Tag: The Dream Architect Life

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JR Lay on Reinvention, Alignment, and Leaving a Legacy (Ep. 86)

JR Lay on Reinvention, Alignment, and Leaving a Legacy (Ep. 86)

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He started a business at 19 to impress a girl. That girl became his wife, and the business became the foundation for a powerful entrepreneurial journey spanning over two decades.

In this release, Bryan Sweet sits down with JR Lay, bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and founder of Level Up Business. From early success and personal setbacks to family alignment and faith-fueled decisions, JR shares how he’s transforming hard-earned wisdom into his next big leap.

You’ll hear:

  • Why success without alignment creates internal conflict
  • How fear of judgment and fear of success keep entrepreneurs stuck
  • The five “fires of fear” and how to move through them
  • How video content can become a long-lasting legacy asset
  • And more!

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With James Robert (JR) Lay:

About Our Guest:

James Robert Lay is one of the world’s leading digital marketing authors, speakers, and advisors for financial brands. As a digital anthropologist based in Houston, TX, James Robert is the author of the bestselling book, Banking on Digital Growth. He is also the founder and CEO of the Digital Growth Institute, where he has guided more than 520 financial brands on a mission to simplify digital marketing and sales strategies that empower banks and credit unions to generate 10X more loans and deposits.

James Robert has been named one of the Financial Brand‘s “Top Global Financial Services Influencers to Follow,” a CUNA “Credit Union Rock Star,” and a CU Times “Under 40 Trailblazer.” His insights have been featured in leading media outlets including Entrepreneur.com, US News and World Report, Quartz, The Financial Brand, American Banker, CU Times, and CU Journal, among many others, and he frequently shares his research and insights at industry events and universities throughout the United States. 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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Doc Sangani’s Unconventional Blueprint for Fulfillment (Ep. 85)

Doc Sangani’s Unconventional Blueprint for Fulfillment (Ep. 85)

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In this episode of The Dream Architect Life, Bryan Sweet welcomes Dr. Bharat “Doc” Sangani, a cardiologist who came to the U.S. from Mumbai with just $10.45 and went on to build a $2 billion private equity firm. From medicine to franchising to real estate, Doc shares how belief, effort, and a few exceptional decisions shaped his journey.

He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, overcoming fear with preparation, and the power of seeking out mentors. Doc’s advice is practical: live below your means, plan for the worst, and stay committed to what you believe in.

The conversation also explores his deeper philosophy—seeing life as a gift and removing yourself from the center of it to gain clarity and peace. With humor and humility, Doc delivers insights on success, simplicity, and staying true to your values.

Expect insights on:

  • How fear can fuel vision, not paralyze it
  • Why belief and effort matter more than perfection
  • Doc’s framework for quantifying happiness
  • The power of mentorship, humility, and surrender
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With Dr. Bharat Sangani:

About Our Guest:

Bharat Sangani, MD, Encore’s Chairman and CEO, co-founded the firm in 1999 as a vehicle for investors to share in the success of his real estate deals. “Doc,” as he is known by both clients and co-workers, made his first investment in real estate in 1991. He quickly learned he had a natural instinct for commercial real estate investing and began growing his portfolio. Over the 30 years that followed, Doc has established a successful private commercial real estate investment and development firm with a proven track record across multiple sectors throughout the United States. 

Admired for his relentless work ethic, Doc, along with a team of experienced, results-driven, and forward-thinking individuals, leads Encore on the principles of honesty, integrity, and fairness. Doc sits on the Board of Directors of Encore Enterprises, Inc., and Encore Properties, Ltd. He is an active contributor to the community and is involved in various charities both locally and in India.

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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Chapter Nine: Overcoming Limits to Create Your Best Retirement (Ep.78)

Chapter Nine: Overcoming Limits to Create Your Best Retirement (Ep.78)

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What does it truly mean to dream big? How can you shatter your limiting beliefs to reach new heights in retirement? 

Brittany shares inspiring stories and insights, encouraging you to harness your mindset to conquer what seems impossible. Learn how the bravery of individuals like Christopher Reeve can inspire you to chart a course for your biggest dreams, while practical advice on dealing with life transitions nurtures your personal growth. 

You have the power to decide what your future holds, and it’s time to embrace opportunities that are just beyond your current reach.

This episode’s highlights include:

  • The significance of dreaming beyond current capabilities [00:03:00]
  • Building self-confidence to fuel your big dreams [00:04:00]
  • Why major life transitions can become turning points [00:09:00]
  • The role of mentors and supportive networks [00:16:00]
  • Steps to align your financial plans with your dreams [00:13:00]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

  • 1 (507) 235-5587
  • meetingwithsweet.com
  • meetingwithamber.com
  • Sweet Financial
  • LinkedIn: Bryan Sweet
  • LinkedIn: Brittany Anderson
  • Facebook: Sweet Financial Partners
  • 📖 Get our book, “Dream Architecture” here

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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Chapter Eight: Turning Your Dreams Into Reality (Ep.77)

Chapter Eight: Turning Your Dreams Into Reality (Ep.77)

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What if retirement wasn’t just about slowing down, but rather speeding up to live out the dreams you’ve always had?

