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 almost everyone in this business, my entry into licensing was totally unplanned—I fell headfirst into it. After doing a very interesting, but not very vocational history degree, I planned to go to law school. However, I managed to get into the Business Affairs Department at BBC Enterprises, (now BBC Studios), working on licensing contracts. I soon realised that licensing sales and marketing were much more interesting than contracts, so I stayed. I was then lucky enough to become BBC Worldwide’s first ever Global Brand Manager for what was then an unknown brand called Teletubbies! You could say it all worked out for the best.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
I’m up quite early and always try to get some direct sunlight (which is often hard in Northwest London) as well as fit in a brief period for meditation before going off to the gym. After that, nothing is typical—which is why I enjoy this business so much. I might be in the office or working from home. I might be negotiating a new licensing agreement, speaking to a retailer, or having a Rocket team meeting. In all cases, I’m dealing with a wide range of interesting, intelligent, and creative people across an amazing span of industries, categories, and products, applying a variety of licensing skillsets covering acquisitions, legal, sales, PR, marketing, and finance. There’s never a dull moment! 

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Personally, it’s my two teenage daughters. Professionally, it has to be Rocket Licensing! But more specifically, working closely with my fellow Joint MD at Rocket Licensing, Charlie Donaldson, to build a successful and enjoyable long-term business, which has consistently delivered for all of our diverse partners as well as also being able to give young people a good start and gain valuable experience in the licensing business, allowing them to go on to build rewarding careers.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Sustainability, experiential licensing, print-on-demand, and artificial intelligence.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
I can always sleep at night. Usually because I need to, since the day is so full and varied from the challenge of constantly juggling so many different tasks, along with having to react to what is a fast-paced, tough, and ever-changing marketplace.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
Collaboration, but this has to be coupled with openness, flexibility, and determination.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
I have two. One is an old African proverb, which is so very apt for this licensing business we are in: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

The other is from Albert Schweitzer: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
The recent, Rocket-supported Miffy x Cath Kidston collaboration.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
I’d be very happy being a ski and scuba diving instructor, although I’d miss the people, variety, and challenge of licensing far too much. 

The last licensed product I bought was…
A QPR (my local football team) pin badge.