The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

Hosted by Stacey Back

Business Careers EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 6612 min

#66: The Hidden Reason You're Feeling Invisible In Your Career (And WHAT To Do About It)

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 their contribution or receiving regular feedback.This slowly started chipping away at their self-esteem and impacting how they showed up in interviews, as they began to explore what was next.Though they APPEARED confident, on the inside they were doubting themselves and questioning their abilities. Then something interesting emerged in our session…They tapped back into a hidden part of them: The talented musician who performed on stages in front of people. Someone who was very visible.But somewhere between building their career and becoming successful, they'd locked it away.Now many career coaches address visibility using external tactics. And I could have helped this client with their presentation skills or how to answer challenging interview questions.Yet what I see amongst the senior leaders I work with is that you can't solve visibility from the outside. Because it’s an IDENTITY issue.In today's episode, I’m sharing the REAL reason high-achievers feel invisible in their careers. Discover 3 ways to address this from the inside-out, so you're seen with confidence!You'll learn:The two distinct ways visibility shows up for high-achievers -- and how recognising which one's running your career is the first step to changing itWhy the external 'success' you’ve spent your entire career building is ACTUALLY making you feel invisibleWhy knowing your value proposition isn't enough -- and the ONE thing that makes you impossible to ignoreHow to reconnect to who you authentically are beneath your achievements, so you stop worrying what others thinkPractical steps to take if you're not being recognised -- and how to cut through the fear that's keeping you invisibleSo 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:→ Ready to find clarity, build visibility and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Explore Ignite Your Career.Enrolling now for the June 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.

May 20, 2026Episode 6512 min

#65: Career By Design Case Study: How To Finally Go From Dead-End Job & Making The 'WRONG' Move To Dream Career

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 exclusive, behind the scenes look at my clients’ career transformations.My intention with this series is to show you there isn’t one definition or clear pathway to success. Instead, it’s about identifying what this looks like to YOU. Despite their different backgrounds, there are 3 things every client has in common, which you can use to create a career by design too:1. Clarity: Getting clear on what’s missing in your current career and what you want BEFORE attempting to change it2. Confidence: Managing your mindset and shifting the self-doubt holding you back in your career to build confidence3. Career Strategy: Focusing on solving the RIGHT problem and knowing which strategies will get you results at this stage of your careerSo in this episode, you’ll hear how one client went from making the ‘wrong’ career move to transitioning into their chosen career. Find out how they secured a competitive, highly sought after position in this field and the exact steps to find YOUR 'right' path.You'll learn:Why immediately searching for a new job ISN'T the answer — and what to do instead when you’re unclear on your career directionHow this client shifted from years of self-doubt and imposter syndrome to FINALLY communicating their value with confidenceThe exact career strategies which opened doors they didn't know existed and landed them a competitive role in their chosen fieldTop takeaways you can apply right now to create a career on YOUR terms -- even if you’ve made the ‘wrong’ career moveSo 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:→ Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Explore Ignite Your Career. Enrolling now for the June intake. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started.→ 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.

May 6, 2026Episode 6418 min

#64: Ask Me Anything: How To Honour Your Values At Work Right Now, Balance 'The Juggle' With Long-Term Goals & More

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 work trip I recently completed across the top end of Australia -- and back. All within one week. THIS is the reality of living in the most isolated city in the world.I jokingly called it my ‘quasi-royal’ tour. Because that’s what the local media nicknamed Harry and Megan’s express 4 day tour of Australia the same week!Concentrated work periods like this can be all consuming. There’s the focused preparation in the lead-up, followed by client delivery. Then I always allow some down-time on the other side and space to reflect on what worked -- and what I’ll do differently in future.And what emerges during these pauses are new insights: The patterns I’m noticing, common career challenges leaders are facing -- AND the key questions people are asking right now.I’ve wanted to do an ask me anything (AMA) episode for a while and this felt like the perfect time. In this episode, I’m answering the questions which came up most often in my recent key-notes and workshops.You'll learn:The ONE shift you must make to communicate your priorities in a way that's strategic (not aspirational) and live your values through your work, so you create a fulfilling, sustainable career4 steps to support high-performing team members when progression opportunities are limited, so you retain your best people and futureproof your teamHow to keep making progress towards your long-term goals when you're ambitious -- but in a busy personal seasonMy honest answer about how often you need to be upskilling in your current career, so you stay relevant instead of getting left behind3 practical ways to identify the skills you need to develop for the future -- when you've got no idea WHERE to start!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 #26: Is Work-Life Balance A Myth? How To Be Ambitious Without Burnout next→ If you’re ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a personalised strategy to reduce risk with your next career move, I invite you to explore Ignite Your Career. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started.→ 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.

April 22, 2026Episode 6343 min

#63: Building Your Personal Brand Today (Even In The Messy Middle) with BD Expert Ali Kunze

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.What I love about Ali’s story is that it’s honest and still unfolding. After a 20 year corporate career, she didn’t leave with everything perfectly mapped out. But what she DID do that others can learn from is listen to that pull to do something different and intentionally develop her personal brand before she ever resigned.Throughout her career, Ali saw how often smart, successful leaders defaulted to reactive BD activities because they were busy and time poor. Today, she helps multiple clients intentionally design the client experience.In this week’s episode of The Career By Design Podcast, we explore how she made the shift into her own business, the power of building a personal brand and how it can help you grow your network, client base and career. You'll learn:How Ali made the leap from a 20 year corporate marketing career into her own consultancyAli's honest story of juggling motherhood with a high pressure role and the pivotal moment that led her to intentionally design a career on her own termsPractical advice for others navigating a career crossroads and moments of self-doubt in the messy middle of a career transitionTangible tips to build visibility and approach networking in a way which feels authentic -- EVEN if you struggle with confidence or aren't the loudest person in the roomHow to share thought leadership and grow an online presence without sounding 'salesy' or self-promotionalThe ONE shift to create commercially relevant content that attracts the right clients (not your peers)Exact steps to take NOW to start positioning yourself for the career opportunity you want in the next 6+ monthsSo 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 Ali: → LinkedIn → WebsiteConnect with Stacey:→ Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Explore Ignite Your Career. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started.→ 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.

April 8, 2026Episode 6215 min

#62: How To Test A New Career Idea Today (And Reduce Risk With Your Move)

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 with her, identifying the right strategy or having the ‘perfect’ plan ALONE won’t create change.What separates the clients who get results is that they take action -- repeatedly. EVEN when it’s uncomfortable.Because when you consistently rinse and repeat, you build new neural pathways in the brain. And over time, those new habits and behaviours become embedded, resulting in permanent and transformative change.Yet one of the most common places I see high-achievers resist taking action is when it comes to testing and validating a potential career path. And I get it. Reaching out to someone to ask for a conversation can feel awkward.Life also gets busy, so it’s easy to keep putting it off until you have no choice but to make a change. Plus at the heart of it all is a fear of failure which holds you back from taking action. It seems easier to stay where you are -- EVEN if you want something different.So in today’s episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to test and validate a new career idea -- BEFORE you commit to anything. By the end, you’ll have a proven process to assess risk and make your next move with confidence!You'll learn:Quick, low-stakes ways to test out potential paths -- without wasting a single penny or putting your current career on the lineWhat to do if you have multiple career ideas and don't know WHERE to start, so you get the clarity you need to move forward fasterHow to get real-world insights to validate your career or business idea -- in a way no behind-the-scenes research ever could!4 questions you must ask to confirm which path is the best fit for THIS season of your careerThe final 'gut check' that tells you whether to proceed (or pivot) with complete confidenceSo 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:→ If you’re ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a personalised strategy to reduce risk with your next career move, I invite you to explore Ignite Your Career. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started.→ 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.

March 25, 2026Episode 6119 min

#61: The 6 People You Need In Your Network To Get Ahead (And How To Find Them)

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 on this topic!Because what I've noticed amongst the high-achievers I work with is that many don't develop their network intentionally or consistently. Instead, they wait until they're looking for a new job, promotion or client.But this approach is reactive -- and by this stage, it's too late. You're trying to leverage relationships that haven't been built yet.In this episode, I’m sharing 4 practical steps to build a strategic network that supports YOUR career. You'll learn:The ONE shift in your approach to build relationships that support your career -- long before you need them6 key roles that make up a strategic network, so you know EXACTLY who belongs in your cornerHow to identify the gaps and pinpoint the specific people you need in your network right nowPractical ways to grow your network and my go-to strategy to develop effective long-term relationshipsSo 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 59: 6 Strategic Moves To Stand Out As A Senior Leader (Even In A Crowded Market) next→ If you’re ready to find clarity, build confidence and grow your network strategically, I invite you to explore Ignite Your Career. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started.→ 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.