Join Bryan Sweet, CLU®, ChFC®, as he reveals key strategies to build confidence in your financial future. Through smart planning and a focus on what truly matters, he’ll help you create a fulfilling and secure retirement.

With insights from Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin P. Hardy, Bryan challenges the common notion of retirement being a slow phase and instead portrays it as an exciting time to pursue significant life goals. Whether it’s opening a new business or traveling the globe, it’s never too late to dream big and plan wisely.

Key highlights in this chapter include:

  • How focusing on life goals complements financial planning [00:01:00]
  • The pitfalls of early retirement without proper planning [00:03:00]
  • Harnessing the power of planning and achieving small wins [00:08:00]
  • Strategies to build self-confidence and avoid comparing yourself to others [00:14:00]
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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Chapter Seven: Navigating Uncertainty and Adversity (Ep.76)

Chapter Seven: Navigating Uncertainty and Adversity (Ep.76)

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Are life’s curveballs throwing you off balance? 

Today’s episode features Chapter Seven of our audiobook, Dream Architecture: Build a Retirement Beyond What’s Possible, and takes you through the art of navigating uncertainty with grace and resilience.

Join Brittany Anderson from Sweet Financial Partners as she explores how a positive mindset isn’t just feel-good fluff—it’s a powerful tool to help you stay the course and achieve your dreams. Discover transformative insights and practical steps on how to reframe negative experiences into growth opportunities.

Key points in this chapter include:

  • The surprising link between attitude and health benefits [00:03:30]
  • How gratitude and a shift in perspective can turn challenges into stepping stones [00:04:15]
  • Empowering strategies to maintain a positive outlook during financial downturns [00:18:45]
  • The “Experience Transformer” method for turning setbacks into setups for future success [00:12:45]
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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Chapter Six: Stop Asking How & Find Your Who Instead (Ep.75)

Chapter Six: Stop Asking How & Find Your Who Instead (Ep.75)

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In this chapter of our audiobook, Dream Architecture: Build a Retirement Beyond What’s Possible, we explore the transformative concept of “Who, Not How.” Learn how focusing on *who* can help you reach your retirement dreams rather than figuring out *how* to achieve them on your own. 

Discover more about: 

  • The premise of “Who, Not How” and its application in retirement planning [00:01:34]
  • How identifying your “who” can expand your wealth and joy [00:04:20]
  • The importance of delegating tasks you don’t excel at for a more fulfilled life [00:09:45]
  • Tips for business owners to focus on strengths and let go of routine tasks [00:15:30]
  • Why women in transition should seek the right advisors for financial empowerment [00:30:50]
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:


The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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REPLAY: Don’t Confuse Simple With Simplicity Featuring Jeffrey Feldberg (Ep.69)

REPLAY: Don’t Confuse Simple With Simplicity Featuring Jeffrey Feldberg (Ep.69)

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Hello Dream Architects! Today, we are revisiting a conversation with Jeffrey Feldberg, co-founder and CEO of Deep Wealth and Chief Liquidity Event Advisor. Jeffrey’s story is one of resilience, vision, and ultimate success as he built a business that sold for an impressive nine-figure exit.

Listen as Jeffrey dives into:

  • The lessons learned on his entrepreneurial journey to a 9-figure valuation
  • The inner drive that propelled him forward—even when the naysayers doubted him
  • Empowering business owners to uncover and maximize their company’s value
  • How blending soft and hard skills helped him weather his toughest years

This replay is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating the challenges of building, running, or selling a business. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Jeffrey Feldberg:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guest:

Jeffrey is the co-founder and CEO of Deep Wealth. After graduating from his MBA program, Jeffrey launched his very first company, Embanet.

As an industry leader, Embanet created a market disruption in higher education, and it went on to capture a nine-figure deal for Jeffrey’s liquidity event. For Jeffrey, business owners are dreamers and change-makers who put everything on the line and win against all odds.

Jeffrey’s passion is helping business owners achieve their goals and dreams. His mission is to help you capture the maximum value in your liquidity event. Through his Deep Wealth experience, you will master the same nine-step roadmap that Jeffrey created for his nine-figure exit.

 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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Inside the Mind of a Financial Trailblazer with David Perkins (Ep.68)

Inside the Mind of a Financial Trailblazer with David Perkins (Ep.68)

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It takes relentless determination to build a successful investment management firm from the ground up, defying all odds and turning adversity into triumph.

