The Crazy One

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares the lessons learned from his journey of leaving corporate America to start his own agency. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Stephen dives deep into the tough decisions that led him to bet on himself. He talks about embracing the fear of failure, navigating imposter syndrome, and overcoming the challenges of creative work in a corporate culture that doesn’t always value it. Whether you’re considering going out on your own, struggling with self-doubt, or just looking for a way to reconnect with your creative passions, Stephen’s story offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you take the next step in your career. Tune in for a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of betting on yourself and turning your passion into your profession. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/539050/open_sms] SHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ [https://thecrazy1.com/] WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates [https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates] WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ [http://crzydesign.com/] FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazyonepodcast], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sdgates/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CrazyOnePodcast]

In this fired-up episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the reality of the design industry today—where companies often fail to truly value creativity, even though it’s been proven to drive success. Drawing from his own experiences, Stephen reflects on the frustrations designers face as they see AI and platforms like Canva change the landscape. He challenges designers to stop being surprised by the lack of design appreciation in businesses and instead embrace this moment of disruption. It’s time to rethink the way we approach our careers, the way we connect with clients, and how we use creativity to stand out. Stephen encourages creatives to see this as an opportunity to grow, adapt, and take control of their futures, rather than just waiting for change to happen. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/539050/open_sms] SHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ [https://thecrazy1.com/] WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates [https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates] WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ [http://crzydesign.com/] FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazyonepodcast], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sdgates/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CrazyOnePodcast]

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates dives into the impact of AI on the creative industry. With AI tools making waves in design, writing, and coding, Stephen shares his perspective on how these technologies are changing the game—and why creatives should embrace them rather than fear them. Discussing the differences between real creativity and mere replication, he highlights the role of AI in making high-quality work accessible to everyone and the rise of copycat designs. Stephen offers insights on how to stand out, the ethical implications of AI, and why, in the end, creativity and storytelling will continue to matter. If you’re wondering how AI will affect your work and your career, this episode provides the clarity you need to navigate this brave new world. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/539050/open_sms] SHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ [https://thecrazy1.com/] WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates [https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates] WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ [http://crzydesign.com/] FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazyonepodcast], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sdgates/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CrazyOnePodcast]

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares the raw and honest story of his journey from working in agencies to building his own creative business. After being laid off for the third time, Stephen had to face the uncertainty of the future and decide whether to continue down the traditional career path or bet on himself. Through the highs and lows of freelancing, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the lessons he learned along the way, Stephen talks about what it truly means to take control of your career and how embracing the discomfort of change can lead to profound personal growth. Whether you’re considering starting your own business or simply looking for insight into how to navigate uncertainty in your career, this episode is filled with valuable advice and inspiration. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/539050/open_sms] SHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ [https://thecrazy1.com/] WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates [https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates] WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ [http://crzydesign.com/] FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazyonepodcast], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sdgates/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CrazyOnePodcast]

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares his most valuable piece of advice for creative leaders: “You don’t need all the answers, you just need a plan.” Drawing from years of experience, Stephen discusses the common struggles people face when embarking on new challenges or career transitions and how to push through the uncertainty. He explains why creatives often get stuck in the cycle of overthinking, and how shifting your perspective to embrace a plan over perfection can help you take action and start making meaningful progress. With a focus on creative leadership and the power of just starting, this episode will help you break free from hesitation, overcome fear, and turn your ideas into action. If you’re ready to take the leap and embrace your next challenge, this episode is for you! Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/539050/open_sms] SHOW NOTES AND MORE: https://thecrazy1.com/ [https://thecrazy1.com/] WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates [https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates] WORK WITH CRZY: http://crzydesign.com/ [http://crzydesign.com/] FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazyonepodcast], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sdgates/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CrazyOnePodcast]