Explore every episode of the podcast The Crazy One
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 142 AI: The hidden cost of plausible, almost-right work | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:20:40 | |
AI and cheap tools have given everyone the ability to produce work that looks professional, sounds credible, and feels like the real thing. The problem? It isn't. In this episode, Stephen introduces the term Plausible Noise — the growing layer of almost-right work that's quietly eroding quality standards, collapsing accountability, and making it harder than ever to defend the value of real expertise. He breaks down how it's breaking organizations, why experts are partly to blame, and what you can actually do about it. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 141 Design: A bigger strategy behind Apple’s Liquid Glass? | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:14:12 | |
Stephen finally breaks the seal on AI — not with a prompt tutorial or workflow breakdown (he’s got a YouTube video for that), but with a deeper dive into the real conversation: how AI is shaking the creative industry to its core. From WWDC buzz to Liquid Glass backlash, this one’s not about UI drama — it’s about system strategy. Stephen unpacks Apple’s latest moves through a deeper lens: unified design, AI readiness, and what it really takes to build future-proof experiences. Because this moment isn’t just about skeuomorphism making a comeback. It’s about Apple quietly setting the stage for a smarter, more integrated creative ecosystem — and what that signals for the rest of us.
This one might age like milk — or prove prophetic. Either way, it’s a must-listen. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 132 Career: Navigating the Mess: Insights into the 2024 Job Market | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:15:23 | |
Let’s be honest—this industry is a mess right now. Layoffs are everywhere, leadership roles are disappearing, and even the best of the best are struggling to get a callback. In this episode, Stephen Gates tackles one of the most asked (and most urgent) questions from mentoring sessions: What’s really going on with the creative job market—and how do we survive it? No sugarcoating. No fake optimism. Just real talk on what’s broken, what’s changing, and how to move forward when the ground keeps shifting. Stephen breaks down the hard truths behind today’s hiring chaos, including:
It’s brutal out there. But there’s power in being real, staying specific, and building something that’s actually yours. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 47 Creativity: Understanding and applying empathy in your work | 24 Sep 2017 | 00:37:07 | |
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. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 46 Leadership: Why people quit and what you can do about it | 27 Aug 2017 | 00:46:14 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the unique challenges of leading creative teams and why people often quit bosses, not jobs. Learn what drives creatives to leave, how leaders can retain top talent, and what employees should look for in their leadership. Stephen also shares four essential questions to ask before deciding to switch jobs. Tune in for actionable insights on fostering a positive team environment, boosting retention, and making smart career moves. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 45 Leadership: Become a better leader with the 10/80/10 ratio | 20 Aug 2017 | 00:17:43 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the art of leading a creative team by finding the ideal balance between giving your team creative freedom and maintaining your own influence as a leader. Discover the 10/80/10 rule—a powerful three-part framework that helps you calibrate your leadership style, allowing your team’s ideas to flourish while guiding them effectively. Tune in to learn how to empower your team, foster innovation, and strike the perfect leadership balance. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 44 Your career: Luck has nothing to do with success or creativity | 30 Jul 2017 | 00:19:51 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates debunks the myth that success is about luck, revealing the real factors that create opportunities and drive achievement. Dive into what people actually mean when they say “lucky,” explore how preparation plays a pivotal role in success, and uncover the habits that set “lucky” individuals apart. Tune in to learn practical steps for creating your own opportunities and achieving lasting success through intentional habits. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 43 Creativity: Understanding and breaking through creative slumps | 16 Jul 2017 | 00:44:47 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the challenge of creative slumps—those frustrating times when ideas seem out of reach, and inspiration feels lost. Discover the different types of creative slumps, why they happen, and proven techniques to help you break free and get your creativity flowing again. Tune in for practical strategies to overcome blocks, reignite your passion, and get back on track with powerful ideas. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 42 Design: How to design a great mobile app | 07 Jul 2017 | 00:46:29 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates uncovers common pitfalls teams face when designing apps and shares invaluable lessons from his extensive experience in creating successful iOS and Android applications. Drawing from projects that have been featured in Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, Stephen highlights key design principles and best practices that can elevate your app’s user experience. Tune in for actionable insights that will help you avoid missteps and craft apps that stand out in today’s competitive market. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 41 Emotional intelligence: Understanding and embracing insecurity | 25 Jun 2017 | 00:40:49 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the complex emotions that shape the creative process, focusing on the impact of insecurity and frustration on your success. Discover the various stages of creative insecurity, how social media can amplify these feelings, and learn effective techniques to regain control over your emotions. Tune in to equip yourself with the tools needed to navigate emotional challenges and enhance your creativity for more impactful work. