Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis
Thought-provoking dialogue to identify leadership solutions to today's most challenging conflicts. Streamed live each week, Saturdays @ 9:30 EST.Hosted by diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and CEO's Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis. Join us and add your voice to this engaging Diversity Conversation. Please join the conversation:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diversity-Conversations-112794377851580Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYVJnaLsMakX5zLNocxCkvAEric Ellis, www.integritydev.comTommie Lewis, https://mipcllc.com
Why Is It So Hard to Afford the Basics in America?
What happens when you work hard and your paycheck still won’t cover groceries, gas, and the electric bill?
On this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric and Tommie talk about what the rising cost of living in America means for working families. Tommie shares how cutting back on heat at home can free up enough money for gas to get to work. That trade-off opens up a conversation about grocery prices, utility bills, housing costs, and what elected officials and neighbors can do to help.
Tommie also shares a youth leadership camp from the Illuminate Le...
After the Midterms: Who Really Holds the Power?
What does it mean to take back your power after Election Day?
In this special edition of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis shares his take on the 2026 U.S. midterm results and challenges leaders in both parties to earn voters’ trust by addressing everyday concerns like the cost of groceries, gas, and health care.
Eric shares “Take Our Power Back,” an original song by Eric & Dan, and talks with the live audience about what civic engagement can look like between elections, from showing up at town halls to building relationships across political divides. Producer Lydia Sánchez j...
Is Politics Dividing Us? Putting People Before Politics
When did political disagreement become a reason to stop respecting one another?
As the 2026 U.S. midterm elections approach, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore what happens when political beliefs become our identity—and how we can put people before politics without abandoning our values.
From negative campaign ads and the influence of money and power to friendships across party lines, they examine the pressures driving division and the choices that can bring us closer together.
The conversation also turns inward: protecting your peace, finding strength in faith, setting boundaries around political conversations, an...
He Was Insulted for Nearly Two Hours. How Did He Stay So Calm? | RE-RUN
RE-RUN: Enjoy this previously recorded episode of Diversity Conversations.
For nearly two hours, a fellow passenger insulted Dr. Tommie Lewis on a flight to Mexico. How did he stay so calm?
Tommie joins Eric Ellis to share the story—and the emotional intelligence tools he put into practice to protect his peace, maintain his boundaries, and recognize the pain behind another person’s behavior.
At the heart of this conversation is his “mental board members” approach: a practical way to recognize your competing inner voices and choose which one guides your response. When anger an...
What Happens When You Stop Pretending You're Fine?
When someone asks, “How are you?” do you feel free to give the real answer?
Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis explore what becomes possible when we move beyond appearances and make room for honest conversations. Through personal stories of friendship, business setbacks, and the pressures behind visible success, they reveal how being real can deepen trust and create more meaningful connections.
This conversation explores listening without judgment, finding people you can safely open up to, and appreciating the present without measuring your worth by money, status, or other people’s expectations.
A remind...
God’s Masterclass: Who Are You Becoming Through Life’s Challenges?
Who are you becoming while you wait for your circumstances to change?
In this deeply personal episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis explore how faith can reshape the way we move through life’s challenges.
Eric opens up about recognizing emotional numbness and finding renewed hope through an unexpected church experience. Tommie offers an honest challenge: how do we move from speaking about faith to putting it into action?
Together, they reflect on what Eric calls “God’s masterclass”—the ongoing process of learning to trust God, release old stories, a...
Let Go of the Old Story | Faith, Family & What Really Matters
Who are you beyond your titles, achievements, and the story you’ve told about yourself for years?
After facilitating the Breakthrough Collective, Dr. Tommie Lewis brings that question to his conversation with Eric Ellis. Together, they reflect on old stories, the expectations we place on ourselves, and the freedom that comes with being honest about where we are now.
Then Tommie shares a personal story about his son’s car accident. What happened afterward changed how he saw a car he had treasured for years—and reminded both hosts of the value of family, faith, and si...
How to Protect Your Peace When Someone Tries to Provoke You
What would you do if you were trapped on a plane beside a hostile stranger who repeatedly insulted you, touched you without permission and tried to provoke a reaction?
On his way to Cancún, Dr. Tommie Lewis faced exactly that situation for nearly two hours. But instead of matching hostility with hostility, he remained grounded, protected his boundaries and made a powerful decision: no one was going to disrupt his peace.
