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The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

By: Stacey Back
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back
Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • #61: The 6 People You Need In Your Network To Get Ahead (And How To Find Them)
    Mar 25 2026

    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 them
    • 6 key roles that make up a strategic network, so you know EXACTLY who belongs in your corner
    • How to identify the gaps and pinpoint the specific people you need in your network right now
    • Practical ways to grow your network and my go-to strategy to develop effective long-term relationships


    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 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.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • #60: Breaking Barriers Today: Creating Cultures That ‘Work’ For Everyone With DEI Expert Belinda Riley
    Mar 11 2026

    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 consultancy
    • The REAL reason high-performing women experience imposter syndrome despite their success -- and how to overcome the barriers holding you back
    • What 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 teams


    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 Belinda:

    → LinkedIn

    → Website

    → Free hypnosis audio


    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.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • #59: 6 Strategic Moves To Stand Out As A Senior Leader Right Now (Even In A Crowded Market)
    Feb 25 2026

    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 search
    • How to cut out the competition and access the 70% of roles most candidates never see
    • One of the biggest mistakes people make when networking -- and how to eliminate procrastination, so you get results faster
    • Practical ways to map the market and align your networking activities to the RIGHT opportunities -- rather than relying on scattered outreach
    • The most powerful way to build long-term relationships and become part of the conversation before roles are even defined
    • My top tips for optimising your CV to clearly communicate your value on paper, so you stand out as a senior leader


    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 #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.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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