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 40 In-house design: Who owns creativity: In-house or agency teams? | 18 Jun 2017 | 00:38:45 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the evolving landscape of creative collaboration as in-house teams experience significant growth, altering the dynamics between companies and their agencies. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of both in-house and agency creative teams, how their workflows differ, and the future direction of these vital partnerships. Tune in to gain insights into optimizing creative collaboration in a rapidly changing industry. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 39 Mentoring: How to find or become a mentor | 04 Jun 2017 | 00:49:21 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the essential art of mentorship—exploring how to find a mentor, become an effective one, and foster a successful mentor-mentee relationship. Discover key strategies for initiating meaningful conversations, understanding the different types of mentors, and setting clear expectations for both parties. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a mutually beneficial mentorship that inspires growth and drives success for everyone involved. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 38 Teamwork: Building stronger relationships with your clients (even the difficult ones) | 15 May 2017 | 00:44:40 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the crucial relationship between creatives and their clients, emphasizing the importance of trust in the creative process. Learn how to establish a strong foundation with your clients, cultivate trust, and effectively address challenging behaviors to foster a more productive partnership. Discover strategies for including clients in the creative process to prevent misunderstandings and practical tips for building rapport that leads to successful collaborations. Tune in to enhance your client relationships and elevate your creative work. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 131 Career: What's stopping you from going out on your own?!? | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:14:37 | |
After 13 months away, the mic is back on—and we’re starting exactly where too many of us are stuck. In this raw and real return, Stephen unpacks the one conversation that’s been rising to the surface in every mentoring session, DMs, and late-night career spirals: Should I start my own thing? But the real question hiding underneath? Why can’t I bet on myself?This episode isn’t about logos, color palettes, or pitch decks—it’s about confronting the fear, vulnerability, and truth at the heart of every creative career pivot. Whether you’re debating a freelance leap, building your own agency, or just trying to reclaim your voice in your next job, this one’s a mirror check. What you’ll learn in this episode:
Because there’s no “right time” to bet on yourself. There’s just now. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 37 Creativity: How to stop executive interference in your creative process | 08 May 2017 | 00:36:24 | |
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. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 36 Listener questions: When do you ask for a raise, making remote teams work and valuing creative talent | 16 Apr 2017 | 00:46:25 | |
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. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 35 Methodologies: Design Thinking P3 - Implementation phase and how build it into your culture | 08 Apr 2017 | 00:50:48 | |
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. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 34 Methodologies: Design Thinking P2 - Ideation phase | 31 Mar 2017 | 00:44:41 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 33 Methodologies: Design Thinking P1 - Overview and Inspiration phase | 19 Mar 2017 | 00:49:02 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 32 Creativity: How to see opportunities and insights before anyone else | 26 Feb 2017 | 00:37:48 | |
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. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 31 Listener questions: Setting your salary and showing the value of an in-house team | 12 Feb 2017 | 00:33:49 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 30 In-house design: How to fix broken and dysfunctional in-house creative teams | 29 Jan 2017 | 00:50:01 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 29 Speaking: How to become a great public speaker | 21 Jan 2017 | 00:49:55 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 28 Career: The 6 most important lessons I've learned in my career | 15 Jan 2017 | 00:52:17 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 130: Ending the hiatus. Is this thing still on? | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:09:16 | |
After a year-long silence, The Crazy One is back — but not the same. In this raw return, Stephen opens up about the real reasons behind the show’s hiatus, the toll of being laid off (again), and how starting his own studio forced a reckoning with his past, his voice, and the burnout hidden behind the mic. It’s not just a comeback — it’s a reset. This episode dives deep into the unfiltered truth behind the pause — not just what happened, but why it matters now more than ever. From mental health to toxic leadership myths, from public faceplants to private growth, Stephen shares the reality of rebuilding — on his terms. In this episode, you’ll learn:
