Meet Shawn Lesser
Shawn Lesser is the founder of THE REAL Mental Health Foundation, an initiative dedicated to addressing mental health challenges globally by fostering conversation, community, and innovation. With over 30 years of experience in finance, Shawn was a pioneer in impact investing, co-founding the first impact investing investment bank. During his career, he worked on over 50 direct deals and served as a placement agent for more impact funds than anyone else in the world, helping to grow what is now a $1.5 trillion industry. His efforts connected institutional investors, family offices, and philanthropists to projects that generated both financial returns and measurable social impact.
Despite professional success, Shawn faced his own mental health struggles, including a breakdown that forced him to confront the importance of prioritizing well-being. This personal journey became the driving force behind THE REAL Mental Health Foundation. Shawn’s approach centers on creating meaningful connections through grassroots initiatives like REAL Walks and Hats, as well as large-scale events such as THE REAL Summit, which brings together finance, mental health, and community leaders to address global challenges in mental health.
Under Shawn’s leadership, THE REAL has grown into a platform focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in the mental health space. Through events, community-driven projects, and thought leadership, Shawn has sparked conversations in cities across the U.S. and Europe, uniting business leaders, investors, and changemakers to tackle mental health challenges and create lasting impact.
Shawn’s story of resilience and reinvention continues to inspire, proving that vulnerability and authenticity are not only essential for personal growth but also powerful tools for driving change in mental health awareness and solutions.