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.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find YOU😊)?
I began my career at The Broadway Department Stores in their Executive Training Program, working in a variety of areas and eventually landing in the Junior Apparel Buying Offices. After a few years at The Broadway, I went to work for Disney in the Theme Park Merchandising and Product Development division. Our team regularly met with the licensing team, sharing new products in development and I became very interested in licensing during that time.

When my group was being relocated to Florida (sound familiar?!), I was approached by the head of licensing to lead the softlines category for Disney’s Film and Television Licensing Division. I learned about licensing on the job and loved the strategy and creativity I could apply to the role—in short, I was hooked! This was followed by roles at Universal Studios, 4Kids Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, Peanuts, and now Mattel!

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
What I love most about consumer products, licensing, and franchise marketing is that every day is unique! One day I may be discussing global retail development strategies and consumer products rollout plans, the next day we are planning new theme park openings and working with ad agencies on the commercial use of IPs—such as the recent Rocket Home Super Bowl commercial starring Barbie and Anna Kendrick! The variety of skills and experiences I tap into on a daily basis are endless.

What’s your biggest personal and professional accomplishment?
Personally, I am proud of my wonderful family and humbled to have such an amazing network of friends (many in our industry!). Ultimately, these are the most important things in my life.

Professionally, I have had the pleasure of building businesses and programs over the years at leading companies in our industry. I have worked on a plethora of amazing brands, including The Little Mermaid, Jurassic Park, Yu-Gi-Oh!, The Simpsons. More recently I have focused on a breadth of marketing and partnership initiatives, from leading Peanuts Worldwide to creating innovative programs for Barbie and Hot Wheels at Mattel.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
There are never enough hours in the day and always more ideas than there is bandwidth to realize them. My biggest challenge is similar to many leaders—ensuring my team feels connected and motivated while working remotely. It is essential that they feel supported and have the resources needed to achieve their individual and team objectives.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
It’s crucial to lead with trust and empathy and tackle every element of your role with conviction, tenacity, and perseverance.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you)
Most recently, my favorite deal was licensing Barbie for the Rocket Homes commercial. Earlier in my career, I created and licensed the “Breathless Mahoney Collection” of evening gowns inspired by the character played by Madonna in the film Dick Tracy. It was not a “standard” licensing program; it generated significant media impressions, was the centerpiece of the merchandise program at major department stores, and generated revenues.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
As a child and throughout my teen years, I acted in dozens of plays and musical productions, both in school and in regional theatre companies. It was my passion, but I also knew being a successful actor was akin to being struck by lightning!  Perhaps in my next chapter, I will pursue acting. Candidly, I cannot imagine doing anything else in terms of a career. I love how I can tap into my deep experience and broad skills, literally, every single day!