In this episode of the Riveo Impact Lab, Elin sits down with Beth Bengtson, founder of Working for Women, to explore what it truly means for small businesses to become a force for social good. Beth shares her journey—from the high-powered world of 1990s Wall Street to discovering a deeper purpose in elevating women’s economic mobility. Together, they unpack the roots of her passion for purpose-driven business, the global experiences that shaped her worldview, and the pivotal moments that fueled her commitment to gender equity.

Beth explains how Working for Women is changing lives by creating economic pathways, building supportive communities, and reshaping the narrative around financial independence for women—especially those from marginalized backgrounds. She and Elin also dive into the practical side of social impact: how even the smallest businesses can integrate purpose into their operations, why community matters more than ever, and the cultural shift happening around women, money, and empowerment.

Filled with inspiring stories, strategic insights, and a powerful call to action, this episode reminds us that impact begins with intention—and that small businesses can be catalysts for big 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/.

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/.