The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

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. 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...

Are you a senior leader, experienced and successful in your career -- yet finding yourself at a career crossroads? You’re ready to reach the next level in your career -- but unclear on your direction or HOW to get there. Or you’ve hit the ceiling in your company or profession, with limited visibility of what other pathways are available in the current market. In this free masterclass, I’ll share 3...

Are you telling yourself: ‘I’m already successful. What happens if I do something different and fail?’ Today, we're talking about how the fear of failure shows up for you as a high-achieving leader -- no matter how ‘successful’ you are.  Because here’s what I see amongst the senior leaders I work with… You’re successful on paper and have followed the path that’s laid out in front of you. You’...

Do you check your emails at midnight or work on that document for an extra hour just to ‘get it done’ by tomorrow -- even though you KNOW you’ll be more productive in the morning? Today, we're talking about overworking and how to manage it as a high-achieving senior leader who wants to stay ambitious without burning out.  The past few days, ‘9 to 5’ by the legendary Dolly Parton has been play...

Are you feeling so consumed by your work that you’re ready to quit without a plan -- EVEN if it could lead to serious financial and career setbacks? Today, we're talking about how to stop running away from your current situation when you’re a senior leader or executive at a career crossroads -- and start intentionally creating the future career you want.  This episode is part of the ‘Career B...

Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough? That you’re not qualified enough, smart or successful enough. Not confident enough, old or young enough. In short -- you’re not enough. Today, I’m talking about the specific ways I see this show up when you’re a high-achieving leader at a crossroads in your career -- and how to work through it. Years ago, back in my legal recruitment days, I sponsore...

Have you left it too late to create the career you want? Or are you telling yourself time is running out to make a change? If you're a senior leader at a career crossroads and you're circling these very questions, today I'm giving you a filter to run your situation through. The leaders I work with are typically in their 40's or 50's. I remember one client telling me in our...

Have you been putting your head down and working hard since the start of January -- without pausing to check your career is moving in the direction you want? If so, today I’m walking you through a mid-year career reset to finish 2026 strong. We’re officially halfway through the year! In Australia, 30 June marks the end of financial year -- a time where you naturally look back at the past 12 months...

Ready to make a change in your career -- but you’re too busy to start? Finding another year has gone by, you're no closer to clarifying your direction and you're wondering if you've left it too late? Today, we’re talking about one of the biggest roadblocks holding high-achievers back from figuring out what’s next in their careers: “I don’t have time”. I recently met a leader who was...

Have you been Googling ‘how to be more visible at work’ -- only to keep getting the same surface level advice?  Today, we're talking about why so many high-achievers aren't feeling seen despite their success -- and what to do about it.  I recently started working with a leader who was feeling completely invisible in their role. No matter how hard they worked, they weren’t recognised for...

Are you feeling frustrated in your career and tempted to take the first opportunity that comes along -- so you can escape where you are now? Today, we're talking about why jumping straight into a job search ISN’T the smartest strategy and how to ensure your next career move is one you won't regret! This episode is part of the ‘Career By Design’ case study series, where I give you an excl...

Have you got a burning career question that you’re dying to get answered? Whether you want to know how to communicate your priorities and ACTUALLY honour your values at work, stay career driven while balancing the juggle of a young family -- or identify the skills to futureproof your career, today’s episode is for you.  11,600 km. 13 hours. 3 flights and 3 time zones.  That’s the cross-country wor...

Do you want to build your personal brand -- but aren’t sure how or where to start? Today, we’re talking about why personal branding matters for leaders right now and how you can start building yours with intention. I'm joined by Ali Kunze -- a business development and marketing specialist who helps service-based business leaders build their visibility, brand positioning and client experience....

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 recen...

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 ques...

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...

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 ar...

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...

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...

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 profi...

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. T...

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 l...

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...

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 cha...

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 financ...