27 - The Investment Decision Filter: A Game-Changer for Your Financial Journey
Smart Money, Stronger Leadership: Financial Planning Lessons with Sten Morgan
In this episode of The Leader’s Edge Podcast, host HR Huntsman welcomes Sten Morgan, President of Legacy Investment Planning, for a rich conversation on personal finance, leadership, and self-awareness. Known for challenging conventional thinking around money and success, Sten shares his approach to making smarter investment decisions, building trust with clients, and leading with emotional intelligence. This episode is especially relevant for growth-driven professionals navigating the balance between wealth building and personal fulfillment.
Turning Insight into Action: Sten’s Framework for Financial Confidence
Sten emphasizes that financial planning isn’t just about growing money—it’s about aligning investments with values, goals, and clarity of purpose. One of his most impactful tools is the “investment decision filter,” a five-part process that helps individuals evaluate potential investments by considering risk, performance, taxes, fees, and time. This filter empowers leaders to move beyond gut-feel decisions and make more intentional, well-rounded financial moves.
Beyond the numbers, Sten speaks to the importance of mindset. He encourages leaders to connect with their future selves—asking whether their decisions today will be a source of pride or regret years from now. This forward-focused thinking helps clarify priorities and builds resilience through life’s uncertainties. In fact, a turning point for Sten was recognizing the need to serve without trying to save—an insight that helped him let go of control and step into more authentic leadership.
Sten also discusses how trust is built through communication. His “value first prospecting” approach reframes sales as a relationship-driven process where value leads the way. This idea extends to team leadership as well: the best leaders ask questions, create open dialogue, and foster environments where others can grow. Financial confidence, he explains, is inseparable from emotional intelligence and the ability to communicate clearly and with empathy.
About Sten Morgan
Sten Morgan is the President of Legacy Investment Planning, a nationally recognized financial advisor, and the author of I Wish I Knew That Sooner and The Seven Mindsets of Exceptional Leaders. His approach blends practical financial strategy with deep personal insight, helping clients and teams lead with clarity and courage.
About Legacy Investment Planning
Legacy Investment Planning helps individuals and business owners create smart, customized financial strategies. Known for taking a proactive, consultative approach, the firm focuses on aligning values with financial goals to support long-term success and personal fulfillment.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Conclusion
This conversation is more than just a finance masterclass—it’s a roadmap for becoming a more thoughtful leader. By integrating financial strategy with emotional awareness, leaders can position themselves for meaningful success. Sten Morgan’s frameworks offer practical steps to help listeners invest wisely, communicate authentically, and lead with lasting impact.
Key Episode Highlights:
The “investment decision filter” for smarter financial choices
Why mindset and money must align for true success
How to lead by serving—not saving—others
The power of “value first” communication with clients and teams
Ways to connect with your future self to guide today’s decisions
Want to lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence?
Explore yourleadersedge.com for leadership insights and programs that help professionals like you reach their full potential.
Have a powerful perspective to share with our audience?
Apply to be a guest on The Leader’s Edge Podcast and add your voice to the conversation.
