The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

Hosted by Stacey Back

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Aug 2026

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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.

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August 12, 2026Episode 7115 min

#71: Career By Design Case Study: From 'Quitting Is My Only Option' To Planned Exit On THEIR Terms

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 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 it 2. Confidence: Managing your mindset and shifting the self-doubt holding you back in your career to build confidence 3. Career Strategy: Focusing on solving the RIGHT problem and knowing which strategies will get you results at this stage of your career In this case study, you'll hear how one executive leader went from ready to resign to creating a 2-3 year transition plan -- without even changing roles. Discover how taking ownership of their career kept them from making a reactive decision out of fear and the exact steps you can take to make a strategic career move. You'll learn: The first step you MUST take when you’re depleted and putting yourself under pressure to figure out your options, so you find clarity on your career direction How this client went from ready to resign and doubting his abilities to knowing his worth -- without EVEN changing jobs The counterintuitive approach that turns an urgent escape plan into a strategic career move, so you’re no longer stuck at a crossroads Top takeaways you can apply right now to create a career on your terms -- even if walking away from your role seems like the ONLY option 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: → Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a strategy to take ownership of your career? Explore Ignite Your Career . Enrolling now for the September 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 .

July 29, 2026Episode 7015 min

#70: 4 Patterns Keeping High-Achievers Stuck In 'Not Enough' (And HOW To Work Through It)

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 sponsored an International Women’s Day lunch for women lawyers. One of the guest speakers was a senior judge who spoke about her career journey. She blew me away as she shared candidly about her experience with imposter syndrome. Of feeling like a fraud, not good enough and at times, inadequate compared to the women around her. I glanced around the room at all the accomplished women, at different stages of their careers. And noticed the nodding and the looks of acknowledgement on their faces. They recognised themselves in her story. It was then I realised. So often at these events or in my dealings with women like this, I’d felt inadequate or not enough too. And after coaching hundreds of successful leaders, I’ve witnessed how widespread this ‘not-enough’ is. In this episode, I’m sharing the 4 patterns I see high-achievers experience when they’re at a crossroads in their careers. You’ll walk away with the antidote to each one so you can strengthen your self-worth and minimise feelings of ‘not enough’. We'll cover: The common pattern that keeps Type A achievers waiting for the 'perfect' plan or trying to THINK their way to clarity -- and how to move your career in the right direction Why it feels like something's missing EVEN when you're successful on paper and the one shift to design a career that's fulfilling and sustainable What to do if you chose your career for the wrong reasons and it no longer fits, so you make future decisions from a place of ownership, not obligation The dangerous pattern that has you fixating on your weaknesses when someone else succeeds -- and why it's proof of what's possible for YOU 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: → Ready to find clarity on your direction, overcome self-doubt with confidence and create a strategy for your next career chapter? Explore Ignite Your Career . 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 .

July 15, 2026Episode 6915 min

#69: Is It Too Late To Create The Career You Want? (Here's HOW To Know)

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 very first consult: ‘I turned 50 last year, I figure I've got 10-15 years until retirement and I want to make the most of this time.’ Yet one of the most common things I hear is: What if I've left it too late? Often it's the first time they've said it out loud -- and something they haven’t admitted to anyone else. The short answer to this question is: It's NEVER too late. But there are a few things which will keep you at a crossroads longer than you need to be -- regardless of your age or circumstances. So in this episode, I'm walking you through a 5 part checklist to assess your current situation. Find out if you've left it too late and what to do instead to start creating the career you want. You'll learn: The ONE shift that determines whether you'll design your next career chapter intentionally, rather than letting time run out Why figuring out what you want next takes less time than avoiding it -- and how to ensure you’re NOT standing at the same crossroads in 2 years’ time How waiting for the 'perfect' moment guarantees you WILL leave it too late to make a change in your career What’s REALLY hiding beneath the belief ‘I’m running out of time’ and how to stop using timing as an excuse How one client redefined success at a stage when many people choose to slow down in their careers -- and why they’re living proof it’s NEVER too late 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 #53 : Why It’s NEVER Too Late To Reinvent Your Career (And How To Get Started) next → Ready to find clarity on your direction, build confidence and create a strategy for your next career chapter? 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 .

