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Shaun Brown on Listening, Leadership and Reinvention
From building financial bedrock to leading a global consumer franchise. Lessons in listening, resilience, and long‐term leadership.
Peter Nieberg
February 03, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
From audit trainee to Consumer Group Chairman at Houlihan Lokey, Shaun Browne’s journey across global markets and entrepreneurship offers powerful lessons on sector expertise, leadership visibility, and thriving in adversity.
How do you go from trainee accountant to founding your own firm, and ultimately chairing the European Consumer Group at one of the world’s most respected advisory firms? Shaun Browne’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and the art of listening.
From Audit Trainee to Entreprenuer
Shaun Browne began his career at PwC, where he developed what he describes as the 'bedrock' of financial skills. A deep understanding of cash flows, financial statements, and the soft skills that would shape his approach to mentoring and leadership.
After stints across HSBC’s investment banking business, including launching the bank’s India operations, Shaun ultimately took the entrepreneurial leap, founding M&A boutique McQueen, later acquired by Houlihan Lokey.
Sector Specialisation and Intellectual Curiosity
Shaun credits much of his success to his ability to constantly reinvent himself. Having made a name in India-focused M&A, he strategically pivoted into the Consumer sector, leveraging his global experience to win mandates from household names like Unilever and Diageo.
He strongly believes that Vice Presidents and aspiring MDs should pursue deep sector specialisation, noting that CEOs increasingly seek bankers who offer real insight, not just generic financial advice.
The Art of Listening
One of the most powerful lessons Shaun shares is deceptively simple: 'Two ears, one mouth, use them in proportion.' He observes that many meetings fail because bankers talk too much and listen too little.
Effective advisors prepare questions, take notes, and stay present in the moment. Listening, he argues, is what builds trust and drives results.
Lateral Thinking, Resilience & Reinvention
Deals rarely go exactly to plan. Shaun emphasizes the value of lateral thinking in M&A, turning a failed sale into a merger, or using derivatives to resolve thorny non-compete issues.
He also underscores the importance of resilience: 'Don’t take adversity personally,' he advises. 'Learn from it, but don’t beat yourself up.’
Leadership Lessons
Now Co-Head of Corporate Finance Europe and Chairman of the Consumer Group at HL, Shaun offers grounded advice on leadership. He believes in 'management by wandering around, 'being visible, approachable, and active on the floor, not locked away in an ivory tower. And he warns against frequent changes in strategy or leadership, which create confusion and erode culture.
Technology & Team Culture
On the future of banking, Shaun sees AI as a valuable tool for junior bankers, automating repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-order thinking. He also emphasizes the importance of celebrating wins through deal dinners, team shout-outs, and financial tombstones. 'Success should be shared,' he says, and celebrating it builds the type of culture that retains top talent.
Final Thoughts
Shaun Browne’s journey is a testament to the power of sector focus, human connection, and entrepreneurial courage. His leadership at Houlihan Lokey, shaped by global experience and rooted in timeless values, offers a blueprint for any banker navigating today’s volatile market.
Interested to hear more from Shaun?! Check out the full interview below.
More Reads
Leadership Quote of the Week
“You have two ears, and you have one mouth. Try and use them in that proportion.”
Shaun Browne - Consumer Group Chairman at Houlihan Lokey
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Read of the Week
‘You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters’ by Kate Murphy
Murphy uses research, anecdotes, and practical insight to show why listening matters, how we fail at it, and how we can relearn it to improve how we connect with others.
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