The Crazy One

In this inspiring episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the challenge of preserving originality in a world that often pushes for conformity. Learn what truly defines originality, and discover practical strategies to overcome self-doubt, resist groupthink, and navigate corporate cultures that can stifle unique thinking. Stephen provides a roadmap to help you embrace the traits that fuel creativity, fight back against forces that suppress it, and unlock your strongest, most authentic voice. Tune in to reclaim your originality and develop ideas that stand out.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 listener questions on key topics shaping today’s design world. Explore whether main navigation should simply guide users or reflect brand image, the role of “necessary evils” in design, and the impact of Design Systems in large enterprises. Stephen also shares insights on sparking change in small organizations and how travel fuels his creativity and design approach. Tune in for expert perspectives and actionable advice to elevate your design practice.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 challenges of thriving in a global, remote work environment. As teams collaborate across different time zones and cultures, relying on outdated approaches can hinder success. Stephen breaks down the most common issues with remote work, debunks popular misconceptions, and shares the essential mindsets, tools, and behaviors you need to excel in today’s digital workplace. Tune in to elevate your remote collaboration skills and drive results in a complex, global landscape.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 delicate balance of integrating data and research into the creative process—a challenge that many creatives find frustrating. Discover how data, research, and brainstorming can become powerful allies when applied correctly, and learn the pitfalls that can stifle creativity if they’re misused. Stephen shares best practices to ensure that data and insights enhance, rather than hinder, your creative work. Tune in to master the art of blending analytics with imagination to elevate your projects.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 answers listener questions on a variety of creative and career-focused topics. Get Stephen’s top recommendations for must-read books, essential advice for junior designers, tips on boosting productivity, insights into effective content creation, and his perspective on being a “jack of all trades.” Tune in for valuable guidance to elevate your skills, expand your knowledge, and navigate your creative career 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 episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down the biggest obstacles that keep talented creatives from landing the careers they deserve. Discover essential insights into the hiring process, along with practical do’s and don’ts to help you stand out, build a stronger personal brand, and increase your chances of success in your next job search. Tune in to gain the tools and strategies needed to transform your job hunt and unlock the career potential you’ve been working for.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 Design Thinking to reveal how it can truly transform your team and company. Discover how Design Thinking empowers collaboration, brings everyone into the creative process, and serves as a powerful tool for evaluating leadership potential across your team and partners. Stephen shares insights on using Design Thinking to shift company culture and unlock innovation. Tune in to harness the full potential of Design Thinking and drive impactful change.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 breaks down the tough decision of leaving a job. Discover the seven clear signs that indicate it’s time to move on, learn how to avoid common emotional traps when considering new opportunities, and get a step-by-step guide on how to leave professionally after giving your notice. Tune in to ensure you make a thoughtful, confident choice and leave on the best possible terms for future 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 important episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates opens up a necessary conversation about gender bias—its conscious and unconscious expressions, and why it’s a critical issue that needs addressing, especially by men. Stephen breaks down the nine types of bias, discusses why tackling gender bias is essential, and explores realistic outcomes for change. Tune in to gain practical insights on identifying, confronting, and reducing gender bias in the workplace to foster a more inclusive environment.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 frustration of meeting overload and why so many companies are trapped in a meeting-centric culture. Discover the reasons behind ineffective meetings, and learn four actionable strategies to reduce meeting time and make the sessions you do have more focused and productive. Tune in to reclaim your day, drive better results, and transform the way your team collaborates.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 reveals the “missing manual” to help you turn insights from the podcast into real, impactful changes for you and your team. Listening and taking notes isn’t enough—learn the one key strategy you need to fully apply what you’ve learned, create lasting transformation, and drive progress in your work and team culture. Tune in to unlock the true potential of these lessons and start making a difference today.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 balance leaders must strike between advocating for their beliefs and supporting their team without crossing into unproductive conflict. Learn how to stand up for what matters while maintaining constructive relationships, why strategic “fighting” is crucial for effective leadership, and how to make advocacy work for—not against—your career. Tune in to master the art of constructive advocacy and elevate your impact as a leader.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 takes on one of the toughest emotions to master in both work and life: honesty. Discover the difference between honesty and candor, how to effectively apply them, and why they’re crucial to success in your career, personal life, and self-reflection. Tune in for a deep dive into building a culture of authenticity, practicing honest communication, and embracing true self-awareness to elevate your relationships and 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 special episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates reflects on the most impactful themes and lessons from the past year. Dive into core topics around creativity, career growth, and leadership, exploring where creatives often struggle and uncovering insights from the most popular episodes. Tune in to revisit key takeaways that will inspire your journey and give you the tools to navigate challenges 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 dives into the 6 most common career pitfalls that can derail your growth before you even realize it. Learn how to recognize and avoid these hidden traps, along with actionable strategies to steer clear of common mistakes and set yourself up for long-term success. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will help you navigate your career journey with confidence and avoid setbacks along the way.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 hardest leadership challenges: managing difficult conversations with underperforming individuals and teams. Learn how to approach struggling team members versus addressing issues with the entire team, and discover the critical role you play as a leader in navigating these tough discussions. Tune in to gain practical strategies for handling challenging situations with empathy, clarity, and effectiveness to drive real improvement.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 replay of his sold-out session from Adobe MAX 2017, Stephen Gates challenges you to define what sets you apart in a competitive creative industry. Discover the power, importance, and challenges of building a strong personal brand, and why it’s essential for landing your dream job, standing out in your current role, and earning industry respect. Tune in for actionable insights on how to craft a personal brand that highlights your unique strengths and propels your career 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

In this replay of his sold-out Adobe MAX 2017 session, In-house Powerhouse: Building and Managing an Empowered Internal Creative Team, Stephen Gates shares proven strategies for leading high-performing client-side creative teams. As demand for creativity and design grows, many internal teams lack the empowerment to fully leverage their potential. Tune in to discover how to build, manage, and inspire an in-house creative powerhouse that thrives in today’s business landscape.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 leadership’s biggest challenges: coaching and developing your team to unlock their full potential and help them achieve career goals. Discover a straightforward 3-step process you can implement immediately to guide your team’s growth, increase their value, and foster a more engaged, high-performing team. Tune in for practical strategies to elevate your leadership impact and drive meaningful 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 episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down the true meaning of empathy, a concept often misunderstood and overlooked in the workplace. Discover how to authentically incorporate empathy into your work, avoid common misconceptions, and create genuine connections with your customers. Stephen also explores the delicate balance between empathy and subject matter expertise, equipping you with strategies to strengthen your impact. Tune in to unlock the power of empathy for better customer insights, teamwork, and innovation.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