The impact of 'backcasting' is palpable and transformative. The biggest 'ah-ha' moment from immersing oneself in a future world is a striking awareness of the interdependencies of all systems.

In the past ten years, American business has been deluged with concepts emphasizing social good that range in name from cause-related marketing to sustainable value and other similar terms.

The capitalist system is under siege and a big part of the problem lies with companies themselves.

The concept of shared value is gaining increased attention within corporations - from business, CSR and philanthropic leaders - yet the challenge of pursuing it can be incredibly daunting.

If you fail to work on behalf of the public interest and take shortcuts that place the public at risk, you also will fail your shareholders.