The New Megatrends

Seeing Clearly in the Age of Disruption

By: Marian Salzman

Narrated by: Vivienne Leheny

A pioneering forecaster predicts the trends and technologies that will shape global culture and commerce in the next two decades—a must-read guide for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for an edge.

“In a world of half-baked hot takes, Marian Salzman is a true seer.”—Andrew Yang

A little more than twenty years ago, the Y2K computer glitch threatened to bring the global economy to its knees. But instead of overnight disruption, humankind slipped into two decades of economic turmoil, ecological angst, and tribalism, all set against the backdrop of a newly global and digital civilization. Sometimes the events that seem pivotal are just blips, while the more meaningful cultural shifts are hiding in plain sight. Marian Salzman’s job is to uncover those hidden shifts.

So what’s in store for the next two decades?

In this acutely observed guide, Salzman, whose past predictions have been heralded for coming uncannily close to the way we live now, unpacks the course of human life from the bumpy turn of the millennium through the pandemic era, when chaos and “together apart” are the new normal, equity has become a battle cry, and breathing space emerged as the greatest luxury of all.

Drawing inspiration from John Naisbitt’s classic 1982 book Megatrends, Salzman then turns to the two decades ahead. Navigating deftly among geographies, she connects threads across business, civic life, consumerism, family, and entertainment, revealing the trends and developments—some established, some surprising—poised to recast our past, shape our collective future, and shift our identities.

In a world dominated by disruption, being prepared for change is a critical advantage. The New Megatrends is gripping reading for anyone seeking to understand the shape and texture of the next era, which, above all, will be marked by its relentless pace, new technology, and the ever-present threats of climate change and political division.

©2022 Marian Salzman (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"In a world of half-baked hot takes, Marian Salzman is a true seer. In The New Megatrends, she trains her forecasting powers on the next two decades, predicting the consequences (and opportunities) of a world in which fast-moving new technologies are colliding with renewed tribalism and other challenges. This is a book for entrepreneurs, policymakers and anyone who wants a clear-eyed understanding of how the cultural winds are changing. (Hint, if you’re a fan of esports and 3D printers, the new isn’t all bad!)”—Andrew Yang, bestselling author of Forward

“Marian Salzman’s predictions are built on reams of data, deep engagement with history, a dash of intuition, and an extraordinary career spent identifying trends for some of the heaviest hitters in business. Wise, witty, and compulsively readable, this book will change the way you look at our present moment.”—Gus Wenner, CEO, Rolling Stone

“Marian Saltzman doesn’t simply show us our future, she helps us find our individual place within it. She never loses sight of the possibilities that emerge from each crisis to revolutionize how we live, work, and love. The New Megatrends is clear-eyed, a little bit terrifying, practical, and inspiring. It is exactly the book we need right now as each of us tries to make sense of the world ahead. If you’re looking for a guide to the Great Reset, this is it.”—Brooke Shields, New York Times bestselling author

Easy to digest and follow

Clear takeaways and a balanced point of view. I look coward to following her and tracking the status of her trends.

great book!

I got through this book pretty quickly - it was hard to stop listening too. I will probably listen to this again bc there's is so much good information to take in. very good. Highly recommend.

An insightful read! Peak into the future.

Really enjoyed this book. Some great insights around what’s happening in our wild world, how these shifts and changes could impact us and what to do about them. The world is uncertain. But this book does a thorough (and entertaining) job of providing clarity and perspective.

No meaningful predictions.

Waste of credit, terrible narration and hardly a trend spotter. No-one wants to hear about covid anymore

be wary of biases

I found this author's biases (both political and non-political) shone through in her work. Upon doing more research I found she was an executive at a large tobacco company which felt hypocritical given some of her viewpoints.

She certainly has the credentials to be a futurist however I struggled to listen to it based on the above.

An embarrassment.

I was excited to read a new Megatrends title. I am absolutely disappointed with the finished product. I found myself holding back regurgitation in response to the absolute leftist pile of propaganda of continued sex/race/gender/economic/ecological excuses for the 90%ers (which I am a member) lack of resources. There was little to none future forecasts which is why I bought the book. The author of this book does not follow Nesbit’s successful model of forecasting. One thing I regret is sticking it out to the very end instead of deleting this monstrosity.