutions that streamline every stage in the brand licensing lifecycle, from contract management and rights tracking, through style guide delivery, product approvals, security tag management and royalty reporting. With over 54,000 global professionals logging in from 125+ countries, Mediabox is by far the world’s most thoroughly tested and widely trusted licensing software.