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, and the courage to remain teachable. Paul introduces a transformative question that shifts the tone of any conversation:

“Do I have your permission to fail?” From there, the discussion expands into leadership, the myth of meritocracy, privilege systems, relearning history, and how organizations can build cultures rooted in dignity rather than dominance.

This is not a conversation about perfection. It is a conversation about humanity.

AI Response to the Question: What Does It Mean to Be Human? "From my observation across countless conversations, cultures, and lived experiences, being human means embracing imperfection without surrendering responsibility. It means allowing space for mistakes while choosing accountability over shame. It means staying open enough to learn, even when learning requires unlearning.

To be human is to hold conviction without cruelty, to lead without dehumanizing, and to build belonging through reciprocity rather than “got you” moments.

Humanity is not defined by flawlessness. It is defined by the willingness to grow."

If you would like to connect with Paul James, you may reach him directly at: paul@lighthousestrategist.com

leadership, belonging, what does it mean to be human, permission to fail, people strategy, vulnerability in leadership, meritocracy myth, organizational culture, diversity conversations, humility in leadership, accountability, emotional intelligence, Duke University, Xavier University, human-centered leadership, AI

📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST
📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.

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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 opens up about missed opportunities in professional football, the painful weight of expectations, addiction and recovery, and the moment faith became the turning point of his life.

Near the end, Doron shares something deeply personal: his experience developing vitiligo later in life and how it changed the way people treated him, including a heartbreaking encounter that brought him to tears.

What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a long-term condition in which patches of skin lose pigment because the cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) are destroyed. It is not contagious and can affect anyone.

This episode is a reminder that “sticks and stones” was never the truth and that our words can either injure or heal. It’s also a call to raise children and communities with empathy, curiosity, and love.

⏱ Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Diversity Conversations
01:05 Eric’s week + building through community and collaboration
06:40 Today’s topic: Beyond Skin Deep (intro to vitiligo + why it matters)
09:10 Doron’s roots: Lincoln Heights, family, church, and values
18:30 Lincoln Heights pride and the Princeton merge: what it was really like
30:10 Earning it, not being given it: the truth behind the “too small” story
38:30 Football success, being “the golden ticket,” and the cost of expectations
48:10 Doors closing: tryouts, contracts, and rejection
55:20 Rock bottom, recovery, and “my new birthday”
1:06:40 Full circle faith: being seen, loved, and called to purpose
1:12:30 Vitiligo: when it began and the “why not you?” moment
1:16:10 The story that broke him: the cruelty of words
1:20:10 Message to parents and the community: teach curiosity, not cruelty
1:22:00 Closing prayer + final reflections

Business Collaboration Opportunity

As mentioned in the episode, Eric Ellis is actively expanding Integrity Development Corporation’s network-based growth strategy.

If you introduce a qualified contact that becomes a client, Eric is offering $2,500 USD or 5% of the initial contract — whichever is greater.

Community collaboration is part of the solution. If you’d like to connect, reach out directly to Eric at Integrity Development.

vitiligo, identity, resilience, faith, recovery, addiction recovery, mentorship, Lincoln Heights, Princeton schools, DEI, diversity, inclusion, empathy, kindness, bullying, words matter, leadership, Black history, community, diversity conversations

📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST
📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.

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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, and how peace can become an ongoing miracle when you stop feeding negativity.

At the center of the episode is a powerful metaphor: “the two white socks.” Sometimes the instruction is simple, even almost too simple to believe. But the message is clear: don’t overcomplicate what God is trying to do through you. In a world addicted to noise and complexity, real leadership often looks like humility, reflection, and choosing love.

They also discuss miracles as lived experience, the tension between spiritual aspiration and human imperfection, and a closing insight that resonates deeply: the idea of “going viral internally,” when a revelation reverberates within you until it transforms how you live and lead.

If you’re looking for peace in the middle of the storm and clarity without a script, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Diversity Conversations
03:30 – Gratitude, Brotherhood, and Community
08:00 – Faith, Devotionals, and Finding Calm
13:30 – Imperfection, Worry, and Walking in Faith
18:45 – Miracles as Lived Experience
26:30 – Peace as an Ongoing Miracle
31:45 – The Two White Socks Principle
38:30 – Love as a Leadership Superpower
45:30 – Going Viral Internally
52:00 – Reflection, Character, and Personal Growth
58:30 – Closing Reflections and Invitation to the Community

About Eric Ellis

Eric Ellis is the President and CEO of Integrity Development Corporation and co-host of Diversity Conversations. He is a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist and a community-centered leader committed to practical solutions for today’s most challenging conflicts.

About Tommie Lewis

Tommie Lewis is the President and CEO of Make It Plain Consulting and co-host of Diversity Conversations. He helps individuals and organizations uncover their inherent strengths for sustained growth and is known for asking the questions that move conversations from surface to substance.

About Diversity Conversations

Diversity Conversations is a weekly live dialogue exploring leadership solutions to today’s most challenging conflicts, hosted by Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis.

leadership, real leadership, authentic leadership, faith, spirituality, peace, anxiety, purpose, integrity, self reflection, personal growth, emotional intelligence, resilience, miracles, devotionals, Jesus Calling, love, inclusion, belonging, diversity conversations, DEI, community, transformation, character, wisdom, unscripted conversation, simplicity

📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST
📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.

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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.

