How Newcomers Build Stronger Communities | Amma Gatty on Culture, Belonging & Connection

Trust, Leadership & Human Connection | Building Relationships That Last with Gary Prater

In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis sit down with Gary Prater, Director of Business Development at Ingage Partners, for an insightful discussion about leadership, trust, relationships, workplace culture, and the power of human connection. Gary shares the lessons that shaped him growing up in Forest Park, the influence of his mother, the importance of character, and how those experiences continue to guide his leadership philosophy today. Together, they explore: • Why trust is the foundation of lasting business relationships • The difference between authentic business development and sales • How great leaders create cultures of accountability and belonging • The power of feedback as a catalyst for growth • Building organizations that prioritize people, purpose, and performance • Why human-centered leadership matters in an AI-driven world • Mentorship, community impact, and developing future leaders • The connection between sports, discipline, and leadership excellence This conversation is a powerful reminder that sustainable success is built through integrity, service, and meaningful relationships. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, HR professional, manager, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode offers practical wisdom for leading with purpose and creating impact that lasts. Connect with Gary Prater on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyprater/]to learn more about his work and leadership philosophy. leadership, trust, workplace culture, business development, human connection, professional growth, organizational culture, leadership development, people first leadership, employee engagement, relationship building, feedback, mentorship, integrity, company culture, diversity conversations, business leadership, workplace trust, personal development, team building, management, AI and leadership, community leadership, Gary Prater, Ingage Partners  📅 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@diversityconversations2641]

How Newcomers Build Stronger Communities | Amma Gatty on Culture, Belonging & Connection

In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Amma Gatty, Founder and Executive Director of Culture Encounters, for an inspiring conversation about culture, belonging, immigration, community building, and the power of human connection. Originally from Ghana and now based in Richmond, Virginia, Amma shares her personal journey as a newcomer to the United States and how that experience inspired her mission to build bridges across cultures through food, conversation, the arts, and community engagement. Together, they explore: • Why "newcomer" may be a more helpful and humanizing term than "immigrant" • The difference between integration and assimilation • How food, storytelling, and dialogue create connection • Building belonging across cultural differences • What communities can learn from global perspectives • The role of hospitality, curiosity, and leadership in creating inclusive spaces • How culture shapes the way we see ourselves and others This thoughtful conversation offers practical insights for leaders, community builders, educators, and anyone interested in creating stronger human connections across differences. Learn more about Culture Encounters: cultureencounters.org [https://cultureencounters.org/] Amma Gatty, Culture Encounters, Belonging, Community Building, Human Connection, Leadership, Diversity Conversations, Immigration, Newcomers, Cultural Competency, Intercultural Communication, Inclusion, Diversity, Richmond Virginia, Ghana, African Leadership, Hospitality, Cultural Bridge Building, Cultural Intelligence, DEI, Dialogue, Conversation, Global Perspectives, Community Engagement, Social Impact  📅 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@diversityconversations2641]

Communication, Trust & Toxic Leadership | Lee Caraher on Branding, Culture & Great Teams

This week on Diversity Conversations, communication strategist, CEO, and author Lee Caraher joins Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis for a powerful conversation on leadership, workplace culture, communication, trust, personal branding, and the hidden cost of toxic leadership. Lee Caraher is the CEO of Double Forte, a national strategic communications and PR agency, and the author of: • Millennials & Management • The Boomerang Principle Known as a “professional straight talker” and “the team whisperer,” Lee shares practical wisdom and deeply personal stories about building strong teams, leading with integrity, receiving difficult feedback, and creating cultures where people can thrive. In this episode: ✨ Why communication means nothing until the message lands ✨ The hidden cost of toxic leadership ✨ How appreciation increases productivity ✨ Personal branding & reputation ✨ Why great teams TALK ✨ Building trust in organizations ✨ Leadership feedback & self-awareness ✨ Entrepreneurship & culture-building ✨ Communication as a business driver ✨ Creating workplaces where people belong Lee also shares powerful reflections on parenting, leadership, athletics, music, entrepreneurship, diversity, inclusion, and the importance of allowing people to fully become themselves. Connect with Lee Caraher: Email: Lcaraher@double-forte.com [Lcaraher@double-forte.com] Website: Leecaraher.com [https://leecaraher.com/] X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeCaraher [https://twitter.com/LeeCaraher] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1 [https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecaraher/ [https://www.instagram.com/leecaraher/] YouTube: www.youtube.com/@leecaraher4222 [http://www.youtube.com/@leecaraher4222] Podcast: https://www.everything-speaks.com/ [https://www.everything-speaks.com/] 🎙️ Diversity Conversations explores leadership, culture, equity, communication, and authentic human connection through meaningful dialogue. Tags: leadership, communication, toxic leadership, workplace culture, trust, personal branding, diversity conversations, Lee Caraher, team culture, leadership development, communication skills, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, executive leadership, authentic leadership, entrepreneurship, DEI, workplace trust, public relations, strategic communication, company culture, leadership podcast, business leadership, team building, leadership coaching  📅 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@diversityconversations2641]

