The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

Stacey Back
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Are you a high-achiever at a crossroads in your career?   The Career By Design Podcast is for you if you're an ambitious leader who is confused about your direction, stuck in self-doubt or feeling out of control in your career.   Consider this show your fortnightly resource to help you develop the clarity, confidence and strategy to take ownership of your career.   Hosted by global career development coach Stacey Back, this conversational podcast explores what it really means to redefine success and create a career on YOUR terms.    With 16+ years in coaching, people development, HR & recruitment, Stacey shares unique insights from her corporate career and experience running a business. You'll learn the exact strategies she used to change careers, shift into more aligned work -- and how she's supported hundreds of leaders to do the same.   Every Thursday fortnight, Stacey will deliver practical strategies to develop your career, mindset and leadership skills. Plus, you’ll hear guest experts and inspiring stories from individuals who’ve created their careers by design -- to show YOU what’s possible too.   Expect a dose of inspiration, to be challenged to think differently and actionable advice you can immediately implement.   Hit subscribe and get ready to design a career that's fulfilling, sustainable -- AND supports your lifestyle!   Find out more at staceyback.com.

  1. JAN 28

    #57: 5 Signs You Need To Take Ownership Of Your Career Now (In Changing Times)

    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 have historically managed their careers doesn’t hold up in the current landscape.  In the past, most people only actively thought about their careers when they were ready for a new challenge or wanted to change roles. Some were forced to consider ‘what’s next’ due to redundancy, burnout or changes in their personal situation. But in today’s rapidly changing environment shaped by AI, geopolitical uncertainty and the evolving future of work, this traditional, reactive approach is no longer enough. As a high-performing leader, the risk is clear. To futureproof your career, you need to be more strategic about how you manage it. This requires you to plan ahead on an ONGOING basis -- rather than waiting to respond when change is forced on you.  In this episode, I’m sharing 5 signs taking ownership of your career is essential in changing times and how to build sustainable, long-term career success. You'll learn: The biggest career challenge I’m seeing with senior leaders right now -- and the ONE shift to clarify your long-term directionWhy self-doubt is on the rise right now and the reframe you need to build confidence in the current climateThe most common mistake leaders make when communicating their value -- and how to intentionally position yourself for the opportunities you WANTWhy relying on managers or performance reviews to drive your development is no longer enough -- and what to do insteadHow to take a strategic approach to your development and keep your skills relevant in changing timesSo hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: → Register for the FREE February masterclass → Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Check out the Ignite Your Career program. Enrolling now for the March intake. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started. → Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    15 min

  2. JAN 14

    #56: LinkedIn Strategy For Leaders: What Matters Now For Your Career In 2026 With Karen Tisdell

    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 one connection at a time, using LinkedIn as her medium. But despite having a platform of 26K followers, she doesn’t describe herself as a LinkedIn guru. Karen’s created a career around her gifts of storytelling, communication and genuine connection. She’s proof YOU can design a career around your talents and what you love too!  In this practical episode, we explore how she’s built this incredible career, the power of LinkedIn and how you can use it strategically to grow your network and career.   You'll learn: How Karen made the shift from 14 years in recruitment to becoming Australia's top LinkedIn profile writerThe reason she's reinvented her career again in the past year and her biggest piece of advice for others navigating a career crossroads right NOWTop tips for building your network on LinkedIn -- and the power of informational interviews for turning connections into genuine professional relationships How to write an effective About section, especially when you have a long or varied careerWhy finding your 'red thread' is critical to position yourself for where you want to go -- particularly when shifting careers or building a portfolio pathSmart, subtle ways to grow your network and quietly explore new opportunities -- without alerting your boss How to engage and share value on LinkedIn without sounding self-promotional or like you're 'selling yourself' So hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: Connect with Karen:  → LinkedIn  → Website Connect with Stacey: → Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Check out the Ignite Your Career program.  Enrolling now for the next intake in February. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started. → Book a 60 minute Career Strategy Session → At a crossroads in your career? Take the FREE Career Success Code Assessment. → Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    47 min

  3. JAN 7 · BONUS

    RECAST: 5 Sure-Fire Ways To Make The Right Decision

    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, I’m talking about how to get unstuck and make the right career decisions. Decision-making is a complex topic, especially when it involves big, life-changing decisions related to your career. And everyone has a different approach. I’m fairly risk averse and think it’s important to have a clear strategy. Still, pondering a decision for days or weeks on end makes me uncomfortable. I tend to make choices quickly and act on them immediately! Others close to me prefer to think through their choices carefully, researching and analysing every possibility before committing. Some find it difficult to make a decision at all. And at times, waiting too long can cost them an opportunity. I believe there’s no such thing as a ‘wrong’ career decision -- but there are practical steps you can take to make the right choice for you. In this special episode which originally aired in May 2025, I share 5 ways to find clarity and make the right career decisions, every time. You'll learn: The first step to take when you’re overwhelmed, which helped one client move from weeks of indecision to complete clarity within daysHow to stop making decisions based on what you think you ‘should’ do and start choosing what matters to YOUA practical strategy to reduce risk with big career decisions -- without getting stuck in fear, self-doubt or overthinkingWhy relying on logic alone keeps you second-guessing and a surprising way to navigate major professional decisions with easeThe reason staying stuck is the bigger risk -- and the simple reframe that means you’ll never make the ‘wrong’ career choice So hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: Book a 60 minute Career Strategy Session. Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career in 2026? Check out the Ignite Your Career program and apply for a free 30 minute consult to get started. Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    11 min

  4. 12/31/2025 · BONUS

    RECAST: Stressed Out? 7 Simple Steps To Achieve More (In Less Time)

    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 schedule or getting anything done feels nearly impossible.  Well, here’s the good news: As you return from holidays and ease back into a normal routine, it’s the perfect time to reset. In this episode, which originally aired at the end of January 2025, I share 7 simple steps to design an effective work schedule that sticks.  These are the exact strategies I use to help ambitious leaders, like you, achieve more -- in less time. You'll learn: Why starting with your priorities is essential to achieve more of what matters mostHow choosing the hours you WANT to work is key to building stronger boundaries and reclaiming control of your timeA practical exercise to assess where your time is going, so you can focus on high-value tasks and streamline your scheduleHow to tailor your schedule to your time, energy and priorities, so you remain focused and work more efficientlyMy top scheduling tip to balance structure and flexibility, allowing you to stay on track and get more done with less stressThe secret to reviewing and refining your schedule, so you create a system that works for YOU long-term This episode is a MUST listen over the holidays to support your new year planning. So hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: Book a 60 minute Career Strategy Session. Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career in 2026?  Check out the Ignite Your Career program and apply for a free 30 minute consult to get started. Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    13 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    #55: 2025 Reflections: My 4 Powerful Lessons -- And How They’ll Support YOUR Career

    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 overloaded as they race towards the end of year finish line. They’re juggling December deadlines, Christmas commitments and all the joys of the silly season! To top it off, there’s a real heaviness and heartbreak in the world right now, including here in Australia this week. All of this makes it even harder to step off the hamster wheel and create space to think. In this special episode, I’m sharing my 4 greatest lessons (and honest confessions) for 2025. Listen in to find out what worked, what didn’t — and how these lessons can help YOU!  Then, I’ll walk you through a simple end of year reflection to review YOUR year, career -- and what you want in the next one. You'll learn: The ONE practice that’s boosted my creativity, sharpened my thinking and helped me switch off -- in less than 2 hours a weekWhy trying to THINK your way to your ‘ideal’ role keeps you stuck in your career -- and how to clarify your direction, fasterHow to create a career that’s fulfilling AND sustainable, without working less or losing your ambitionThe two qualities which significantly grew my business this year and how they'll help YOU increase your visibility, influence and impact4 powerful questions to reflect on your successes, learnings and set yourself up for a strong start in 2026! This episode is a perfect one to dive into over the holidays and a MUST listen to prepare for your best year yet. So grab a pen and paper -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: Book a 60 minute Career Strategy Session (or 2 hour intensive until 31 December). Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Check out the Ignite Your Career program and apply for a free 30 minute consult to get started. Read the full End of Year Reflection exercise here Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    25 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    #54: How To Navigate Change And Transform Your Career

    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 these bursts of beautiful purple flowers everywhere. Realising I’d lived in the area for a year and hadn’t ever taken a leisurely stroll around the block!  Following weeks of deliberation, I’d just decided to close my business for 2 months. I’d reached another cycle of complete burn-out after years of working late nights, weekends and 60+ hour weeks. I was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted and needed a break. After a decade of repeating this cycle, I needed to make significant changes. This ultimately led to me overhauling my lifestyle, changing my business model and pivoting my career. My story demonstrates that extreme change is sometimes necessary to make a shift and begin creating the life and work we truly want. But it doesn’t have to be this way for YOU. We’re now in a time where the pace of change is accelerating -- in the workplace and with AI. I used to resist change and try to control it. Now, I embrace it. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, actionable tips to help you successfully navigate change and transform your own career. You'll learn: The exact moment I realised something needed to shift in my career -- and first step you MUST take before committing to changePowerful questions to ask ahead of your next career move so your decisions reflect what matters most, not external expectationsWhat’s REALLY holding you back from making a change and a simple 3 part process to navigate your career transition with confidenceWhat to do when you’re stuck in analysis paralysis, trying to create the 'perfect' plan or overworking -- instead of taking the RIGHT actionWhy investing in the right support can save you YEARS when changing careers and how these clients created the results they wanted, faster So hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: At a crossroads in your career? Take the FREE Career Success Code Assessment. Book a limited time Career Strategy Intensive for support with one immediate career goal. Available until 31 December. Ready to find clarity, navigate change with confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Check out the Ignite Your Career program and apply for a free 30 minute consult to get started. Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    12 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    #53: Why It's NEVER Too Late To Reinvent Your Career (And How To Get Started) With Julie Matheson

