Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis

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 y...

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 technolo...

“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...

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 t...

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. Pau...

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 p...

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 m...

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...

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 interrup...

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 a...

 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...

In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis kick off the 2026 season with an honest, unscripted conversation about leadership, empathy, and what it really takes to move forward.

They explore what to leave behind from the past, how “double-clicking” old experiences keeps us stuck, and why changing the conversation internally and externally can change the future. The conversation also dives into empathy, li...

In this powerful year-end conversation, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Dr. Littisha A. Bates, Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Academic Affairs at the University of Cincinnati College of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Bates brings clarity, courage, and heart as she shares how her upbringing on Chicago’s South Side shaped her leadership, her commitment to equity, and her belief that you can be fully yourself and fu...

The holidays have a way of revealing what matters most, especially when life brings storms you didn’t ask for. 

A holiday leadership conversation on giving, dignity, family expectations, and finding joy and faith while weathering personal storms. 

In this week’s episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis reflect on the realities many people face during the holiday season and what it looks like to lead with humani...

Some of the most important conversations in our lives don’t happen often. But when they do, they change everything.

In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore what they call rare but consequential conversations. The kind of conversations we avoid, delay, or don’t know how to navigate, yet they shape our relationships, leadership, peace, and future.

From learning how to respectfully end a conversat...

 In this special holiday episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis dive deep into “The Season of Giving and Grace.” 

From 2:30 a.m. moments of quiet reflection to a breakthrough idea about “trillion-dollar stars” in underserved communities, Eric and Tommy explore what it really means to give, receive, forgive, and reset. 

You’ll hear: 

• How giving beyond material gifts—time, attention, empathy, presence—ca...

In today’s episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore the power of embracing gratitude in a “wild, wild” world—where politics are volatile, emotions run high, and it’s easy to get lost in fear, anger, and division.

Eric shares how his faith and gratitude practice shape the way he views leaders, conflict, and even the most polarizing figures in public life—choosing to see people’s humanity instead of lett...

In this powerful continuation of last week’s dialogue, Eric Ellis (President & CEO, Integrity Development Corporation) and Tommie Lewis (President & CEO, Make It Plain Consulting) invite you into an honest, strategic, and deeply human reflection on worth—both personal and organizational.

As Diversity Conversations celebrates 7 years and over 375 episodes, Eric and Tommie pause to evaluate the journey through multiple lenses:...

In this heartfelt episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis invite us to slow down and reflect on the question: What defines our true worth? 💫 

From the inspiring Goins family legacy to the viral Miss Mexico story that’s sparking reflection worldwide, Eric and Tommie explore how faith, forgiveness, and alignment shape the lives we build — at home, in business, and in community. 

You’ll hear stories of humility,...