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 

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