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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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From the publisher's feed
The Crazy One is an award-winning podcast for creatives, leaders, and anyone who refuses to settle. Hosted by renowned designer and global design leader Stephen Gates, this show…
With over two decades leading world-class design teams at companies like InVision, Citi, Starwood Hotels, WW, and McCann Erickson, Stephen has built brands and digital experiences for clients including Disney, American Airlines, W Hotels, Verizon, Acura, and more — work that’s earned over 150 international awards and has been featured by Apple in 10 keynotes, 4 commercials, and the Human Interface Guidelines.
Now as the founder of CRZY, an independent strategy and design studio, he’s helping companies find bold new visions for their brands, experiences, and creative futures. Through The Crazy One, he shares everything he’s learned along the way — from integrating behavioral science with human-centered design to navigating imposter syndrome to building a career and creative life on your own terms.
With over 100 episodes and a loyal global audience, The Crazy One has been named:
• Webby Award Honoree for Best Technology Podcast
• #1 Podcast by Inside Design, HOW Design Live, and Springboard
• 5-star rated across every iTunes Store worldwide
This is more than a design podcast. It’s a wake-up call. A masterclass. A real-talk guide for finding your voice, owning your crazy, and changing the game.
No BS. No buzzwords. Just real insights from someone who’s been there.