The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

Do you know it's time to make a change in your career -- but aren't sure WHAT that looks like or HOW to get started?

Today we're talking about practical steps you can take to navigate a career crossroads.

I love this time of year when the Jacaranda trees are in bloom. It’s a sign of the changing seasons, as we transition from spring into another warm Australian summer. A time of change.

It’s also a reminder of where I w...

Are you successful, with decades of experience in one profession -- but finding yourself at a career crossroads?

Whether you've hit the ceiling in your current field, are contemplating your next career chapter or wondering how to apply your expertise in a new direction, today's episode is for you.

I’m joined by Julie Matheson -- Founder of FinWise Leadership, speaker and mentor to financial planning professionals. Julie’s a...

It’s time to call it out. ‘Following your passion’ is poor career advice.

Today, I’m talking about how this common cliché can hold you back in your career and what to focus on instead.

One of my most popular podcast episodes to date is about how to find your passion. This tells me it’s a topic many people are thinking about -- and one that comes up often in my work with high-achieving leaders.

I stand by the practical tips shared in t...

How do you take back control of your career when when disruption hits your industry overnight?

Whether AI is impacting your role, you’re navigating change or finding yourself at a career crossroads, then today’s episode is for you.

I’m joined by Leanne Shelton -- leading AI trainer, coach and Founder of HumanEdge AI.

What I love about Leanne’s story is that only a couple of years ago, she was at her own career crossroads. The rapid ri...

How often do you hit a big goal -- only to rush straight on to the ‘next thing’?

It’s something I see all the time with the high-achievers I coach and I’ve been guilty of it too.

So today, I’m doing exactly what I encourage my clients to do: pausing to celebrate a BIG milestone.

Because this is an extra-special episode... 

We’ve officially reached 50 EPISODES of the podcast!!

When I first launched this show back in November 2023, I made...

What do you do if your current role isn’t the right fit for YOU?

You love your work, clients (or aspects of what you do). Yet your ‘ideal’ role or the way you want to work is… outside the box.

Well, today I’m talking about how to design the career you WANT. 

Over the years, I’ve seen so many talented people leaving jobs in search of the ‘right role’. 

They start a new role and at first, it’s great. But 6 months in, the dissatisfaction ...

Do you ever feel insecure or question your abilities?

If so, you’re not alone. Even the most accomplished leaders I coach experience self-doubt. So today, I’m unpacking how it could be quietly sabotaging your success.

Self-doubt is one of the biggest barriers to career progression. You feel like a fraud despite evidence of your accomplishments, avoid taking risks or stepping outside your comfort zone.

Your lack of confidence stops you...

Going round and round in circles trying to figure out what you want next in your career?

Today, I’m talking about how I moved from overthinking to clarity -- and now support my clients to do the same in their careers.

There’s a common mistake I see high-achievers make when they’re at a career crossroads. One which is keeping them stuck. And it’s something I did too… 

Back in 2017, I was feeling unfulfilled in my decade long recruitmen...

Are you caught up in the ‘hamster wheel’ of daily tasks and realising you’ve completely neglected your long-term career goals?

Today we’re talking about how to take back control and start creating the career you WANT -- without burning out or starting over.

This is the first instalment of a brand new ‘Career By Design’ case study series. In these episodes, I’m giving you an exclusive, behind the scenes look at my clients’ career tran...

Are robots REALLY coming for your role?

Today, we’re talking about what AI actually means for your career and simple steps you can take now to stay ahead.

In my last corporate role, there was a running joke I had IT Helpdesk on speed dial. Digital devices seem to self-destruct in my presence -- and I’m certainly no AI expert! 

But despite my tech challenges, I’ve chosen to fully embrace AI. I’ve trained my own custom GPT as a thinking...

How do you build confidence as a leader?

Is confidence something you’re born with, which only certain people possess -- or can you create it over time?

This is exactly what I’ll be unpacking on today’s episode.

Shifting from self-doubt to confidence is one of the three core pillars of my work -- and a common reason leaders seek my support.

Confidence is critical to building visibility, credibility and influence. It’s what helps you spe...

Are you waiting until your next performance review to have a conversation about your career goals?

Today, we’re talking about why this isn’t the most strategic move -- and what to do instead.

And just like that... we’re officially HALF-WAY through 2025!

In Australia, July marks the start of a brand new financial year. This means most annual performance reviews have happened and companies are now announcing pay rises, promotions and bo...

Thinking about a new direction in your career -- but don’t know if your boss will back it? Unsure if the opportunity EVEN exists internally?

If you’ve been wrestling with these questions, you’re not alone.

This is a common challenge I hear from high-achieving leaders who’ve accomplished a lot -- yet feel like they’ve hit the ceiling in their current company or team.

Last week, I spoke to a group of global...

Do you keep saying yes -- when every part of you wants to say no?

Three of the biggest self-sabotaging behaviours I see in high-achieving leaders I work with -- what I call the 3P's -- are people pleasing, perfectionism and procrastination.

Today, we're diving into people pleasing -- a topic that comes up in nearly EVERY client conversation.

One client shared they were struggling to complete a p...

Are you weighing up a big career decision?

You’re wide awake in the middle of the night, trying to figure out WHAT you want next or HOW to reach the next stage in your career. Or you’re wondering whether to stay -- or go -- in your current role or career path.

Whatever your situation, finding yourself at a career crossroads can be challenging. You feel pressure to make a decision -- and quickly. Then end up going ...

Do you have a boss who’s difficult to deal with? Ever feel frustrated, unappreciated or question whether you should just quit? 

If so, you’re not alone -- and that's exactly what we're diving into on today’s podcast. 

It’s often said people leave managers, not jobs. And it’s understandable. A bad boss can drain your motivation, impact your performance -- and even leave you questioning whether you’re in t...

Do you struggle to negotiate your worth -- or lose confidence and end up accepting less than you deserve?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone -- and it’s exactly what we’re diving into on today’s episode.

I remember walking into my boss’s office, palms sweating and heart racing.

It was early in my career and my first real negotiation discussion. I was about to ask for the pay-rise I believed I deser...

Feeling stuck -- or struggling to take action?

If procrastination is sabotaging your success, you’re not alone. And that’s exactly what we’re addressing on today’s episode.

You could be delaying an important project, putting off a career move -- or avoiding something which deep down, you really WANT to do.

But dreams often get put on hold because you’re scared of failing.

Procrastination is a cha...

Have you hit a point in your career where something seems -- off? Are you feeling stuck and wondering what’s next -- but aren’t sure where to start?

In a recent masterclass, I introduced my signature Career By Design method -- a new way of approaching your career which starts with YOU, not external strategies.

One participant shared this shift in approach was her biggest takeaway. But what helped her figure out ho...