The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back
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.
Episodes
68 episodes
#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...
#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...
#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, thi...
#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,...
#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 eve...
#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 c...
#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 optio...
#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 ...
#56: LinkedIn Strategy For Leaders: What Matters Now For Your Career In 2026 With Karen Tisdell
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 ...
RECAST: 5 Sure-Fire Ways To Make The Right Decision
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 curren...
RECAST: Stressed Out? 7 Simple Steps To Achieve More (In Less Time)
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 s...
#55: 2025 Reflections: My 4 Powerful Lessons -- And How They’ll Support YOUR Career
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...
#54: How To Navigate Change And Transform Your Career
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 wh...
#53: Why It's NEVER Too Late To Reinvent Your Career (And How To Get Started) With Julie Matheson
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 yo...
#52: 5 Reasons To Stop ‘Following Your Passion’ And What To Do Instead
It’s time to call it out. ‘Following your passion’ is poor career advice.Today, I’m talking about how this common cliché can hold you back in your career and what to focus on instead.One of my most popular podcast episodes to date...
#51: How To Future-Proof Your Career Today — The Human-First Approach To AI With Leanne Shelton
How do you take back control of your career when when disruption hits your industry overnight?Whether AI is impacting your role, you’re navigating change or finding yourself at a career crossroads, then today’s episode is for you....
#50: 5 Surprising Career Lessons Every Ambitious Leader NEEDS To Know (From 50 Episodes!)
How often do you hit a big goal -- only to rush straight on to the ‘next thing’?It’s something I see all the time with the high-achievers I coach and I’ve been guilty of it too.So today, I’m doing exactly what I encourage my clien...
#49: How To Craft Your Dream Career (When It Doesn’t Exist)
What do you do if your current role isn’t the right fit for YOU?You love your work, clients (or aspects of what you do). Yet your ‘ideal’ role or the way you want to work is… outside the box.Well, today I’m talking about how to de...
#48: 5 Signs Self-Doubt Is Crushing Your Career (And How To Break Free)
Do you ever feel insecure or question your abilities?If so, you’re not alone. Even the most accomplished leaders I coach experience self-doubt. So today, I’m unpacking how it could be quietly sabotaging your success.Self-doubt is ...
#47: 4 Guaranteed Ways To Clarify What You Want Next In Your Career
Going round and round in circles trying to figure out what you want next in your career?Today, I’m talking about how I moved from overthinking to clarity -- and now support my clients to do the same in their careers.There’s a comm...
#46: Career By Design Case Study: From ‘Coasting’ To Changing Careers In Their Current Company
Are you caught up in the ‘hamster wheel’ of daily tasks and realising you’ve completely neglected your long-term career goals?Today we’re talking about how to take back control and start creating the career you WANT -- without burning ou...
#45: 3 Ways To Take Control Of Your Career And Find Success (In An AI World)
Are robots REALLY coming for your role?Today, we’re talking about what AI actually means for your career and simple steps you can take now to stay ahead.In my last corporate role, there was a running joke I had IT Helpdesk on spee...
#44: 4 Proven Ways To Become More Confident As A Leader
How do you build confidence as a leader?Is confidence something you’re born with, which only certain people possess -- or can you create it over time?This is exactly what I’ll be unpacking on today’s episode.Shifting from s...
#43: How To Gain Career Momentum NOW (Without Waiting For Your Next Review)
Are you waiting until your next performance review to have a conversation about your career goals?Today, we’re talking about why this isn’t the most strategic move -- and what to do instead.And just like that... we’re officially H...
#42: 5 Powerful Ways To Take Control Of Your Career NOW Without Leaving Your Company
Thinking about a new direction in your career -- but don’t know if your boss will back it? Unsure if the opportunity EVEN exists internally?If you’ve been wrestling with these questions, you’re not alone.This is a common challen...