Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Spiezia
Hi Michele, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We love film and family, tech and travel. We like our plates full, will sleep when we’re dead, and would spend our last $5 on the best meal in town. He’s the ‘why & the what’ and I’m the ‘how & the when.’
We’re a perfect team and a party of three, doing big things and trying not to sweat the small stuff.
That’s our family in a nutshell. They call me the General Manager of the Universe, and my personal story at this point is inextricable from my husband & partner of 25 years, Francesco, and our now 19 year old son, Ellis.
In July 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, we sold everything we owned, gave up our Hoboken, NJ apartment, sent the dog to my mother in law’s house, and headed to Europe to pursue electric motorsport. For four years we braved visa requirements, pandemic restrictions, schooling exemptions and the shark tank that is motorsport to pursue something totally new, make a name for ourselves, and take on a legacy industry, before ‘bringing the Renegade home’ in 2024.
More about me:
I like to call myself a process architect and people person; human questioning everything.
I’m an inherent doer and self starter. I love lists. I’m the butterfly net that catches Francesco’s ideas & brings them to life, and the gas (kW power?) in the tank that keeps us on the move.
I skipped a grade in middle school, went to college while I was in high school, and left home at 17 to put myself through undergrad at NYU. I learned from having to do things on my own that I could do anything I wanted to. If you ask me, ‘serial entrepreneur’ is an understatement.
I’ve been a poet, a sommelier, an event planner and Minnie Mouse. I’ve launched a tech startup, shared learning with amazing kids in the classroom, and been behind the camera for the life events of some of the world’s biggest celebrities.
Now, after more than 2 decades in the professional world, I’m taking my skillset and my passion for service, leadership and GSD to support my son Ellis and Ellysium Racing, to pave a new path in a legacy sport, and bring a fresh perspective that prioritizes talent & tenacity over wealth & wishful thinking.
Our projects include:
https://www.ellysium.co/
https://www.filmsbyfrancesco.com/
https://www.bespoke-app.com/
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The mantra I live by is, ‘Life is good, life is hard. These two truths are unrelated.’
I think if it’s a smooth road, you’re not doing it right. Challenges, obstacles and uncertainty come from taking risk and pushing limits. Considering that my husband and I have been together for nearly 25 years and have had multiple business endeavors together, we know full well that the challenges are to be expected, create growth, and bring your relationship to new levels. And trust me, we’ve seen it all, personally and professionally. From losing our house in the 2008 crash, declaring bankruptcy and separating for nearly 3 years to filming events for some of the world’s biggest celebrities, living abroad and seeing Ellis take the podium on the world’s biggest racetracks, the highs and lows are what make the journey.
Now, operating and building Ellsyium Racing together with our 19 year old son, Ellis, creates a new level of beauty and complexity as a family business. Motorsport is a highly politicized and opaque industry. Choosing to pave a new path in a legacy sport presents far more challenges than wins, but combining our shared talents and skills and doing things different is the best reward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Ellis Spiezia, the world’s first native electric racing driver, is making waves as the new face in a legacy sport. With a start in indoor karting and sim racing, Ellis knows there is more than one route to the finish line. By prioritizing electric motorsport, he is leveraging risk against reward, embracing cutting-edge technology on and off the track.
Ellysium Racing is leading a new generation that will redefine education, the economy, and equity for a sustainable future.
Ellis’s passion for racing has empowered us to take fresh perspective to every element of team management, brand power and what it means to be a race team ready for the future. We’re great at building the bridge as we walk it, facilitating meaningful connections and taking risks.
With 20 years experience in media, technology & education, we’re leveraging our unique skillset to create a new route to the finish line.
Ellysium Racing is the business and brand supporting Ellis as the world’s first electric racing driver. We’re focused on media, gaming and education initiatives as the platform to reach the next generation. Whether it’s Ellis’s Roblox Renegade Ring, our custom Ellysium metaverse space, education workshops or content supported by our in-house team, we’re leading the way as a GenZ athlete brand.
We believe the rewards of being first far outweigh the risks.
We believe in performance and the planet.
We believe in tenacity & talent over wealth & wishful thinking.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I was Minnie Mouse at Disney World!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellysium.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewholestory/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michele.gragnanospiezia/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelespiezia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EllysiumRacing
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZmXs7asYqHztNSZZsf2iX
Image Credits
Films by Francesco
