About
What is Optiv? Think back to early Athens - a time when ideas could be brought before the courts, presented to the people, and debated by leaders of thought. This is the purpose of Optiv. Optiv stands for optical perspective: looking at things from a different angle, on the quest for truth, with the humility to acknowledge it when found.
Consider Optiv a modern day agora - a space where people can assemble to share and sharpen their perspectives. Whether the topic is theology, sports, politics, or news, if ideas aren't pitted against one another, truth will not advance. Uniformity of thought will only advance stagnation, and stagnation, contempt.
Contempt is growing all around us. Look at modern media - CNN, FOX News, NPR, and the like. What is the unifying factor among these polarizing shells of journalism? An agenda. Rather than rallying around the pursuit of truth, these coalitions have built their brands on a lust for control.
Optiv aims to be the new town square. Not one that represents right or left, atheist or Christian, or any other divide, but one that builds a foundation of truth-driven thought so that society may flourish. Optiv is a place where all ideas are welcome, but not all ideas are right.
CORE VALUES
Truth
Truthfulness is the foundational virtue of communication. Everyone influencing through content must decide whether truthfulness or power is their controlling value. We strive to value the truth more than power, control, approval, influence, or ease. We commit to tell the truth, as best we understand it, to earn the long-term trust of others who believe truth must precede power.
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Curiosity
Human flourishing requires safety and exploration, conservation and creativity, stability, and innovation. Optiv exists to bring the best of the past into a flourishing present, and to offer creative iterations of possible futures. We believe curiosity and creativity can lead us to clarity, beauty, and solutions we would not find otherwise.
Respect
Incivility and ideological possession weaken us in thought, virtue, experience, and fellowship. Showing respect can be taxing, but its results are worth the workout. Optiv believes respect is a key gateway to public wisdom, rich relationships, and mature selves. Therefore, Optiv seeks to honor the dignity of all by demonstrating civility in all our manners and choosing an irenic tone in all our speech.
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OUR TEAM
Andy Schmitt
Andy Schmitt is an entrepreneur and the founder of the Optiv Network. He started the network's first podcast, Optiv Theology, in 2019 with the aim to display discipleship and ask the questions that young Christians want answered. Andy currently resides in Madison, WI with his wife and son.
Founder, President, CEO, Co-Owner
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Nicola Gibson
Nic Gibson has been leading Christian ministries in the secular landscape for over two decades and has been the lead pastor of High Point Church in Madison, WI for thirteen years. He has written three books, including Substance: Becoming Oaks of Righteousness in a World of Vapor. Nic and his wife, Alexi, have 4 children.
Co-Owner, Founding Father, Director of Theology
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Scott Khail
Director of Design and Art, Director of Marketing, Co-Owner
