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In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the impact of constant change on our careers, personal lives, and overall well-being. Change often brings stress, anxiety, and fear that can hold us back, but how we view and respond to it can significantly shape our health, happiness, and success. Stephen explores why we struggle with change, reassures us that these feelings are normal, and shares practical strategies for handling change in healthier, more empowering ways. Tune in to learn how to turn change into an opportunity for growth and resilience.
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In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates recaps his new Crazy One Conversation series, where he spoke with 60 creatives from 10 countries and 20 U.S. cities to explore the realities of Design Imposter Syndrome. Stephen breaks down the fundamentals of Design Imposter Syndrome, uncovers the key factors driving its rise, and shares top insights, advice, and resources from these powerful conversations. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of imposter syndrome in the design world and practical strategies to overcome it, so you can thrive with confidence in your creative career.
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In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down the art and science of crafting a portfolio that truly stands out. Your portfolio is not only a reflection of your brand but also your first impression on potential employers and clients. Stephen dives into the latest trends shaping portfolio design, covers the essential components you need, and shares expert tips on building compelling brand messaging, showcasing your work through impactful case studies, and presenting your experience effectively. Tune in to learn how to create a portfolio that captures attention and leaves a lasting impact.
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In this thought-provoking episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the surprising connection between boredom and creativity. Over the past 25 years, creativity has been on the decline, and Stephen believes that constant engagement and technology are at fault, robbing us of the essential moments of boredom that fuel original ideas. Tune in to learn why boredom is a critical ingredient for creativity, why it’s become so scarce in our busy world, and practical ways to reclaim this rare resource to ignite your creative spark.
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In this empowering episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the critical role a strong support system plays in overcoming career challenges. From battling insecurity to facing compassion fatigue, Stephen explores why support often dwindles as our careers advance and shares insights into the 4 key elements of an effective support system. Tune in to learn practical strategies for building and maintaining a support network that can help you thrive, no matter where you are in your career.
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In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles one of the toughest challenges in creativity: navigating difficult personalities that can derail, debate, or even kill great ideas. Creativity’s subjective nature makes it vulnerable to criticism, and working with challenging people can make or break your success. Stephen explores the 4 common personality types you encounter in the workplace, why managing difficult people is essential, and offers actionable strategies for productive collaboration. Plus, learn what steps to take if your efforts don’t pay off. Tune in to boost your resilience and keep your creativity on track.
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In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates unpacks the critical differences between design and creativity—two terms often used interchangeably but with distinct meanings that can greatly impact your career, team, and influence within your company. Stephen dives into how design and creativity are commonly misunderstood, why defining each is essential, and how recognizing these differences can elevate your work and drive meaningful results. Tune in to learn how to apply this knowledge to advance your career, empower your team, and maximize your impact.
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In this powerful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into one of the biggest frustrations in any career: feeling stuck and unable to get promoted. Stephen takes you behind the scenes of the promotion process, revealing common obstacles and why typical strategies often fall short. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on advancing your career, discover why your current approach might not be working, and learn actionable steps to position yourself for promotion and long-term success.
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In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the growing challenge of finding and hiring top creative talent in today’s competitive job market. With record-low unemployment, skyrocketing demand for creative skills, and an expanding role for design, securing great talent is tougher than ever. Stephen shares key insights from the latest Design Trends Report he co-authored, exploring the latest trends and strategies in recruiting, hiring, and developing the best creative minds. Tune in to learn how to stay ahead in the talent hunt and build a team that drives impactful results.
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In this essential episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores why trust is the cornerstone of creativity, teamwork, and effective leadership—and why it’s often misunderstood or overlooked in most organizations. Stephen breaks down the various types of trust, explains where trust matters most, and shares practical ways to assess and strengthen it within your team. Tune in to discover powerful strategies for building a human-centered culture of trust that fuels collaboration, innovation, and growth.
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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.