Name: Rachel Duffy
Position/Institution: Director of Strategic Partnership & Licensing at Syracuse University
Number of years in your position: 3 years
Alma Mater(s): Boise State
Hometown: Solon, Iowa
Twitter (personal): @rachel33duffy
Twitter (licensing): @CusePromos
1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?
I became involved in ICLA because the infamous Rachael Bickerton, my former supervisor at Boise State, stressed the importance of becoming involved in ICLA. On my first day, she put the Licensing Resource Book (LRB) in front of me to read.
2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
Networking through ICLA has been very influential. It is incredible how often we have similar issues or opportunities at our individual institutions. The ICLA network has helped me understand more about licensing, partnership, and branding. It has brought me from Boise State to Delaware, and now, to Syracuse University as director of strategic partnerships where I have expanded my role into University CSR, purchasing efforts, and corporate sponsorship.
3. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
I've worked in collegiate licensing and retail sales since 2005 at Boise State. At some point, a person reaches a ceiling, and I was fortunate enough to work with Bickers for three years in the space while finding my future career growth in this space.
4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
The biggest challenge to working in a university environment is the education. Can you believe it? Getting the word out, webinars, stories, direct education, etc. I would say that education on this campus is the biggest area of opportunity for my department right now.
5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skills I have developed in my career are being bold and being myself. Most of our ICLA family members have forgotten more about licensing than most folks will ever know. While not always easy, don't doubt yourself.
6. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
Everything. People often want help with proper branding, use of marks by third parties, third-party endorsements, film/photo licensing, and contract review.
7. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
Kevin Satterlee, my former COO at Boise State (now President at Idaho State University), and my voluntold mentor, Kyle Muncy, have been so influential in my career.
8. Who's your role model? Why?
My role model is Kevin Satterlee. He taught me that if you do the right thing, the money will always follow. He also helped shape my confidence in myself both personally and professionally. I would not be where I am today without his leadership.
9. 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 best piece of advice comes from the man himself, John Wooden, "Work Hard, Stay Humble." Anyone can do this job. Just work hard, be humble, be bold, and have fun.
10. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
Collegiate licensing is heading for alphabet soup: NIL, NFT, CLC, OneTeam, INFLCR, BrandR, etc.
11. If you could choose one amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
I would add my doggos to the workplace if I could. I have to remind myself, when speaking to people, to engage the same feelings that I have when I am with my babies.
12. What percentage of your workweek is spent in your office?
On average, I would typically spend about 25% of my workweek in the office.
13. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
I would have a good chance at winning a medal for being the best dog mom.
14. What's your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is, "Laugh or go mad. Life is a party, and everyone is invited!"
15. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
If time and money weren't an issue, I would travel, travel, travel.
16. What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition involves Ten High, beer pong, and FUN! Seriously, the family tradition goes back generations (not the beer pong).
17. What are you really good at that might surprise people?
I am surprisingly good at the butterfly stroke. I don't know why, but my mother and I crush the butterfly stroke over any other swim style.
18. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If I didn't have to sleep, I would get that email box to zero!!! LOL, that is never going to happen.
19. What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is dishonesty, what a waste of time.
20. What is your favorite binge-worthy show or book you are reading right now?
My favorite binge-worthy show right now is Fleabag: Season 2. On repeat, please!
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 57th year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