Cultural Intelligence & Human Connection | Pamela Bevins-Pippin on Leadership, Empathy & STEM

In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis sit down with Pamela Bevins-Pippin, M.A., Director of STEM Education and Soft Skills for STEM at Hampton University, for a deeply human conversation about cultural intelligence, empathy, leadership, family, and connection. Pamela shares how caring for her older brother with cerebral palsy shaped her understanding of dignity, communication, and humanity, while also exploring why cultural intelligence goes beyond “competency” and requires humility, awareness, listening, and emotional connection. This episode explores: • Cultural intelligence vs. cultural competency • Leadership through empathy and human connection • Family caregiving and identity • Communication across cultures and communities • Soft skills in STEM and leadership • The importance of slowing down and truly listening • Why authentic relationships matter now more than ever A heartfelt and insightful conversation about what it means to truly see and honor one another in today’s world. Diversity Conversations, Pamela Bevins-Pippin, cultural intelligence, leadership, empathy, STEM education, soft skills, DEI, inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, communication skills, human connection, workplace culture, diversity equity inclusion, family caregiving, cultural competency, Hampton University, leadership podcast, Eric Ellis, 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@diversityconversations2641]

Give People Spa Moments | Leadership, Inclusion & Human Connection with Lisette Martinez Peacock

In this powerful episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis sit down with Lisette Martinez Peacock, Chief EDIB Officer at the National Audubon Society, to explore leadership, belonging, cultural awareness, and the future of inclusion work in today’s rapidly changing world. Lisette shares her personal journey growing up Puerto Rican in Detroit, the childhood experience that shaped her passion for inclusion, and the lessons she learned evolving from early DEI work into a more strategic, human-centered approach to leadership. Together, they discuss: • Why inclusion is about helping people feel they belong • The importance of slowing down to truly connect • How “Spa Moments” can transform relationships and workplaces • The future of DEI and why the mission still matters • Leadership, empathy, accountability, and cultural competency • Why organizations must align values with behavior This episode is filled with wisdom, practical insight, and deeply human conversation about how we create stronger communities and workplaces through understanding and connection. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Diversity Conversations 04:52 Camp Joy, Leadership & Choosing Better Habits 15:18 “Where Do I Sit?” — Lisette’s Childhood Story on Inclusion 24:40 From Diversity Policing to Human Connection 34:15 Is DEI Disappearing? The Future of Inclusion Work 45:08 Stop Expecting to See Yourself in Others 54:20 The Power of “Spa Moments” in Leadership & Relationships 1:03:12 Values, Accountability & Final Reflections To know more about Lisette’s work → salinasconsultants.com [https://www.salinasconsultants.com/] To connect with Lisette → linkedin.com/in/lisettemartinez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisettemartinez/] Diversity Conversations, Lisette Martinez peacock, leadership, diversity equity inclusion, belonging, cultural competency, workplace culture, human connection, leadership development, inclusive leadership, DEI podcast, empathy in leadership, spa moments, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion, workplace belonging, values based leadership, diversity podcast, Tommie Lewis, 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@diversityconversations2641]