The Crazy One

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares the lessons learned from his journey of leaving corporate America to start his own agency. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Stephen dives deep into the tough decisions that led him to bet on himself. He talks about embracing the fear of failure, navigating imposter syndrome, and overcoming the challenges of creative work in a corporate culture that doesn’t always value it. Whether you’re considering going out on your own, struggling with self-doubt, or just looking for a way to reconnect with your creative passions, Stephen’s story offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you take the next step in your career. Tune in for a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of betting on yourself and turning your passion into your profession. Send us a text SHOW 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 fired-up episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the reality of the design industry today—where companies often fail to truly value creativity, even though it’s been proven to drive success. Drawing from his own experiences, Stephen reflects on the frustrations designers face as they see AI and platforms like Canva change the landscape. He challenges designers to stop being surprised by the lack of design appreciation in businesses and instead embrace this moment of disruption. It’s time to rethink the way we approach our careers, the way we connect with clients, and how we use creativity to stand out. Stephen encourages creatives to see this as an opportunity to grow, adapt, and take control of their futures, rather than just waiting for change to happen. Send us a text SHOW 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 AI on the creative industry. With AI tools making waves in design, writing, and coding, Stephen shares his perspective on how these technologies are changing the game—and why creatives should embrace them rather than fear them. Discussing the differences between real creativity and mere replication, he highlights the role of AI in making high-quality work accessible to everyone and the rise of copycat designs. Stephen offers insights on how to stand out, the ethical implications of AI, and why, in the end, creativity and storytelling will continue to matter. If you’re wondering how AI will affect your work and your career, this episode provides the clarity you need to navigate this brave new world. Send us a text SHOW 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 shares the raw and honest story of his journey from working in agencies to building his own creative business. After being laid off for the third time, Stephen had to face the uncertainty of the future and decide whether to continue down the traditional career path or bet on himself. Through the highs and lows of freelancing, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the lessons he learned along the way, Stephen talks about what it truly means to take control of your career and how embracing the discomfort of change can lead to profound personal growth. Whether you’re considering starting your own business or simply looking for insight into how to navigate uncertainty in your career, this episode is filled with valuable advice and inspiration. Send us a text SHOW 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 shares his most valuable piece of advice for creative leaders: “You don’t need all the answers, you just need a plan.” Drawing from years of experience, Stephen discusses the common struggles people face when embarking on new challenges or career transitions and how to push through the uncertainty. He explains why creatives often get stuck in the cycle of overthinking, and how shifting your perspective to embrace a plan over perfection can help you take action and start making meaningful progress. With a focus on creative leadership and the power of just starting, this episode will help you break free from hesitation, overcome fear, and turn your ideas into action. If you’re ready to take the leap and embrace your next challenge, this episode is for you! Send us a text SHOW 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 Crazy One Episode 135, Stephen Gates dives deep into a pressing topic in the creative industry today: “experience-ism.” As companies face economic downturns and shifting priorities, experience that once stood as an asset now feels like a liability. In this episode, Stephen reflects on the frustrations of senior creatives navigating the job market, where seasoned professionals find themselves sidelined for being “too experienced” or “too opinionated.” He explores how companies are shifting toward creativity as a service, prioritizing quick delivery over impactful design and leadership. Stephen shares his personal struggles with this trend and offers advice for creatives seeking fulfillment and opportunities in a market that increasingly values the status quo over innovation. Listen in for a candid take on how to navigate these challenging times and what it means to stay true to your creative expertise, even when experience feels like a disadvantage. Send us a text SHOW 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 episode 134 of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into one of the most pressing challenges creatives face: navigating the job search. With many creatives either seeking new positions due to layoffs or dissatisfaction in their current roles, Stephen offers valuable insights on how to approach your portfolio, improve your job search strategy, and stand out in a competitive market. Drawing from his own experience and working as a hiring manager, he explains common portfolio mistakes, how to build a compelling personal brand, and why your approach to presenting your work matters. This episode provides a reality check and practical advice for creatives struggling with their job search, offering strategies to help you get noticed, get feedback, and ultimately land the job you want. Send us a text SHOW 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, host Stephen Gates dives into a topic that’s all too familiar for many: getting laid off. With his personal experience of being laid off three times throughout his career, Stephen offers practical advice for those facing the uncertainty of potential job loss. He covers how to prepare for a layoff before it happens, the emotional rollercoaster of being let go, and the essential steps to take during and after the process. From understanding your severance package to managing the emotional fallout, Stephen provides insights into handling layoffs with resilience and turning the experience into an opportunity for growth. Whether you’re currently facing job insecurity or simply want to be better prepared, this episode offers valuable advice for navigating the tough times and bouncing back stronger. Send us a text SHOW 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, host Stephen Gates dives deep into the state of the creative industry in 2024. As the industry grapples with unprecedented layoffs and shifting dynamics, Stephen shares invaluable insights into the underlying factors driving these changes. He explores how economic pressures, evolving technologies, and changing consumer behaviors are reshaping the landscape for creative professionals. Listeners will gain practical strategies for navigating these challenges, including how to adapt your skills, stay relevant, and seize new opportunities in an uncertain market. Join Stephen for an eye-opening discussion that empowers creatives to thrive amidst adversity. Send us a text SHOW 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 long-awaited return to The Crazy One podcast, host Stephen Gates shares an honest and introspective look at his journey over the past year, from leaving New York and launching his own studio to grappling with burnout and rediscovering his passion. In this episode titled “Is This Thing Still On?”, he opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of going independent, confronting career disappointments, and evolving his relationship with the podcast. With a renewed focus on authenticity and self-reflection, he invites listeners to join him as he reboots the show in a fresh, more spontaneous format. Tune in to explore resilience, self-discovery, and the challenges of staying true to one’s creative voice in a rapidly changing industry. Send us a text SHOW 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 episode 131 of The Crazy One podcast, Stephen Gates dives into one of the most common questions he encounters: “Should I start my own thing?” Drawing from his journey of leaving New York, starting his agency, and mentoring creatives, he explores the deeper challenges behind building a personal brand and finding fulfillment in a career. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on what truly makes them happy, what they want from their work, and how to break free from industry norms. Tune in for an honest, introspective conversation on self-belief, creative independence, and taking the leap to pursue what matters most. Send us a text SHOW 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

