Get to know about the ICLA membership through the monthly 20 Questions segment. This month the spotlight turns to Brittani Hobbs, Wayne State University licensing manager.

Name: Brittani Hobbs
Position/Institution: Licensing Manager, Wayne State University
Number of years in your position: 8 months
Alma Mater(s): Oakland University and Kansas State University
Hometown:  Detroit, Michigan

1. Why did you become involved in ICLA? I wanted to get connected with other licensing professionals that I can learn from and grow in the industry with.

2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career? Although I haven't been in the organization long, it has been great! The ICLA Convention was a lot of fun and very informative. I was able to meet a lot of professionals that have extensive knowledge and great ideas. My mentors have been great in helping me talk through some key issues that I have encountered and have provided insight on how I can approach them. I'm excited to continue to work with them over the course of the year.

3. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be? I would add a massage room for your neck and shoulders. It would be a great lunch time break!

4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment? The biggest challenge is that it can be decentralized in many ways so you have to learn the best way to navigate your environment to get results and keep things moving.

5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Learning how to develop strategic solutions and to use my resources to get results. 

6. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue? Traveling all over the world. I have never travelled out of the country (besides to Canada which is just across the border from Detroit). This will all change starting next year with my trip to Paris!

7. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?  To solve a problem they are facing and talk out their options. And help styling outfits! I would love to be a personal shopper.

8. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing? My background is in marketing and communications and I've always had an interest in branding. When the opportunity arose for my current position I was excited to continue working in the marketing field, learn the licensing industry and gain new skills. I also love higher education, shopping and collegiate sports so collegiate licensing seems like a natural progression to combine all of my interests and talents.

9. Who has been the most influential person in your career? The most influential person in my career has been my mom . She has been my cheerleader through some tough times, has prayed for me, given great advice and always been supportive of my career and achievements. She is my number one go-to person when I need advice.

10. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Of course, that would be shopping! I absolutely love clothes and shoes.

11. Who's your role model? Why? I have three role models – My mom, Michelle Obama, and Tracee Ellis Ross. My mom has shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to including changing careers. My mom didn't go the traditional route after high school. She decided to have her family first and her career came after. She has been in two very different industries and has excelled in both. Michelle Obama has influenced me in a similar way – to keep going even if the odds are against you. I just love Tracee Ellis-Ross. She has taught me to unapologetically me, be silly, have fun and simply enjoy life!

12. What's your favorite quote? "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

13. What is your biggest pet peeve? Bad drivers! I wish I could teach everyone the rules of the road.

14. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal a for? Walking and wearing really high heels for a long period of time.

15. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing? The biggest piece of career advice I have ever received was to put into my retirement from the first day I began working. It's really important to me to travel when I'm retired so I am saving now so I don't have to worry later. I would say to be open to learning something new things, be willing to try new ideas, network and learn from those in the ICLA Community. Join the Mentorship Program!

16. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future? Collegiate licensing will definitely continue to grow. The industry has enhanced the fan experience to be more than wearing collegiate apparel to show where someone may have gone to school but to show their loyalty and pride for the institution(s) they love dearly. Collegiate licensing will only continue to make this experience stronger.

17. What is your favorite family tradition? My family doesn't have a tradition per say but we do have a family recipe for Peach Cobbler. It is my great-grandmothers recipe and only two people in the family have it. We've both been sworned to secrecy.

18. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it? I am double-jointed in my hip.

19. What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office? 85%

20. What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium? I At the ICLA Convention, I am looking forward to continue to connect with my colleagues, to learn and be around the magic of Disney. Disney tends to bring out my creative juices. I have never been to the Symposium, but I am looking forward to experiencing it for the first time. I am really looking forward to the CAMEX Tradeshow at the Symposium. I hear it's really fun to see.

About ICLA: ICLA provides educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of collegiate licensing. For more information on ICLA, please visit www.iclanet.com. ICLA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 54^thyear. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
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