The Crazy One

In this powerful #ShareTheMicNow episode of The Crazy One, Sylvia Baffour delves into the importance of emotional intelligence in our professional and personal lives. She explores how to approach work with empathy, build deeper awareness, and leave a positive “emotional aftertaste” with everyone you interact with. Tune in to gain insights on cultivating emotional intelligence, creating meaningful connections, and making a lasting, positive impact on those around you.Sylvia Baffour is a Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and Executive Coach named among HubSpot’s Top 15 Female Motivational Speakers alongside Oprah Winfrey, Mel Robbins, and Iyanla Vanzant. She is the President of Baffour International LLC., a company helping organizations thrive and succeed with emotional intelligence strategies. Sylvia is an Emotional Intelligence expert and author of I Dare You to Care. A book focused on how we can use emotional intelligence skills to inspire, influence, and achieve remarkable growth. She is also one of the most s

In the inaugural #ShareTheMicNow episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates presents an intimate, unfiltered conversation between design legends Maurice Cherry and Debbie Millman. Together, they explore the current state of the world, the evolving landscape of the design industry, the role of major design organizations, and their personal journeys within it all. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue packed with insights on creativity, industry challenges, and the power of authentic storytelling in uncertain times.Maurice is a pioneering digital creator who is most well-known for his award-winning podcast Revision Path which was launched in 2013 with over 350 in-depth interviews with Black designers, developers, and digital creatives from all over the world. It was the first podcast to be added to the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.Debbie was “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company, and is an author, educator, curator and

Today, more than ever, it is NECESSARY that we all join #ShareTheMicNow to create unifying actions centered around Black, Brown, Indigenous and/or LGBTQ+ lives, stories, and calls to action. I wanted to create this short episode to talk about why I will be joining the movement, what you can expect in the next few episodes, and what I would like to ask of you.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the invisible scripts and societal expectations that often control our lives and careers, shaping who we think we need to be and what we believe we should achieve. These ingrained narratives can lead to burnout, imposter syndrome, guilt, and self-doubt when we feel pressured to conform. Stephen unpacks where these limiting beliefs come from, why they persist, and—most importantly—how we can challenge and break free from them to create a more authentic path forward. Tune in for actionable insights to help you reclaim your identity and career from the weight of expectations.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

The Amazing Design People list was created as a worldwide, community-led talent base to help those creatives who have recently been laid off or furloughed. It started as a simple Google sheet, but thanks to Felix Lee and James Baduor it has grown into a site where you can get listed if you are looking for work, apply for 100+ current job openings and get feedback on your portfolio or resume from an astounding collection of mentors. AMAZING DESIGN PEOPLE LIST:https://www.adplist.org FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE:Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates uncovers the 8 powerful characteristics shared by the most successful creatives and leaders he’s coached. These traits set high achievers apart, fueling their sustained success and growth throughout their careers. Stephen dives into each characteristic, revealing how you can adopt and develop them to elevate your own career and creative journey. Tune in to learn what it truly takes to stand out and thrive in any creative field.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this impactful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the tough topic of layoffs and furloughs—experiences that can be both anxiety-inducing and life-changing. Having faced it twice himself, Stephen shares the practical steps and emotional strategies you need to navigate this challenging time. From essential resources to actionable advice on using setbacks as a springboard for career transformation, this episode equips you with tools to regain control and redefine your professional path.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

Thanks to all this time at home The Crazy One is now on YouTube with the most popular episodes, tutorials, keynotes, interviews, live streams, favorite videos, and more. Subscribe now!SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE:http://www.thecrazy1.com/youtubeFOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE:Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the impact of constant change on our careers, personal lives, and overall well-being. Change often brings stress, anxiety, and fear that can hold us back, but how we view and respond to it can significantly shape our health, happiness, and success. Stephen explores why we struggle with change, reassures us that these feelings are normal, and shares practical strategies for handling change in healthier, more empowering ways. Tune in to learn how to turn change into an opportunity for growth and resilience.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