In this unforgettable episode of Diversity Conversations, Tommie shares the emotional intelligence practice that helped him navigate the encounter: his...
Values Over Tribalism: How to Disagree Without Losing Our Humanity
What happens when winning a political argument becomes more important than preserving our values—or our relationships?
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis explores how political tribalism can reduce complex human beings to labels, distort the way we see those who disagree with us, and tempt us to excuse behavior from our own side that we would condemn in others.
Inspired by an emotional monologue from country singer, songwriter, and rapper Jelly Roll—whose real name is Jason DeFord—Eric reflects on a simple but urgently needed truth: we may disagree, argue, and vo...
Still Undefeated: How Faith, Friendship & Resilience Carry You Through Hard Times
What does it truly mean to remain undefeated when life brings health scares, unexpected setbacks, personal struggles, and moments that make you question who you are?
In this deeply personal episode of Diversity Conversations, Dr. Tommie Lewis and Eric Ellis explore why being undefeated does not mean winning every moment or avoiding failure. It means continuing to learn, showing up with faith, and refusing to let a difficult season define your identity.
Tommie opens up about the serious health warning that forced him to pause, reassess his priorities, and begin taking better care of his...
Better Conversations, Better Lives: 7 Conversations That Can Change Your Life
What if the conversations that could most improve our lives aren’t the ones dominating television and social media?
In this solo episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis explores seven meaningful conversations that can strengthen our relationships, deepen our sense of purpose, and improve the quality of our lives. From building community and learning to receive help to practicing forgiveness, listening with intention, making room for joy, sharing knowledge, and telling people we care—Eric reminds us that authentic human connection matters.
Through personal stories, honest reflection, and practical insight, this episode invites us to reco...
Your Position Is Not Your Value: Navigating AI and Workforce Change | Anyah Land
As artificial intelligence, layoffs, retirement, and generational shifts reshape the workplace, how do we navigate change without losing our sense of identity, purpose, or value?
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Dr. Tommie Lewis speaks with Anyah Land, Certified Executive Coach and founder of SOAR Growth Consulting, about one of the most significant workforce transitions of our time.
Drawing from her experience in human resources, public health, diversity and inclusion, and executive coaching, Anyah explores the human impact of organizational change—from the fear of displacement experienced by seasoned professionals to the challenge of preparing em...
Undefeated: How to Get Back Up When Life Knocks You Down
What does it truly mean to be undefeated?
It doesn’t mean that life has been easy, that you have never failed, or that you have never been knocked down. It means choosing to get back up every time life challenges you.
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis shares deeply personal stories of rejection, disappointment, perseverance, faith, and transformation. From being overlooked and cut from teams to navigating major changes in his personal life and career, Eric reveals how setbacks can build resilience, strengthen character, and sometimes become answers in disguise.
Eric...
How to Protect Your Hope and Joy from Negativity | Gisele Marcus
Negativity can easily dominate our attention, shape the stories we tell ourselves, and influence how we see the future. But protecting our hope and joy does not mean ignoring life’s challenges—it means refusing to let those challenges define us.
In this inspiring episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis is joined by Gisele Marcus, Vice Dean and Professor of Practice at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. Drawing from her personal journey and extensive leadership experience, Gisele shares practical ways to remain grounded in hope, resilience, and possibility—even when facing criticism, uncertainty, or adv...
Freedom & Purpose | It's Not Just Something We Celebrate
What does freedom really mean?
In this special Diversity Conversations episode, Eric Ellis explores the powerful connection between leadership, freedom, purpose, and community.
Freedom isn't just something we celebrate. It's something we choose to use... It is the opportunity to become who we were created to be.
Through personal stories, reflections on leadership, entrepreneurship, character, family, service, and community, Eric challenges us to think beyond independence and ask a deeper question:
How are you using your freedom to create a life of purpose and make a positive impact...
LIVING WITH EPILEPSY | Charles McClinon on Hope, Resilience & Living Your Best Life
Epilepsy affects millions of people around the world, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions.
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis welcomes author, speaker, advocate, and epilepsy awareness champion Charles McClinon for an honest conversation about living with epilepsy, recognizing the signs, navigating daily life, and choosing resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Charles shares his personal journey from childhood through diagnosis, discusses common misconceptions about epilepsy, explains why early recognition matters, and offers practical insights for individuals, families, caregivers, and communities seeking greater understanding.
Together, they also...
