Check Out Emmanuel Glaze’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmanuel Glaze.

Hi Emmanuel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always believed that purpose and passion go hand in hand. My story starts as a kid from Atlanta who grew up loving sports, storytelling, and people. After playing college football at Morris Brown College, I learned early how teamwork, accountability, and discipline could shape not just a player — but a person.

After college, I spent years in corporate America, but I always felt a pull toward something bigger — something that allowed me to combine my voice, creativity, and desire to serve. That led me to start The Crush Sports Talk back in 2014 with one of my former college teammates. What began as two guys talking sports quickly turned into one of the most authentic and community-focused sports shows in Atlanta.

As that platform grew, I wanted to do more than talk about the game — I wanted to impact lives. That’s where Optimize The Vizion, my nonprofit, came in. We give youth in the metro Atlanta area exposure to educational, cultural, and professional experiences that help them see beyond what’s in front of them. Whether it’s a college tour, a cultural event, or meeting professionals who look like them, it’s all about giving young people the chance to dream bigger.

Today, I oversee OTV Media, which houses both The Crush Sports Talk and Clear Vizion w/ EGlaze — my interview series where I sit down with leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to share stories of purpose and perseverance.

It’s been a long journey, but one I’m grateful for. Every experience has shown me that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about consistency, humility, and service. My goal has always been to inspire others to keep moving forward, one step at a time. That’s where my mantra comes from:
One Step. One Belief. One Vizion.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that the rough patches are what build resilience. Like a lot of people trying to turn passion into purpose, I’ve faced moments of doubt, financial setbacks, and times where I had to balance a full-time job, family responsibilities, and my creative work all at once.

There were days when I questioned if people really understood my vision — or if I was moving too slow. But every obstacle taught me patience and reinforced that purpose isn’t about speed, it’s about direction.

When I started Optimize The Vizion, I didn’t have a big team or a big budget — just a big belief that exposure could change lives. I had to learn how to build systems, seek funding, and develop partnerships from the ground up. And with The Crush Sports Talk, there were plenty of late nights, technical challenges, and moments where I wondered if the work was making an impact.

But through every season, faith and persistence have been my constants. I had to learn to give myself grace, to rest when needed, and to remember that every step — even the small ones — were still progress. Looking back, those challenges were necessary. They didn’t stop me; they shaped me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to say my work lives at the intersection of media, mentorship, and motivation. I wear a few hats — I’m the founder and CEO of OTV Media, which produces shows like The Crush Sports Talk and Clear Vizion w/ EGlaze, and I’m also the founder of Optimize The Vizion, a nonprofit that exposes youth in the metro Atlanta area to experiences that inspire ambition and purpose.

Through OTV Media, I get to blend my love for sports, storytelling, and people. The Crush has been running for over ten years now, and it’s become more than a sports show — it’s a community. We’ve built a space where real conversations happen, where laughter and analysis mix naturally, and where we highlight athletes, coaches, and organizations doing great things both on and off the field.

With Optimize The Vizion, the focus shifts to impact. We help students in grades 6–12 expand their horizons through educational and cultural exposure. Whether it’s taking youth to college campuses, business sites, or community events, it’s all about helping them see what’s possible when they believe in themselves.

I’ve always believed that my platforms should reflect purpose. The media side lets me tell stories; the nonprofit side lets me help create new ones. Together, they form my life’s mission — to connect people, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality behind my success is consistency. Talent will get you noticed, but consistency keeps you relevant. Whether it’s hosting a show, running a nonprofit, or building relationships, I’ve learned that showing up — even on the hard days — is what separates progress from potential.

There were plenty of times when things didn’t go as planned. Guests canceled, events fell through, or support didn’t come right away. But I made a decision early on that I would keep showing up — prepared, professional, and passionate — no matter what. That mindset has carried me through every challenge.

Along with consistency, I’d say authenticity and faith play a huge role. I never want to lose sight of who I am or why I started. My faith keeps me grounded, and my authenticity keeps me connected to people. Those two things, along with consistency, have helped me build trust and credibility over time.

At the end of the day, I believe success isn’t about what you achieve — it’s about who you become in the process. And I’m still becoming, one step at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://OptimizeTheVizion.org
• Instagram: EGlazeOTV, OptimizeTheVizion
• Facebook: Emmanuel Glaze, Optimize The Vizion
• LinkedIn: Emmanuel Glaze
• Twitter: EGlazeOTV, CrushSportsTalk
• Youtube: OTV Media Netwok, The Crush Sports Talk

Image Credits
Dope Shots By Precious