Today’s episode is a treat for the senses toy people. My guest today is a published book author and illustrator with books released by Sky Pony Press, Abrams Books, and Harper Collins. Charles George Esperanza grew up in the south Bronx and found the mentor and structure he needed, while studying Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology. During our chat today Charles shares his come-up story, premiers a banger of song, and of course provides advice to all you aspiring book authors and illustrators out there. If you’ve ever considered illustrating a children’s book, or writing one, then today’s episode is for you.

Have you been looking for an overview on all the possible career paths in the toy industry? Wondering what it takes to make it as an inventor or corporate toy person? Well during my chat with the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures I covered just that. And lucky for you, that incredibly valuable talk is now available right here on your favorite podcast.

This conversation, called Meet the experts, was the result of an invitation extended to The Toy Coach to teach what it’s like to have a career in the wonderful world of the toy industry. If you’re curious what it takes to Make It In the Toy Industry, then pop your earbuds in and listen.

According to Gallup research, the great resignation of 2021 found 48% of the American workforce actively looking to change jobs. Among the reasons to leave? Not seeing opportunities for growth, lack of community at work, and not feeling a sense of purpose or passion in their work. 2021 was good year for the toy industry regarding sales, but how has it been in regard to hiring?

If you’re a devoted listener of this podcast, then I’ve been calling you a toy person for almost 100 episodes now, and it just hit me recently, that I’ve never actually talked about what it means to be a toy person! Today’s episode covers just that. Learn 3 simple strategies that you can start implementing today to become a toy person in this industry. This episode is for YOU if you’ve ever felt a little imposter syndrome when you’ve been referred to as a toy person. This episode will also help YOU if you are a new toy creator and you want to put your best foot forward when stepping into this industry.

Students of Toy Creators Academy join The Toy Coach on the podcast today to share their experience going through Toy Creators Academy, and ultimately pitching at the TCA Virtual Pitch Event. During this chat, Chrissy Fagerholt, Geordie Humphrey, and Scott Underwood share lessons learned, and achievements as new toy creators. In this episode, hear specific stories about what it was like to virtually pitch to major toy companies like Hasbro, Mattel and Spinmaster. Chrissy shares her what it was like to work 1:1 with The Toy Coach to perfect ideas, Scott shares how he took a positive perspective after hearing “no” to his ideas, and Geordie shares how Toy Creators Academy and the TCA Virtual pitch event really helped him understand what the toy industry needs AND how to deliver that.