What does it really mean when corporations talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Are companies backing away from these commitments—or doubling down? 

In this episode of Reveal Impact Lab, host Elin Barton sits down with journalist and author Nancy Levine Stearns to uncover the truth behind corporate DEI in 2025. From Costco’s bold stand against anti-DEI proposals to shareholder votes at Apple, Merck, and Target, Nancy shares her front-row insights into why boards and investors are overwhelmingly backing inclusion. 

Together, they explore: 

• The myths and misinformation fueling the “DEI is dead” narrative
• Why shareholder votes show the opposite story
• How diversity strengthens business outcomes for companies of all sizes
• What small businesses can learn from multinational corporations
• The role of journalism in holding companies accountable—and offering hope

Nancy also reflects on her own journey—from corporate HR to authoring The Dao of Pug to documenting today’s high-stakes debates in business. Her message is clear: courage is contagious, and impact happens when values meet action.
 
👉 Tune in to discover how corporations, consumers, and communities are shaping the future of belonging—and why every voice matters.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

In this episode of The Riveo Impact Lab, Elin and Emily sit down with Monica Mockus, founder, CEO, and Executive Creative Director of mock5 design, a creative agency specializing in healthcare and wellness. With more than 20 years of experience as a designer and art director, Monica brings a unique perspective on building a purpose-driven business rooted in empathy, compassion, and a human-centered approach.

Monica shares her journey of launching and leading mock5, the lessons she’s learned in fostering creativity while running a company, and how design can create meaningful impact in industries that touch people’s lives most directly. The conversation dives into sustainability, leadership, and the balance of creativity with business strategy—offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders alike.

Tune in to hear Monica’s inspiring story, and discover how purpose-driven design can transform not just brands, but communities.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

How can small businesses take real climate action without massive budgets or in-house experts? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Smith, founder and CEO of Aclymate—a platform designed to simplify carbon tracking and sustainability for everyday business owners. 

From serving as a Navy commander to leading major reforestation efforts, Mike’s path to climate tech wasn’t typical—but it’s one filled with purpose. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What Aclymate does to make carbon tracking easy for small businesses
• Why sustainability is a smart move for business growth and resilience
• Tips for getting started with emissions tracking—even if you’re busy
• The surprising impact small businesses can have on climate progress

Tune in as we explore how Aclymate is making sustainability practical, why it matters for your business, and how even small steps can lead to big impact.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

What does it look like to lead with authenticity—and build power by embracing what makes you different?

In this episode of Riveo Impact Lab, co-hosts Elin Barton and Emily Adams sit down with Ashley Brundage, author, speaker, and the first transgender person to win any election in Florida. From navigating homelessness to founding a leadership company and running for state office, Ashley shares her powerful story of resilience and impact.

Tune in as we discuss:

• How Ashley built her four-step empowerment model
• The data behind her DEI work—and why tracking outcomes matters
• What it means to go beyond allyship and practice active sponsorship
• Her groundbreaking political run and what it taught her about leadership
• How visibility can shift culture in every room where power is built

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about inclusion, equity, and leading meaningful change from wherever you are.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

How can businesses take small, meaningful steps toward inclusivity — and why is accessibility not just ethical, but strategic?

In this episode of Riveo Impact Lab, co-hosts Elin Barton and Emily Adams welcome Amy Graves, California Chapter President of NAWBO, founder and CEO of Hidden Consumer Consulting, and author of The Hidden Consumer. Amy shares her personal and professional journey as a disabled entrepreneur and industry consultant, and explores how accessibility and inclusive practices drive both human and business impact.

Tune in as we discuss:

• The real-life challenges that inspired Amy’s mission-driven work
• How accessible practices lead to broader market reach and brand loyalty
• Why accessibility should be embedded in company culture — not bolted on
• Easy first steps any leader can take to make their workplace more inclusive

Whether you're just starting out or seeking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers powerful insights into building a business that includes everyone.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

How can small businesses foster truly inclusive environments?

In this episode of Riveo Impact Lab, we dive into the vital conversation around inclusion, respect, and belonging in the workplace and beyond.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Fiona Dawson, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, bestselling author, and expert in LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Fiona’s work, including Transgender, at War and in Love and Transmilitary, has challenged perceptions and sparked critical conversations on representation and equity. She is also the author of Are Bisexuals Just Greedy? and What Does That LGBTQIA Label Mean?, books that unpack gender and sexuality with humor and clarity.

Together, we’ll explore what it means to create truly inclusive spaces—whether in business, media, or everyday interactions. Fiona shares powerful stories, lessons from her advocacy, and actionable strategies for fostering an environment where all individuals feel seen, valued, and respected.

Tune in to Riveo Impact Lab and be part of the conversation on making inclusion more than just a buzzword—it’s time for real, meaningful change.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

Chocolate is a treat we all love—but what if we told you that most of it comes at a cost? In this episode of Riveo Impact Lab, we sit down with Noel, U.S. Communications Specialist for Tony’s Chocolonely, to uncover the harsh realities of the chocolate industry and how one company is fighting for change.

Noel shares Tony’s Chocolonely’s bold mission to end exploitation in cocoa farming, the company’s unconventional origins, and how they’re using storytelling, branding, and transparency to reshape the industry. We also discuss how consumers can make more ethical purchasing decisions—without feeling overwhelmed.

From unequally divided chocolate bars to partnerships with major retailers, Tony’s Chocolonely is proving that business can be a force for good—one chocolate bar at a time.

Tune in to learn how your choices can create sweet change.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

Join us for this episode of Riveo Impact Lab as we explore resilience and well-being with Nicole Van Valen, CEO of Keane Insights.

Nicole shares her journey from professional dancer to licensed therapist and business leader, as well as insights from her Three Stages Along Your Resilience Journey™. Discover how leaders can foster team resilience, manage stress, and create cultures of joy and inclusion, all while improving performance and well-being. 

Gain actionable tips for cultivating resilience and bringing more joy into your leadership and life. Tune in for a conversation full of inspiration and practical advice!

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

In this episode of Riveo Impact Lab, we tackle the crucial topic of human solidarity in a fractured world. 

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with actor and activist Hank Azaria, and Berwick Mahdi Davenport, co-founder of the Human Solidarity Project.

Hank Azaria shares his personal journey of understanding and confronting bias, offering valuable insights into how we can all do better. Berwick Mahdi Davenport brings his expertise on fostering empathy and building bridges across differences, providing practical strategies for cultivating a more inclusive and connected society.

Tune in as we explore the power of human connection and discover how we can move towards a more unified future.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.

Join us for the inaugural episode of Riveo Impact Lab, a podcast where we delve into the intersection of small businesses, sustainability, diversity, and ethical decision-making in today's ever-changing world.    

In this episode, we sit down with Sergio Rapu, a filmmaker and the creative force behind Mara Films. Sergio's work, including the award-winning documentary "Eating Up Easter," has been featured on prominent platforms such as the History Channel, Discovery, National Geographic, and PBS.    

Throughout our conversation, we'll explore Sergio's journey into filmmaking, the profound impact of his work, and the crucial role of storytelling in fostering positive change. Discover the lessons Sergio has learned about community engagement, ethical film production, and the power of documentaries to inspire action.    

Tune in to Riveo Impact Lab and join the conversation on how small businesses can make a real difference in the world.

The Riveo Impact Lab is produced for you by Riveo Creative. For more Riveo Impact Lab content, including the video versions of all our episodes, please visit https://riveocreative.com/riveo-impact-lab/.