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 had just graduated college and quickly realized that while I studied physical education, it wasn’t the field I wanted to be in. I connected with a recruiter who placed candidates in entry-level administration positions for a variety of industries. Originally, I was interviewing for sports organizations, but then the recruiter asked me how I felt about kids and if working for a nonprofit that does good for them was appealing to me. Decades later, I am still at Sesame Workshop helping Elmo and his friends share laughter with kids around the world.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
There is no typical day! Working in international across all consumer products categories brings a new surprise every day. The day could start with a call with our China team focused on our toy strategy and end with a meeting with Australia identifying new business opportunities. In between, it could be a combo of planning for Tickle Me Elmo’s upcoming 30th anniversary, identifying fun ways to reach our fan audience, or brainstorming on global promotional campaigns. We have “clubhouse” time on a regular basis where we lock ourselves in a conference room, with our favorite snacks, and discuss these ideas.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
My most rewarding professional accomplishment has been working on our international business since joining the organization. I’ve worked on every region around the world (including the U.S.!) and have met the most incredible people along the way, learning about how the licensing and retail landscapes vary from region to region, and especially partaking in that region’s beverage of choice after a long day at the trade shows!

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
There are so many Cons! Whether it’s Comic Con, Wonder Con, Dragon Con, or any other Con, there are lines out the door for the latest collectible. From figurines to dolls and from games to vehicles, kidult products have become a massive business. Fans are looking to re-live a fun piece of their childhood, and Sesame is here for it. We have global collaborations with Funko for Pop! collectibles and with Super7 for figurines.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Being a good partner is so important. The licensing industry is a relatively small one (but definitely growing!) and our relationships with our licensees, agents, and retailers are key to the success of our collective businesses. We high-five each other during our wins, but also need to support one another when the going gets tough. This was especially true during the early days of the pandemic when the world shut down. We all needed to pivot our business quickly to meet the unexpected needs.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
My friend and colleague with amazing wisdom always said, “Don’t borrow worry.”

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
As a consumer and licensing expert, I have been a huge fan of H&M’s forever. I was chatting with them for a long time and right before my maternity leave (my baby is now a teenager!), I closed the deal! Today, we are still bringing fashionable apparel and accessories to Sesame Street fans around the world.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I would own a gluten-free cupcake business! And who knows, you might even see your favorite characters on there.

The last licensed product I bought was…
A t-shirt from the iHeart Jingle Ball concert, which had a fantastic line up! Go Cher!