MONEY & POWER 2026: Time to GET IT.

Tony Lesesne
7 days ago
3 min read

Welcome to 2026, the year where we finally admit what we’ve known all along: Money, Power, and Impact are the three horsemen of the modern apocalypse, and we all want to be the ones riding them, not getting trampled by them. Let’s be real; these three forces drive the world, or at least they drive the people who actually get their calls returned. Money, Power, and Impact; I’ve tasted a bit of it myself, and honestly? It’s a blast. But there is a specific kind of reality check that sets in when you realize there is always someone with a bigger bank account, a more terrifying job title, and a "reach" that makes your local influence look like a lemonade stand. It’s a game worth playing, provided you stay on the right side of the law and your own conscience—because without ethics, this trinity isn't a blessing; it's a curse.

Before we dive into the specific mechanics of your 2026 takeover, let’s be clear about the playing field. In a world where algorithms dictate our tastes and virtual prestige often outweighs actual skill, the traditional "ladder" to success has been replaced by a high-speed elevator fueled by the GPT trinity. To win, you must stop viewing these three elements as goals and start seeing them as a singular, interconnected ecosystem. If you handle them with a wink and a healthy dose of ethics, you’re the pilot; if you chase them blindly, you’re just the cargo. Here is how you master the first—and most volatile—pillar of the three.

1. Money: The Art of "Pivot-Less" Wealth

In 2026, working for money is so 2024. The real secret is Aggressive Diversification of Debt. * The Strategy: Don't just have a credit card; have a "portfolio of liabilities."

Pro Tip: Start a "Web4" consulting firm. No one knows what Web4 is yet—including you—but if you use the word "agentic" three times in a pitch deck, a VC will accidentally wire you $50,000.
The Lifestyle: Remember, if you owe the bank $10,000, it’s your problem. If you owe the bank $10 million in "speculative AI-tokenized carbon credits," it’s their problem. Enjoy your new yacht.

2. Power: Becoming a "Thought Leader" (Silence is Key)

Power isn't about leading people; it’s about making people feel slightly uncomfortable during Zoom calls.

The Corporate Play: Whenever someone asks for a deadline, look directly into the camera and whisper, "The timeline is a social construct." Then, immediately go on mute.
The "Impact" Move: Change your LinkedIn headline to "Human-Centric Disruption Architect." It means nothing, which, in 2026, means everything. Power is 90% aesthetic and 10% having a ring light that makes you look like a benevolent deity.

3. Impact: Changing the World (From Your Couch)

You want "impact"? Stop trying to save the bees and start Curating Resonance.

The 2026 Vibe: Impact is now measured in "vibes-per-click." To truly change lives, post a 6-second video of yourself drinking expensive water with the caption: "Is this the year we finally unlearn the concept of Tuesday?" * The Result: You will get 4 million views, three sponsorship deals with luxury hydration brands, and a profound sense of emptiness. That emptiness? That’s the weight of your massive impact.

"Money isn't everything, but it’s a long way ahead of whatever is in second place." — Someone who likely owns a private island and doesn't answer emails.

The bottom line: In 2026, success belongs to those who can look at a burning building and say, "The lighting here is incredible for my brand."