In the thirteenth episode of the IIMB Podcast Series, Prof. Manaswini Bhalla from the Economics and Social Sciences area of IIM Bangalore shares her insights on the role of culture, social and informal networks, and connections on economic outcomes in the business context. Prof. Bhalla explains how identities and social associations play a significant role in decision making and business deals like mergers and acquisitions, client or vendor selection, etc. The podcast also touches upon the impact of COVID-19 and the emergence of the gig economy on social associations as virtual working becomes the norm.