Shawn Christopher Hiner Leamon
Entrepreneur, Investor, and Global Thinker
Shawn Christopher Hiner Leamon has spent over a decade building a life defined by resilience, calculated risks, and meaningful achievements. From his early years in Dallas, Texas, to his current role as a global investor and entrepreneur, Shawn’s story is one of turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into sustainable successes. He is not just a business leader; he is a builder of opportunities, communities, and legacies.
A Texas Upbringing and a Quest for Knowledge
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Shawn grew up in a middle-class family, surrounded by the contrasting realities of modest living and the opulence of his peers. His parents made significant sacrifices to send him to Greenhill School, a prestigious private school where he learned early lessons in ambition and humility. While his family lived in a modest home, Shawn saw firsthand the possibilities of hard work and enterprise through the lives of his friends’ families.
This dual perspective—grounded in modesty yet inspired by ambition—shaped his early aspirations. Shawn pursued higher education at Dartmouth College, where he earned degrees in both Economics and Philosophy. These disciplines combined to develop his analytical mind and ethical approach to business, offering him a foundation in both the technical and human aspects of leadership.
He later attended IE Business School in Madrid, where he earned an MBA with a focus on international business and entrepreneurship. This experience expanded his worldview and deepened his commitment to global opportunities, laying the groundwork for his future ventures.
The Start of an Entrepreneurial Journey
Shawn’s path to entrepreneurship was not marked by shortcuts or external support. He began his career in the corporate world, working in investment banking and wealth management at institutions like JP Morgan and Bernstein Global Wealth Management. Though he thrived in these roles, managing portfolios worth over $1 billion and conducting high-yield energy research, he felt constrained by the corporate structure. The grind of corporate life, while educational, convinced Shawn that his ultimate path lay in building something of his own.
In 2013, Shawn founded LaGrande Global, an investment firm focused on managing high-net-worth portfolios and identifying opportunities across diverse sectors. Unlike traditional investment firms bound by rigid timelines, LaGrande Global takes a long-term, flexible approach, often investing in projects that may take a decade or more to bear fruit. Shawn’s commitment to deep due diligence and local engagement has allowed him to manage nearly $100 million across private equity, startups, real estate, and public markets.
Building LaGrande Marketing: A Business From Scratch
In addition to LaGrande Global, Shawn demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen by founding LaGrande Marketing, a digital marketing agency specializing in serving law firms. Starting with no external funding, Shawn grew the business to generate seven-figure annual revenues, employing a team of over 25 people and earning consistent client praise. The agency’s success culminated in a lucrative acquisition, a milestone that underscored his ability to scale businesses and create enduring value.
A Voice of Clarity in Personal Finance
Recognizing the complexity of financial transitions, particularly during divorce, Shawn launched the Divorce and Your Money Podcast. Over its run, the podcast reached more than 1 million downloads and attracted a significant online following, offering straightforward advice to individuals navigating the financial intricacies of separation. Shawn’s approachable yet authoritative style earned him features in publications like TIME, USA Today, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
He also authored several books, including Divorce and Your Money: The No-Nonsense Guide, Managing Private Wealth: Principles, and Digital Marketing for Law Firms. These works reflect his ability to distill complex topics into actionable insights, empowering readers to make informed decisions.
Resilience in Business and Life
Shawn’s success did not come easily. When he started working for himself, he had no financial safety net, no trust fund, and significant student loan debt. Building his first businesses meant enduring years of 18-hour workdays, living out of his office, and sacrificing personal comforts to focus on growth. He often recounts the experience of sleeping in his office in New Hampshire, rising early each morning to avoid detection by building staff, and showering at the gym to stay presentable.
These early struggles were not setbacks but foundational experiences that taught Shawn the value of persistence and resourcefulness. His journey is a testament to his belief that success is earned through consistent effort, creativity, and a willingness to endure challenges.
A Global Citizen and Investor
Shawn’s entrepreneurial ventures are not confined to the United States. After completing his MBA in Madrid, he developed a deep interest in international markets, particularly in Latin America. Today, Shawn resides in Bogotá, Colombia, a city he chose for its dynamic business environment and the clarity of its Spanish language—a key part of his goal to master multiple languages.
Living in Colombia has given Shawn a unique perspective on emerging markets. He actively invests in sectors like AgTech, sustainable tourism, and digital transformation, recognizing the untapped potential of the region’s workforce and resources. His hands-on approach includes visiting investment sites, engaging with local communities, and ensuring that on-the-ground realities inform his decisions.
Lessons From Challenges
Shawn is candid about the personal challenges that have shaped him. A deeply analytical and introverted person, he has faced periods of mental health struggles, including depression, during his teenage years. These experiences have made him empathetic and resilient, qualities he channels into both his personal and professional life.
He attributes much of his success to his ability to endure discomfort and solve problems under pressure. Whether navigating the complexities of a global investment portfolio or running an ultra-endurance race, Shawn thrives on challenges that push him to grow.
The Discipline of an Ultra-Endurance Athlete
Shawn’s approach to business mirrors his commitment to physical endurance. As an ultra-endurance athlete, he has completed marathons, 24-hour races, and other demanding events. For Shawn, these pursuits are not just hobbies—they are a way to cultivate mental toughness and test his limits. This discipline carries over into his work, where he approaches each challenge with focus and determination.
A Commitment to Impact
Shawn’s work is driven by more than profit. He views entrepreneurship as a means to create value for others, whether by providing jobs, empowering clients, or contributing to the growth of communities. His leadership philosophy emphasizes respect, collaboration, and long-term thinking, principles that guide both his investment strategy and his interactions with colleagues and partners.
Looking Ahead
As Shawn reflects on his journey, he remains focused on the future. His goals include expanding his impact through new ventures, deepening his engagement in international markets, and continuing to learn and grow. Whether advising a startup, managing a portfolio, or running a marathon, Shawn approaches every endeavor with the same commitment to excellence and resilience that has defined his career.
For Shawn, success is not about accolades or wealth—it is about building something meaningful, empowering others, and staying true to his principles.