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.
The Crazy One
Ep 128 Career: How to start your studio or freelance business
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.
SHOW NOTES AND MORE:
https://thecrazy1.com/
WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates
WORK WITH CRZY:
http://crzydesign.com/
FOLLOW THE CRAZY ONE:
LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook
