The Crazy One

In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the complex relationship between creativity and insecurity, exploring how our unique life experiences shape both our creative processes and our self-doubt. Since no two creative journeys are alike, finding others who truly understand our struggles can feel impossible. Stephen uncovers the root causes of common creative insecurities and introduces a practical framework to help you manage self-doubt and approach your work with renewed confidence. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and learn strategies to overcome creative challenges.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 breaks down the art of giving and receiving feedback—a crucial element that can make or break the creative process. While feedback has the power to elevate ideas, poor feedback often frustrates creatives and hinders progress. Stephen dives into what makes feedback effective, the common pitfalls to avoid, and actionable strategies for providing constructive input that empowers teams. Plus, learn how to receive and act on feedback in a way that fuels growth and creativity. Tune in to master the feedback loop and transform your creative process.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 crucial episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the rising trend of ethical design and why it’s essential for today’s creatives. Though ethics might not seem like the most thrilling topic, it’s rapidly becoming a vital part of the design landscape. Stephen uses two compelling examples to illustrate the importance of ethical design and shares 5 actionable steps to elevate your design process ethically. Learn why ethical design isn’t just a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment that can strengthen your impact and reputation. Tune in to embrace ethical practices and lead the charge in responsible design.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 goes beyond the basics of leadership to help you assess and elevate your leadership style. Discover concrete methods for measuring your leadership maturity, identifying your unique leadership persona, and understanding the 4 key communication styles that drive effective leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, tune in for actionable insights that will help you refine your approach, strengthen your impact, and lead with confidence.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 special replay of his main stage keynote from HOW Design Live 2019, Stephen Gates shares powerful insights gained from his work at InVision, packed with transformative lessons for creative professionals. Stephen uncovers three universal truths that impact us all and reveals six actionable strategies to elevate your career, improve your company culture, and create a meaningful impact in your work and life. Tune in for a thought-provoking talk that inspires growth, creativity, and positive change in everything you do.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 dynamic episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares an inspiring panel discussion on innovation with two influential voices in the field—best-selling author Greg Larkin and former IDEO leader, now Managing Director of Expa, Sina Mossayeb. Together, they dive into the complex relationship between companies’ desire for innovation and their fear of the very change required to achieve it. Discover the hard truths about driving real innovation, the risks teams take to make it happen, and strategies to foster a culture that isn’t afraid to disrupt. Tune in for powerful insights that challenge the status quo and spark creative transformation.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 explores the elusive nature of confidence—how it’s often faked, easily lost, and frequently undermined by imposter syndrome, especially in the creative field. Confidence is essential for creativity, leadership, and personal happiness, so understanding what erodes it and how to restore it is crucial. Stephen breaks down the common fears that sabotage confidence and shares 5 powerful strategies to help you find or rebuild your inner strength. Tune in to discover practical techniques for boosting confidence and thriving in both your career and personal life.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 engaging Q&A episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles listener questions covering key topics for designers and leaders alike. Discover what design operations really involves as a discipline, get practical advice for designers aspiring to launch their own startup, and learn how companies can make their purpose authentic rather than just a marketing gimmick. Stephen also shares insights on overcoming the fear that your best work is behind you and offers a roadmap for building a UX strategy from scratch for organizations new to user experience. Tune in for actionable guidance and expert insights to elevate your creative journey.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 explores the powerful lessons that improvisational comedy can teach us about enhancing creativity, spontaneity, and collaboration in our work. Improv is a masterclass in teamwork and creativity, offering unique insights on how to create a more open, adaptable, and innovative team culture. Discover how improv techniques can unlock creative potential, improve your team’s dynamics, and cultivate a culture where ideas flow freely. Tune in to transform your creative process and bring fresh energy to your team.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 popular replay from SXSW 2019, The Crazy One podcast features Stephen Gates’ sold-out keynote, “Building an In-House Design Powerhouse.” As companies increasingly recognize the value of creativity and design, few internal teams are truly empowered to leverage this demand. Drawing on his experience as InVision’s Head Design Evangelist, Stephen shares powerful strategies and actionable insights to help in-house teams unlock their full potential, drive impact, and build a culture of innovation. Tune in to learn how to transform your in-house team into a creative powerhouse that delivers real 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 insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the six key cognitive biases that often create recurring challenges in the workplace, impacting team dynamics, client relationships, and even our own decision-making. Understanding these psychological biases can help you identify the root causes behind common frustrations and equip you with strategies to overcome them. Tune in to learn how addressing cognitive bias can improve your work, strengthen your team, and drive better outcomes for your company.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 tackles the challenging world of office politics—a common workplace hurdle that can derail careers and block great work. Stephen dives into the emotional drivers behind office politics and shares 8 key habits to help you navigate them with grace, integrity, and resilience. Tune in to gain practical strategies for surviving and thriving in any workplace, ensuring that politics don’t stand in the way of your 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 revealing episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates addresses the rising frustration and criticism around Design Thinking and Design Sprints—methods that have been transformative in his own career but are now facing pushback from many teams. Stephen explores the reasons behind this backlash, unpacks the common challenges people experience, and explains why, in many cases, these frustrations are valid. Tune in to gain a balanced perspective on Design Thinking and Design Sprints, discover ways to make them more effective, and learn how to overcome the pitfalls that can hinder their 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 engaging episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates answers listener questions on essential career and team-building topics. Learn how to make the leap from design lead to design executive, create a dynamic and inspiring office environment, and understand where design authority should ideally sit within a company. Stephen also dives into strategies for managing team conflict and shares best practices for fostering knowledge-sharing across your team. Tune in for actionable insights to elevate your leadership skills and empower your creative team.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 demystifies the overused yet elusive concept of innovation, breaking down why so many companies and teams fall short in making it a reality. Discover the common reasons innovation efforts fail, the essential traits of truly innovative teams, and actionable steps to foster a culture of real creativity and progress in your organization. Tune in to transform the way you approach innovation and start building a team that delivers meaningful 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 highly requested episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the top question he receives: how to transition from a marketing, branding, or advertising role into digital and product design. With limited resources available to guide this shift, Stephen breaks down the key differences and similarities between marketing and digital design, and what skills you need to successfully make the leap. Tune in for actionable insights on building the expertise and mindset required to thrive in digital product design.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 essential role of emotional intelligence in leading creative teams effectively. Discover the five key components of emotional intelligence, how they interconnect, and the impact your emotions have on others. Stephen provides actionable insights for understanding and enhancing emotional intelligence, helping you create stronger team dynamics and become a more empathetic leader. Tune in to elevate your leadership skills and make a positive impact on your creative team.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 deep into the hidden struggle many successful creatives face: design imposter syndrome. This phenomenon leaves talented professionals doubting their abilities, even with clear evidence of their success. Stephen explores why imposter syndrome is so common, breaks down the 5 distinct types of imposter syndrome, and shares actionable strategies to overcome these feelings and embrace your true creative potential. Tune in to reclaim confidence and silence the self-doubt that holds you back.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 key elements that form the foundation of a successful and fulfilling career. From mastering your craft to embracing originality, creating impact, finding joy, and more, Stephen reveals how to balance these essential ingredients to shape your work, define your career, and enhance your overall happiness. Tune in for actionable insights on building a career that resonates with purpose and passion.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 explores the essential art of giving effective feedback—a crucial skill for anyone in a creative, collaborative environment, whether leading a team or working within one. Discover the two main types of feedback, a proven model for delivering constructive input, and key principles to ensure your feedback inspires and elevates. Tune in to master the skills needed to foster open communication, strengthen collaboration, and drive creativity forward.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