Leadership Is Service: How Great Leaders CREATE Purpose, Culture & Success | Alberto Ortiz, PhD
In this inspiring episode, Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis welcome executive coach, speaker, and business leader Alberto Ortiz, PhD, for a conversation about leadership, purpose, education, organizational culture, and creating a meaningful legacy.
Drawing from his personal journey, Alberto shares how discipline, passion, and lifelong learning shaped his leadership philosophy after taking on adult responsibilities at a young age. Together, the conversation explores what it truly means to lead through service, develop resilient organizations, inspire the next generation, and build cultures where people can thrive.
Topics include:
• Leadership through service
...
The Leadership Skill Most People Never Learn | Character, Trust & Self-Discipline
In this solo episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis explores the powerful connection between character, trust, leadership, and personal growth.
From lessons learned in sports, health, and professional leadership development, Eric shares why true leadership begins with self-awareness, accountability, and the willingness to continuously grow. He discusses the importance of psychological safety, empathic listening, belonging, inclusion, and creating workplaces where people can thrive.
Eric also reflects on friendship, faith, discipline, emotional resilience, and the role of grace in becoming the kind of leader others trust and respect.
Whether you're leading an organization, a team...
Trust, Leadership & Human Connection | Building Relationships That Last with Gary Prater
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis sit down with Gary Prater, Director of Business Development at Ingage Partners, for an insightful discussion about leadership, trust, relationships, workplace culture, and the power of human connection.
Gary shares the lessons that shaped him growing up in Forest Park, the influence of his mother, the importance of character, and how those experiences continue to guide his leadership philosophy today.
Together, they explore:
• Why trust is the foundation of lasting business relationships
• The difference between authentic business development and sales
• How gr...
How Newcomers Build Stronger Communities | Amma Gatty on Culture, Belonging & Connection
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Amma Gatty, Founder and Executive Director of Culture Encounters, for an inspiring conversation about culture, belonging, immigration, community building, and the power of human connection.
Originally from Ghana and now based in Richmond, Virginia, Amma shares her personal journey as a newcomer to the United States and how that experience inspired her mission to build bridges across cultures through food, conversation, the arts, and community engagement.
Together, they explore:
• Why "newcomer" may be a more helpful and humanizing term than "immigrant"
...Communication, Trust & Toxic Leadership | Lee Caraher on Branding, Culture & Great Teams
This week on Diversity Conversations, communication strategist, CEO, and author Lee Caraher joins Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis for a powerful conversation on leadership, workplace culture, communication, trust, personal branding, and the hidden cost of toxic leadership.
Lee Caraher is the CEO of Double Forte, a national strategic communications and PR agency, and the author of:
• Millennials & Management
• The Boomerang Principle
Known as a “professional straight talker” and “the team whisperer,” Lee shares practical wisdom and deeply personal stories about building strong teams, leading with integrity, receiving difficult feedback, and creating cultures where people can th...
Cultural Intelligence & Human Connection | Pamela Bevins-Pippin on Leadership, Empathy & STEM
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis sit down with Pamela Bevins-Pippin, M.A., Director of STEM Education and Soft Skills for STEM at Hampton University, for a deeply human conversation about cultural intelligence, empathy, leadership, family, and connection.
Pamela shares how caring for her older brother with cerebral palsy shaped her understanding of dignity, communication, and humanity, while also exploring why cultural intelligence goes beyond “competency” and requires humility, awareness, listening, and emotional connection.
This episode explores:
• Cultural intelligence vs. cultural competency
• Leadership through empathy and human connecti...
Give People Spa Moments | Leadership, Inclusion & Human Connection with Lisette Martinez Peacock
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis sit down with Lisette Martinez Peacock, Chief EDIB Officer at the National Audubon Society, to explore leadership, belonging, cultural awareness, and the future of inclusion work in today’s rapidly changing world.
Lisette shares her personal journey growing up Puerto Rican in Detroit, the childhood experience that shaped her passion for inclusion, and the lessons she learned evolving from early DEI work into a more strategic, human-centered approach to leadership.
Together, they discuss:
• Why inclusion is about helping people feel they belong
...
Why Most Leaders Fail (And How to Fix It) | Adaptive Leadership with Dr. Melanie Buford
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, we explore why most leaders fail — and what it actually takes to fix it.
We sit down with leadership consultant and talent expert Dr. Melanie Buford to unpack one of the most misunderstood challenges in organizations today:
👉 Leadership problems are rarely technical… they’re human.
✨ “You can’t solve people problems with technical solutions.” — Dr. Melanie Buford
From adaptive vs. technical challenges to the hidden cost of poor leadership, this conversation dives deep into what truly drives performance, culture, and sustainable success.
Dr. Buford share...
The Power of Storytelling: Identity, Culture & Leadership | Wendy Shearer
What if storytelling wasn’t just entertainment… but a bridge to identity, culture, and leadership?
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, we are joined by the extraordinary storyteller, oral historian, and author Wendy Shearer, who takes us on a deeply moving journey through cultural memory, resilience, and the transformative power of story.
From her Guyanese heritage to her work preserving African and Caribbean folktales, Wendy shares how storytelling connects generations, strengthens identity, and creates spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
✨ In this conversation, we explore:
The power of storytel...Leading in Uncertain Times | What Great Leaders Do When Nothing Goes as Planned
What do great leaders actually do when nothing goes as planned?
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, hosts Tommie Lewis and Eric Ellis dive into the real, unfiltered side of leadership—where plans fall apart, expectations shift, and growth becomes unavoidable.
Through honest stories and real-life moments, they explore how leaders can navigate uncertainty with clarity, resilience, and presence—without losing themselves or their teams in the process.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to lead when things don’t go according to plan Why perfectionism can hold leaders back...How to Experience Joy NOW in Uncertain Times | Hope, Healing & Your Inner Sound
What do you do when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or emotionally heavy?
In this special episode of Diversity Conversations, what began as a leadership dialogue evolved into a deeply personal and inspiring conversation on hope, joy, healing, feedback, faith, and the power of finding your own sound.
Co-host Eric Ellis takes the audience on a heartfelt journey through:
Why joy must be chosen in the present moment The healing power of community, gratitude, and faith How feedback becomes feed-forward for better leadership Why small wins matter in difficult seasons T...The Hidden Cost of DBE Recertification: Trauma, Trust & Resilience | Yajaira Morphonios
What happens when a certification process meant to create opportunity begins to reopen old wounds?
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Yajaira Morphonios, Founder & CEO of Strategic Alliance Consultants, for a timely discussion on the evolving reality of DBE recertification, leadership under pressure, and the emotional toll many disadvantaged business owners are now facing.
From Puerto Rico to Kentucky to Louisiana, Yajaira shares how family values, resilience, cultural identity, and strategic partnerships shaped her leadership journey in construction, infrastructure, and...
Leadership That Works: The Truth About Equity, Inclusion & Power | Celeste Warren
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, we sit down with diversity champion, global leader, and author Celeste Warren for an honest and deeply insightful conversation on leadership, equity, and the evolving landscape of inclusion.
From her early beginnings shaped by her father’s pioneering role as the first Black principal in his district, to leading global DEI strategy at the highest levels of corporate America, Celeste shares the experiences that shaped her voice, her mission, and her unwavering commitment to equity in action.
Together, we explore:
The real meaning of equity — beyon...What Is Your Brand Really Saying? | Leadership, Reputation & People-Centered Business
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore a powerful leadership question:
What is your brand really saying when you’re not in the room?
From personal experiences to real business insights, this conversation evolves into a deep dive on branding, trust, and people-centered leadership in today’s rapidly changing world.
✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why your brand is more than a logo — it’s your reputationHow people experience your leadership when you're not presentThe connection between values, integrity, and business successWhy “people-centered workplaces” drive performanc...Is AI Making Us Smarter or More Lonely? | Leadership, Learning & Human Connection
In this live episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore a timely question with real leadership implications: Is AI making us smarter, or is it making us lazier and more disconnected?
What begins with stories about golf, learning, humility, and the journey of growth opens into a rich conversation about artificial intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, and the risks of relying too heavily on technology. Eric shares how tools like ChatGPT can expand learning, speed up problem-solving, and support innovation when used with discernment. Tommie brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective...
“We Must Save Us”™ | Closing the Health Gap with Renee Mahaffey Harris
“We Must Save Us”™ — a message from Renee Mahaffey Harris calling communities to take collective responsibility for health, advocacy, and care for one another.
In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Renee Mahaffey Harris, President and CEO of Closing the Health Gap, for an urgent and deeply human conversation about health equity, chronic stress, and the reality of health disparities affecting Black communities.
