1047: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part One

Early Investments

Shaun Attwood's early fascination with investing began in his teenage years, influenced by his economics teacher, Mr. Dillon. He was captivated by the stock market, particularly during the privatization of British Telecom under Maggie Thatcher. This initial success in investing hooked him, leading to a lifelong obsession with financial markets 1. Shaun's aspirations grew as he idolized figures like George Soros and Michael Milken, dreaming of becoming a successful investment analyst and making millions 2.

   

High Pressure

Shaun's entry into the high-pressure world of stockbroking was intense and chaotic. He started at a penny stock brokerage, reminiscent of the 'Wolf of Wall Street,' where the environment was aggressive and fueled by drugs 3. The culture was cutthroat, with brokers working long hours, often under the influence of meth to maintain productivity. Shaun's confidence and ability to navigate this environment earned him a place among the top brokers, despite the risky and unethical practices involved 4.

   

Crossroads

The high-pressure environment took a toll on many, including Shaun's close friend, who eventually burned out and left the state in a hurry. Shaun himself faced a crossroads when his boss warned him about the dangers of the path he was on, but he chose to ignore the advice 5. His involvement in the rave scene and experimentation with ecstasy marked the beginning of his deeper descent into the drug world, where the allure of the rave culture and the effects of drugs like ecstasy became a new obsession 6.