Battled And Bruised: Victory Over Life’s Toughest Challenges with Clarence Crayton III

Tray is the author of Battled and Bruised, a memoir that chronicles his incredible journey through life’s most difficult moments, from struggles with identity and mental health to a recent illness that nearly cost him his life. His story is about more than just survival; it’s about turning hardships into victories and inspiring others to do the same.

Sales, Marketing, and a Passion for Purpose

I first met Tray while he was working in sales and brand marketing for major franchises 24 Hour Fitness and the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers . Since then, Tray has gone on to found his own brand marketing consulting company, Turn Up Wealthy, and has become widely recognized for his popular tagline on social media, “Triumph with Tray”. It was clear from the start that Tray had a magnetic presence—someone who was not only skilled in his craft but also deeply passionate about helping others grow. Over time, we connected beyond the business world, sharing conversations about life’s bigger battles and the ways we both navigated through tough times.

From the Gridiron to the Boardroom

Before Tray’s success in business and as an author, he was a standout football player, living the dream as a professional athlete. His athletic career wasn’t just about the wins on the field, though. It taught him discipline, grit, and mental toughness—qualities that would later help him overcome the greatest challenges in his life. Tray’s journey from the football field to the boardroom is a testament to his drive to succeed, no matter the arena.

A Brush with Death: Tray’s Near-Fatal Illness

One of the most powerful moments Tray shares in this episode is about a recent illness that nearly took his life. This experience forced him to confront his own mortality and reevaluate everything. In this conversation, he opens up about this life-altering moment, including details he’s never shared on any other podcast or interview. His story is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and a path forward.

Battled and Bruised: Finding Strength in Adversity

RELATED: Resiliency and Success: How to become more resilient in life

Tray’s memoir Battled and Bruised is a raw and unfiltered look at the emotional and mental battles he’s faced, but it’s also a story of resilience and triumph. He speaks openly about the struggles that many of us can relate to—identity crises, fear of success, and the weight of mental health challenges. But through it all, Tray has found a way to turn those bruises into steps toward victory.

In this episode, Tray shares his philosophy of turning “stones into steps,” showing how we can all use the tough experiences life throws at us to rise higher. Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges, professional setbacks, or mental health struggles, Tray’s story is a powerful reminder that we are never truly alone, and that victory is always within reach for those who persevere.

If you want to dive deeper into Tray’s journey and learn more about how he’s transformed his life, be sure to pick up a copy of his book Battled and Bruised.

• Purchase on Amazon: Amazon.com/author/clarencecrayton3rd
• Also Available on Barnes & Noble: Barnesandnoble.com

Connect with Tray Online:

• Instagram: @TriumphwithTria
• Twitter/X: @traycrayton_lll
• Facebook: Tray Crayton III
• TikTok: @TriumphwithTrai