Renee shares powerful insights about the life expectancy gap, the hidden toll of stress on the body, and...
Living a RAW Life: Ready, Able & Willing | Youth Leadership, Mentorship & Illuminate
In this conversation, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis are joined by Diara Shaw, 2026 Illuminate Leadership Conference Curator, and Terrance Watson, a multi-year participant, for a real, human dialogue on what it takes to grow through challenge and lead with character.
From “permission to fail,” to why people connect with people (not tools), this episode explores the kind of leadership that shows up in everyday life: in mentorship, in transitions, in setbacks, and in the decision to keep going.
You’ll also hear about the Illuminate Leadership Institute and its resident...
What Does It Mean to Be Human? | Belonging, Failure & Leadership
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Tommie Lewis is joined by Paul James (Scholar, President & Chief People Strategist at Lighthouse Strategy Consulting) for a powerful dialogue exploring one central question:
What does it mean to be human? What begins as a story about a simple communication mistake evolves into a profound exploration of belonging, accountability, vulnerability, and the courage to remain teachable. Paul introduces a transformative question that shifts the tone of any conversation:
“Do I have your permission to fail?” From there, the discussion expands into leaders...
Words Can Break a Man: Doron Hunter on Faith, Identity, and Vitiligo
In this powerful installment of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis sits down with lifelong friend Doron Hunter for a raw and deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, and the cost of cruelty.
Doron shares stories from growing up in Lincoln Heights, the difficult transition into Princeton schools, and the truth behind what it takes to earn a place when doors keep closing. He also opens up about missed opportunities in professional football, the painful weight of expectations, addiction and recovery, and the moment faith became the turning point of his life.
Near th...
The Two White Socks Principle: Leadership, Faith, and the Power of Simplicity
In this unscripted, heartfelt episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis follow the conversation where it naturally leads: toward faith, peace, leadership, and the power of simplicity.
Eric shares how a daily devotional practice helped calm anxiety and bring him back to the blessing of today. Tommie reflects on what it means to walk in faith without being consumed by worry, and how peace can become an ongoing miracle when you stop feeding negativity.
At the center of the episode is a powerful metaphor: “the two white socks.” Sometimes the instruction is sim...
Leadership, Purpose & the Power of Human Connection: A Conversation with Gerardo Macias
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, hosts Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Gerardo Macias, Independent Board Member and Partner at DHR Global, for a deeply human conversation on leadership, purpose, faith, and the power of connection.
Hosted by Eric Ellis, President & CEO of Integrity Development Corporation, and Tommie Lewis, President & CEO of Make It Plain Consulting.
From personal vulnerability and navigating uncertainty, to executive search, succession, and human-centered leadership, this episode explores how purpose evolves across seasons of life and work. Gerardo shares his journey from artist to executive talent advisor, the im...
Difficult Conversations: Money, Boundaries, and the Truth We Avoid
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore why some conversations feel so difficult, and how to approach them with clarity, calm, and courage.
They unpack real-world examples from business, leadership, and everyday life, including negotiating costs and value, managing financial decisions without shame, setting boundaries that can be enforced, and navigating communication breakdowns like interruptions and “20-minute monologues” disguised as dialogue.
This conversation is a reminder that difficult conversations become easier when we focus on facts, shared goals, respect, and personal accountability—especially in a world that profits from chaos.
T...
Self-Regulation, Faith, and Leadership Under Pressure | Real Talk with Eric & Tommie
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore what it really takes to lead when life feels heavy, emotions run hot, and the pressure is real.
They unpack the difference between self-reflection and self-regulation, why valuing people matters most in tense moments, and how faith, humility, and practical tools help leaders stay grounded. Eric shares a candid story about a public moment that required accountability and apology, and Tommie reflects on a powerful example of emotional self-control (and the lack of it) in a shared space.
This is...
Beyond Skincare: Denisse Ruiz on Healing, Faith, and Self-Esteem
In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Denisse Ruiz, entrepreneur and Cincinnati licensed esthetician, for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond skincare.
Denisse shares her journey from struggling with acne and self-esteem as a teen to building a purpose-driven aesthetics practice rooted in compassion, excellence, and faith. Together, they explore how skincare intersects with mental health, confidence, identity, and spiritual healing, plus why consistent self-care is not superficial when it restores dignity and peace.
You’ll also hear about Denisse’s heart for service...
