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
78 episodes
FREE September Masterclass: 3 Strategic Shifts To Take Ownership Of Your Career In Changing Times
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 h...
#73: Why You Fear Failure Despite Your Success (And What It's Costing You Right Now)
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.&n...
#72: Healthy Ambition Vs Hustle: How To Manage Overworking NOW Before It Leads To Burnout
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 i...
#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’...
#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...
#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 f...
#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 stro...
#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 ...
#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 i...
#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...
#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...