About Shawn

WHO I WORK WITH

There are a few very important things my top clients have in common.

First and foremost, they had the courage to start their own business. They have been knocked down many times, and they keep getting back up – a pattern that typically results in their having a long track record of entrepreneurial success.

They are honest – both with themselves and the people around them. They don’t hide behind BS or bureaucracy. They are curious; always learning and growing.

Perhaps most importantly, they really care about their growth – and the growth of the people who work for them. They invest in their future and their employees’ futures.

They are wholeheartedly committed to going after the life they want, and they create opportunities for others to do the same.

The challenge that I’ve noticed for a lot of these entrepreneurs is that they get to a certain level of success, and then they get stuck.

They realize that they need to start thinking differently if they want to move their business forward. In other words: what got them to where they are isn’t going to get them to the next level.

That’s usually when I get a phone call.

In my career, I’ve been honoured to have a front row seat to some huge transformations in the lives of the people I coach – not just from a business perspective, but personally as well.

In all of these cases, the individuals at the centre of these transformations have been committed to three things: taking action, reviewing those actions, and making adjustments where needed.

These individuals and companies know that the growth is in the doing and the reviewing.

Shawn is proud to work with entrepreneurs across North America, including: Cassidy Paving, Kaloutas Painting, Industrial Flooring & Fireproofing,, Seal A Deck, Burns Landscaping, McSweeney Commercial Painting, and Put On Your Apron.

Shawn has also worked with global companies including: Linkedin, Verizon, Dexcom, Novo Nordisk, Johnson & Johnson, Allstate, Tim Hortons and the YMCA

SHORT BIO

Shawn Shepheard is an executive coach, business strategist and keynote speaker. Shawn loves working with family owned businesses, who have already experienced a great amount of success (long before meeting Shawn) and want to take their business to the next level without working 24/7.

He has a long track record of success working with entrepreneurs across North America. Many of his clients think of him as their private Sherpa—in their corner and helping them reach new heights.

Random facts about Shawn include:

He is the host of the world’s number one on-line show for people living with diabetes (it’s a small category), called The Sugar Free Shawn Show. Check it out on youtube, I could use the views.
He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and The National Advocacy Leadership Award for his volunteer work in the diabetes community.

What Others Say About Shawn

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“Before Shawn I thought I could do it all. I realized how unproductive I was and allowed interruptions. I have since recognized the importance of closing my door and hiring staff that are way better than me. We have exploded because of Shawn.”

- Jillian Burns
Co-Owner of Burns Landscaping & Snow Management

“Before working with Shawn I didn’t have anyone to keep me focused and accountable on the growth of the business. I am much more focused now on working on the business, and not caught up in the day to day. He is genuine, diligent and has a great strategic mindset, working with Shawn has been game changing.”

– Kevin Cassidy
Founder & President of Cassidy Paving Haverhill, MA

Shawn is a rare gem in the business world. He cares deeply about others and is absolutely committed to challenging his clients to be the best version of themselves. He lives and breathes coaching and is dedicated to excellence. It's such a pleasure to work with Shawn and his network of talented genuine business stars. He calls it as he sees it and his frankness has helped me grow significantly!

- Mark Bloodworth
Behavioural Change Coach

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“For several years the highlight of our annual conference has been Shawn Shepheard. The audience is laughing one moment, dabbing at a tear the next and all the while being challenged and inspired. He delights all ages and backgrounds and his message is universal. At a recent conference, an octogenarian said, “Shawn teaches me something new about life each time and I am so energized now!!!” And THAT is why we have him back each year.

– Casey Truffo
Be A Wealthy Therapist Orange County, California

“As the host of my signature event, Book Breakthrough New York City, Shawn was nothing short of amazing! His style is engaging, entertaining and inspiring – all of which made both our in-room attendees and simulcast audience feel special and right at home. If remarkable is the word you want people to use in describing your event, look no further than Shawn Shepheard.”

– Elizabeth Marshal
Co-founder of Book Breakthrough NYC

Shawn and I have worked on and on for more than a decade. And through that decade, I opened two restaurants in New York City, given two stars by The NY Times, featured in an international documentary, wrote a critically acclaimed best-selling cookbook, left a relationship that was not working, and now I’m well on my way to becoming POTUS! Well, that last part isn’t in my sights but knowing Shawn, if it were, he’d help me get there.

- Nicole Ponseca
Founder – Maharlika Filipino Moderno NYC As seen on The Chew, New York Times, The Huffington Post, Time Out New York

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Across the veritable sea of those in the coaching, consulting, or leadership development realm- it is my sincerest belief that Malcolm Gladwell wrote 'Outliers' because of Shawn Shepheard. Shawn reminds me of the concept of "possible" that I allowed myself to lose sight of over time, and under the easy lull and short-term promises of keeping the status quo. Shawn reminds me again and again of all the reasons why the status quo is the easiest trap to fall into. He retaught me that it is my responsibility to do the work that makes me feel alive. He reminds me of the unmatched importance of taking Immediate Action. Like a Canadian Mary Poppins, Shawn Shepheard came into my life with his brilliant energy and his medicine bag of critical questions and accountability and he completely shifted the entire landscape and trajectory of my path. He got me to polish my own mirror in ways that hurt (the good kind), even as I couldn't stop finding reasons to thank him. Simply put, Shawn Sheppheard is a GIFT. His only crime? Easily, it would be in knowing that he is unduplicatable. Any attempts to try and clone him would be spotted right away. One particularly cruel version of professional heartbreak is learning that Shawn is not taking on any new clients. And yet you ABSOLUTELY are willing to wait as long as it takes to work with him anyway. Because he really is that remarkable. But also because there is but one Shawn Shepheard.

– Mykal White
Change Maker and CEO of Nunda

REAL BIO

Keynote speaker, author, coach and consultant for some of the most courageous people in business.

After university I had no idea what I wanted to do. Working in a restaurant was the best business school for me. I’ve struggled financially. I’ve struggled with my confidence. Felt like an impostor. Lived with a family history of Huntington’s disease (my Mom passed away at 71 and my brother at age 59). Was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age thirty. I have experienced the loss of great friends that have passed away, way too soon.

I’ve have had the privilege of coaching people that have dramatically changed their lives (don’t take my word for it, take theirs). I am relentlessly curious, love learning, reading, hanging out with interesting people; believe in real conversations, big dreams, having fun, love watching and playing hockey and relaxing on the beach with my wonderful wife.

I LOVE coaching people that have BIG dreams and the courage to go after them.

I have learned that there are lots of unknowns in life, but one thing I know for sure, at the end of this dance I want to be able to look myself in the mirror and say I that lived a life true to myself and had a lasting impact on others.