patchperfect is officially at episode 21, and we are marking the moment with a forward looking dive into the tech shaping 2026. In this episode, I am guided by futurist and Forbes columnist Bernard Marr⁠ as we walk through his biggest predictions for the year and what they actually mean in practice.⁠

We get into AI's growing energy demands, the shift toward more practical quantum computing, and how agentic AI is about to reshape the way we work. We also talk about why human nuance, taste, and emotional intelligence become real competitive advantages as AI moves from reaction to reinvention.

This is the patch:

• why AI infrastructure and energy use are becoming major strategic issues
• what practical progress in quantum computing actually looks like
• how agentic AI could change everyday workflows
• why human judgment and creativity still matter in automated systems

At its core, this episode is about understanding what the next phase of technology may require from both systems and people.

We close with a lifestyle segment looking ahead to 2026 with my friend Liz Cox, a postdoctoral research scientist at Harvard Medical School. We break down the workwear and wellness trends we expect to see next year and how to stay grounded, stylish, and confident heading into January.

If you like smart forecasts paired with a fresh year reset, this episode is for you.

All views expressed are my own.