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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.