Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis

Hosted by Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis

Management Education Society Culture

Website RSS feed YouTube

Episodes

239

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

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

October 12, 20261 hr 3 min

What Happens When You Stop Pretending You're Fine?

When someone asks, “How are you?” do you feel free to give the real answer? Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis explore what becomes possible when we move beyond appearances and make room for honest conversations. Through personal stories of friendship, business setbacks, and the pressures behind visible success, they reveal how being real can deepen trust and create more meaningful connections. This conversation explores listening without judgment, finding people you can safely open up to, and appreciating the present without measuring your worth by money, status, or other people’s expectations. A reminder that you don’t have to have everything together to bring something valuable to a relationship. Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis, Dr. Tommie Lewis, authenticity, honest conversations, meaningful relationships, active listening, trust, vulnerability, self-awareness, personal growth, leadership, emotional intelligence, friendship, being present 📅 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

October 3, 20261 hr 1 min

God’s Masterclass: Who Are You Becoming Through Life’s Challenges?

Who are you becoming while you wait for your circumstances to change? In this deeply personal episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis explore how faith can reshape the way we move through life’s challenges. Eric opens up about recognizing emotional numbness and finding renewed hope through an unexpected church experience. Tommie offers an honest challenge: how do we move from speaking about faith to putting it into action? Together, they reflect on what Eric calls “God’s masterclass”—the ongoing process of learning to trust God, release old stories, and grow in humility, self-awareness, and inner peace. This conversation offers meaningful questions for anyone navigating uncertainty, relationship changes, or a season of spiritual growth: • What might you be avoiding by numbing your emotions? • Are your actions aligned with the faith you express? • What are you learning about yourself in this season? The episode closes with a heartfelt invitation to pray for one another and support each other through the learning. Join Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis for honest conversations about leadership, faith, and human connection. Follow Diversity Conversations to hear future episodes. Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis, Dr. Tommie Lewis, God's masterclass, Christian faith, spiritual growth, trusting God, faith in action, life's challenges, emotional numbness, self-awareness, personal growth, inner peace, humility, letting go, purpose, authentic leadership, human connection 📅 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

September 19, 20261 hr 3 min

Let Go of the Old Story | Faith, Family & What Really Matters

Who are you beyond your titles, achievements, and the story you’ve told about yourself for years? After facilitating the Breakthrough Collective, Dr. Tommie Lewis brings that question to his conversation with Eric Ellis. Together, they reflect on old stories, the expectations we place on ourselves, and the freedom that comes with being honest about where we are now. Then Tommie shares a personal story about his son’s car accident. What happened afterward changed how he saw a car he had treasured for years—and reminded both hosts of the value of family, faith, and simply being here for one another. This unscripted conversation moves through laughter, vulnerability, and the question at its heart: What really matters when life changes our plans? Join Eric and Tommie for a Diversity Conversation about letting go, finding joy in the simple things, and making room for a new story. New episodes every other Saturday. Follow Diversity Conversations so you don’t miss the next one. Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis, Tommie Lewis, letting go of old stories, personal growth, faith and family, what really matters, authenticity, self reflection, life lessons, finding joy, breakthrough, 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

September 5, 202658 min

How to Protect Your Peace When Someone Tries to Provoke You

What would you do if you were trapped on a plane beside a hostile stranger who repeatedly insulted you, touched you without permission and tried to provoke a reaction? On his way to Cancún, Dr. Tommie Lewis faced exactly that situation for nearly two hours. But instead of matching hostility with hostility, he remained grounded, protected his boundaries and made a powerful decision: no one was going to disrupt his peace. In this unforgettable episode of Diversity Conversations , Tommie shares the emotional intelligence practice that helped him navigate the encounter: his “mental board members.” He explains how the different voices within us—anger, fear, frustration, patience, wisdom and compassion—compete to guide our behavior, and how we can intentionally choose the voice that leads toward the outcome we truly want. Together, Tommie and Eric Ellis explore what it means to: Remain calm when someone tries to provoke you Set boundaries without surrendering your humanity Recognize the pain behind another person’s behavior Choose a response instead of being controlled by a reaction Protect your peace without abandoning compassion Navigate self-doubt and imposter syndrome Let wisdom—not simply the loudest inner voice—lead This is a raw and deeply human conversation about civility, empathy, faith, leadership and the quiet decisions that reveal who we truly are under pressure. When hostility enters the room, which voice within you will lead? emotional intelligence, protect your peace, staying calm under pressure, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, self-control, responding to hostility, setting boundaries, empathy, compassion, mental board members, leadership, civility, humanity, difficult people, personal growth, imposter syndrome, faith, resilience, Dr. Tommie Lewis, Eric Ellis, 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

