We delve into the licensing life of Underground Toys’ licensing director.
Robyn Cowling,
Licensing Director, Underground Toys
How many years in the industry?
I just had my 10 year anniversary earlier in January.
When I was growing up, I had no idea licensing was an industry so I wanted to be…
I actually didn’t know what industry I wanted to be when I grew up. All I knew is that I wanted to be a successful business woman, like my mum.
The deal I am most proud of is…
I can’t quite pin point it to a particular deal – I enjoy them all in their own way. I will say that I’m incredibly proud of our portfolio as a whole.
My most interesting experience in licensing has been…
I can’t begin to put into words how proud I am to be a part of The Light Fund. I find all elements of that – the networking, the events, the charities – very interesting.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is…
“Play it cool Rodney, play it cool.”
If I wasn’t in licensing, I would be…
I’m very lucky to be able to apply my creative and commercial skills to one role. I imagine that I would enjoy trying my hand at running my own events planning company or something similar.
Who do you admire most in the industry (and why)?
I have loved working (and socialising) with Alison Downie as part of The Light Fund and think she’s had an incredible career. The best is yet to come for her.
In a film of your life, which licensed character would play you?
I always loved Beryl the Peril growing up. I like to think I get into less trouble now though.
If I could change anything about the industry, it would be…
The back-to-back trade shows. January and February are a total write-off for me socially. I jest, I love the face-paced nature of licensing – which is lucky really.
