Name: Eden Harris
Position/Institution: Associate Director of Auxiliary Services, William & Mary
Number Of Years In Your Position: 11 years
Alma Mater(s): Unitec New Zealand (BA), Northeastern University (MS)
Hometown: Poquoson, VA
Why did you become involved in ICLA?
Being on an island within my institution, I needed to network with others in the field in order to best support our program. It's important to find people who can celebrate wins with you, and problem solve when things aren't going according to plan - ICLA has been that community for me.
How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
It made me understand that licensing is more than just 'logos on things'. It is about workers' rights, sustainability, fostering a sense of community - but most importantly, it is about emotions. A university brand means different things to different people and through licensing, we can help fans tap into that emotional response and in many ways, give them permission to identify with their community in the way that best reflects who they are as an individual.
Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
Like many ICLAers, I fell into it through a retirement in our office. I was attracted to the concept because it is a great blend of my interest in marketing and business. I've met some great people along the way that keep me coming back for more.
What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
The ever-changing landscape and the complexity of the 'buy-in'. With a brand as old as ours (almost 330 years young!), we have generations of history we are continuously navigating and that can be incredibly challenging when trying to push the envelope a bit.
What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
Flexibility but remaining true to myself. I have learned that it is important to be strong in my core convictions but recognize when it is necessary to ebb and flow.
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
Problem solving. When people come to me, they usually want help verbalizing a challenge they are facing. I am good at asking questions and talking through a scenario to identify the opportunities and the risks. Very rarely will I accept the answer of "well that is always how we have done it" but with so much turnover in our industry, I can provide historical context while exploring a new path forward.
Who has been the most influential person in your career?
My family. Every day during the chaos of breakfast, packed lunches, PUT ON YOUR SHOES!, dinner, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! and evening snuggles, I have to ask myself "is this worth it" and until I decide it isn't, I keep going.
Who's your role model? Why?
The incredible women in my life - from my grandmother who raised four children and worked full-time out of the home (in the 60s!) to my mother, my girlfriends (one just launched a rocket with NASA), my dear ICLA friends and even the single mother I just started volunteering with who created an impressive Food Project to reduce food waste and help combat hunger in our community. These women have left an incredible mark on this world, and I want to be like them when I grow up.
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?
Life is a pendulum. Instead of striving for balance, let your life swing where it needs to be at that time as it will always swing the other direction when the time is right. For someone new to Collegiate Licensing - join the ICLA Mentor program. As a rookie, Nikki Goodenow became my guiding light and I am forever thankful for her guidance and wisdom.
In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
NIL NFT NIL NFT NIL NFT do I need to go on?
If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
My dog.
What percentage of your workweek is spent in your office?
None right now! Over the summer, my family and I relocated to the Lake District, United Kingdom for my husband's job so I am full-time remote for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, I have a great team back in Williamsburg who are my eyes and ears to what is happening on the ground.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?
Sarcasm.
What's your favorite quote?
To thrive in life you need three bones. A wish bone, a back bone and a funny bone.
What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
Traveling - one of the reasons we pursued this opportunity to the UK was to give ourselves more exposure to travel. While we have spent the first few months getting acclimated to the British culture (it's just different enough to be VERY confusing at times...), we have been to Edinburgh and are planning Paris, Colmar, and Croatia in the new year.
What is your favorite family tradition?
While we are not overly religious, lighting the Hanukkah menorah has become one of my simple joys. For many years one night of Hanukkah has fallen during our town's Christmas Parade. We live within walking distance of the starting point, so our driveway is always a good parking place. Before we walk to the parade, we gather all our friends around to light the menorah and say a simple blessing. This has turned into a great tradition for all of us because it's simple, unique and a reminder of the breadth of the season.
What are you really good at that might surprise people?
Absorbing local news - I still love the newspaper; I like knowing what's going on around me; I like feeling connected to something.
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Fold laundry. I'm very thankful I have to sleep instead...
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Meanness. Life is too short to be mean.
What is your favorite binge-worthy show or book you are reading right now?
TV: The Crown, All Creatures Great and Small, FIFA World Cup
Books: The Measure, anything by Frederick Backman