    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 she’s used her wealth of experience (pun intended!) in financial planning to create a new career supporting others in her profession.  She’s proof it’s never too late to reinvent yourself -- and an example of how to take the skills you have and apply them in a different direction. In this inspiring interview, we explore how she made this shift, her practical advice for senior leaders planning their next step -- and the importance of career conversations to develop and retain your team. You'll learn: How Julie navigated a career crossroads after decades as a financial planner and non-executive directorThe dark side of independence as a high-achiever and how collaboration (not going at it alone) is essential to evolve your careerKey financial considerations senior leaders need to assess before a career transition -- and why money should NEVER be the barrier to pursuing meaningful workWhy Julie launched a business at a stage when many people choose to slow down in their careers -- and what motivates her in this new career chapter The biggest people challenges professional services firms are facing and how regular career conversations are a critical strategy to develop and retain high-performersHow leaders create a culture of continuous conversations -- and individuals can proactively initiate them PLUS: Julie's honest experience of working together and how 1:1 coaching supported her through this period (if you're curious about working with me!)  So hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: Connect with Julie:  WebsiteLinkedIn  Connect with Stacey: At a crossroads in your career? Take the FREE Career Success Code Assessment. Book a limited time Career Strategy Intensive for support with one immediate career goal. Available until 19 December. Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Check out the Ignite Your Career program and apply for a free 30 minute consult to get started. Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    50 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    #52: 5 Reasons To Stop ‘Following Your Passion’ And What To Do Instead

    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 career paths you’re curious about, identify what you want next and find work aligned to your strengths and interests.  Yet I’m noticing a lot of individuals putting pressure on themselves to ‘find their passion’ or ONE dream job. And all it’s doing is creating overwhelm and stopping them from moving forward. So I want to change the dialogue around ‘following your passion’. Is it important to do work you love? Yes! And is it possible to find work which lights you up? 100%. It’s what I help my clients do every day.  But the advice to ‘follow your passion’ can be unhelpful -- and often, discouraging.  In this episode, I’m sharing five reasons WHY -- and what to do instead. You’ll discover how to intentionally design a fulfilling career which ‘works’ for you!  You'll learn: Why trying to ‘find your passion’ is unhelpful when you’re confused about your career direction -- and how to start exploring what meaningful work looks like to YOUThe problem with trying to monetise EVERY passion and how to know when your interests belong outside workThe first step to flip the focus from ‘following your passion’ to creating a career that’s fulfilling and sustainableHow neuroscience explains why prioritising your passions limits your potential -- and the ONE quality you need to unearth new possibilitiesPractical ways to move from ‘research mode’ into action, so you can find clarity on your direction So hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in! Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too! LINKS: Listen to Episode #11: What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? How To Find Your Passion At a crossroads in your career? Take the FREE Career Success Code Assessment. Book a 60 minute Career Strategy Session for support with one immediate career goal or challenge. Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Check out the Ignite Your Career program and apply for a free 30 minute consult to get started. Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

    12 min
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Are you a high-achiever at a crossroads in your career?   The Career By Design Podcast is for you if you're an ambitious leader who is confused about your direction, stuck in self-doubt or feeling out of control in your career.   Consider this show your fortnightly resource to help you develop the clarity, confidence and strategy to take ownership of your career.   Hosted by global career development coach Stacey Back, this conversational podcast explores what it really means to redefine success and create a career on YOUR terms.    With 16+ years in coaching, people development, HR & recruitment, Stacey shares unique insights from her corporate career and experience running a business. You'll learn the exact strategies she used to change careers, shift into more aligned work -- and how she's supported hundreds of leaders to do the same.   Every Thursday fortnight, Stacey will deliver practical strategies to develop your career, mindset and leadership skills. Plus, you’ll hear guest experts and inspiring stories from individuals who’ve created their careers by design -- to show YOU what’s possible too.   Expect a dose of inspiration, to be challenged to think differently and actionable advice you can immediately implement.   Hit subscribe and get ready to design a career that's fulfilling, sustainable -- AND supports your lifestyle!   Find out more at staceyback.com.

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