August 29, 202653 min

Values Over Tribalism: How to Disagree Without Losing Our Humanity

What happens when winning a political argument becomes more important than preserving our values—or our relationships? In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis explores how political tribalism can reduce complex human beings to labels, distort the way we see those who disagree with us, and tempt us to excuse behavior from our own side that we would condemn in others. Inspired by an emotional monologue from country singer, songwriter, and rapper Jelly Roll—whose real name is Jason DeFord—Eric reflects on a simple but urgently needed truth: we may disagree, argue, and vote differently while still recognizing one another’s humanity. From identity alignment and political polarization to friendship, faith, citizenship, and community responsibility, this conversation challenges us to place people above politics and principles above party loyalty. Eric reminds us that relationships must be able to survive disagreement, leadership should be measured by problems solved rather than opponents defeated, and unity does not require agreement. Because meaningful change cannot be left entirely to politicians or institutions. It begins with how we treat our neighbors, how we respond to opposing viewpoints, and whether we are willing to defend human dignity—even when doing so costs us something. Watch the Jelly Roll monologue that inspired this conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ7RRSJXgi8 In this episode: Why political labels cannot define a person’s character How tribalism intensifies division and distrust Why relationships must survive disagreement The difference between unity and conformity How political messaging exaggerates the flaws of the opposing side Why people and principles must matter more than winning The role each of us plays in rebuilding community and human connection political tribalism, political polarization, values over politics, Jelly Roll, Jason DeFord, Jimmy Kimmel Live, human dignity, civil discourse, political division, unity without agreement, leadership, community, citizenship, relationships, empathy, values-based leadership, Diversity Conversations, 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

August 22, 20261 hr 3 min

Still Undefeated: How Faith, Friendship & Resilience Carry You Through Hard Times

What does it truly mean to remain undefeated when life brings health scares, unexpected setbacks, personal struggles, and moments that make you question who you are? In this deeply personal episode of Diversity Conversations, Dr. Tommie Lewis and Eric Ellis explore why being undefeated does not mean winning every moment or avoiding failure. It means continuing to learn, showing up with faith, and refusing to let a difficult season define your identity. Tommie opens up about the serious health warning that forced him to pause, reassess his priorities, and begin taking better care of his mind, body, and spirit. He also shares how faith helped him remain grounded after his son was involved in a frightening car accident. Eric reflects on failure, embarrassment, and the danger of allowing a score, a result, or someone else’s perception to determine your worth. Together, they discuss the lessons hidden inside our losses and why difficult experiences can deepen our empathy for others. The conversation ultimately becomes a powerful reminder of what matters most: faith, genuine friendship, meaningful relationships, and being present for the people we love. You may lose a play, a quarter, or even experience a difficult season—but that does not mean you are defeated. When we stand together, keep learning, and remain anchored in faith, we are still undefeated. Join Eric and Tommie for an honest conversation about resilience, self-care, friendship, identity, and finding strength during life’s hardest moments. undefeated, resilience, faith, friendship, overcoming adversity, hard times, personal growth, self-care, mental health, health and wellness, life challenges, failure, identity, authentic relationships, community, perseverance, emotional resilience, leadership, Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis, Dr. 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

August 16, 202659 min

Better Conversations, Better Lives: 7 Conversations That Can Change Your Life

What if the conversations that could most improve our lives aren’t the ones dominating television and social media? In this solo episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis explores seven meaningful conversations that can strengthen our relationships, deepen our sense of purpose, and improve the quality of our lives. From building community and learning to receive help to practicing forgiveness, listening with intention, making room for joy, sharing knowledge, and telling people we care—Eric reminds us that authentic human connection matters. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and practical insight, this episode invites us to reconsider what we talk about, how we listen, and what we are contributing to the lives of those around us. Because better conversations don’t simply exchange information—they create stronger relationships, healthier communities, and better lives. Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis, better conversations, meaningful conversations, communication, authentic connection, human connection, social connection, relationships, community, purpose, forgiveness, active listening, emotional wellness, personal growth, leadership, receiving help, joy, family relationships, healthy 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