It’s not about going back. It’s about starting forward — with truth, clarity, and no more filters. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 27 Emotional intelligence: The relationship between happiness and creativity | 08 Jan 2017 | 00:42:56 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 26 Creativity: Have better ideas with better insights and a creative palette | 18 Dec 2016 | 00:48:01 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 25 Design: What are Atomic Design Systems and why are they the future? | 12 Dec 2016 | 00:50:32 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 24 Methodologies: How to make agile methodologies work with your design process | 04 Dec 2016 | 00:41:00 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 23 Conference talk: My talk with Scott Morrison at the 2016 Fifteen Seconds Festival | 13 Nov 2016 | 00:19:11 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 22 Teamwork: 5 Ways to build rapport with your clients | 13 Nov 2016 | 00:32:36 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 21 Conference talk: 'Success is a choice' from Adobe MAX 2016 | 06 Nov 2016 | 01:07:57 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 20 Creativity: Insights from chef Thomas Keller on creativity and culture | 30 Oct 2016 | 00:41:08 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 19 Design: The 4 trends that will define the future of UI / UX design | 23 Oct 2016 | 00:35:49 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 18 Creativity: 7 rules for running a better brainstorm | 14 Oct 2016 | 00:25:04 | |
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! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 129 Keynote: BeMore Festival 2023 - How to build a breakthrough career | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:56:26 | |
In this powerful episode of The Crazy One podcast, Stephen Gates shares his standout keynote from the 2023 BeMore Festival, the ultimate 24-hour global super conference featuring over 100 top voices in Design, AI, Product Development, and Career Growth. Tune in to discover actionable strategies to build a breakthrough career, from unlocking creative potential to thriving in an evolving industry. Stephen dives deep into essential career growth insights, with advice on navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and positioning yourself for long-term success. Join a journey designed to inspire, educate, and elevate your career to the next level! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 17 Hiring: How do you find and hire better creatives?!? | 10 Oct 2016 | 00:42:51 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the critical process of finding and hiring top talent for your team. With competition for skilled professionals at an all-time high, what should you be looking for in candidates? How can you refine your hiring techniques, and what pitfalls should you steer clear of? Join Stephen as he shares his proven questions, key indicators to identify exceptional talent, and innovative assessment methods he’s developed over the years. Tune in to elevate your hiring strategy and build a powerhouse team! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 16 In-house design: The secrets to becoming a successful in-house designer | 03 Oct 2016 | 00:37:40 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the unique challenges faced by in-house design teams, from navigating office politics and tight budgets to earning the respect they deserve. Drawing on over a decade of experience building and leading award-winning client-side creative teams, Stephen shares essential insights and strategies to help you thrive in this dynamic environment. Tune in to discover how to overcome obstacles, foster collaboration, and elevate your team’s impact within your organization! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 15 Creativity: Insights from my conversation with Ferran Adria, the world’s greatest chef | 26 Sep 2016 | 00:39:12 | |
In this captivating episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates takes you inside the creative genius of Ferran Adrià, often hailed as the world’s greatest chef for his groundbreaking work at ElBulli, the restaurant that has claimed the title of the best in the world more times than any other. Join Stephen as he shares exclusive insights from his rare visit to Ferran’s private workshop in Barcelona, where he witnessed firsthand the innovative approaches to creativity, inspiration, and culinary artistry that define Adrià’s legacy. Don’t miss this chance to explore the mind of a true visionary and discover how his methods can inspire your own creative journey! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 14 Public speaking: Understanding your audience, the aftermath and keeping it sold | 19 Sep 2016 | 00:43:18 | |
In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates continues the journey from episodes 12 and 13, diving deeper into the art of presenting your work to clients effectively. Discover proven strategies to understand your audience’s needs, craft compelling narratives, and ensure that your presentations leave a lasting impression. Stephen will guide you through essential post-presentation actions that can help you secure buy-in and keep your work moving forward. Tune in to transform your presentation skills and enhance your client relationships! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 13 Public speaking: Building, setting up and giving a great presentation | 06 Sep 2016 | 00:48:33 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates builds on the foundational skills covered in Episode 12, taking your public speaking to the next level by focusing on crafting powerful presentations. Discover actionable tips, tricks, and expert insights that will elevate your presentation game. From structuring your content for maximum impact to mastering delivery techniques, this episode equips you with everything you need to captivate your audience and make a lasting impression. Whether you’re pitching ideas, teaching concepts, or leading meetings, tune in to learn how to transform your presentations into compelling experiences! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 12 Public speaking: Understanding your presentation style and becoming a better storyteller | 03 Sep 2016 | 00:54:21 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the art of selling your ideas and making them shine. Great ideas deserve to be seen, but they only come to life if you can effectively present and advocate for them to your clients. Join Stephen as he uncovers essential strategies for becoming a compelling presenter, including how to truly understand your material, discover your unique presentation style, and harness the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you’re pitching a project or sharing your vision, this episode will equip you with the tools you need to captivate your audience and get your ideas the recognition they deserve! