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😊)?
It was in 1996 when our licensing industry veterans Marilu Corpus (ex Click) and Ivan Chan (PPW) invited me to set up PPW in the Philippines under the ABS CBN media company joint venture.  I was introduced to the wonderful world of licensing and merchandising and was happily getting more immersed in our exciting industry.  My first big international break happened in 2000 when Cartoon Network offered me a regional role to manage promotions for South East Asia based in HK.  The next big move happened in 2005 when Discovery Channel offered the APAC licensing role in Singapore.  I would stay for the next 8 years.  Then a move up to 20th Century Fox before the Disney acquisition.   I continued to look ahead, just loving what I do and so here we are with my very own PinkTank 😊

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
The biggest personal achievement would definitely be my two children, Katrina Beatrice and Amanda Victoria.  Being a single parent, I raised my two daughters as I thrived with our industry.  They say it takes a village to raise a child – my licensing job and this industry which practically became my village helped sustain me and provided pillars for that foundation too.
On a professional level, I take so much pride in being the main sales architect and negotiator for the successful Discovery Expedition stores in Korea and China.  Started this in 2010 and launched the Gangnam store with our formidable partner and local agents back them in 2013. 11 years later, the stores are still around and they keep growing.  Using the same template, I was also part of the pioneering team that led to the first Simpsons store globally to open in China back in 2016.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Digital technology and its influence in our business and across industries globally will remain a defining force on how businesses, services and products evolve.  We all knew it was forthcoming but the current pandemic certainly hastened its arrival and extensive impact.  E-commerce will just continue to grow.  The challenge for most engaged on various platforms will be on discovery and discoverability.  How does one stand out in this cluttered digital marketing and commercial world?
The other trend I see is the growing presence and influence of the eco-conscious consumers.  Across this horizon of sustainability, conservation, protection and the circular economy, the power of this sector’s consumer choice will become more pronounced.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Safety, health and the well-being of my loved ones / family.  We have gone back to the fundamentals and basics highlighting the real threat of this pandemic.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? OR What is your favorite quote?
In Life –  “Moderation Is Key.” – not sure who said this first but my Father told me when I was young and I’ve never forgotten it.
At Work – Always Be Kind.  It’s all good when you’re going up that corporate ladder but you’ll never know who you’ll encounter on your way down!

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you)
It still has to be one of mine 😊 the first licensed Simpsons Store ever in the world, which opened in Beijing, China in 2016!  It was an amazing deal given the intricacies and complexity of that particular market and the nature of the IP within the context of that territory.  It was too good to be true but we made it happen, with the help of the hardworking teams at 20th Century Fox and IMG in Asia, our agents in market during that time.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A range of Lululemon yoga wear – licensed or not, a perennial favorite – love the brand and their products!
I also bought a classic pair of Adidas Stan Smith sneakers! 😊

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.