The Crazy One
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 delivers unfiltered honesty, actionable insights, and hard-won wisdom to help you grow your creativity, lead with confidence, and build a meaningful career.
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.
- Update frequency
- every 17 days
- Average duration
- 39 minutes
- Episodes
- 147
- Years Active
- 2016 - 2025
Ep 6 Career: How to create a strong and effective personal brand
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 cro…
Ep 5 Listener questions: Should designers code? Is platformification killing design?
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 u…
Ep 4 Design: Social media insights, potatoes and power of experiential currency
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates explores the transformative impact of social media on personal branding. As everyone becomes their own brand, it’s crucial to understand how unique ins…
Ep 3 Teamwork: Creating a stronger culture, team beliefs and the power of 'What inspires you?'
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives deep into the pivotal role of culture in the workplace—how it can either evolve organically or be strategically designed. Learn how to assess you…
Ep 2 Leadership: Common obstacles and 7 steps to becoming a better leader
In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates addresses the pressing need for effective creative leadership in today’s organizations. While companies crave innovative leaders, many lack the strateg…
Ep 1 Creativity: Lightbulbs are bullish*t
In this enlightening episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates challenges the common misconception that ideas are like lightbulbs—instant and bright. Instead, he dives into the reality of the creative …
Welcome to the crazy
In this inaugural episode of The Crazy One, host Stephen Gates, an award-winning Creative Director, shares his unique journey and the experiences that ignited his passion for creativity and leadershi…