The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

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 transformations.

Out of respect to their employers or for confidentiality reasons, many leaders I work with choose to share...

Already achieved a lot of success -- but finding yourself at a career crossroads? You’re confused about WHAT you want next or HOW to get there.

Too busy, so career planning keeps falling to the bottom of the list? 

Or feeling frustrated because you’re taking all the right action (applying for countless roles, reaching out to your network), but nothing’s working? 

In this free masterclass, I’ll share 3 powerful strategies to regain control of your career, so you get results — without wasting time on tactics that don’t work!

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 partner to help me brainstorm ideas or refine my content...

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 speak up in high-stakes meetings, get buy-in for your ideas and progress in your car...

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 bonuses.

But no matter where you are in the world, now is the perfect time to pause and reflec...

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 leaders and one of them asked these exact questions. It’s a BIG topic I didn’t have time to...

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 project. The reason? Diving deeper, we discovered the work didn’t energise or interest them.

My client had agreed to collaborate on the pr...

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 round and round in circles out of fear of making the ‘wrong’ choice.

So today...

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 the right role.

But before you move on, it’s important to consider how YOU can build a better relationship with your boss...

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 deserved based on my performance and financial results.

Despite this, I became tongue-tied and ended up a...

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 challenge my coaching clients continuously contend with. They’re ambitious high-performers, yet still find themselves stuck in analysis paralysis. They know EXACTLY what...

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 how to put it into action was learning the 3 career stages I guide my clients through.

By understanding her curr...

Are you ‘doing your career differently’ -- or feeling stuck on the path you think you 'should' take?

That’s exactly what we’re covering on today’s podcast.

I talk a lot about redefining success and creating a career on YOUR terms.

But as a high-achiever who’s found success by following a traditional career path, this can be tricky.

Especially if you’re like many of my clients, who come from professional services. Careers like law, accounting and finance -- where there’s one clear path and model of success laid out...

134 years. That’s how long it will take to reach gender parity.

So what’s holding women back at work? And more importantly -- what can we do about it? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.

I grew up in the ’80s -- the decade of big hair, power suits and Working Girl. A time when women were independent and ambitious. To me, women had ALWAYS been successful at work -- and anything I wanted to achieve in my career was possible.

Yet when I entered the workforce (big hair still in t...

Have you ever caught yourself comparing your success to someone else’s? 

When I watched Demi Moore’s recent Golden Globe speech, it hit home. Comparison is something ALL ambitious leaders struggle with, no matter how successful or experienced you are. And today, we’re tackling it head-on. 

Picture this...

You’re feeling on top of the world -- fulfilled by your work and completely satisfied with where you are in life. Then out of nowhere, it all comes crashing down. 

You’re scrolling LinkedIn and see a peer being featured in a major in...

February marks the REAL start of the year for many leaders, making it the perfect time to explore the key career and leadership trends defining 2025.

Because here’s the thing -- the pace of change isn’t slowing down. We’re experiencing major global shifts -- economically, politically and socially -- which are reshaping the workplace in real time.

So, let me ask you: Are you ready for what’s coming?

In my recent conversations with senior leaders and executives, one challenge keeps surfacing…

Many have been so focused on leading their team...

One thing I’m noticing right now is lots of leaders KNOW they want to make a change in their career, this year. 

But they’re:

Can you relate?

S...

Feeling overwhelmed by EVERYTHING you need to do? 

If so you’re not alone -- and this topic is exactly what we’re tackling on today’s episode!

You started the year with big goals, a solid plan and plenty of motivation. But as January comes to a close, you’re struggling to follow through.

Can you relate?

With school holidays stretching until February and a long weekend approaching in Australia, this time of year can feel disruptive. Finding consistency in your work schedule or getting anything done feels nearly impossible.

...

Do you know what you’re working towards in 2025? 

If not, you’re not alone. Many high performers I work with feel stuck, unsure of what they truly want and overwhelmed about where to start. 

So in today’s episode, we’re talking about how to clarify YOUR vision for the year ahead!

As a child, I remember sitting on the living room floor with my sister, surrounded by stacks of my mum’s glossy magazines. Scissors in hand, we’d cut and paste (the old-fashioned way!) our favourite images onto paper. Without realising it...

Do you struggle to stick to your New Year resolutions?

Every January you look forward to a fresh start and set new goals for the year ahead. But studies show over 80% of resolutions fail by February.

