Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis

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 t...

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....

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 folkt...

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 themselv...

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 heali...

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.

Fro...

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, Celest...

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...