Ep 56 | If the Rich Look Morally Bankrupt, Why Build Wealth at All?
Thu Feb 05 2026
Building wealth feels morally complicated right now — not because money is evil, but because power gets messy once money stops being a constraint. Priya Malani sits down with Pia Silva to unpack why so many ethical, thoughtful people feel conflicted about building wealth — and why opting out may actually leave power in the wrong hands.
They challenge the idea that money corrupts, explore how wealth tends to amplify character rather than change it, and make the case for why ethical people building wealth matters more than ever.
If you’ve ever worried that money might turn you into someone you don’t respect, this conversation will reframe the question.
Takeaways:
If ethical people treat wealth like a moral hazard, the most unethical actors inherit more influence by default.Money doesn’t automatically corrupt, it often reveals and amplifies what was already there.The ethical question isn’t “should I build wealth,” it’s “what decisions will I pre-commit to before money stops being a constraint.”You don’t need to love capitalism to operate effectively inside it — you need clarity, rules, and intention.
Follow Priya Malani:
LinkedIn | Instagram | Stash Wealth
Guest Bio:
Pia Silva, founder of No BS Mastery where she trains experts, consultants and boutique agencies on the No BS Business Model to make $250K-$500K+/year with more freedom and ease, and without employees. She’s a TEDx speaker, host of The No BS Mastery Podcast, former Forbes contributor, author of Badass Your Brand and author of the upcoming book Scale Solo (March 2026).
Guest Links:
Book: nobsmastery.com/book
Playbook: nobsmastery.com/playbook
Instagram: @pialovesyourbiz
Podcast: piasilva.com/podcast
The Stuff Our Lawyers Want Us to Say:
Stash Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor. Content presented is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to make an offer or solicitation for any specific securities product, service, or strategy. Consult with a qualified investment adviser (that's us) before implementing any strategy. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. There…we said it.
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Building wealth feels morally complicated right now — not because money is evil, but because power gets messy once money stops being a constraint. Priya Malani sits down with Pia Silva to unpack why so many ethical, thoughtful people feel conflicted about building wealth — and why opting out may actually leave power in the wrong hands. They challenge the idea that money corrupts, explore how wealth tends to amplify character rather than change it, and make the case for why ethical people building wealth matters more than ever. If you’ve ever worried that money might turn you into someone you don’t respect, this conversation will reframe the question. Takeaways: If ethical people treat wealth like a moral hazard, the most unethical actors inherit more influence by default.Money doesn’t automatically corrupt, it often reveals and amplifies what was already there.The ethical question isn’t “should I build wealth,” it’s “what decisions will I pre-commit to before money stops being a constraint.”You don’t need to love capitalism to operate effectively inside it — you need clarity, rules, and intention. Follow Priya Malani: LinkedIn | Instagram | Stash Wealth Guest Bio: Pia Silva, founder of No BS Mastery where she trains experts, consultants and boutique agencies on the No BS Business Model to make $250K-$500K+/year with more freedom and ease, and without employees. She’s a TEDx speaker, host of The No BS Mastery Podcast, former Forbes contributor, author of Badass Your Brand and author of the upcoming book Scale Solo (March 2026). Guest Links: Book: nobsmastery.com/book Playbook: nobsmastery.com/playbook Instagram: @pialovesyourbiz Podcast: piasilva.com/podcast The Stuff Our Lawyers Want Us to Say: Stash Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor. Content presented is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to make an offer or solicitation for any specific securities product, service, or strategy. Consult with a qualified investment adviser (that's us) before implementing any strategy. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. There…we said it.