So today I’m revealing the REAL reasons why -- and how to overcome them.

Goals ARE important because they give you something to strive for. Still, I don’t buy into the ‘new year, new you’ hype. It’s unreasonable to put yourself under pressure one time per year.

I believe in having a clear visi...

How often do YOU pause and reflect?

It wasn’t until I hit the point of burnout several years ago that I realised: I NEVER reflected on my career.

As an Activator in the StrengthsFinder assessment, I’m a natural doer. Someone who dives into action, works hard and follow through -- traits I share with my high-achieving clients. 

Yet, this focus on 'doing': planning, strategising, ticking off to-do's -- often takes priority. This leaves little time to reflect on successes, learnings or celebrate progress TOWARD your goals.

And this time of ye...

Several years ago I made an extreme and completely out of character decision... 

I closed my business for 2 months. To do -- absolutely nothing.

I’d reached another cycle of complete burnout after YEARS of working 60+ hour weeks, late nights and weekends. 

After recognising the pattern of working myself to burnout -- both in my own business and back in my corporate career -- it was time to make significant changes.

As a result, I created new habits, beliefs and behaviours which helped me beat the cycle of burnout -- once and...

Do you have a big goal or project you’ve been dreaming about for YEARS -- yet for some reason, you keep putting it off?

Starting a podcast was on my priority list for over 5 years. But so many doubts held me back. Then suddenly, another year had gone by and I still hadn’t started!

So in late October 2023, I decided: I was going to launch this show in November. 

And this week, we’re celebrating the first anniversary of The Career By Design Podcast!

In this special episode, I share m...

Today, I’m tackling one of the toughest questions facing high-achievers right now: Can you REALLY have a fulfilling career and a balanced life? Is work-life balance achievable -- or is it just a myth?

If you’ve already achieved a lot of success and want to keep growing your career -- but balance this with priorities outside work, this episode is for YOU.

Inspired by a recent client conversation, I unpack the challenges faced by ambitious leaders who aim to stay career driven -- without sacrificing family, health or personal time.

I’ll be...

Is your job getting in the way of the career you want?

Today, I’m talking about a common theme which comes up in my coaching sessions: How to balance your long-term career goals with the demands of your current role.

Like one client put it, it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘hamster wheel’ of daily tasks -- and forget to allocate time to your long-term priorities. ESPECIALLY when the pace of change in the past few years has forced us to focus on fighting fires and short-term strategy.

As this cli...

Recently, I was coaching an executive leader on their interview preparation and they asked: “What are the most common questions which trip people up in an interview -- especially at the executive level?”

And I thought it would be a great topic to unpack further on today’s podcast.

Because what I’m noticing is there’s a lot of noise and conflicting advice about interview preparation -- which leaves you more confused than ever. 

And the fear you won’t have the confidence to address these questions to the best of your ability can h...

Too many people stay stuck in a career or role which no longer serves them, out of fear they’ll end up in a worse situation. 

So what steps can you take when considering a change to confirm a potential employer is the right fit for YOU?

Today’s episode was inspired by a question someone asked at a conference: “How do you ensure a potential employer’s values align to your own?”

Before I answer it here, I want to address the REAL underlying issue at the root of this question: the fear of mak...

Are you settling in your career?

I recently saw an Instagram post talking about the ‘dream job’ being dead, which encouraged people to take a role which was ‘good enough’. One which funds your life OUTSIDE work.

And I get why this advice may resonate in the current economic climate. 

I think it’s absolutely fundamental to make sure your financial needs are met, have a strategy and minimise risk with any move. But this DOESN’T mean you have to settle in your career. 

And this is exactly what I’m discussing on...

How do you stay authentic as a leader, while adjusting to various personality types in your team?

It’s a question two past clients were pondering about leadership style. A question which neither of them had a clear answer to...

You see, as former colleagues, they’d worked for managers with different personalities and contrasting leadership styles. 

After observing the impact both leaders had on them and their team, they started to consider what they could learn when it came to how they lead others -- AND manage up.

Because staying true...

Do you find it difficult to slow down or take a break? Ever feel guilty for not being ‘productive’?

Back in January, someone asked what I’d got up to over the summer holidays. I was surprised to find myself a little embarrassed to admit that my two weeks off consisted of lots of long walks, sleep-ins and Netflix binges.... 

