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 Riveo 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/.