Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis

Hosted by Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis

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Episodes

227

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 13, 20261 hr 0 min

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, a family, or simply working to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers practical insights and meaningful reflections for navigating today's challenges with integrity and purpose. 🎙️ Topics include: • Building trust through character and accountability • The power of psychological safety in the workplace • Why leaders should admit mistakes • Empathic listening and perspective-taking • Inclusive leadership and belonging • Personal discipline, health, and habit formation • Friendship, mentorship, and community • Faith, grace, and leadership development Join the conversation and discover how leadership begins long before a title is ever assigned. leadership, inclusive leadership, leadership development, trust, workplace culture, psychological safety, empathy, empathic listening, accountability, character, belonging, inclusion, diversity conversations, eric ellis, organizational culture, team effectiveness, communication skills, emotional intelligence, personal growth, self discipline, habits, leadership skills, employee engagement, trust building, servant leadership, diversity equity inclusion, DEI, team excellence, coaching, professional development, workplace leadership, corporate culture, leadership podcast, faith and leadership, authentic leadership 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

June 6, 20261 hr 3 min

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 great leaders create cultures of accountability and belonging• The power of feedback as a catalyst for growth• Building organizations that prioritize people, purpose, and performance• Why human-centered leadership matters in an AI-driven world• Mentorship, community impact, and developing future leaders• The connection between sports, discipline, and leadership excellenceThis conversation is a powerful reminder that sustainable success is built through integrity, service, and meaningful relationships.Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, HR professional, manager, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode offers practical wisdom for leading with purpose and creating impact that lasts.Connect with Gary Prater on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and leadership philosophy.leadership, trust, workplace culture, business development, human connection, professional growth, organizational culture, leadership development, people first leadership, employee engagement, relationship building, feedback, mentorship, integrity, company culture, diversity conversations, business leadership, workplace trust, personal development, team building, management, AI and leadership, community leadership, Gary Prater, Ingage Partners 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

May 30, 20261 hr 4 min

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"• The difference between integration and assimilation• How food, storytelling, and dialogue create connection• Building belonging across cultural differences• What communities can learn from global perspectives• The role of hospitality, curiosity, and leadership in creating inclusive spaces• How culture shapes the way we see ourselves and othersThis thoughtful conversation offers practical insights for leaders, community builders, educators, and anyone interested in creating stronger human connections across differences.Learn more about Culture Encounters: cultureencounters.orgAmma Gatty, Culture Encounters, Belonging, Community Building, Human Connection, Leadership, Diversity Conversations, Immigration, Newcomers, Cultural Competency, Intercultural Communication, Inclusion, Diversity, Richmond Virginia, Ghana, African Leadership, Hospitality, Cultural Bridge Building, Cultural Intelligence, DEI, Dialogue, Conversation, Global Perspectives, Community Engagement, Social Impact 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

May 23, 20261 hr 25 min

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 PrincipleKnown 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 thrive.In this episode:✨ Why communication means nothing until the message lands✨ The hidden cost of toxic leadership✨ How appreciation increases productivity✨ Personal branding & reputation✨ Why great teams TALK✨ Building trust in organizations✨ Leadership feedback & self-awareness✨ Entrepreneurship & culture-building✨ Communication as a business driver✨ Creating workplaces where people belongLee also shares powerful reflections on parenting, leadership, athletics, music, entrepreneurship, diversity, inclusion, and the importance of allowing people to fully become themselves.Connect with Lee Caraher:Email:Lcaraher@double-forte.comWebsite:Leecaraher.comX / Twitter:https://twitter.com/LeeCaraherFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leecaraher/YouTube:www.youtube.com/@leecaraher4222Podcast:https://www.everything-speaks.com/🎙️ Diversity Conversations explores leadership, culture, equity, communication, and authentic human connection through meaningful dialogue.Tags:leadership, communication, toxic leadership, workplace culture, trust, personal branding, diversity conversations, Lee Caraher, team culture, leadership development, communication skills, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, executive leadership, authentic leadership, entrepreneurship, DEI, workplace trust, public relations, strategic communication, company culture, leadership podcast, business leadership, team building, leadership coaching 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

May 16, 202653 min

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 connection• Family caregiving and identity• Communication across cultures and communities• Soft skills in STEM and leadership• The importance of slowing down and truly listening• Why authentic relationships matter now more than everA heartfelt and insightful conversation about what it means to truly see and honor one another in today’s world.Diversity Conversations, Pamela Bevins-Pippin, cultural intelligence, leadership, empathy, STEM education, soft skills, DEI, inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, communication skills, human connection, workplace culture, diversity equity inclusion, family caregiving, cultural competency, Hampton University, leadership podcast, Eric Ellis, Tommie Lewis 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

