As you might know, a lot has changed for me (Joel) since I started making this show. My whole professional world -- heck my whole life -- has changed. In 2023, I started a new creative studio and consultancy called Vivace, teaming up with my long-time collaborator Ryan Sheppard.

So, for this episode of Connection Request, we decided to do something a little different. The team thought it might be a good idea to share some of the lessons we've learned so far and put me in the hot seat for once. And Ryan.

So, I'm handing the host mic over to another friend and collaborator Mimi Hayton. Together, we dive into the journey of building Vivace— the highs, lows, and in-betweens. We chat about the values that guide us, from prioritizing relationships over revenue to building a community to balancing personal life with professional ambition. And give a peek into what comes next for us.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Connection Request is a platform to explore ideas related to creative entrepreneurship, purpose, and the future of work.

Hosted by Joel Leeman and produced by Vivace Studios, the podcast features in-depth conversations with creatives, leaders, and entrepreneurs offering listeners a mix of practical insights and personal reflections. The companion newsletter is Joel’s reflective space to build in public and explore creativity, connection, and innovation.

Follow @connectionrequest on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and podcast platforms everywhere. To pitch the show, email m@vivacecontent.com. New episodes are released bi-weekly.

☕️ Connection Request is presented by SK Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster, based in Minnesota, shipping worldwide. Learn more: https://bit.ly/skconnection

Connect with the show

• Twitter: @ConnectRequest


• Instagram: @connectionrequest


• YouTube: @connectionrequest 


• TikTok: @connectionrequest 


• LinkedIn newsletter: Connection Request


• Email: m@vivacecontent.com

Connect with Joel

• Twitter: @joelleeman 


• LinkedIn: @jleeman 


• Instagram: @joelleeman 


• TikTok: @joelleeman

Vivace Studios

Vivace Studios makes media for the internet and is part of Vivace, a b2b global creative studio and consultancy.

Special thanks 🙏

• Marie Iannazzo


• Joe Iannazzo


• Mimi Hayton


• Ryan Sheppard


• Jeanette Juetten


• Laura Kuglitsch