I wanted to quickly share a few insights and perspectives that I've been sharing with friends, co-workers, leaders and other creatives to try and help in these unprecedented times. I hope it helps. FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE:Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates recaps his new Crazy One Conversation series, where he spoke with 60 creatives from 10 countries and 20 U.S. cities to explore the realities of Design Imposter Syndrome. Stephen breaks down the fundamentals of Design Imposter Syndrome, uncovers the key factors driving its rise, and shares top insights, advice, and resources from these powerful conversations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of imposter syndrome in the design world and practical strategies to overcome it, so you can thrive with confidence in your creative career.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down the art and science of crafting a portfolio that truly stands out. Your portfolio is not only a reflection of your brand but also your first impression on potential employers and clients. Stephen dives into the latest trends shaping portfolio design, covers the essential components you need, and shares expert tips on building compelling brand messaging, showcasing your work through impactful case studies, and presenting your experience effectively. Tune in to learn how to create a portfolio that captures attention and leaves a lasting impact.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this thought-provoking episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the surprising connection between boredom and creativity. Over the past 25 years, creativity has been on the decline, and Stephen believes that constant engagement and technology are at fault, robbing us of the essential moments of boredom that fuel original ideas. Tune in to learn why boredom is a critical ingredient for creativity, why it’s become so scarce in our busy world, and practical ways to reclaim this rare resource to ignite your creative spark.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this empowering episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the critical role a strong support system plays in overcoming career challenges. From battling insecurity to facing compassion fatigue, Stephen explores why support often dwindles as our careers advance and shares insights into the 4 key elements of an effective support system. Tune in to learn practical strategies for building and maintaining a support network that can help you thrive, no matter where you are in your career.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles one of the toughest challenges in creativity: navigating difficult personalities that can derail, debate, or even kill great ideas. Creativity’s subjective nature makes it vulnerable to criticism, and working with challenging people can make or break your success. Stephen explores the 4 common personality types you encounter in the workplace, why managing difficult people is essential, and offers actionable strategies for productive collaboration. Plus, learn what steps to take if your efforts don’t pay off. Tune in to boost your resilience and keep your creativity on track.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates unpacks the critical differences between design and creativity—two terms often used interchangeably but with distinct meanings that can greatly impact your career, team, and influence within your company. Stephen dives into how design and creativity are commonly misunderstood, why defining each is essential, and how recognizing these differences can elevate your work and drive meaningful results. Tune in to learn how to apply this knowledge to advance your career, empower your team, and maximize your impact.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this powerful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into one of the biggest frustrations in any career: feeling stuck and unable to get promoted. Stephen takes you behind the scenes of the promotion process, revealing common obstacles and why typical strategies often fall short. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on advancing your career, discover why your current approach might not be working, and learn actionable steps to position yourself for promotion and long-term success.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the growing challenge of finding and hiring top creative talent in today’s competitive job market. With record-low unemployment, skyrocketing demand for creative skills, and an expanding role for design, securing great talent is tougher than ever. Stephen shares key insights from the latest Design Trends Report he co-authored, exploring the latest trends and strategies in recruiting, hiring, and developing the best creative minds. Tune in to learn how to stay ahead in the talent hunt and build a team that drives impactful results.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this essential episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores why trust is the cornerstone of creativity, teamwork, and effective leadership—and why it’s often misunderstood or overlooked in most organizations. Stephen breaks down the various types of trust, explains where trust matters most, and shares practical ways to assess and strengthen it within your team. Tune in to discover powerful strategies for building a human-centered culture of trust that fuels collaboration, innovation, and growth.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates challenges common misconceptions about introverts in the workplace, breaking down why introverted leaders and teammates bring unique and valuable strengths to their roles. Stephen sheds light on the experiences of introverts, offers tips for collaborating effectively with them, and shares practical advice for introverts to gain more support and understanding at work. Tune in to discover a fresh perspective on introversion and learn how embracing diverse work styles can lead to stronger, more balanced teams.Send us a textSHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook