Stephen Gates is a celebrated design leader with over two decades of experience shaping world-class teams and pioneering design solutions that fuse research, data, and behavioral science with human-centered design to achieve both long-term vision and immediate business impact. He is the founder of CRZY, an independent strategy, design, and inspiration studio dedicated to redefining brand identities, digital experiences, and creative approaches for notable clients such as Metallica, Sonesta Hotels, Northwell Health, Coca-Cola, Nedbank, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Blackened Whiskey.Stephen’s career includes influential leadership roles at InVision, Citi, Starwood Hotels, WW, and McCann Erickson, where he spearheaded award-winning advertising campaigns, developed innovative digital products, and established multiple Fortune 100 brands. His client portfolio extends to major names like American Airlines, W Hotels, Disney, ExxonMobil, Acura, Old Navy, Nationwide Insurance, Verizon, and Subaru. His work has earned over 150 international awards and has been showcased in 10 Apple keynotes, 4 TV commercials, and featured in the Human Interface Guidelines.An accomplished international speaker, Stephen has delivered talks at leading events for companies such as Apple, IDEO, Nike, Google, and Amazon, as well as keynoted alongside figures like Steve Wozniak, Martha Stewart, and Tony Fadell. His guest lectures have reached audiences at Yale, Parsons, Princeton, and SVA, among others.Stephen is also the creator and host of The Crazy One podcast, a deep dive into leadership, creativity, career growth, and innovation. The show, with 100+ episodes, has won multiple awards, including a 2020 Webby Honoree for Best Technology Podcast, and holds a 5-star rating in every global iTunes Store.
Listed skills include Brand Development, Creative Strategy, Creative Direction, Advertising, and 27 others.