Action Over Fear: Designing a Life You Won’t Regret with Scott Danner (Ep. 96)
In this episode of The Dream Architect Life, Brian Sweet sits down with Scott Danner, a longtime industry friend, author, coach, and Executive Vice President, Head of Legacy, at Steward Partners, for a real conversation about dreaming bigger, staying grounded, and building a life you actually want to live.
Scott shares how growing up without “extras” shaped his drive, how he moved from building a financial advisory practice to building a multi-state enterprise, and why the real win is designing a life aligned with your values. Along the way, he breaks down his LIFE model (Love, Impact, Faith, Energy), the “cheat code” habits he leans on daily, and why action is often the fastest way through fear. The conversation also touches on legacy, fatherhood, perspective, and a simple but powerful question: what would you regret not doing if time ran out sooner than you expected?
Scott discusses:
- How thinking big starts with confidence, then grows into serving others
- The LIFE model (Love, Impact, Faith, Energy) and how it shapes decisions
- Why action and momentum can break the grip of fear
- Daily practices that keep him steady when routines get disrupted
- Books that shaped his perspective, including Think and Grow Rich, Man’s Search for Meaning, and Inner Excellence
- And more
Resources:
Connect With Scott Danner:
Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:
- 1 (507) 235-5587
- meetingwithsweet.com
- Sweet Financial
- LinkedIn: Bryan Sweet
- Facebook: Sweet Financial Partners
- 📖 Get our book, “Dream Architecture,” here
About Our Guest:
Scott Danner is the Executive Vice President, Head of Legacy, at Steward Partners. Outside of his traditional financial advising role of 23 years, Scott W. Danner is the Executive Vice President of Steward Partners and Head of Legacy, the firm’s M&A division. He leads all M&A strategy for Steward Partners, oversees the Legacy division and its teams, and contributes to major firm initiatives and strategic growth efforts. After building Freedom Street Partners into a thriving firm, he led its merger with Steward Partners in 2023, bringing his expertise in M&A, succession planning, and business development to the forefront.
A recognized leader in financial services, Scott has helped scale firms, navigate transitions, and drive industry-leading expansion. Previously, as CEO of Freedom Street Partners, he grew the firm to seven states, overseeing 40 advisors managing nearly $3.5 billion in assets under advisement. His impact has earned him as a finalist to the ThinkAdvisor’s Luminaries Individual Award for RIA M&A Leader of the Year (RIAs: Less Than $10 Billion AUM/AUA), recognition on InvestmentNews’ 2024 “Hot List”, and inclusion on the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list (2021, 2022, 2023).
Scott’s track record includes successfully building a $25M+ revenue business with over 100 employees, selling it at peak valuation, and establishing himself as a leading consultant in M&A for financial advisory firms. He is frequently sought after for industry insights and media interviews.
The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.
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