From personal vulnerability and navigating uncertainty, to executive search, succession, and human-centered leadership, this episode explores how purpose evolves across seasons of life and work. Gerardo shares his journey from artist to executive talent advisor, the importance of mentorship, faith, and humility, and how connecting people to their purpose can transform organizations and communities.

This conversation touches on leadership beyond titles, the intersection of culture and business, global perspective, and why true impact begins with listening, transparency, and human connection.

Guest: Gerardo Macias
Independent Board Member | Partner at DHR Global
Founder & President, HR TRIBE A.C.

To connect with Gerardo, follow him on social media at @elheadhunter and visit dhrglobal.com

Leadership, Purpose, Human-Centered Leadership, Executive Search, Succession Planning, Faith and Leadership, Organizational Culture, Future of Work, Diversity Conversations, Mentorship, Global 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.

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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 communication breakdowns like interruptions and “20-minute monologues” disguised as dialogue.

This conversation is a reminder that difficult conversations become easier when we focus on facts, shared goals, respect, and personal accountability—especially in a world that profits from chaos.

Topics include:
• Money conversations: facts vs. emotions, shame, and self-worth
• Negotiation and value: paying for results, not promises
• Boundaries and respect: how to set them—and enforce them
• Communication breakdowns: interruptions, monologues, and listening
• Leadership, accountability, and protecting your peace

Follow and join us each week for thought-provoking dialogue and leadership solutions to today’s most challenging conflicts.

🏷️ Diversity Conversations, leadership, difficult conversations, courageous conversations, communication, negotiation, money conversations, boundaries, emotional intelligence, accountability, conflict resolution, DEI

📅 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

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 about a public moment that required accountability and apology, and Tommie reflects on a powerful example of emotional self-control (and the lack of it) in a shared space.

This is a real-time conversation about leadership that’s not performative, not perfect, and deeply human.

In this episode:

• Self-regulation vs. self-reflection (and why timing matters)
• The hidden weight leaders carry into everyday interactions
• Faith as a moment-by-moment anchor (even when you’re not at your best)
• Practical tools: therapy, journaling, sounding boards, and emotional honesty
• Business leadership during uncertainty: networks, relationships, and listening for pain points
• “It’s not a sales pitch, it’s a relationship.”

Eric Ellis is a DEI strategist and CEO of Integrity Development Corporation.
Website: www.integritydev.com

Tommie Lewis is President & CEO of Make It Plain Consulting.
Website: mipcllc.com

Leadership, Self-Regulation, Emotional Intelligence, Courageous Conversations, Faith and Leadership, Workplace Culture, Integrity, Conflict Resolution, Coaching, Personal Development, Business Leadership, Communication Skills, 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

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 explore how skincare intersects with mental health, confidence, identity, and spiritual healing, plus why consistent self-care is not superficial when it restores dignity and peace.

You’ll also hear about Denisse’s heart for service, including her nonprofit A Touch of Faith, created to provide free skincare support to individuals who may not have the resources for care and who are healing from life challenges.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8qu-QofEXs

This episode is sponsored by Game Time Budgeting an award-winning financial wellness firm helping employees transform their relationship with money by focusing on mindset, behaviors, and simple systems. Game Time Budgeting helps people save more, reduce debt, and feel more confident about their finances without judgment or confusion.
Learn more at: Game Time Budgeting

Key moments and themes:

• Acne, anxiety, and self-esteem: the inner battle people don’t always see
• Entrepreneurship, courage, and the leap from corporate work to calling
• Why clients remember the experience: “it’s not simply your hands, it’s your heart”
• Faith at work: creating a space of peace, listening, and restoration
• Serving others with humility and purpose in 2026 and beyond

Connect with Denisse Ruiz:

• Phone: +1 (513) 227-3310
• Instagram: @maad_aesthetics (M.A.A.D._aesthetics)
• Facebook: Denise Ruiz (R.U.I.Z.)
• Nonprofit: A Touch of Faith (mentioned in the episode)

Diversity Conversations is a weekly live show focused on leadership, community, and courageous dialogue that drives real impact.

Denisse Ruiz, esthetician, aesthetics, skincare, acne, self-esteem, faith, entrepreneurship, wellness, mental health, Cincinnati, Latina entrepreneur, nonprofit, 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.

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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 conversation also dives into empathy, listening without taking the bait, and the powerful shift from feedback to feedforward in leadership.

This episode sets the tone for the year ahead and invites leaders, professionals, and community members to reflect, reset, and lead with intention.

🎧 Watch the full video episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDrPZqTPejI

This episode is sponsored by Game Time Budgeting, an award-winning financial wellness firm helping employees transform their relationship with money through mindset, behaviors, and simple systems. Game Time Budgeting helps people save more, reduce debt, and feel more confident about their finances without judgment or confusion.

Learn more at: gametimebudgeting.com

👥 About the Hosts

Eric Ellis is President & CEO of Integrity Development Corporation.
Tommie Lewis is President & CEO of Make It Plain Consulting.

To learn more about their work, consulting, and speaking engagements, visit:

• Integrity Development Corporation
• Make It Plain Consulting

leadership, empathy, courageous conversations, diversity conversations, communication skills, emotional intelligence, personal growth, leadership development, feedforward, feedback, listening skills, relationship building, community leadership, faith and leadership, mindset shift, conflict resolution, trust building, professional development, leadership podcast, DEI conversations, change the conversation

📅 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