The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

Are you thinking about pursuing a new career path -- but there’s a lot at risk?

Whether you aren’t sure where to start, are worried about making the wrong choice -- or throwing away everything you’ve invested into your current career, this episode is for you.

Today, we’re talking about practical steps you can take to test and validate your career idea, so you reduce risk with your move.

In a recent coaching session with a long-term leadership client, we worked on developing new habits and behaviours. As I shared w...

Are you working hard -- but waiting to be tapped on the shoulder for your next opportunity?

Whether you've been overlooked for promotion, aren't getting the recognition you deserve or know you need to grow your network more strategically, this episode is for you.

Today’s podcast was inspired by a question I was asked during a recent panel discussion on building a personal brand.

The question was: “What types of people should you be connecting with for your own professional development?”

And as it turns out, I have a lot to say...

Have you ever asked yourself: How do I be successful in a workplace which isn't designed for me?

Today, we're talking about the barriers ALL underrepresented groups face (including men) and how we can create workplaces that 'work' for everyone. 

I'm joined by Belinda Riley -- a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion specialist, speaker and Founder of Beyond The Barriers.

What I love about Belinda’s story is how she’s combined her experience leading culture change with her training as a clinical hypnotherapist. Her work tackles DEI at both a systemic and individual level to cr...

Are you reassessing how you position yourself in the current market? Or rethinking how to use AI and optimise your CV to land your next role?

That’s exactly what I’m addressing on today’s podcast.

Here’s what I’m hearing in recent conversations with senior leaders and executives:

The job market feels tight, competition is fierce -- and they’re struggling to stand out when hundreds of candidates are applying for the same role.

One leader told me they spent several hours researching a potential employer and customising their applic...

Are you already successful -- yet going round in circles trying to decide what’s next at this stage of your career?

If so, today we’re talking about how to find clarity on your direction -- particularly as a senior leader, when your options aren’t clear and career paths are no longer linear.

This episode is part of the ‘Career By Design’ case study series, where I give you an exclusive, behind the scenes look at my clients’ career transformations.

My intention with this series is to show you there isn’t one definiti...

Are you still managing your career the way you did 5 years ago?

Today we’re talking about why taking ownership of your career is no longer optional -- but critical in the changing world of work.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to be ‘on’ from the first week of January. So if it’s taken you a bit of time to ease into the year, you’re not behind.

What DOES matter is how you’re approaching your career once you’re back in the rhythm of work. Because the way most people ha...

Are you using LinkedIn strategically to support where you want to go next in your career?

Whether you’re a leader looking to use LinkedIn more intentionally in 2026, implement the daily habits to build real traction over time, or rethink how you position yourself, today’s episode is for you. 

I’m joined by Karen Tisdell -- one of Australia's leading LinkedIn experts, a talented LinkedIn profile writer, trainer and my go-to person for all things LinkedIn.

What I love about Karen’s story is how she’s built her career brick by brick and o...

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...

Feeling overwhelmed by EVERYTHING you need to do this year?

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

At the start of a new year you're full of motivation, set big goals and have a solid plan in place. But as January comes to a close, many people struggle 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 s...

As a high-achiever, how often do you rush to the ‘next thing’ without pausing to consider how far you’ve actually come?

I’ve certainly been guilty of it in the past!

But in recent years, I’ve become intentional about reflecting as I go. When I do my quarterly planning, it always starts by looking back and noticing what I’m learning along the way.

And at the end of the year, that pause matters more than EVER.

Because the pace of change isn’t slowing down. People are feeling stretched and...

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 was back in 2017.

Wandering through my local neighbourhood, noticing thes...

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 also a past client I had the pleasure of working with during her own career crossroads.

What I love about Julie’s story is how sh...

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 this episode. They’ll support you to explore potential car...

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 rise of AI was disrupting her copywriting business.

Instead of resisting the chan...

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 the intentional decision to go ALL in with this...

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 starts creeping back in. Some people chan...

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 showing up in a meaningful way and you begin to see your self-doubt as a sign you’re truly incapable. All this k...

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 recruitment career and burnt out in my business. I remember agonising over what I want...

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...