Ep 01 Creativity: Lightbulbs are bullish*t

Show notes

In this inaugural episode, Stephen Gates introduces The Crazy One Podcast and lays the foundation for what listeners can expect from the show. He shares personal experiences, professional milestones, and the philosophy behind embracing your creative identity—what he calls “your crazy.” This podcast is for anyone navigating creativity, leadership, and innovation—whether you’re a designer, a strategist, or a curious professional from any background.

Section 1: Why This Podcast Exists

The Shift from Writing to Speaking

• Stephen had been blogging for 13 years but struggled with written expression due to grammar and time constraints.

• Speaking and teaching are his natural strengths—this podcast is a more effective medium to share insights more frequently and authentically.

Why Another Podcast?

• Stephen debated whether the world needed another voice.

• He decided to create this space because the messages come from lived experience, not theory—something he feels the industry lacks.

Section 2: The Meaning Behind the Name “The Crazy One”

Inspiration from Apple’s Campaign

• The title stems from the legendary “Think Different” ad campaign by Apple.

• Especially moved by the line: “Here’s to the crazy ones.”

• Some attribute the line to Steve Jobs, others to the creative team at TBWA\Chiat\Day, or even Jack Kerouac—but for Stephen, the line became personal.

Tattooed Belief

• Stephen has the words “Here’s to the crazy ones” tattooed on his right arm.

• It serves as a permanent affirmation and reminder of what makes him unique and powerful.

• His career turned around the moment he embraced what made him different—his “crazy.”

Section 3: What This Podcast Will Cover

Core Topics

• Leadership: How to lead yourself and others effectively.

• Creativity: Dissecting the myth of inspiration and exploring creativity as a daily practice.

• Innovation: Sharing practical ways to build innovative cultures.

• Design & Tech Trends: As a designer and creative director, Stephen will cover trends—but with practical, grounded insights.

Who This Is For

• This podcast isn’t just for designers or creatives.

• The lessons apply to anyone—designers, accountants, marketers, developers—who wants to improve leadership, creativity, and innovation.

• Challenges around change, leadership, and originality are universal.

Section 4: The Voice of Experience

A 25-Year Journey in Creativity

• Grew up in a creative household:

  • Father: creative director.

  • Mother: hand-crafted soft sculptures for children.

   

• By age 5, he was writing storybooks on a 700-pound letterpress in the basement.

• Began working professionally as a designer at age 12 or 13.

Key Milestones

• Over 25 years as a designer.

• 15 years leading global creative teams.

• Experience includes:

  • Apple: His work featured in 9 keynotes, Apple ads, Apple Stores, and interface guidelines.

  • Starwood Hotels: Helped build global brand design across Westin, Sheraton, W, St. Regis.

  • Citibank: First Head of Design in its 200-year history—bringing innovation into a highly regulated, legacy organization.

   

Cross-Sector Insight

• Has worked with startups, agencies, and Fortune 500 companies.

• Lessons shared in the podcast hold up across all types of organizations and cultures.

Section 5: This Isn’t Theory—It’s Practice

• Many speakers and writers speak about leadership and creativity from afar.

• Stephen brings insights from real work in top companies like Apple, Google, Adobe, and IBM.

• These aren’t one-off projects—he’s worked deeply with these companies for years.

Section 6: An Invitation to Collaborate

Make It a Dialogue

• Stephen invites listeners to send questions, suggestions, and topics.

• He wants the podcast to reflect what real listeners need and care about.

• Reach out anytime at: ask@stephengates.com

Community, Not Just a Broadcast

• The podcast isn’t about broadcasting wisdom—it’s about creating a conversation around what’s broken, what’s possible, and how to lead change.

Section 7: Final Notes and Sign-Off

• All views expressed are Stephen’s own.

• They do not represent past or current employers.

• Podcast content will be practical, real, and rooted in lived experience—not corporate jargon or motivational fluff.

Closing Line:

“Until next time, as always, thanks for listening and stay crazy.”

Tagged as:
artistic expression artistic journey brainstorming techniques creative insights creative process creativity design thinking developing ideas enhancing creativity idea generation innovation inspiratio overcoming creative blocks problem-solving