The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

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 si...

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...

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...

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 chang...

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...

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 h...

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 wi...

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 th...

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’...

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 fu...

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 goa...

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 bega...

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. Afte...

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...

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...

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 wi...

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 ug...

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 compar...

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...

Are you stuck at a career crossroads and confused about WHAT to do next? Want to progress with your current company -- but aren’t sure HOW to get to the ‘next level’ professionally? Today, I’m sharing one of my most popular career planning tools to help you clarify your career goals and create a plan to reach them. Every day, I speak to people who feel frustrated and stuck in their careers. I’ve t...

Want to change careers in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s -- or beyond? Today, I’m talking about why it’s never too late to make a change -- EVEN if you’re established in your field, successful at what you do and 10+ years into your career. Whether you’re going through a big life transition, have reassessed your priorities -- or hit the glass ceiling in your current company or profession and are wondering w...

What happens when you’re established in your career, known for what you do -- and suddenly, you’re not in that role anymore? Whether you’ve stepped away from a career you’ve worked in for years, are between roles or considering a change -- it’s common to feel a lot of fear or like you’ve lost your identity. Having experienced this myself and helped many clients navigate similar situations, I under...

Are you struggling 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’...

Wondering if it’s time to make a change in your career this year? After stepping back from work for the holidays and starting to think about your New Year goals, you could be contemplating a career change in 2024. Whether it’s some simple shifts to redesign your current role, making a move in your existing profession -- or even changing careers completely. But HOW do you know if now is the right t...

Take a second to stop, check in and consider: How are you feeling in this final week of December? 2023 has been a challenging year for many -- myself included. People have experienced a lot of big changes, personal transformations and professional transitions.  Can you relate? So if you’re hanging out for the holidays and are ready to put the year behind you, it’s not surprising. But before you cl...