Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis

 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 expl...

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 con...

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...

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...

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 learn...

 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 —...

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...

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 evaluat...

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 commun...

In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations , host Tommie Lewis , President and CEO of Make It Plain Consulting , speaks with Sharon Watkins , Community Engagement Director for the Cincinnati Community Action Agency (CAA) , about the nationwide phase-out of the SNAP benefits program and its real impact on American families. Sharon shares firsthand experiences from local food pantries—where...

 In this inspiring new episode of Diversity Conversations LIVE , hosts Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis take a heartfelt journey from the golf course to real life—reminding us that success isn’t measured by numbers, titles, or trophies… it’s measured by integrity, growth, and grace.   From backyard moments of peace ☕ to golf rounds filled with laughter and life lessons, Eric and Tommie explore what it...

 In this week’s episode of Diversity Conversations LIVE , hosts Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis take their microphones to the golf course for a fresh and unforgettable conversation about leadership, integrity, and life balance.   Drawing inspiration from a recent Cincinnati Bengals win and their own golf tournament, Eric and Tommie explore seven powerful lessons:  🎯 Why success is not defined by your...

In this heartfelt and power-packed episode of Diversity Conversations Live , Eric Ellis (Integrity Development Corporation) and Tommie Lewis (Make It Plain Consulting) explore one of the most powerful and practical leadership principles of our time — you don’t just leverage your network; you become leverageable. Through raw honesty, spiritual reflection, and real-world stories, Eric and Tommie unp...

In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations LIVE , hosts Eric Ellis (Integrity Development Corp.) and Tommie Lewis (Make It Plain Consulting) sit down with Sherry Sims , Founder of the Black Career Women’s Network , for a deep and transparent conversation about leadership, bias, and empowerment in today’s workplace . Sherry shares her personal journey—from Oklahoma roots to corporate Ameri...

In this powerful live edition of Diversity Conversations , we explore how to find balance, peace, and safety even in the middle of life’s storms . Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis share heartfelt wisdom, real-world strategies, and inspiring stories to help leaders, organizations, and individuals navigate challenges with resilience and calm. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover: How to remain centered wh...

  Operationalizing Love at Work (with Calista Smith, Scale Strategic Solutions) What if love wasn’t “soft” in business—but a repeatable operating system for results? This week on Diversity Conversations , hosts Eric Ellis (Integrity Development Corporation) and Tommie Lewis (Make It Plain Consulting) welcome Calista Smith , President of Scale Strategic Solutions, to explore how leaders can turn va...

In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations Part 2 , Eric Ellis shares the 5 essential leadership skills every leader must master to create authentic, inclusive, and high-performing environments. 🌍💡  From navigating change to building trust and inspiring teams, Eric brings decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), executive coaching, and organizational transformati...

 In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations , Eric Ellis shares the 5 essential leadership skills every leader must master to create authentic, inclusive, and high-performing environments. 🌍💡  From navigating change to building trust and inspiring teams, Eric brings decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), executive coaching, and organizational transformation. Th...

 In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations , hosts Eric Ellis (President & CEO of Integrity Development Corp.) and Tommie Lewis (President & CEO of Make It Plain Consulting) welcome the inspiring Arlene Rahn — speaker, panelist, facilitator, and founder of RedHouse Performance Consulting .  Together, they explore the art of building relationships with care , diving deep into Arle...

In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations , hosts Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis welcome Charlotte Otter — author, speaker, and advisor — for an inspiring dialogue about the urgent call for a new kind of leadership in today’s rapidly changing world. As traditional systems break down, Charlotte shares her vision for cultivating leaders who lead with authenticity, courage, and emotional i...

 In this inspiring episode of Diversity Conversations , hosts Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome transformational leader Apollo Emeka , widely known as “The Big Decisions Guy,” to explore how making bold, high-impact decisions can completely reshape your life and leadership path.  Drawing from his experience as a Green Beret, FBI analyst, and DEI strategist, Apollo shares how one courageous choic...

In this powerful pre-recorded episode of Diversity Conversations , host Eric Ellis sits down one-on-one with Congressman Greg Landsman , who proudly represents Southwest Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives. Together, they explore what it truly means to make bold and lasting change—from legislative leadership to grassroots community transformation. 🎯 Topics discussed:  ✅ The courage behind...

Are you feeling stuck, discouraged, or paralyzed by fear because others don’t believe in your vision? In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations , Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis share five transformative strategies to stay grounded, courageous, and unstoppable — even when people try to stand in the way of your purpose. 💪🏾✨ This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating leadershi...

With Special Guest: Natalie Dusey, Global Chief of Staff at Meet the People. What does it really take to build a workplace culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered — while still delivering top-tier results? Join us in our community and be a part of this engaging conversation at www.facebook.com/elliseric Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis are diversity, equity and inclusion strategists an...

  Join us in our community and be a part of this engaging conversation at www.facebook.com/elliseric Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis are diversity, equity and inclusion strategists and CEO’s. Eric Ellis at www.integritydev.com or  ericellis@integritydev.com  Tommie Lewis at www.mipcllc.com or tommielewis@mipcllc.com We invite you to like Diversity Conversations´ FaceBook page HERE! And to subscribe to...