March 11, 2026Episode 6053 min

#60: Breaking Barriers Today: Creating Cultures That ‘Work’ For Everyone With DEI Expert Belinda Riley

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 create lasting, meaningful change.Because what she noticed working with talented, accomplished women was how often self-doubt held them back, drove them to prove themselves or question their success.With backgrounds supporting professional services firms and high-performing leaders, Belinda and I share a similar philosophy -- that true transformation starts from the inside out.In this powerful conversation that will challenge your thinking, we explore how she's built this incredible career and her unique approach to DEI. Discover how you can create culture change and address imposter syndrome in your organisation, team and own career.You'll learn:How Belinda made the bold move from a high-flying corporate career at EY to starting her own consultancyThe REAL reason high-performing women experience imposter syndrome despite their success -- and how to overcome the barriers holding you backWhat most organisations are getting wrong and the single DEI investment to prioritise above ALL else A controversial take on the quotas and targets debate -- and whether they help (or hinder) progress 3 sure-fire steps to progress your career in a workplace which wasn’t designed for you Why the voices of male allies are 6 x more influential and the ONE action every leader can take right now to drive DEI in their teamsSo 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 Belinda: → LinkedIn → Website→ Free hypnosis audioConnect with Stacey:→ Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Explore Ignite Your Career. Apply for your free 30 minute consult to get started.→ 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.

February 25, 2026Episode 5916 min

#59: 6 Strategic Moves To Stand Out As A Senior Leader Right Now (Even In A Crowded Market)

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 application, only to be rejected the same day.These individuals are MORE than qualified. They’re being selective about the positions they’re applying for and taking time to tailor each application -- but getting nowhere.When the market tightens, competition becomes even harder at senior levels. If you’re waiting to be selected or relying solely on job boards right now, it’s time to rethink your approach.In this episode, I’m sharing 6 strategic moves to help you stand out as a senior leader -- even in a crowded market. Discover how to move from competing with hundreds of other candidates to positioning yourself strategically.You'll learn:The first step to take right NOW if your current strategy isn’t working, so you regain control of your job searchHow to cut out the competition and access the 70% of roles most candidates never seeOne of the biggest mistakes people make when networking -- and how to eliminate procrastination, so you get results fasterPractical ways to map the market and align your networking activities to the RIGHT opportunities -- rather than relying on scattered outreachThe most powerful way to build long-term relationships and become part of the conversation before roles are even definedMy top tips for optimising your CV to clearly communicate your value on paper, so you stand out as a senior leaderSo 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 #56: LinkedIn Strategy For Leaders next→ Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Explore Ignite Your Career. 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.

February 11, 2026Episode 5813 min

#58: Career By Design Case Study: From Confusion To Complete Clarity In A Brand New Portfolio Career

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 definition or clear pathway to success. Instead, it’s about identifying what this looks like to YOU. Despite their different backgrounds and goals, there are 3 things every client in this series has in common:1. Clarity: Getting clear on what you want next in your career and why before attempting to change it. 2. Confidence: Managing your mindset and shifting the self-doubt which holds you back in your career to build confidence.3. Career Strategy: Focusing on solving the RIGHT problem and knowing which strategies will get you the results you want at this stage of your career.So in this episode, you’ll hear how one client went from going round in circles for YEARS to having complete clarity on their career direction. You’ll learn the exact steps they took to move into an executive leadership role -- and the benefits of pursuing a portfolio career.You'll learn:The biggest shift this client made and a counterintuitive approach which moved them from YEARS of confusion to complete clarity on their career directionHow to break through self-doubt and perfectionism as a senior leader, so you become more visible and back yourself for opportunities with confidence Specific strategies which helped this client step into an executive role, including how a portfolio path helps reduces risk while building leadership capabilityTop takeaways you can apply right now to create a career on YOUR terms -- even if you've reached the ceiling in your current company or professionSo 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:→ Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Explore Ignite Your Career.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.

January 28, 2026Episode 5714 min

#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 times 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:→ Watch the FREE February masterclass replay until 20 February→ 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.