Leading With Legacy: A Candid Conversation with Emmy-Winning Creative Powerhouse Joan Hammel

I love when I get to share the amazing women who have impacted my life—and today’s feature is no exception.

I met Joan Hammel early in my event planning years, around 1999 or 2000, when she reached out to offer music tips for brides. We ended up having coffee at her house, and from that moment on, I knew—I adored Joan.

What struck me most was her warmth and kindness. She lived in a modest, beautiful home, greeted me with the most genuine smile, and had this quiet strength that just made you feel seen. Back then, I had no idea of the magnitude of her career. When I finally learned about all she had accomplished, I was honestly in awe… because she was so real. So down to earth. Nothing like the inflated celebrity personas we sometimes expect.

Joan was—and still is—a woman who leads with grace, humility, and heart. She’s one of those rare souls who makes you feel like you belong, just by being in her presence. And I knew, even then, that she would be a forever friend.

So today, I’m beyond honored to introduce my forever friend to all of you—because Joan’s journey is too powerful not to share.

From performing on global stages and collaborating with legendary artists, to mentoring rising creatives and using her platform to uplift women in business, Joan Hammel’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and radiant leadership. In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about the power of purpose, personal branding, and building a legacy that lights the way for others.

Whether you’re navigating multiple passions, launching your first venture, or leading a growing business, Joan’s journey will remind you of this one truth: your voice, your vision, and your values are your greatest assets. And when you lead with heart, there’s nothing you can’t do.

Joan, can you take us back to the beginning and share the pivotal moments that shaped the woman you are today? What inspired your path, and how has it evolved over time?

I was born into a musical, middle class, church going family. From my dad, I learned an excellent work ethic, and from my mom I have learned her instant sense of people. Both of my parents played instruments and sang. They played all kinds of records in the house. Listening to diverse music in my everyday life created a space for other cultures, styles of music and appreciation for the art of performance. I also sang at school and church, with some private lessons along the way and was overall a good student academically involved in lots of activities. My mom died when I was 14, and that changed everything. I became very self-reliant and had to grow up very quickly. This maturity along with the practice of having made lots of life decisions allowed me to handle job opportunities differently than others at the same age and even allowed me to walk away from ones that would have been great for my career but not great for my actual life. Eventually, a producer I met during college asked me to audition at his recording studio. He is still a friend to this day and really opened doors for me doing shows including Vegas. Over time, my dad’s work ethic and refining my mom’s sense of people led to learning how to make the most of each job. Inspiration for me is everywhere – as a child listening to the recordings in our home and now listening to other performances or collaborating with other creatives. Excellence by others in any endeavor is very inspiring to me.

When people speak your name years from now, how do you hope to be remembered? What legacy do you hope to leave behind, both personally and professionally?

I don’t really spend time thinking about legacy per se. I do think about what work I will or will not do when the choices are in front of me. Choosing positive work is important to me. I do have some legacy work that I think will continue particularly the America song which is a part of the 9-11 Museum in New York and the Flight 93 Memorial website in California. Those sites are historical and will live on long after we are gone. On a personal level, I hope that my investment in others professionally and personally will be passed on. A former intern is now teaching the next generation behind him and that is so lovely to see.

I see little pieces of what we did together in what he is doing. Maybe that will inspire one of his students to pass it on as well when it is their turn.

What does a typical day look like for you now, and how do you prioritize the things that bring you joy, meaning, and impact?

Every day is different, and I love that. In the last week, I have had a recording session, was a guest teacher with 500 kids for their spring concerts, mentored a student through Grammy U, and tried to keep a 6'5" teenage athlete fed and on time to sports. If you figure out the perfect balance, do let me know as I always want more hours in the day.

I make a list of goals each January and try to break them down into smaller tasks assigning things to my calendar when needed to nudge myself. I leave room for the projects that come up that I did not plan on. I don’t always make the goals on the list, but it does help me be better focused. The joy for me is working on those things as best as I can and making the most of each day.

As you reflect on your incredible journey, what achievement or moment stands out as something you’re most proud of—and what made it so meaningful to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is being the singer of the America song. It was a project by a veteran who wrote new lyrics to the melody of Danny Boy and asked me to produce and sing on it. The veteran wanted to honor those lost on 9-11 and also give credit to the first responders who ran toward the trouble. All proceeds have benefitted those affected by 9-11 from firehouses, police, children who lost parents, the memorial sites and more. We received letters from both public officials and private citizens about how much that song meant to them and helped them heal. That is the greatest compliment to know you have helped someone through your music.

Tell us about the people and passions that bring balance to your world. What does your family life look like, and how do you unwind or fuel your spirit when you're not working?

My immediate family is my husband, my adopted son and our rescue dog. I have a sister who lives a few minutes away, and I have several cousins that are more like siblings than cousins. Then there is the chosen family of friends and neighbors who make up a rich collection of wonderful people. To unwind, I do love to be outside whether putzing in the garden or going for walks. My son is an athlete, so we spend a lot of time at basketball or baseball games, which I love. I am also a lifelong learner and love to stretch my brain. Yale University offers a free course to anyone called, “The Science of Wellbeing” which some friends and I took during covid. It addresses balance, what makes you happy and the concept of time affluence. I encourage anyone to take this course online for themselves to see how you are doing and what you can do to make your life happier and more fulfilling. Finally, my faith is a really important component to my life providing guidance and comfort.

Many entrepreneurs face pressure to “pick a lane,” yet you've thrived across music, film, radio, and education. What advice would you give women afraid to embrace the full spectrum of their talents?

Every woman I have ever met is multi-faceted so why not embrace all the things she is? Have you heard of the parable of the talents? It is the story of a master who entrusts varying amounts of money (talents) to his servants and expects them to grow them until his return. The ones with the most returned the most, while the ones with the least did nothing out of fear of losing what little they had. I believe in making the most of whatever you have been given regardless of whether others have been given more. I always choose to embrace the door that is open in front of me and do the best I can with that opportunity. That has led to a lot of other opportunities that I did not plan for or expect but fully enjoyed. In the entertainment world, you must accept the word not as it happens all the time. Some could view this as failure, but I think, “So what?!?” I wish I would have recognized the closed doors earlier on in my life for the true directional signs they are instead of continuing to knock on a door that is closed.

You’ve collaborated with legends and mentored rising stars—how do you build meaningful partnerships, and what’s your secret to nurturing long-term professional relationships?

First, I think you must meet someone where they are and take time to really see them. Seeing another person’s talents and gifts is valuable to both of you and will make work and relationship better. Being a flexible person when it comes to working with others has helped me as well as leaving room for their contributions. I am a genuine person and show up to opportunities with a mindset of service. Once a connection is made, keeping in touch with people to let them know they are on your mind allows the connection to continue. Sometimes the best thing I can do for a professional relationship is connect them to others that is meaningful to both parties. When it comes to working with high level folks, I never bother the stars that I have worked with, yet I leave the door open if they want to talk or work on something. Read the room, as they say.

Entrepreneurship often comes with rejection and resilience. Can you share a moment of challenge in your career and how you turned it into a stepping stone?

One of the first times I was booked in Las Vegas, I was more of a background person to girl fronted group. They brought me along so I could be at the back of the stage, playing on the keyboards supporting them. I was allowed one song per show as a solo, then I was to return to my spot in the back. I felt like they made it very clear I was not as valuable as they were. Still, I showed up, did my best, and let go of the rest. The music director of the casino saw the show, loved my solo, and told the other girls that he wanted more of me and less of them. This also led to a wealthy resort owner in the Caribbean, who had booked them previously for a run there, to hire only me for the next round of shows at his resort.

You’ve served as a spokesperson for powerhouse brands and appeared in commercials and media campaigns. What can today’s entrepreneurs learn about personal branding from your experience?

Most of the companies where I have been a spokesperson have been very clear on who they are and what they do. Bill Gates knew exactly what Windows was and could do when I helped introduce it at a trade show for Microsoft. Toyota gave me a deep training when their first hybrid vehicle came out, and it was fascinating to learn about the technology of it. Each of them knew exactly who they were and what niche their products filled.

Many women entrepreneurs struggle with visibility. What advice would you give to those looking to expand their presence and make a meaningful impact, whether on stage or in the boardroom?

In the early days of my career, having an article in a print publication was very helpful. Now, the internet is at your fingertips, and it is much easier for people to learn about you. Find the groups in your profession online especially in places like LinkedIn where groups are very specific. Make posts, ask questions, create dialogue or even reach out to individuals to connect. Learn to write your own press releases and send them to publications understanding that they are busy, too, and may wear a lot of hats in their life. Look for professional organizations where you can network, learn, and get involved. In the Boardroom or on a project, I would suggest coming as prepared as you can to the meetings and raising your hand when a task needs to be done. Nothing better to show commitment and talent than saying yes to a project. On stage is a whole different animal and requires you to put the time in on stage to feel comfortable to do your best.

You’ve given back to the next generation through Grammy U, She Is the Music, and more. Why is mentorship so important to you, and how can women in business be more intentional about lifting others?

Grace and humor can open a lot of doors. There have been many times in my career, when possible, confrontations were disarmed this way. When I was coming into the room of my first Board of Governors meeting for the Grammy Awards, the President asked me to get him a cup of coffee not realizing I was a colleague and not a staff person. I don’t drink coffee, but I jokingly said, “Coffee sounds great! If you get up to get a cup, I would love one.” He realized his mistake, and did get me a cup while chuckling. We became friends and worked on many projects together over the years. Being a professional is more than showing up in appropriate attire with a wish on a goals list. If you have a collection of tools with you like grace and humor, it enhances all your other abilities so that your dreams become possible.

Let’s start with the moment you received the invitation—what went through your mind when you were first asked to do a Bible study with President Carter?

I was invited by a mutual person to meet President Carter. The person was a speech writer and advisor to the President. I was simply having a real conversation with a person I just met at a convention, not knowing his real history or job. It took a bit to realize what he was really offering. Not that I didn’t believe him, but it took a bit for it to really sink in. I must admit that I was hesitant about going because I did have some different views on politics than some of President Carter’s but also realized that this was an invitation of a lifetime to meet a very important part of our country’s history.

You described seeing two sides of President Carter—the public figure at the pulpit, and the private, more serious man afterward. What stayed with you about that contrast?

When we did the Bible study then church services, President Carter was the person I remembered from TV – the smiling man with the Southern drawl. Afterward, when we were out in the courtyard of the church hanging out and taking pictures, he was much more serious and direct when telling others what he wanted done. That was the moment that I realized that he had the side that was truly the Commander in Chief. He became a no-nonsense man who was clearly in charge. It has really stayed with me the almost contrasting sides of him, but it did explain how he rose up in his party to become their candidate for President. It also showed how he was much more than the congenial person in the media fully in command of a nation.

To Learn More about Joan, visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-hammel-18b28b4/

https://www.facebook.com/joan.hammel.9/

https://www.instagram.com/joanhammel/

https://youtube.com/@joanhammel6916