SHAWN LESSER: Overcoming Adversity. THE REAL Journey.
Global Speaker | Impact Investing Pioneer | Mental Health Advocate
From the psych ward to stages around the world, this why companies, conferences, and communities are booking Shawn to talk about what really matters.
THE REAL Story That Resonates.
Shawn Lesser is a globally recognized speaker and mental health advocate whose personal story is just as powerful as his professional track record.
He co-founded the first impact investing investment bank in 2007, helping catalyze what has become a $1.5 trillion industry. Over the course of 30+ years in finance—with 15 years in public equity and 15 in private equity—Shawn has:
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Worked on 50+ direct deals
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Raised capital for dozens of funds
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Organized 60+ investor events around the world
In 2023, he exited the firm he helped build.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough
Behind the deals and accolades was a private struggle. After silently battling mental health challenges, Shawn experienced a complete breakdown—spending time in psych wards and treatment centers, and facing the deeper question:
“How can I used what I learned in my REAL Journey to help others?”
That question changed his life. Founding THE REAL Mental Health Foundation. Out of that experience, Shawn founded THE REAL Mental Health Foundation to bring the same attention, capital, and innovation to mental health that he once brought to finance.
His bold mission: Help 10 million people with their mental health and move $10 billion into the mental health ecosystem by 2030.
Global Voice for Mental Health & Finance.
Today, Shawn speaks globally on adversity, leadership, reinvention, and vulnerability as a superpower. He has delivered keynotes at: Davos, Deutsche Bank, TIGER 21, The Carter Center. His talks combine lived experience with professional insight—offering audiences not just inspiration, but tools to take action.
TESTIMONIALS
“Shawn's keynote at our global leadership forum at Deutsche Bank was one of the most moving and impactful sessions we've hosted. His ability to bring vulnerability, insight, and actionable perspective to the conversation around mental health is exactly what the corporate world needs right now.”
Rachel Duncan
Managing Director, Deutsche Bank
“Shawn's work bridges the gap between personal experience and global impact. His story and mission deeply resonated with our team. He's a vital voice in the global mental health movement.”
Rennie Sloan
Director of Public Affairs, The Carter Center
“At Foundation House, our mission is to support meaningful change in mental health and community wellbeing. Shawn's story, his authenticity, and his bold approach to mental health innovation align powerfully with our values. He’s not only a powerful voice — he’s a catalyst for action in spaces that need it.”
Richard Zimmerman
Executive Director, Foundation House
“We’ve hosted hundreds of speakers at TIGER 21. Shawn’s talk was one of the few that left every single person in the room both reflective and inspired. He’s not just talking about mental health — he’s building something that actually changes lives.”
Ron Diamond
Founder & CEO, Diamond Wealth; Chair, TIGER 21
Media
Signature Keynotes
1. From Breakdown to Breakthrough
Shawn’s personal story of rebuilding after crisis—how adversity became the foundation of a global movement.
Takeaways:
• Turn breakdowns into breakthroughs
• Surrender as the starting point of growth
• Organizational lessons on resilience and reinvention
2. The Power of Leaning In
How embracing discomfort, fear, and uncertainty unlocks personal and professional growth.
Takeaways:
• Why discomfort is a signal for growth
• Leaning in creates unexpected clarity
• Practical tools for navigating life’s hardest moments
3. Reinventing Yourself After Failure
After achieving financial success, Shawn started over. This talk explores identity, ego, and building again.
Takeaways:
• Evolve beyond old definitions of success
• The power of starting over
• Inspiration for those navigating burnout or transition
4. Vulnerability as a Leadership Superpower
Shawn shares insights from 1,000+ one-on-one mental health conversations—especially with high-performing men.
Takeaways:
• Why vulnerability builds loyalty, trust, and culture
• Leading with emotional intelligence
• The real reason authenticity matters
5. Men Don't Talk About It
A powerful look into the silent pressures facing high-achieving men—and how to break the silence.
Takeaways:
• Confronting stigma around male vulnerability
• Creating safer environments for men in leadership
• How silence is impacting teams—and what to do about it
6. Building a Life That's Worth It
What’s the point of winning if it costs you everything? This talk redefines success on more meaningful terms.
Takeaways:
• Redefining true success as alignment and meaning
• Reconnecting with what really matters
• Building a life that reflects your values
7. Mental Health as the New Climate Change
Mental health is the next major global investment theme. This talk outlines why and how to act now.
Takeaways:
• Mental health as a scalable investment strategy
• Lessons from the impact investing movement
• How capital can drive change at scale
8. Let's Talk About It (Custom Format)
Ideal for fireside chats, roundtables, and leadership conversations—tailored for open dialogue.
Takeaways:
• Audience-driven storytelling
• Honest, real-time conversation
• A safe space for meaningful discussion
Core Takeaways
• Vulnerability is strength
• Leadership is built on connection, not perfection
• Mental health is both a global issue and a smart investment
• Change is scalable through capital, community, and storytelling
Speaking Formats
• Keynote Speech
• Fireside Chat / Moderated Interview
• Panel Discussion
• Executive Roundtables / Board Presentations
Ideal Audiences
• Finance, Family Office & Investment Industry Conferences
• Mental Health & Well-being Conferences
• University & Business School Programs
• Corporate Leadership Teams
• High-Net-Worth Groups
• Founders & Entrepreneurs
• Boardroom Strategy Retreats
• Innovation & Impact Summits
Why Book Shawn Lesser?
• Co-founded the first impact investing investment bank
• Helped grow a $1.5 trillion industry
• Delivered keynotes at Davos, Deutsche Bank, TIGER 21, The Carter Center
• Led a 25-city U.S. tour focused on leadership and mental health
• Currently building a $300 million fund to scale innovation in mental health
• Over 2 million views and 30,000+ followers on LinkedIn
• Speaks with authenticity, humor, and strategic insight
• Offers both inspiration and real tools for change
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