Welcome to the latest edition of the Social Capital Newsletter. Social Capital is an intangible asset at the heart of a new and dynamic view of success, one that is changing business and the world as we know it during one of the most difficult and turbulent times in recent history. Knowledge is power, and that fact hasn't been lost on oppressive leaders throughout history, whose modus operandi has been controlling and denying the public access to information. The companies in this week's feature, "Information As An Economic Power," are doing the opposite, using information for social good. They're companies like Gallup, which has surveyed and given voice to people in 140 countries on issues such as hunger, work, wellbeing, financial inclusion, physical health and personal safety. "We do this because we've been surprised at how often leaders are wrong about what's in the hearts and minds of their constituencies," says CEO Jon Clifton. "And when they're wrong--the more they lead, the worse they make the world." Be sure to check out this timely feature for a look at the companies that are changing the game for their stakeholders--and the world. It may inspire you to take a fresh look at how you're handling information in your own company. 

Companies that promote or sell knowledge and information for the betterment of all.

Big Pharma turnaround expert proves success isn't all about selling.

What Led CEO Roger Hochschild to 'Discover' His Simple And Sincere Approach To Diversity? Exclusive Q&A
Selling Socks and Saving 'Soles"
Success Is Really About Being Happy -- And Hiring Happy People

Mikkel Svane, CEO of Zendesk, was having a mid-life crisis of sorts when he teamed up with two friends to found Zendesk in a Copenhagen loft. Today it is one of the hottest software companies around, and much of that success stems from the company's early belief that giving back is more important than the bottom line. In Startup Land, Svane chronicles the co-founders' journey in making customer service more approachable--a story that is just as engaging and relevant to Social Capital leaders today as when the book first came out in 2014. For more on how companies can change the world, see "Each of Us Can Make A Global Social Impact. Here's How I Did," by Robert Glazer. 

If you're caught up on your summer reading, you may be running out of space to store all those books. As you get organized for fall, why not treat yourself to a new bookcase? Urban Natural offers a variety of ethically sourced, handcrafted, -sustainably-made bookcases made in the U.S.A., like the Harvestmoon by Maple Corner Woodworks ($1,359), which is available in natural cherry, maple or walnut. 

A Meeting Of Minds: Companies that want to attract and retain employees need to understand how their teams think about work today--and meet them where they are. Austin Allred, co-founder and CEO of Bloom Institute of Technology, shows how to do this in our upcoming feature. For more of Allred's groundbreaking ideas, check out, "Austin Allred Will Pay You To Hire His Graduates."

A new study at Virginia Commonwealth University shows that practicing mindfulness can help to improve employees' interactions with coworkers--leading to more connections showing "intentionality, compassion, and presence." And fortunately, many Social Capital companies are already prioritizing mindfulness. For ideas on how you can, too, check out, "The Well-Being Factor," "Lorna Borenstein Markets Empathy and Humanity, and Business is Booming," and "Alyson Watson Aims to Make Every Day a Mental Health Day."

If you've had a great experience with customer service at your favorite companies, it's very likely that the software Zendesk was used to facilitate those interactions. Zendesk CEO Mikkel Svane believes that by making it easy for such stakeholders to access relevant information, the company can empower and educate them. It's all part of a movement among Social Capital companies to increase access to information in a way that is good for society. You can learn more about his approach and find inspiration for shaping your own unique strategy in our feature "Information As An Economic Power."

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