To which this person responded: ‘So you had a break?!’ And I realised — I’d been feeling guilty for doing absolutely NOTHING!

Can you relate?

This pattern, otherwise known as productivity guilt, is commo...

One thing I’m noticing right now is a lot of talented people are finding the market tough and feeling out of control in their careers. Can you relate?

So I decided to run a brand new masterclass, where I shared 3 strategies to help you take control of your career in uncertain times.

One of the topics I talked about was the 3 biggest roadblocks to avoid to achieve your career goals now -- and in future. And because it resonated with many of the participants, I wanted to share it with you on today’s podc...

Ever felt like you’re all talk — and no action?! Today, I’m sharing the REAL reason you’re struggling to take action and get the results you’re after...

I don’t know how it happened, but we’re officially HALF-WAY through 2024! 

July also marks the start of a brand new financial year here in Australia. A time where leaders are starting to look ahead at their business strategies and professional goals for the next 12 months.

And I’m noticing a lot of individuals talking about the goals they’re yet to reach -- or strateg...

Ever asked yourself: What is my purpose? It’s a big, deep question and if you’ve ever contemplated it, it can be difficult to answer.

When my clients express the desire to ‘find their purpose’, what they’re asking is how they can feel more fulfilled in their work and life. I’ll be unpacking this topic -- and MORE -- in today’s episode.

Several years ago, I reached a point in my career where I began to wonder: What’s next?

For the first time EVER, I considered what I wanted in my car...

How often do YOU pay attention to your career growth and development? Today, I’m talking about the less obvious signs you’ve grown in your career.

Research shows employees want access to advancement opportunities at work. In fact, Gallup has linked record rates of disengagement to a lack of career development. Meanwhile, McKinsey found it’s one of the top three reasons people quit their jobs.

After working with hundreds of leaders, here’s what I’ve noticed...

You think about your development when you’ve got a big career goal in mind — say...

Understanding your unique strengths is key to growing a fulfilling, successful career. Yet once you know WHAT your gifts are, what do you DO with them?

Today, I’m diving deeper into the practical application of your unique strengths -- and HOW they can propel your career forward.

One of the first areas I work on with my coaching clients is identifying their unique strengths. And while I believe it’s critical to do some reflection upfront to build self-awareness, I’m all about practical strategy.

Because gaining new insights about yourself is nice...

Are you ignoring what you WANT, in favour of what you think you ‘should’ do?

Today, I’m talking about one powerful little word which is sneaking its way into your vocabulary. And once I point it out to my clients, they can’t unsee it. In fact, I they start pulling themselves up on it!

Can you guess what this word is? It’s SHOULD!

I see it in my clients who’ve followed a conventional career path or climbed the corporate ladder, without ever considering what they really want. 

I’ve also exp...

During a recent Q&A, someone asked: ‘How -- and when -- do you recommend working with a recruiter?’

A week later, a private coaching client wanted similar guidance on how to approach a recruiter in a new market. 

When the same question comes up, I listen! Which is why I’m going to answer it for you on today’s podcast.

Lots of leaders come to me for coaching after they’ve engaged recruiters without success. They KNOW they want more -- yet aren't sure what this looks like. Or for others, if the path...

Have you ever felt like a fraud? Like, you’ve never had to work for anything you’ve ever achieved -- and it’s only a matter of time before people work it out?

If so, you’re in the right place. Today’s episode is a MUST listen as we do a deep dive into imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome impacts all of us from time to time, regardless how experienced and successful you are. It usually rears its ugly head whenever you’re starting something new.

I see it all the time in my coachi...

Today, I’m answering one of the most common questions which comes up in my private coaching and corporate training programs: How do I find my passion?

Have you ever met someone who’s ALWAYS known what they want to be when they grew up?

From a young age, they had a clear passion which they followed. This shaped their decisions and actions, turning their dreams into reality.

It can be easy to compare yourself to these individuals -- and feel frustrated as you go round in circles in search of YOUR passion.
...

As a high-achiever, do you put ALL your success down to hard work? 

Today, I’m talking about how to let go of unhealthy striving, so you can thrive in your career -- and life.

When you’ve worked hard to get where you are and have hit EVERY big goal you’ve set for yourself, it’s natural to attribute hard work to your success. After all, you have evidence it's supported you so far! 

While there’s no doubt work ethic and drive help you get results -- the danger is when working...