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.

🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube

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