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 11 Design: Innovative fashion, technology and shoes that might change everything | 28 Aug 2016 | 00:42:18 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the fascinating world of trendspotting as a catalyst for innovation. Discover how identifying emerging trends at the crossroads of fashion and technology can lead to groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to revolutionize the entire fashion industry. Join Stephen as he uncovers insights on how to recognize these trends and leverage them to create impactful and disruptive concepts that resonate with today’s consumers. Get ready to transform your approach to creativity and design through the lens of trend analysis! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 10 Creativity: How to build a product or creative strategy | 21 Aug 2016 | 00:48:02 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the crucial role of strategy in the creative process. Discover the eight essential questions that every creative leader must answer to lay the groundwork for successful products and innovative ideas. With insights drawn from years of experience, Stephen guides you through the key components of effective strategy, helping you refine your vision and align your team for success. Whether you’re developing a new product or enhancing an existing one, understanding these foundational questions is the first step toward achieving your creative goals. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 9 Hiring: The biggest design portfolio opportunities, secrets and mistakes | 12 Aug 2016 | 00:56:39 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates unveils the secrets to crafting an attention-grabbing design portfolio that will help you land your dream job. Drawing from his extensive experience in creating his own portfolio and reviewing thousands of others, Stephen reveals the five essential practices that will make your work shine and the three common pitfalls to avoid at all costs. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, this episode provides actionable insights that can transform your portfolio into a powerful tool for showcasing your talent and creativity. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 8 Hiring: The lost art of the job interview | 01 Aug 2016 | 00:47:14 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives deep into the world of job interviews, addressing the frustrating lack of feedback that often follows a rejection. If you’ve ever wondered why you didn’t land that coveted position, this episode is for you! Stephen uncovers the most common interview mistakes candidates make and offers practical advice on how to prepare effectively, articulate your personal brand, and ultimately improve your chances of success in future interviews. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or entering the job market for the first time, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you shine in your next interview. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 128 Career: How to start your studio or freelance business | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:47:24 | |
After a long break, Stephen Gates is back with a powerful episode unpacking what it really takes to go out on your own—whether that means freelancing, consulting, or launching your own studio. Recorded from a new home, a new city, and a new chapter, this episode pulls back the curtain on the real decisions behind building CRZY and why fulfillment—not fear—should drive your next move. This isn’t another “12 steps to freelance freedom” checklist. It’s an honest, strategic deep dive into the foundational questions you need to ask before betting on yourself. From risk tolerance to pricing models, Stephen breaks down the mindset shifts, business realities, and personal clarity required to thrive outside the traditional 9–5. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Discomfort is the cost of fulfillment. If you’ve been waiting for permission to bet on yourself—this is it. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 7 Career: How to build your personal brand ecosystem | 01 Aug 2016 | 00:46:18 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates takes you on a journey to transform your unique brand identity into a vibrant and cohesive personal brand ecosystem. Once you’ve identified what sets you apart, it’s time to bring that essence to life! Stephen shares invaluable insights on how to effectively integrate your brand into essential tools such as your resume, business cards, social media profiles, and beyond. Discover the secrets to making your personal brand resonate and stand out in a crowded marketplace, ensuring that your unique voice shines through in everything you do. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 6 Career: How to create a strong and effective personal brand | 28 Jul 2016 | 00:40:03 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates delves into the essential question: What makes you stand out as a creative professional? If you’ve ever wondered how to differentiate yourself in a crowded field, this episode is for you! Stephen uncovers the obstacles that often hinder personal branding and highlights the immense power and significance of cultivating your unique identity. You’ll learn two effective techniques to kickstart your personal brand, empowering you to showcase your individuality and strengths. Tune in to discover how to leverage your uniqueness and carve out your niche in the creative world! SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||
| Ep 5 Listener questions: Should designers code? Is platformification killing design? | 16 Jul 2016 | 00:31:04 | |
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles some pressing listener questions that every designer needs to consider. Should designers learn to code to enhance their skill set, or is that unnecessary? How can developers be more integrated into the creative process to elevate the end product? And are digital platforms truly stifling design creativity? Join Stephen as he dives into these crucial topics, offering insights and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of design and development. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or simply passionate about creativity, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you thrive in today’s digital environment. SHOW NOTES AND MORE: | |||