My keynote about how to build a breakthrough career from the 2023 BeMore festival which is an annual epic 24-hour super conference bringing 100+ legendary speakers in Design, AI, Product & Career Growth. Elevate your future with live keynotes, networking and an experience that will empower and educate the community. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode129   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

The last few months have seen more layoffs, more uncertain futures, and creative frustration, which has many people wondering if they should go out on their own.  It could be as a freelancer, consultant, or starting their own business. But there are so many questions, uncertainty, and few answers. In this episode, we are going to look at the foundational questions you need to ask yourself about the type of business you want to start, the questions you need to ask to figure out the type of business you want to create, share some insights in my journey launching my own studio, and more. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode128   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

We are in a time when most people have realized that they have to take on a lot more to have a successful career. But it can be tough to navigate and know what you need to do to be successful. In this episode, we will look at what has caused this new era of defensive employment, what it will mean for you and your leadership style, and what you need to do to succeed. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode127   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

The job market continues to evolve from a war for talent where people were getting multiple offers to rampant layoffs and tons of frustration. I think all of this will add up to a big change, and it is something I haven't seen in a while. It will create both opportunities and challenges for all of us. In this episode, we will talk about what is going on in the creative industry in 2022 that is driving so much change in companies and the job market, the big shift that I think is coming in the next few years, and how all of this has set me in a new direction with my career. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode126   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

The third in a 3 part series where we will look at the steps you can take to help your team and company understand the value of design. In this episode, we will look at how to show the value of design through design reviews, set a different tone through feedback guidelines, and measure the impact through metrics and case studies. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode125   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

The second in a 3 part series where we will look at the steps you can take to help your team and company understand the value of design. In this episode, we will look at creating the demand for design by creating an effective plan and using three critical methodologies and approaches to help move your team to a more valued contributor to your company. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode124   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

The first of a 3 part series where we will look at the steps you can take to help your team and company understand the value of design. In this episode, we will talk about how people can see design as a claim of ownership instead of a process, how we separate creativity from execution as the basis of knowing how to show the value of design, and how to start to create the data you will need to begin to change things. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode123   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

While trying to get promoted or deciding if you should quit your job are at very different stages in your career journey, they share the need for clarity, action, and a way to understand the way forward. They also share that you might be the problem, and you have a blindspot to that fact. In this episode, we will go over a simple process you can use to think through how to approach this problem, lay out the issues you will need to think about, and lay out how to have the conversation that will get you the answer you need to make a decision. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode122   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

The past six months have been a fascinating exploration into a new perspective on Design Thinking. I never thought I get it from the US Army as I learned about how they teach and use the Army Design Methodology. In this episode, we will go over the basics of the US Army Design Methodology, look at how it is different and I would even say better than Design Thinking, and highlight some things they do differently that can make a huge difference in your team or company. SHOW NOTES: http://thecrazy1.com/episode121   FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook