The Industrial Era and the Information Age are over. Their rules are passé, and their strategies will not be enough to succeed. We’ve entered the Social Era, and adapting to it requires a reimagination of how business will operate. In this GBN in Conversation, technology executive, business strategist, and HBR author Nilofer Merchant discusses her new book 11 Rules for Creating Value in the #Social Era. and conveys how “social” is much more than “media.” Smart companies are making social the backbone of their business models, increasing their speed and flexibility by pursuing openness and fluidity.

One year ago, journalist Francis Pisani left San Francisco on a world tour of innovation that took him to five continents, 35 countries, and 45 cities. His quest: to understand where, how, and why innovation is blossoming. In this GBN in Conversation, Pisani describes what he observed and learned about the emerging inspirations, sources, and models of innovation, its enablers and barriers, and what this might mean for the U.S. and the global economy.

According to behavioral economist Dan Ariely, most of us think of ourselves as honest, but, in fact, we all cheat. In this lively GBN in Conversation, Ariely discusses his new book, The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty. Drawing on dozens of anecdotes and experiments around the world, Ariely debunks rational cost-benefit analysis; addresses the roles of religion, psychology, and culture; takes on Wall Street and Washington, D.C.; and recommends ways to encourage higher ethical behavior in our professional and personal lives.

In this GBN in Conversation, Wired Executive Editor Thomas Goetz explores what happens when there’s ample data and feedback about almost everything for everyone. Drawing upon his 2012 book, The Decision Tree, Goetz focuses on how revolutions in technology and our understanding of human behavior and decision-making are transforming health in particular—from quality of life and health outcomes to the healthcare industry itself. Yet this is but one example; Goetz anticipates more profound changes in every way we measure, understand, and interact with the world and ourselves.

GBN in Conversation with Howard Rheingold on his book Net Smart: How to Thrive Online

In this lively conversation, Monitor’s Eamonn Kelly and UC Berkeley political scientist Steve Weber debut their new report, “Growth in a Low Growth Economy.” They argue that we are in the early stages of a prolonged period of sluggish growth. Yet Western firms that are sitting on record cash reserves and waiting for uncertainty to "resolve," are pursuing the riskiest strategy of all. The new dynamics of consumption, the changing role of governments, and other shifts in the global economy all present opportunities to secure disproportionate growth in the near term as well as long-term competitive advantage.

In this provocative conversation, digital pioneer Howard Rheingold discusses his latest book, Net Smart: How to Thrive Online. He argues that using online tools without becoming overloaded by information is essential to personal success in the twenty-first century—and then goes on to describe how we can use social media intelligently, humanely, and, above all, mindfully.

In this deeply personal conversation, entrepreneur Chip Conley shares the wisdom that helped him overcome a series of devastating life events—and now forms the core of his new book, Emotional Equations. The renowned founder of the Joie de Vivre hospitality company, Conley draws upon simple math and inspiring stories to demonstrate the power of understanding and focusing on the variables we can influence in order to realize greater happiness and success in our business and personal lives.

This GBN in Conversation with Amory Lovins, scientist and innovator examines "Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era"

John Maeda, digital artist, computer scientist, and president of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) discusses the lessons he's learned about leadership, transparency, intentionality, engagement, and the importance of arts in all aspects of our lives.

Steven Johnson, renowned for writing at the intersection of science and culture, examines why innovation happens (hint: it's not genius) and how we can cultivate the conditions for meaningful change and creativity in our societies, organizations, and careers.

John Hofmeister, the former president of Shell Oil and cofounder of Citizens for Affordable Energy takes on both politicians and oil company executives while exploring sustainable energy solutions in this wide-ranging conversation with GBN co-founder Peter Schwartz.

A provocative look at the conditions that allow global illicit networks to flourish, as well as how governments and businesses can cope with this growing phenomenon.

GBN in Conversation with MIT digital sociologist Sherry Turkle on how technology is shaping our personal lives, relationships, communities, and expectations

In his provocative new book, What Technology Wants, Kevin Kelly, the founding editor of Wired magazine, pressents technology as a dynamic, life-like, evolving organism with its own needs and tendencies. By understanding, steering, and aligning ourselves with technology, we can capture its full value. In conversation with GBN cofounder Peter Schwartz.

Political scientist and GBN Network member Steve Weber discusses why and how the U.S. must forge a new role in our multi-polar, post-Western world and what this will mean for U.S. companies doing business globally. In conversation with GBN Co-president Andrew Blau.

Clay Shirky, a leading thinker on the evolution and impacts of social media, reflects on how digital technology is changing us from passive consumers to active collaborators, unleashing a torrent of talent and creativity that will transform our world. In Conversation with Andrew Blau

Peter Gleick, one of the world's leading experts on water, presents a well-researched, yet provocative, perspective on our unnecessary and harmful obsession with bottled water in the U.S.

Risk experts Iam Mitroff and Abe Silvers discuss their new book Dirty Rotten Strategies: How We Trick Ourselves and Others into Solving the Wrong Problems Precisely

Charles House, executive director, Media X, Stanford University discusses his new book, The HP Phenomenon