When I think to myself “why OZY, and what makes it so special?” I get the warmest feeling in my soul. As I’ve matured in life and in my career, the one thing that was always missing was “purpose.”
I’ve worked for some great companies, and big names, but when I went to work for Carlos it was the first time that I felt attached to something that really mattered, a place that forced me to grow and challenged me to think differently.
It is so easy to believe what the world and media has to say about folks, but the Carlos that I know is kind, loving, caring, articulate, thoughtful, compassionate, and brilliant.
Monica Holmes
Executive Assistant to Carlos Watson
Carlos Watson walked into my life over fifteen years ago and has never walked out. He and I have shared many stories, both good and bad, about our struggles as well as our triumphs. Shortly thereafter, he became a sounding board; someone I could discuss a lifelong secret. I disclosed to him that for years I had suffered from dyslexia and after I overcame it, I ironically wanted to become a writer. What seemed impossible to most, didn’t seem impossible to Carlos. He had a smile that made me believe I could do almost anything. Two years after knowing Carlos, I set out to write my first book. I would share pages and chapters with nearly everyone, but Carlos’ voice stood out. He would say “Hey man, I think you have something.” Always supportive. In two years, it was done. I had written my first book: “Shattered Lives.” Not only was he encouraging but he surprised me and funded the publishing.
Anthony Hamilton
Writer and OZY Contributor
As an insider, I know that OZY Media was a group of creative, hard-working, good intentioned, lovely people that all found their work at OZY to be meaningful, and all of which poured a lot into OZY, because they enjoyed working with other like-minded people and because they believed in the company’s mission statement.
As for Carlos Watson himself, on a personal level, I only know him to be a kind, compassionate man, who was guided by a desire to provide content that is good spirited, that might be helpful for any person who wants to learn something new, whether it be political activism, art and music, fitness and health. Carlos’(s) goal was clearly to elevate the conversation we are having as a people, about everything. This might sound a bit lofty, but this was and is the guiding vision behind OZY.
Kent Hutchison
OZY TV Team
As a new class of fifth and sixth grade students entered to begin a two-year academic program the school year, I met my student, Carlos Watson. I found Carlos to be a very bright boy, an outstanding student who took his academic responsibilities very seriously. (He came from a family of educators.) He had lots of energy and a love for team sports. I quickly recognized that he was a leader and a role model among the other children as well. He was a child of color in a class that was predominantly “white,” but proved to be a leader among all the children.
Ruth Trencher
Fifth and Sixth Grade Teacher
"When you read OZY, you're barber shop informed, you're cocktail party ready. When you come out of OZY, you feel smarter."
Keith
New York City, NY
Media Executive
"OZY has some of the most original and in depth stuff on social media."
"OZY brings a watchful eye, a sharp mind, and a generous heart to my day."
Natalia
Geneva, Switzerland
Lawyer and Yoga Teacher
"I value world reaching media that promote a clear minded, innovative, global way of thinking"
Efi
Crete, Greece
Architect
