What a pleasure to be joined by Shawn Lesser, whose transformation from a shy Long Island kid to a confident international finance pro exemplifies the power of personal growth. Act 1 of our conversation begins with Shawn's candid reflections on navigating divorced parents and two father figures reveal how these experiences shaped his core values, particularly his commitment to honesty and follow-through. The game-changer in Shawn's story was the Dale Carnegie course, which not only helped him overcome his shyness but also equipped him with relationship-building skills that became his professional superpower. Shawn's wild entry into Wall Street - complete with 4 AM starts and a vanishing boss - showcases the unpredictability of career paths and the importance of resilience. What truly resonated with me was Shawn's philosophy: "You just make friends, then if you happen to do business, you do business" - a powerful approach that extends beyond finance to offer a blueprint for life.

BIO:

At 54, Shawn Lesser isn't just a father of two and a seasoned business leader; he's also a survivor. His recent struggles with anxiety and depression took him through two treatment centers in early 2023, where he was nicknamed "Shaky." Instead of letting the experience defeat him, Shawn used his inherent resilience and humor to overcome it. Now, he’s committed to sharing his journey to inspire and help other men facing similar challenges.

Professional Track Record:

Before pivoting to mental health advocacy, Shawn had already made a significant impact in the finance world. With over three decades in finance, he co-founded the industry's first Impact Investing Investment Bank for 16 years. Big Path Capital earned Barrons' description as "Impact Investing's Investment Bank." As a trusted advisor and placement agent, Shawn has collaborated with more than 200 Impact Funds and over 1,000 Limited Partners and put on over 50 investment convenings in the US and Europe.

The REAL Deal:

Shawn is the founder of THE REAL Mental Health Foundation, which has a focused objective: to significantly improve the mental health of men and their families. Leveraging his personal experiences, Shawn aims to challenge societal norms, create environments for open dialogue, and encourage authentic peer connections. Visit THE REAL Website for more information.

Website
Facebook
X
Instagram
Youtube
TikTok

Practical Magic with David Lowery & Elijah Wood

The A24 Podcast

Introduction

The AI-powered Podcast Player