July 1, 2026Episode 6819 min

#68: The Career Reset: How To Finish 2026 Strong (No Matter Where You Are Right Now)

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 and plan ahead. So I thought this would be a great opportunity for us to check in on your career together and reset your goals for the next 6 months. But as I sat down to record this episode, I felt creatively blocked. After putting it off all week, I made two attempts to outline it over the weekend. Both times I hit a wall, slammed my Mac shut and binged TV instead. Because even though I guide high-achieving leaders through this exact resistance, I'm not immune to it. So I did what I’d recommend to any of my clients: I recognised I was mentally tapped and allowed myself to rest. Then on Monday morning, instead of trying to THINK about how to explain this process, I took myself through it. And it worked. The insights I got from this exercise surprised me and I know it'll do the same for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact strategies I used earlier this week to help you: Reflect on the past 6 months, so you can clarify what you want to create in the second half of 2026 Identify the ONE area to focus on next to find more fulfillment at work and set your career up for success -- no matter where you are now Discover the first step to take right NOW to reduce overwhelm, build momentum and begin the rest of the year with intention So grab a pen and paper and let’s finish the year strong! 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 figure out what you want next in your career, back yourself with confidence and create a strategy to reach your goals by the end of 2026? 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 .

June 17, 2026Episode 6716 min

#67: 4 Ways To Figure Out What You Want Next In Your Career (EVEN If You 'Don't Have Time')

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 at a career crossroads and unsure what they wanted next or how to address it. This person was 100% committed and ready to go ALL IN on working together. However, they initially held off getting started while they waited to hear back about a new role. My only objective was to help this individual make the right decision. And so the one thing I warned them about was not to let timing be the reason that continued to get in the way. Because something I see amongst the busy leaders I work with is how easy it is to keep waiting for the ‘right time’. You’ll do it when: you’ve completed this project, returned from leave, started the new role (or insert YOUR condition or timeframe). And before you know it, months have passed by without anything changing. In my experience, ‘I don’t have time’ is rarely about time. It often comes up when you’re terrified of failing or throwing away everything you’ve invested into your current career, so it’s safer to stay where you are. It’s always important to consider your current season or life stage. But notice if you keep putting off exploring what you want next indefinitely or using the ‘time excuse’ out of fear. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 tips to figure out what you want next in your career -- EVEN if you feel like you ‘don’t have time’. You’ll walk away with practical ideas you can personalise to your current capacity and circumstances, so you start creating the career you want. You'll learn: The ONE mindset shift that separates the leaders who figure out what they want next (from those who don't) Why trying to THINK your way to clarity won’t work -- and how to generate more career ideas in one conversation than months of self-reflection How to make sure financial pressure never becomes the reason you abandon your long-term career goals The secret to creating time that has nothing to do with productivity -- and why 15 minutes a week beats doing nothing for 6 months 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: → Ready to find clarity, build confidence and create a personalised 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 .

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 it Why the external 'success' you’ve spent your entire career building is ACTUALLY making you feel invisible Why knowing your value proposition isn't enough -- and the ONE thing that makes you impossible to ignore How to reconnect to who you authentically are beneath your achievements, so you stop worrying what others think Practical steps to take if you're not being recognised -- and how to cut through the fear that's keeping you invisible 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: → 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 it 2. Confidence: Managing your mindset and shifting the self-doubt holding you back in your career to build confidence 3. Career Strategy: Focusing on solving the RIGHT problem and knowing which strategies will get you results at this stage of your career So 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 direction How this client shifted from years of self-doubt and imposter syndrome to FINALLY communicating their value with confidence The exact career strategies which opened doors they didn't know existed and landed them a competitive role in their chosen field Top takeaways you can apply right now to create a career on YOUR terms -- even if you’ve made the ‘wrong’ career move 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: → 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 career 4 steps to support high-performing team members when progression opportunities are limited, so you retain your best people and futureproof your team How to keep making progress towards your long-term goals when you're ambitious -- but in a busy personal season My honest answer about how often you need to be upskilling in your current career, so you stay relevant instead of getting left behind 3 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 consultancy Ali'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 terms Practical advice for others navigating a career crossroads and moments of self-doubt in the messy middle of a career transition Tangible 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 room How to share thought leadership and grow an online presence without sounding 'salesy' or self-promotional The 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+ months 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 Ali: → LinkedIn → Website Connect 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 line What 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 faster How 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 career The final 'gut check' that tells you whether to proceed (or pivot) with complete confidence 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: → 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 .