The Crazy One

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:

• Why this isn’t just “ageism”—it’s experience-ism
• The real reason design leadership is losing ground
• How authenticity is your most underrated asset
• The dangerous myth of the magic shortcut
• Why you need a Plan A, B, C (and maybe D)
• How to ask for help the right way—and actually get it

It’s brutal out there. But there’s power in being real, staying specific, and building something that’s actually yours.

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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:

• Why most people ask the wrong questions about starting their own thing
• The emotional weight of discovering your personal brand
• How industry trauma erodes creative identity and confidence
• The difference between choosing your path vs. accepting what you’re given
• Why betting on yourself is terrifying—and totally worth it

Because there’s no “right time” to bet on yourself. There’s just now.

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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:

• Why creative burnout can hide behind “consistency”
• How chasing validation nearly destroyed his voice — and how he found it again
• The harsh truth about leadership myths (and how they fuel imposter syndrome)
• Why CRZY Design was born — and what’s next for the show, the brand, and the community
• The new format: shorter, punchier, and more personal

It’s not about going back. It’s about starting forward — with truth, clarity, and no more filters.

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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!

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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:

• The moment of truth that signaled it was time to leave the corporate world
• Eight key questions to ask before going independent
• Why starting with structure (not branding) builds a stronger foundation
• How to calculate your rate—and why retainer models can create stability
• The soft-launch strategy that builds trust before buzz
• What Sylvia Baffour’s quote taught him about trading fear for fulfillment

Discomfort is the cost of fulfillment. If you’ve been waiting for permission to bet on yourself—this is it.

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In today’s career landscape, achieving success means taking on more responsibilities and adopting a proactive mindset—a shift Stephen Gates calls the “new era of defensive employment.” In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen unpacks what’s driving this shift, how it impacts your career and leadership style, and the steps you need to thrive in this competitive environment. Get ready for actionable advice on standing out, adapting your approach, and navigating the evolving demands of today’s workplace. Tune in to discover what it takes to succeed in this new era of work!

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As the job market shifts from a fierce competition for talent to widespread layoffs and uncertainty, the creative industry faces both unprecedented challenges and new opportunities. In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down what’s fueling these changes in 2022, the major industry shifts he predicts in the coming years, and how these dynamics are influencing his own career path. Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating the evolving job landscape, positioning yourself for future opportunities, and what these transformations mean for creatives everywhere.

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In the final episode of this 3-part series, Stephen Gates reveals actionable steps to help your team and organization truly appreciate the value of design. This episode of The Crazy One dives deep into how to conduct impactful design reviews, create a positive feedback culture, and use metrics and case studies to measure design’s influence. Whether you’re a design leader or a creative professional, learn how to communicate design’s business value effectively and elevate its role within your company. Don’t miss this essential guide to championing design and driving results.

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In this powerful second installment of the 3-part series, Stephen Gates dives deep into strategies for elevating design’s role within your team and company. In this episode of The Crazy One, he reveals how to create demand for design by building an effective action plan and implementing three key methodologies that position your team as essential contributors to business success. If you’re ready to make design a valued asset in your organization, tune in for actionable insights and practical approaches to drive impact and influence.

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In the kickoff to this insightful 3-part series, Stephen Gates breaks down essential steps to help your team and company fully appreciate the value of design. In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen explores how to shift perceptions of design from a “claim of ownership” to a powerful, strategic process. He dives into the importance of distinguishing creativity from execution and shares actionable methods for gathering data that can demonstrate design’s true impact. Perfect for creative leaders and designers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to elevate design’s role and influence within their organization.

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SHOW NOTES AND MORE:
https://thecrazy1.com/

WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE:
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