Riveo Impact Lab

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Riveo Impact Lab, Elin speaks with Megan Carras, Chief Development and Communications Officer and Head of Sustainability at WACIF, and Geneva Greene, Sustainable Entrepreneurship Consultant for WACIF. Together, they explore how the Washington Area Community Investment Fund is helping small businesses access the capital, technical assistance, and community co...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Riveo Impact Lab, Elin sits down with Tom Hering, co-founder and managing partner of Benefit Corporations for Good, to explore what it really means for businesses to put their values into action. Tom shares the story of his career journey, from copywriter, creative director, and brand strategist to advocate for purpose-driven business. Drawing on decades of...

Send us Fan Mail Sabine Langer will be the first to tell you she’s not a cook. But as the founder of Global Cafe in Memphis, Tennessee, she has helped create something much bigger than a restaurant. In this episode of the Riveo Impact Lab , Sabine shares the story of how Global Cafe began as a desire to support immigrants and refugees and grew into a social enterprise serving authentic internation...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really look like to adopt AI in a way that puts people first? In this episode, we sit down with Dee C. Marshall, CEO and Managing Partner of AI Training Plus, to talk about workforce transformation, human-first AI adoption, and the future of work in an increasingly AI-powered world. With a background spanning leadership development, workplace culture, and equity, Dee...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean for a business to live its values—and why does sustainability matter even more now? In this episode of the Riveo Impact Lab , Elin sits down with Mary Fehlig , Founder and President of The Fehlig Group , to explore how sustainability, ethical business practices, and commercial success are far more connected than many people realize. With more than 30 years...

Send us Fan Mail What if the world’s “impossible” problems aren’t impossible at all—just waiting for someone to refuse to accept them? In this episode of the Riveo Impact Lab , Emily sits down with Mick Ebeling, Founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs —an innovation studio dedicated to solving society’s “absurdities” through technology and storytelling. A three-time recipient of TIME Magazine’s Bes...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Chandra Chea for a candid and thoughtful conversation about leadership, lived experience, and the weight of decision-making. Chandra shares her personal journey, the moments that shaped her perspective, and how navigating complex systems has influenced the way she leads, listens, and advocates for others. Together, we explore what it means to lead...

Send us Fan Mail 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 pas...

Send us Fan Mail 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 shareho...

Send us Fan Mail 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, a...

Send us Fan Mail 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—...

Send us Fan Mail 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,...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 f...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ca...

Send us Fan Mail 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 &qu...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Riveo Impact Lab, the podcast in which we explore what it means for small businesses to have real impact in an evolving world. In this podcast, we engage our curiosity on topics like sustainability, diversity and inclusion and the ethical outcomes of our decisions, all from a small business perspective.  Subscribe wherever you listen so you don't miss out on an...