INTRODUCING LEONARDO
The journey from businessman to outspoken public figure.
from COPACABANA
to the world
1972
Born
Born in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.
1985
Boarding school in Switzerland
At 13, I traveled alone to a Swiss boarding school — my first step toward the world.
1986
Immigrated to the United States as a student.
This exchange program would change my life forever.
1988
Detained at London airport
Wrongfully accused of carrying a fake passport. 12 hours in custody. That’s when the desire was born: to one day become an immigration officer.
1991
Graduated from Berklee College of Music
(Music Production & Sound Engineering). Shortly after, I began my career at Polygram Records, which would later become Universal Music.
1993 – 1995
Transition to the tech industry
AT&T
Global Crossing
Philips Electronics (In 1995, I was promoted to Philips' cryptography division).
Global Crossing
Philips Electronics (In 1995, I was promoted to Philips' cryptography division).
1996
Specialization in Behavioral Analysis
That year marked the beginning of a deep pursuit of human understanding.
1996
Founded TradeSmart
Founded TradeSmart, which would later become HAYMAN-WOODWARD.I sold the original name for one million dollars at age 24. It all started with a 10-minute phone call.
1998
Joined the United States Armed Forces
This is where I officially became an American citizen.
1999
Academic studies in Behavioral Science
Academic studies in Behavioral Science at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
2001
Joined the U.S. Government full-time
Previously served part-time in the U.S. Coast Guard since 1998, which in 2002 became part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
2000 – 2015
Career in the U.S. Government, alongside private technology consulting
Held strategic roles in intelligence and national security,while maintaining ethical boundaries and no conflict with my consulting work.
2013
Recognized as an authority in deceptive behavior detection
Supported multiple agencies in Washington, D.C.on national security investigations
2015
Guest speaker at Google Labs – Mountain View
Also helped Apple Inc. develop behavioral analysis technologyto enhance the customer experience at Apple Stores
2015
Founded Not Your Typical Company
A talent agency specializing in: International event promotion, Representation of artists, musicians, comedians, and global celebrities.
2016
Founded HWAVIATION
Focused on the aviation sector and custom air mobility solutions
2021
Founded HWGEM
A company specialized in: Infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations smart grid energy solutions.
2022
Launched HAYWEX
A global platform for high-performance financial remittance and currency exchange solutions.
2023
Founded LFVATE
An international membership for High Net Worth families and individuals, offering: Customized immigration services tax and estate planning wealth protection luxury and exclusive experiences.
2025
Created REMITIFY
A next-generation digital solution for international money transfers and financial optimization
Now
And the future?
I continue to lead HAYMAN-WOODWARD with the same purpose: to transform lives through global mobility and innovation.
BUSINESS CONSULTING
LEONARDO FREITAS℠ BUSINESS CONSULTING, managed and controlled by Leonardo Freitas, the founder and managing partner of HAYMAN-WOODWARD GLOBAL MOBILITY, INC., offers a variety of services to the business and professional community.
He served as a senior business development executive for distinguished companies such as Philips Electronics, Tandberg, AT&T, and Cisco Systems, with a remarkable track record in government and private sector sales achievements.
Mr. Freitas’ natural ability to assess deceptive behavior led him to become a certified trainer in the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), a technique developed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), by renowned psychiatrist and behavioral scientist Dr. Paul Ekman.
He furthered his studies in Behavioral Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
Mr. Freitas is renowned for his ability to identify and interpret body language, facial micro-expressions, and deceptive behavior. His skills have been used to assist Latin American organizations and companies in the increasingly important area of manpower profiling, and at several local and federal law enforcement agencies as well.
In 1996 he founded TradeSmart, which was the genesis of the idea to eventually help found HAYMAN-WOODWARD IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM LLP.
An accomplished musician, Mr. Freitas attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music (Boston – USA), majoring in Music Production and Sound Engineering, and completed an internship at Polygram Records (now Universal Music) as a post-production studio manager.
*Not a licensed attorney, but a non-attorney professional in the areas of immigration, taxation, and business consulting.
He served as a senior business development executive for distinguished companies such as Philips Electronics, Tandberg, AT&T, and Cisco Systems, with a remarkable track record in government and private sector sales achievements.
Mr. Freitas’ natural ability to assess deceptive behavior led him to become a certified trainer in the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), a technique developed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), by renowned psychiatrist and behavioral scientist Dr. Paul Ekman.
He furthered his studies in Behavioral Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
Mr. Freitas is renowned for his ability to identify and interpret body language, facial micro-expressions, and deceptive behavior. His skills have been used to assist Latin American organizations and companies in the increasingly important area of manpower profiling, and at several local and federal law enforcement agencies as well.
In 1996 he founded TradeSmart, which was the genesis of the idea to eventually help found HAYMAN-WOODWARD IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM LLP.
An accomplished musician, Mr. Freitas attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music (Boston – USA), majoring in Music Production and Sound Engineering, and completed an internship at Polygram Records (now Universal Music) as a post-production studio manager.
*Not a licensed attorney, but a non-attorney professional in the areas of immigration, taxation, and business consulting.
Direct. No Illusions. Just the Reality You Need
Leonardo doesn’t sugarcoat. His words are sharp, not to offend — but to awaken. He speaks with clarity and conviction, because sometimes people need to be shaken out of their comfort zone to truly see their situation for what it is. In a world full of noise and soft filters, Leonardo offers something rare: a grounded, no-nonsense perspective that helps people cut through confusion and take real action — with their eyes wide open.
Authenticity
Holding firmly to his principles and beliefs, Leonardo stands up against misinformation and injustice in the immigration and global mobility industries.
Empowerment
Everyone should be able to achieve their dreams. Leonardo empowers others by providing accurate information and guidance that simplifies their journey.
Leo’s Promise
Leonardo is rewriting the rules of the global mobility industry, giving people the facts and insights needed to break through their barriers and live on their own terms. There’s no perfect answer. If you want greater access you have to look at your options, pick a path, and don’t let go until you have what you want. Where there’s a will there’s a way to live the life you want, despite the obstacles.
LEONARDO’s
PUrpose
To be a complete and trustworthy source of immigration information and insights, helping aspiring global citizens live a life of unbordered opportunity.
Trusted by these iconic names
SERVICES
For wherever your journey takes you.
HAYMAN-WOODWARD
A global immigration firm specializing in helping people and businesses transition across the globe.
LFVATE
An elite membership fusing global mobility with luxury, tailored to select individuals of high net worth.
HAYWEX
A global platform for high-performance financial remittance and currency exchange solutions
GUIDE TO GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Articles to educate, inspire, and help you live the life you dream of.
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