The Crazy One

By: Stephen Gates
  • Summary

  • The Crazy One helps you find new insights and breakthroughs in your career, creativity, and leadership. In every episode, Stephen Gates gives you honest and actionable insights taken from his experience leading global in-house and agency creative teams, building multiple Fortune 100 brands, and working as InVision’s Chief Design Evangelist coaching and working with companies ranging from small start-ups to some of the world's biggest and innovative companies. Recognized with 2020 Webby Awards Honoree for Best Technology podcast, Inside Design’s #1 favorite design podcast, How Design Live #1 design leadership podcast, Springboard’s #1 must-listen UX design podcast and more.

    © 2025 @2015 SDGates Creative
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Episodes
  • Ep 136 Career: Overcoming Fear and Insecurity: Why You Need a Plan, Not the Answers
    Jan 31 2025

    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!

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    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:
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    11 mins
  • Ep 135 Career: The Hidden Problem of ‘Experience-ism’ in Creative Careers
    Jan 24 2025

    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

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    10 mins
  • Ep 134 Career: Tough Love for Your Portfolio: Stand Out or Stay Stuck
    Nov 29 2024

    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

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    35 mins

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