Joel Hansen

Written By Anne Riesling

In the feature of DRVN Stories, we feature Joel Hansen, a marketing visionary whose journey embodies the power of storytelling, personal branding, and community building. As the Head of Marketing at LOI Venture, Joel’s career path has been marked by moments of fearless networking, intentional vulnerability, and a deep commitment to uplifting young entrepreneurs. His story is proof of how authentic connections can propel both personal and professional growth. Joel embodies the qualities of hard work, intelligence, and integrity that define a successful leader.

Joel Hansen’s Journey: From Cold Messages to Career-Defining Connections

Joel’s rise in the marketing world didn’t come from traditional paths. Instead, his journey began by embracing discomfort—sending cold LinkedIn and Instagram messages, arranging coffee chats, and leveraging every opportunity to meet influential figures. These early experiences in networking helped Joel create a unique space in the marketing industry, shaping him into a leader recognized for his authenticity, vulnerability, and true gumption. 

One of Joel’s core beliefs is that real success comes from stepping into vulnerability. This fearlessness allowed him to connect with others and build a community of like-minded individuals. His journey, from his humble beginnings as a tenacious student to his current role at LOI Venture, highlights the power of persistence and courage in carving out a meaningful and impactful career.

The Power of Personal Branding

Joel’s perspective on personal branding is as bold as his career. He sees it as more than a marketing buzzword, but rather a vital tool for anyone looking to build lasting connections and leave a lasting legacy. As he shares in the episode, personal branding is about more than just having a presence online. 

Whether you’re a startup founder, a student, or an executive, Joel emphasizes that personal branding provides a layer of protection that cannot be replicated. It’s the unique story behind the brand that creates opportunities for engagement. “Your personal brand is yours to own and keep forever,” Joel asserts, encouraging listeners to invest in authentic storytelling to create meaningful connections with their communities, both online and offline.

The Art of Storytelling in the Digital Age

For Joel, storytelling is an essential part of any successful marketing strategy. In today’s digital age, it’s not about going viral or achieving a specific number of views. Rather, it’s about sharing stories that resonate with others on a personal level. Joel’s storytelling approach is rooted in authenticity, helping him build a loyal online following across multiple platforms.

In the episode, he shares tangible advice for balancing authenticity with growing a digital presence, offering insights on how to stay true to one’s voice while scaling a brand. His advice for young entrepreneurs is clear: prioritize connection and learning over metrics and virality. 

LOI Venture: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

As the Head of Marketing at LOI Venture, Joel is part of a team dedicated to helping young entrepreneurs thrive. Founded by Ryan Holmes and Manny Padda, LOI Venture supports emerging startups through its accelerator and venture fund, providing mentorship, funding, and a strong community of innovators. With over 1,000 alumni and more than $1 billion in enterprise value, LOI is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Canada.

Joel plays a vital role in promoting the mission of LOI Venture, helping connect founders with the resources they need to succeed. Whether it’s through in-person events featuring renowned figures like Arlene Dickinson or fostering connections within the accelerator’s community, Joel understands the power of community in entrepreneurship. For him, LOI isn’t just about business growth—it’s about creating a network of founders who support and elevate one another.

The Power of Community in Entrepreneurship

Joel is a strong advocate for community-building, both in-person and online. At LOI Venture, this ethos is central to their mission. Joel shares how the connections built through LOI’s social events and online networks create an environment where founders can thrive. The bonds formed go beyond business—they’re rooted in shared experiences, values, and the desire to make a positive impact.

Through his work at LOI, Joel continues to empower the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs, showing that community is just as important as capital when it comes to growing a business.

Servant Leadership and Elevating Others

Joel Hansen’s story is a true example of servant leadership. Throughout his career, he has focused on how he can help others—whether be with helping young entrepreneurs find their footing or showing how authentic connections and vulnerability can lead to transformative opportunities. In everything he pursues, both in his personal and professional life, it is evident that his passion is to help and elevate others.

In the episode, Joel speaks to his time at Trinity Western University (TWU), where his passion for leadership and community-building began. This foundation of service and leadership has carried him through his career, where he now leads with purpose at LOI Venture. Joel Hansen has and will continue to build lasting impact and is one that serves as an example of a humble leader who lives a purpose-driven life, with the true intention to serve those around him. 

Anne Riesling
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