The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

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...

Are YOU making one of these common career fails? It’s happened with EVERY new client I've ever worked with... They contact me because they’re feeling stuck in their career and want help to figure out what to do next. In our introductory consult I’ll ask them what they’ve already tried to address this challenge. Nine times out of ten, I’ll hear: ‘I’ve applied for a new job BUT I’m not sure if...

This ONE crippling issue keeps high-performers, like you, stuck in a constant cycle of overwork and burnout.  Can you guess what it is?  It's overachievement -- and perfectionism! Ever been asked in an interview: ‘What’s your weakness?’. Well, way back in the early days of my career, my go to response which I'd state very proudly was: ‘I’m a perfectionist!’ Perfectionism has been a const...

Are you a high-achiever and successful in your career -- but finding yourself at a career crossroads? Feeling frustrated, unfulfilled or confused about your next career steps? If so, you’re in the right place. This podcast episode is a MUST LISTEN -- and especially made for you! Today, I’m sharing my signature Career By Design method, which not only inspired the name of this podcast -- but the ent...

Welcome to The Career By Design Podcast with your host, Stacey Back. This podcast is for you, the ambitious leader who’s already achieved a lot of success -- but now you’re finding yourself at a career crossroads. Whether you’re confused about your direction, stuck in self-doubt or out of control in your career, you’re in the right place. I’m a global career coach, speaker and career development e...