The Crazy One

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates addresses a common hurdle in the creative process: when executives propose ideas without fully grasping the underlying problems. Explore the frequent scenarios where this occurs and learn how to navigate these challenges effectively. Stephen shares practical strategies for fostering an environment where your team can think creatively and feel empowered to develop innovative solutions. Tune in to discover how to elevate your team’s potential and improve collaboration with leadership.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 career advancement topics. Discover the optimal timing for requesting a raise or promotion, learn effective negotiation strategies to maximize your compensation, and explore methods for fostering seamless collaboration among remote teams. Additionally, Stephen discusses how companies can better value and hire creative talent to enhance their organizations. Tune in for actionable insights that can elevate your career and improve team dynamics.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, the final installment of our three-part series on Design Thinking, Stephen Gates dives into the crucial phase of implementation. Discover how to transform insights and concepts into reality through effective prototyping, testing, and delivery. Stephen also shares actionable strategies for integrating Design Thinking into your team, ensuring a more innovative and collaborative approach to problem-solving. Tune in to elevate your design process and empower your team’s creative potential.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 the second episode of our three-part crash course on Design Thinking, Stephen Gates guides you through the exciting transition from insights to innovation. Learn how to effectively brainstorm ideas by crafting impactful “How might we” statements and discover the seven essential rules for conducting successful brainstorming sessions. Tune in to unleash your creativity and enhance your team’s problem-solving capabilities as you move forward in the Design Thinking 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 the first episode of our three-part series on Design Thinking, Stephen Gates shares key insights from his journey as an IDEO-certified Design Thinking trainer. Get ready for an engaging overview of the Design Thinking methodology, where you’ll learn about its essential components. This episode dives deep into the Inspiration phase, focusing on the critical processes of research and synthesis that lay the foundation for effective design. Join us to unlock the potential of Design Thinking and start your journey toward innovative problem-solving!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 emphasizes the importance of recognizing change as a catalyst for disruptive ideas in our ever-evolving world. Discover invaluable lessons in non-traditional disruption drawn from various industries and learn how to combat cognitive biases that can blind you to emerging opportunities. Tune in to gain the insights and tools needed to stay ahead of the curve and harness change for innovative 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 episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates addresses pressing listener questions about navigating salary negotiations and demonstrating the value of an in-house creative team. Learn effective strategies for determining the right salary to ask for based on industry standards and personal worth. Stephen also shares insights on how to effectively showcase the impact of your creative team to your organization, ensuring that your contributions are recognized and valued. Tune in for practical advice that empowers you to advocate for yourself and 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 episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the paradox of today’s business landscape: while companies crave creativity more than ever, many internal creative teams lack the empowerment and support they need to thrive. Drawing from his extensive experience, Stephen shares actionable insights on how to effectively position, empower, and revitalize in-house teams to meet this growing demand for creativity. Tune in to discover strategies that can transform your creative department into a powerhouse of innovation and 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 episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the art of public speaking, highlighting the key differences between presenting to your team and captivating an audience of strangers. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Stephen shares essential techniques for crafting engaging presentations and offers invaluable tips and tricks to enhance your public speaking skills. Whether you’re preparing for a large conference or a small gathering, tune in to learn how to effectively connect with your audience and deliver your message 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 reflects on his journey through the highs and lows of his career, sharing invaluable lessons learned along the way. With the aim of helping you avoid common pitfalls, Stephen dives into six critical areas that can elevate your success and enhance your creativity. Tune in for insights that will empower you to navigate your career with confidence, overcome challenges, and unlock your full creative potential!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 poses a thought-provoking question: “Do you know what you need to be happy?” Surprisingly, many struggle to find an answer. Join Stephen as he explores the vital connection between self-awareness, happiness, and creativity. Discover why happiness is essential for fostering creativity, how it can enhance your creative process, and the impact of decision fatigue on your overall well-being. Tune in to unlock the keys to a happier, more creative 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 exciting continuation of Episode 1, “Lightbulbs are Bullsh*t,” Stephen Gates takes you deeper into your creative journey. This episode focuses on enhancing your creative palette—an essential tool for evaluating your work and uncovering fresh insights and opportunities. Discover how to refine your ability to judge the quality of your insights and apply them effectively in your creative process. Tune in to elevate your creativity and unlock new pathways for 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

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the fascinating world of Atomic Design, a powerful mental model that enables us to view user interfaces as both a unified whole and a collection of individual components. Join Stephen as he breaks down the essentials of creating an Atomic Design Language, guiding you through the process of assembling its various elements. Learn how to effectively implement this design approach within your team or organization and discover strategies for scaling it to maximize impact. Tune in to elevate your design process and foster a more cohesive user experience!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 the challenge of integrating design with agile methodologies. While agile excels in iterative processes, it often falls short when it comes to fostering creativity. Join Stephen as he breaks down the fundamentals of agile methodologies, highlights common obstacles faced by creative teams, and shares practical tips to harmonize agile practices with your design workflow. Tune in to discover how to effectively bridge the gap between agile and design, enabling your team to thrive in a fast-paced 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, we revisit an insightful conversation with Scott Morrison, the former head of marketing at iconic brands like Levi’s, Activision, and Diesel. Recorded live at the Fifteen Seconds Festival, Scott shares his unique perspective on leadership and creativity, discussing how to effectively approach work and navigate your career. Join us as we explore the intersection of innovative thinking and strategic leadership, gaining valuable insights that can elevate your professional 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 dives into the essential art of building rapport with clients—an absolute necessity for fostering trust and ensuring your ideas come to life. Discover five actionable strategies that can enhance your leadership skills, strengthen partnerships, and cultivate deeper connections with both your clients and your team. Join Stephen as he shares practical insights that will empower you to create meaningful relationships and drive successful outcomes in 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, we revisit my sold-out session from Adobe MAX 2016, titled “Success is a Choice.” Join me as I guide you through the essential steps to cultivate a culture that nurtures strong leadership and fosters creativity. We’ll explore common leadership blind spots that can hinder your team’s success and provide actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. Tune in to unlock the potential for growth and innovation within your organization!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 captivating episode of The Crazy One, I share insights from an unforgettable dinner with two titans of their industries: luxury retail developer Ken Himmel, known for iconic projects like Hudson Yards and the World Trade Center, and acclaimed three Michelin Star chef Thomas Keller of Per Se in New York City. Together, we delved into their unique perspectives on creativity, effective leadership, cultivating a thriving culture, and the intricacies of hiring top talent. Join us as we explore the principles that drive success in both the culinary and retail worlds!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 the challenge of creating standout digital experiences in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Discover the four emerging trends that can elevate your designs across various platforms, including websites, mobile apps, social media, wearables, and other cutting-edge technologies. Join us as we explore innovative strategies to enhance user engagement and deliver memorable experiences that captivate your audience and set you apart from the competition!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 addresses a common challenge teams face: making brainstorming sessions truly effective. Why do so many of these sessions end up feeling like a waste of time? Join us as we uncover the key to revitalizing your creative process by learning to frame your problems with impactful “How might we” statements. Stephen will also guide you through the seven essential rules for conducting successful brainstorming sessions that inspire innovation and drive results. Tune in to transform your team’s creative collaboration!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