Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis

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, char...

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...

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 adul...

 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 sa...

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,...

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...

 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 &...

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 d...

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 sha...

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....

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...

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...

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 ch...

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 disadvan...

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 highes...

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 yo...

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 ris...

“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 stres...

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 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, an...

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 op...

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,...

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.   F...

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 c...

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...