Diversity Conversations W/ Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis

Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

  1. 3D AGO

    The Holiday Reality Check: Giving, Gratitude, and Weathering Life’s Storms

    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 what it looks like to lead with humanity when expectations, emotions, and finances collide.  They explore three holiday “realities”:  Those doing well financially and how to give relationally, not transactionally, without making generosity a spectacle.Families with limited resources and young children with big expectations and how to protect dignity, redefine “Santa,” and model values that last.People who have means but are exhausted by the commercialization of Christmas and how to set boundaries with intention, not moral superiority. The conversation also turns personal and powerful: Eric and Tommie open up about storms, faith, receiving help without shame, and the clarity that comes when life forces a pivot. They revisit a childhood memory, the Charlie Brown tree, as a reminder that what makes the season meaningful isn’t the transaction, it’s the connection. Plus: a reflection on the “war on talent,” overlooked potential in underserved communities, and why values associated with DEI still matter even when trends change.  Sponsor spotlight: Game Time Budgeting, helping employees transform their relationship with money through mindset, behaviors, and simple systems.  Merry Christmas from our team to yours. We love you, and we’ll see you next Saturday 🙏🤗 Holiday season, leadership, DEI, generosity, gratitude, faith, community, family expectations, financial stress, emotional resilience, storms, purpose, Charlie Brown tree, war on talent, underserved communities, 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

    1h 1m

  2. DEC 13

    How to Have Hard Conversations: Managing Up, Family Traditions, and Boundaries

    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 learning how to respectfully end a conversation with a boss, to unpacking family traditions that lost their original meaning, to defining what real friendship actually requires, this episode invites listeners to slow down and reflect on how they show up in the conversations that matter most. You’ll hear powerful real-life stories, honest reflections, and thoughtful distinctions around: How to have hard conversations without burning bridgesManaging up and setting boundaries with authority figuresFamily patterns we normalize but never questionThe difference between having friends and being oneForgiveness versus allowing yourself to be usedHow to evaluate where your time, energy, and care truly belongThis conversation is not about perfection.  It’s about courage, clarity, and choosing intention over avoidance. If you’ve ever struggled with knowing what to say, when to say it, or whether to say it at all, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. 🎧 Listen in, reflect deeply, and join the conversation. Interested in joining the conversation as a guest? Diversity Conversations welcomes leaders, thinkers, and community voices who value honest dialogue and meaningful impact. If you’d like to be considered, reach out and tell us why this conversation matters to you.  Leadership, Difficult Conversations, Personal Growth, Communication Skills, Boundaries, Emotional Intelligence, Relationships, Friendship, Forgiveness, 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

    1h 11m

  3. DEC 6

    More Than Gifts: The Real Meaning of Giving & Grace

    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—time, attention, empathy, presence—can matter more than anything money can buy.Eric’s powerful story of loaning his brother $10,000, not speaking for two years, and then being led to call and apologize, which completely transformed their relationship.Tommy’s honest account of wrestling with anger, control, and change at home—and how a real encounter with the Holy Spirit “hit the reset button” on his heart, teaching him to live with more grace, abundance, and compassion in real time.A fresh look at diversity conversations themselves: why this show is not just for DEI experts, but for anyone willing to bring their real stories, questions, and humanity to the table. This episode is a vulnerable, hope-filled invitation to ask yourself:   What am I really giving this season?Where do I need to extend grace—to others and to myself?What new story is God (or life) inviting me to live into? Thank you for listening and for being part of the Diversity Conversations community. Your presence is a gift. 🎄✨   📅 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

    1h 3m

  4. NOV 23

    The Power of Embracing Gratitude in a Wild, Wild World

    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 see people’s humanity instead of letting them become “boogeymen” in his mind. Tommie brings a powerful story from Dolores, Colorado, where he spoke to elementary, middle, and high school students about “My Helping Hand”—who has helped you, who have you helped, and who will you help? That assembly opened space to address student suicide, mental health, and asking for help through the lens of love instead of fear. And yes… you’ll hear the unforgettable moment when Tommie decided to race a high school student in his dress shoes 😂—and how that painful hamstring taught a beautiful lesson about connection, humility, and being “more than your job title.” Throughout the conversation, they return to one core invitation:  👉 Don’t let hate, outrage, and fear train your nervous system. Train it with love, gratitude, and purpose. 💬 Join the Conversation What are you grateful for right now?Which relationship in your life is stretching you to become a better version of yourself?What are your unique gifts—and how are you using them to serve others?Share your reflections, wins, and questions with us. We love hearing from our community. 🤝 Support Diversity Conversations For 7+ years, Eric and Tommie have self-funded this show to bring positive, courageous, hope-filled conversations into a media landscape that often rewards outrage and division. If this podcast encourages you, consider supporting the show financially to help us: Elevate our global reach and influenceBring on more powerful guests and voicesContinue offering this content free to listeners around the world ✨ Make a contribution here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AWUVHCJRTUWNJ Every amount matters—whether it’s a few dollars or a major gift.  Thank you for being part of the Diversity Conversations community. 🙏 📅 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