May 9, 20261 hr 7 min

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• The importance of slowing down to truly connect• How “Spa Moments” can transform relationships and workplaces• The future of DEI and why the mission still matters• Leadership, empathy, accountability, and cultural competency• Why organizations must align values with behaviorThis episode is filled with wisdom, practical insight, and deeply human conversation about how we create stronger communities and workplaces through understanding and connection.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Diversity Conversations04:52 Camp Joy, Leadership & Choosing Better Habits15:18 “Where Do I Sit?” — Lisette’s Childhood Story on Inclusion24:40 From Diversity Policing to Human Connection34:15 Is DEI Disappearing? The Future of Inclusion Work45:08 Stop Expecting to See Yourself in Others54:20 The Power of “Spa Moments” in Leadership & Relationships1:03:12 Values, Accountability & Final ReflectionsTo know more about Lisette’s work → salinasconsultants.comTo connect with Lisette → linkedin.com/in/lisettemartinezDiversity Conversations, Lisette Martinez peacock, leadership, diversity equity inclusion, belonging, cultural competency, workplace culture, human connection, leadership development, inclusive leadership, DEI podcast, empathy in leadership, spa moments, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion, workplace belonging, values based leadership, diversity podcast, Tommie Lewis, Eric Ellis 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

May 2, 20261 hr 16 min

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 shares her insights on: Why organizations struggle to develop effective leaders The difference between technical problems and adaptive challenges How personality, talent, and systems shape leadership outcomes The role of feedback, belief systems, and emotional intelligence How social media and modern communication impact decision-making Why reflection and pause are critical for growth in today’s fast-paced world This episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations ready to move beyond surface-level solutions and create meaningful, lasting change.🌐 Learn more about Dr. Melanie Buford’s work: 👉 www.draftanddirection.com🎙️ Diversity Conversations is a weekly live show where we explore leadership, inclusion, and real-world solutions to today’s most complex challenges.If this conversation challenged your perspective… 👉 Follow, share, and invite someone into the conversation.Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers… …it’s about asking better questions.leadership development, adaptive leadership, talent development, emotional intelligence, leadership coaching, organizational culture, diversity leadership, systems thinking, leadership skills, workplace culture, personal development, executive coaching, feedback in leadership, business leadership, Diversity Conversations 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

April 25, 20261 hr 2 min

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 storytelling in leadership and human connection How identity and culture are shaped through stories The importance of preserving oral history Finding resilience, joy, and meaning through storytelling Why storytelling matters now more than ever This is more than a conversation… It’s an invitation to remember who you are. 🌍 Whether you are a leader, educator, creative, or simply someone seeking deeper connection — this episode will stay with you. 📚 Connect with Wendy Shearer: 🌐 wendyshearer.co.uk 📸 Instagram --> wendycshearer🎙️ Hosted by Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis Diversity Conversations — where real-world leadership meets higher awareness. 💬 Join the conversation: What stories have shaped who you are today? ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Diversity Conversations02:30 The Power of Self-Development & Mindset07:30 Empathy in Action: A Real-Life Story14:30 Introducing Wendy Shearer16:30 Wendy’s Journey: From BBC Producer to Storyteller22:00 Identity, Culture & Family Influence30:00 Navigating Challenges, Racism & Resilience38:00 Finding Joy Through Story & Community43:00 What Is Storytelling? Wendy Explains Her Work48:30 Live Storytelling Moment (Anansi & Mansa Musa)54:30 Storytelling as Leadership & Human Connection58:30 Wendy’s Message for the Next Generation1:01:00 Final Reflections & How to Connect with Wendy storytelling, cultural memory, oral history, conscious leadership, authentic leadership, diversity conversations, identity and culture, African storytelling, Caribbean culture, personal transformation, self awareness, human connection, leadership development, inclusion and diversity, heritage storytelling, storytelling podcast, inspirational stories, cultural identity, resilience and growth, meaningful conversations 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

April 18, 20261 hr 2 min

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 The role of honest conversations in driving real change How to recover from mistakes and lead with integrity Why releasing control creates better outcomes How to restore joy in high-pressure environments The importance of connection over isolation in leadership and lifeThis isn’t just a leadership conversation—it’s a real look at what it takes to grow, adapt, and lead when certainty disappears. If you're navigating change, leading a team, or building something meaningful in uncertain times… this episode is for you.And if your organization is navigating change, leadership challenges, or cultural transformation, Tommie and Eric bring decades of experience in leadership development, coaching, and organizational strategy. 👉 Connect with Tommie Lewis: Make It Plain Consulting👉 Connect with Eric Ellis: Integrity Developmentleadership, leadership development, authentic leadership, conscious leadership, leadership in uncertain times, uncertainty, navigating uncertainty, emotional intelligence, personal growth, mindset, growth mindset, decision making, business leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity conversations 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

April 11, 20261 hr 8 min

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 The importance of staying connected instead of isolated Music, creativity, and the courage to express your authentic sound How to protect your peace in a world designed to steal your attention 🎵 Music featured in this episode from Eric Ellis’ project My Sound: DreamerOur TimeMiraclesMy SoundReady to LoveListen to Eric Ellis’ music here: Eric Ellis Music Channel Full My Sound playlist: My Sound Playlist This episode becomes more than a conversation, it becomes an experience of joy in real time. If you’ve been carrying stress, uncertainty, or simply need a reminder to reconnect with your purpose, this replay is for you. leadership, joy, hope, healing, mindset, personal growth, emotional resilience, faith, authentic leadership, feedback, leadership development, community, gratitude, purpose, self-awareness, psychological safety, diversity conversations, Eric Ellis, Tommie Lewis, music, creativity, finding your sound, inspiration, encouragement, resilience, live podcast, business leadership, culture, wellbeing, emotional intelligence 📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube