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)?
Like everyone I have ever spoken to, licensing found me—and I wish it had found me sooner. I was working as an account manager where Dependable Solutions become one of my clients. After a year of managing them and hearing about all of the amazing companies they worked with, I decided to make the move and join them. This was one of the best decisions I ever made and, soon enough, I was living the licensing lifestyle.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
There is no “typical” day in my current position, and I love that every day is different. Generally, it’s a mix of strategic planning, client relationship management, and team leadership across three divisions. Working with a great mix of brand owners, agents, and licensees, I get to see it all—including product development, interesting contract negotiations, trend analysis, sales, and royalty reporting. It’s never a dull day! I work closely with our partners and the highlight for me is immersing myself in their businesses. We are more than just a service provider. 

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Professionally, my biggest accomplishment is helping Dependable Solutions become one of the most trusted software providers. Working my way through four promotions from CSM to Director of Client Services, I have embraced the opportunity to learn about licensing, enhance our system to keep up with industry changes, develop our knowledgeable client service team, and provide exceptional service to our customers—ultimately winning us the Licensing International Excellence Award for “Most impactful Service Provider” in 2024.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Sustainability in the industry has become more important than ever. I have seen so many positive changes with reduced packaging, material recycling and re-use, and changes in legislation as well as increased collaboration across the industry.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
My kids—they hate me sleeping! But in all seriousness, I have a very busy brain and I’m always thinking about the next day, week, month, and year. I am a big planner, where I can be, and I am focused on moving forward on both personal and professional goals. I am always looking to improve, tweak, tailor, and drive my goals. 

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Be open to change. In an industry leveraged on trends, it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse and quickly pivot when needed to be successful. Be willing to put yourself out there and network—licensing people are GREAT people. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Or what is your favorite quote?
Be a good person, be kind, and be thoughtful. If you can be confident that you have done the right thing, other opinions should not matter. A couple of motos I have tried to live by are “in verbo tuo,” which translates to “at your word,” and “treat others the way you would like to be treated.”

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
Partnering with so many awesome companies, I get to see so many cool releases. For me, being an old soul, I have loved the revival of many childhood favorites, including Sonic the Hedgehog. My love for licensing is varied from clothing and footwear to collectables and even just the consumables I buy. Licensing really is a lifestyle and so immersive.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
If I was not in licensing and had the means, I would buy a farm on the south coast. My family and I would be able to dedicate time and space to some of our passions. For me, I would roast coffee and distil gin (I would say both have their place in solving problems).