August 8, 20261 hr 4 min

Your Position Is Not Your Value: Navigating AI and Workforce Change | Anyah Land

As artificial intelligence, layoffs, retirement, and generational shifts reshape the workplace, how do we navigate change without losing our sense of identity, purpose, or value? In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Dr. Tommie Lewis speaks with Anyah Land, Certified Executive Coach and founder of SOAR Growth Consulting, about one of the most significant workforce transitions of our time. Drawing from her experience in human resources, public health, diversity and inclusion, and executive coaching, Anyah explores the human impact of organizational change—from the fear of displacement experienced by seasoned professionals to the challenge of preparing emerging leaders to carry institutional knowledge forward. In this conversation, they discuss: • Why your position should never define your value • How to separate your identity and purpose from your job title • Why experienced professionals may struggle to let go during workforce transitions • How AI can preserve institutional knowledge and prepare the next generation of leaders • The role of the S-curve in understanding growth and resistance to change • Why you shouldn’t run from AI—but learn how to work with it • How to create a growth plan that is bigger than your current employer Anyah also shares three essential reminders for navigating the future of work: know your WHY, recognize your strengths, and document your accomplishments. Your job may change. Your title may disappear. But your ability to create value goes with you. Connect with Anyah Land and learn more about SOAR Growth Consulting: soargrowthconsulting.com Join us for another thought-provoking Diversity Conversation about leadership, equity, personal growth, and the changing world of work. future of work, artificial intelligence, AI in the workplace, workforce change, workforce transitions, career transitions, layoffs, job loss, executive coaching, Anyah Land, SOAR Growth Consulting, workplace equity, age equity, baby boomers, retirement transition, digital transformation, institutional knowledge, knowledge transfer, emerging leaders, multigenerational workforce, career growth, professional identity, purpose at work, leadership development, HR leadership, diversity and inclusion, 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

August 2, 20261 hr 5 min

Undefeated: How to Get Back Up When Life Knocks You Down

What does it truly mean to be undefeated? It doesn’t mean that life has been easy, that you have never failed, or that you have never been knocked down. It means choosing to get back up every time life challenges you. In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis shares deeply personal stories of rejection, disappointment, perseverance, faith, and transformation. From being overlooked and cut from teams to navigating major changes in his personal life and career, Eric reveals how setbacks can build resilience, strengthen character, and sometimes become answers in disguise. Eric also explores how leaders can respond to workplace inequity and favoritism with fairness, consistency, and evidence-based decisions—introducing a practical framework designed to help create more equitable workplaces for everyone. If you are facing an invisible battle, feeling discouraged, or wondering whether you have the strength to continue, this conversation is a reminder: your story is not over. Being undefeated isn’t a record. It’s a decision. undefeated, resilience, overcoming adversity, personal growth, faith, perseverance, leadership, inclusive leadership, workplace fairness, favoritism in the workplace, equity, character development, purpose, motivation, Eric Ellis, 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

July 25, 20261 hr 0 min

How to Protect Your Hope and Joy from Negativity | Gisele Marcus

Negativity can easily dominate our attention, shape the stories we tell ourselves, and influence how we see the future. But protecting our hope and joy does not mean ignoring life’s challenges—it means refusing to let those challenges define us. In this inspiring episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis is joined by Gisele Marcus, Vice Dean and Professor of Practice at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. Drawing from her personal journey and extensive leadership experience, Gisele shares practical ways to remain grounded in hope, resilience, and possibility—even when facing criticism, uncertainty, or adversity. Together, Eric and Gisele explore: • Why our brains naturally focus on negativity • How positive emotions strengthen creativity, resilience, and relationships • Three practical ways to protect your hope and joy • How to guard what receives your attention • Why reframing your story can change your outlook • The importance of protecting your circle and emotional environment • Why protecting your joy is not selfish • How each of us can choose to multiply hope instead of fear This meaningful conversation reminds us that our present circumstances do not define the substance of who we are—and that hope gives us the courage to keep dreaming, creating, connecting, and moving forward. Listen now and consider: Are you multiplying fear, or are you multiplying hope? Gisele Marcus, Eric Ellis, Diversity Conversations, hope and joy, overcoming negativity, positive mindset, emotional resilience, protecting your peace, personal growth, leadership, optimism, emotional well-being, mental wellness, resilience, overcoming adversity, negativity bias, reframing your thoughts, emotional stewardship, multiplying hope, protecting your circle, positive emotions, workplace leadership, inclusive leadership, Washington University, Olin Business School 📅 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