David Perkins, CEO and co-founder of Gondola Partners, is a testament to the power of grit, vision, and unapologetic determination in the world of investment management.

Through heartfelt storytelling, David emphasizes the significance of his four principles of success: clear vision, system creation, discipline, and passion. This insightful conversation reveals how these principles drove him to build an impressive career in alternative investment solutions, making it a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the fusion of inspiration and financial expertise.

Key conversations include:

  • David’s incredible journey from financial hardship to success in investment management
  • His four pillars of success
  • The importance of caring for others, both personally and professionally, as a core leadership trait
  • Innovative alternative investment opportunities, such as tax lien funds, and their impact on diversified portfolios
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

Connect With David Perkins:

About Our Guest:

David Perkins has more than three decades of investment management experience and a notable history of building, operating, and leading innovation-based firms.

As the founder of Gondola, David’s vision is to eliminate the many obstacles associated with implementing alternatives. Today, he continues his passion to challenge the status quo by unlocking unique alternative investments for a select group of Advisors.

David cofounded CAPTRUST, one of the largest Registered Investment Advisor firms in America with $630 Billion in Assets Under Advisement currently (as of January 2023). Prior to CAPTRUST, in 1990, David and Fielding Miller, partnered together to take the innovative fee-based advisory approach to the market at Interstate Johnson Lane. This Partnership later evolved into CAPTRUST. David received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and earned his designation as a Chartered Alternatives Investment Analyst (CAIA) in 2004.

 

The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet and Brittany Anderson 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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REPLAY: Navigating Uncertainty and Adversity In The Current Age

REPLAY: Navigating Uncertainty and Adversity In The Current Age

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It’s time to hit replay on an episode that covers an increasingly relevant topic in today’s digital age: uncertainty and adversity.

Fear can paralyze us and prevent us from achieving our dreams. That’s why we want to share these practical steps on focusing on what you CAN control, using visualization, and seeking positive influences to stay motivated. 

By tuning in, gain clarity on:

  • Focusing on what you can control and what you can do to reduce fear and anxiety
  • Surrounding yourself with positive influences and limiting exposure to negative media
  • Take small, actionable steps toward your dreams, like researching travel destinations or talking to professionals
  • How visualization can be a powerful tool in staying motivated and excited about your future

Resources: 

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

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Why High Net Worth Individuals Need Cybersecurity With Scott Augenbaum & Kevin Donahue (Ep.65)

Why High Net Worth Individuals Need Cybersecurity With Scott Augenbaum & Kevin Donahue (Ep.65)

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Your family’s wealth and personal information could be more vulnerable to cyber criminals than you think. Are your family and finances truly safe from these evolving threats?

This episode provides essential insights into how you can safeguard against these invisible threats that could jeopardize your financial security. 

This episode features Scott Augenbaum, a former FBI expert in cybercrime, and Kevin Donahue, a specialist in cybersecurity for high-net-worth individuals. They share real-life stories, actionable insights, and essential strategies for safeguarding your wealth and personal info from cyber threats. Whether it’s phishing scams, password security, or even social engineering, this episode equips you to take control of your cybersecurity.

Key episode discussions include:

  • The different types of cyber threats including email phishing, smishing, and QR code phishing
  • Why using unique passwords and two-factor authentication can be your first line of defense
  • Real-life stories of huge financial losses due to cyber scams, and how they could have been prevented
  • Proactive steps to safeguard your family and information, from monitoring the dark web to implementing a family code word

Resources: 

Connect With Scott Augenbaum & Kevin Donahue:

Connect With Sweet Financial Partners:

About Our Guests:

Scott Augenbaum

With over 30 years of FBI experience in cybercrime investigations and author of “The Secret to Cybersecurity,” Scott brings unparalleled insights and practical strategies to prevent cyber threats. Scott is the foremost expert in educating businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and families on the current threat environment.  Scott focuses on how to prevent a cyber threat because after investigating over 1,000 cyber crimes, he knows all too well that recovering stolen money and data is almost impossible.   In addition to his experience with the FBI, Scott is called on by Fox News, USA Today, News Max, and many other major media outlets as their resident cybersecurity expert.

Kevin Donahue

Kevin has 25 years of experience working in enterprise technology solutions, cybersecurity, and with high-net-worth individuals as an executive and entrepreneur.  Kevin’s clients have included the White House, National Security Counsel, CIA, US Secret Service, World Bank, US Department of Homeland Security, and many more high-profile organizations and has worked on some of the highest-profile investigations in the past 20 years.   Kevin is the founder of Stealth Executive/ Stealth Family and together with his partner Scott Augenbaum is on a mission to help protect 1,000,000 families from being victims of cyber criminals. 

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