    1h 11m

  5. NOV 15

    Reflecting on Our Worth. Part 2

    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 evaluate the journey through multiple lenses: • Alignment: Living and leading with purpose • Growth: Evolving through challenge and change • Resilience: Responding to adversity with courage • Relationships: Strengthening authentic, meaningful connections • Joy & Fulfillment: Creating space for what makes us come alive This episode blends heartfelt storytelling with executive-level insight as they discuss:  • The shifting landscape of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion  • Strategic adaptation during disruption  • The role of faith, inner guidance, and accountability in leadership  • Real-world examples of pivoting through uncertainty  • Why personal worth is foundational to professional impact Eric and Tommie also share transparent reflections on sustaining this work over nearly a decade—largely self-funded—and express deep gratitude for the global community that continues to show up every week. If Diversity Conversations has inspired, empowered, or supported you in any way, we invite you—at your comfort level—to contribute to the future and expansion of this platform. Support Diversity Conversations: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AWUVHCJRTUWNJ Thank you for being part of this mission-driven community.  Your engagement, your presence, and your support truly matter. 📅 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

    1h 5m

  6. NOV 8

    Reflecting on Our Worth | Faith, Forgiveness & The Power of Knowing Your True Value

    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 community.  You’ll hear stories of humility, legacy, and love that transcends convenience.  You’ll be reminded that leadership begins with self-respect and that love is stronger than hate. 💖  Join us for an uplifting conversation on purpose, alignment, and the kind of worth that can never be measured in titles or applause — only in how we live and love. 🌍✨   🕒 Episode Highlights  Remembering the quiet power of William Goins and his enduring family legacyTommie’s moving story of forgiveness and divine guidanceHow faith and alignment build authentic leadershipThe Miss Mexico moment: standing in your worth 👑Closing reflections on legacy, love, and gratitude🎙️ Hosts Eric Ellis, President & CEO of Integrity Development Corp. Tommie Lewis, President & CEO of Make It Plain Consulting Together they’ve hosted Diversity Conversations for over seven years—creating space for authentic dialogue on leadership, inclusion, and humanity.   📅 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

    1h 1m

  7. NOV 1

    The Ripple Effect: Life After SNAP — A Conversation with Sharon Watkins (Community Action Agency)

    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 lines stretch for blocks—as families face food insecurity and uncertainty. Together, Tommie and Sharon explore the power of community, compassion, and volunteering in responding to this crisis. You’ll hear touching stories of resilience, including seniors and families who rely on pantries, and a reminder that “it could be any of us.” Sharon also provides essential resources, volunteer opportunities, and hotline information to help those affected. 🎧 Key Topics: The end of SNAP benefits and its ripple effect on millions of AmericansFood insecurity and community action in CincinnatiStories of hope, resilience, and serviceHow to volunteer or donate through CAA and local food banksThe importance of empathy, humility, and collective responsibility🔗 Resources Mentioned: Community Action Agency (CAA): www.cincy-caa.orgCall 2-1-1 for local food, housing, or utility assistanceVolunteer or donate at Free Store Food Bank 🎙️ Hosted by Tommie Lewis of Make It Plain Consulting. Follow us on YouTube and join the conversation: 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

    1 hr

  8. OCT 25

    Don´t Define Yourself by Your Score

    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 really means to:  🌿 Create spaces that recharge your soul🎯 Focus on your swing, not your score💬 Listen with empathy without losing your center💫 Live with integrity, even when no one’s watching🙌 Redefine success through character and consistency Through powerful storytelling and authentic reflection, they invite us all to stop defining ourselves by the external “score” and instead reconnect to what truly matters — our heart, our peace, and our purpose.  In this episode, Eric also shares his $2,500 Partnership Principle — a fresh model for leading with integrity, generosity, and collaboration in business.    🎙️ Hosted by: Eric Ellis — CEO, Integrity Development Corporation Tommie Lewis — CEO, Make It Plain Consulting   #Leadership #Integrity #Podcast #Mindset #Growth #DiversityConversations #EricEllis #TommieLewis #CEOadvice #Golflife   📅 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

    1h 3m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

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