Are you stuck at a career crossroads and confused about WHAT to do next?

Want to progress with your current company -- but aren’t sure HOW to get to the ‘next level’ professionally?

Today, I’m sharing one of my most popular career planning tools to help you clarify your career goals and create a plan to reach them.

Every day, I speak to people who feel frustrated and stuck in their careers. I’ve taken my clients through a simple career gap analysis which many have found helpful. 

A gap analysis is often used to assess business performance or identify skill gaps in an organisation. However, you can apply the same method to your own career and professional goals.

In today’s episode, you’ll discover a four-step strategy to:

• Assess your current situation, so you can identify your unique strengths and transferable skills 
• Clarify your long-term vision, work drivers and career goals to understand the skills required to reach the ‘next level’
• Define your development areas so you know exactly what to work on to achieve your career objectives
• Develop a plan to close these gaps, accomplish your goals and minimise risk with your next move 

Listen now to find out how to take your next step with intention!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Ignite Your Career is open for enrolment! This signature coaching program will help you find the work which lights you up, increase your income, impact and create a career -- and life -- on YOUR terms. Learn more here.

If you’re interested in working together in 2024, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Want to change careers in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s -- or beyond?

Today, I’m talking about why it’s never too late to make a change -- EVEN if you’re established in your field, successful at what you do and 10+ years into your career.

Whether you’re going through a big life transition, have reassessed your priorities -- or hit the glass ceiling in your current company or profession and are wondering where you can go next...

After supporting hundreds of people through their career transitions and changing careers twice, I understand how difficult it can be.

The fear of throwing away the time, money and energy invested into your current profession holds you back. And the thought of leaving a secure income or starting again in a new career can stop you in your tracks...

So if you’re stuck at a mid-career crossroads -- WHAT do you do?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple 7 step strategy to help you navigate your mid-career change. 

You'll learn:

• Two practical ways to clarify your career options -- whether you’re unsure WHAT you want next or HOW to narrow down your options
• Tangible steps you can take to support your career change TODAY -- especially if your ideal move isn’t immediately possible 
• My top tips to establish yourself in a new industry or find a job when you ‘lack experience’
• The secret ingredient ESSENTIAL to your career change success
• How to overcome career change money fears and the importance of having a plan
• The five questions you MUST ask yourself before making your career transition to get unstuck -- AND save time!

You’ll discover how to make a successful career change in your 30’s, 40’s -- and beyond. This episode is packed with value and actionable tips, so hit play now and let’s dive in!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Read the article ‘How to reduce career change risk in 6 simple steps’ next

Learn more about my VIP coaching program, Ignite Your Career and career accelerator, Light Up Your Career. Receive $200 off either program when you rate and review the podcast.

If you’re interested in working together in 2024, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

What happens when you’re established in your career, known for what you do -- and suddenly, you’re not in that role anymore?

Whether you’ve stepped away from a career you’ve worked in for years, are between roles or considering a change -- it’s common to feel a lot of fear or like you’ve lost your identity.

Having experienced this myself and helped many clients navigate similar situations, I understand how challenging it can be.

It can feel like you’ve lost your identity and leave you questioning your abilities — and value.

In today’s episode, I unpack:

• Practical, real-life examples to demonstrate HOW this holds you back in your career
• The truth about what’s REALLY keeping you stuck
• My 3 go-to practices to help you have a healthier separation between your identity and work 

Because when you realise WHAT you do is not WHO you are, you will create the career you want with certainty, ease and confidence.

Hit play on this podcast episode to learn more!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:
Learn more about my VIP coaching program, Ignite Your Career and career accelerator, Light Up Your Career. Receive $200 off either program when you rate and review the podcast.

If you’re interested in working together in 2024, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Are you struggling to stick to your New Year resolutions?

Every January you look forward to a fresh start and set new goals for the year ahead. But studies show over 80% of resolutions fail by February.

So today I’m revealing the REAL reasons why -- and how to overcome them.

Goals ARE important because they give you something to strive for. Still, I don’t buy into the ‘new year, new you’ hype. It’s unreasonable to put yourself under pressure one time per year.

I believe in having a clear vision, setting goals from there and creating a step-by-step plan to reach them — ANY time of year.

In today’s episode, you’ll find out how to stop breaking your resolutions -- and six simple shifts you can make to reach your big career goals in 2024!

You'll learn:

• Why I stopped setting New Year resolutions -- and what I recommend instead
• The neuroscience behind goal-setting and how to use it to get the results you want in your career
• Practical strategies to reduce overwhelm and stay accountable to your goals -- even during tough times
• How to eliminate the ‘time excuse’ which stops you achieving your goals
• The importance of progress over outcomes

So hit play on this episode now and let’s dive in!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Listen to Episode #4 of The Career By Design Podcast next

Learn more about my VIP coaching program, Ignite Your Career and career accelerator, Light Up Your Career. Receive $200 off either program when you rate and review the podcast.

If you’re interested in working together in 2024, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Wondering if it’s time to make a change in your career this year?

After stepping back from work for the holidays and starting to think about your New Year goals, you could be contemplating a career change in 2024.

Whether it’s some simple shifts to redesign your current role, making a move in your existing profession -- or even changing careers completely.

But HOW do you know if now is the right time to make a change?

Having coached many individuals through their career changes and navigated two career transitions of my own, I’ve identified some common signs which indicate it’s time for a change.

In today’s episode, I'm sharing the 7 sure-fire signs it's time to change careers.

You’ll learn:

• 1:53: Whether your Sunday night blues are a sign you’re ready for a change
• 2:43: When feeling depleted at work indicates it’s time for a shift -- and the one step you MUST take before deciding to move on
• 3:38: The danger of operating in your ‘zone of excellence’ and what to do instead
• 6:15: How career envy is hinting that you’re starting to dream bigger
• 7:08: What your boss can show you about your career direction -- and how to minimise fear and risk with any move
• 8:17: A tell-tale sign which removes all logic -- IF you’ve weighed up all the pros and cons and still feel stuck
• 9:19: The final definitive sign it’s time for a change

You’ll discover if making a move is right for you -- AND will walk away with clarity on your next steps.

So hit play now and let’s dive in!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Ignite Your Career is open for enrolment! This signature coaching program will help you find the work which lights you up, increase your income, impact and create a career -- and life -- on YOUR terms. Learn more here.

If you’re interested in working together in 2024, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Take a second to stop, check in and consider: How are you feeling in this final week of December?

2023 has been a challenging year for many -- myself included. People have experienced a lot of big changes, personal transformations and professional transitions. 

Can you relate?

So if you’re hanging out for the holidays and are ready to put the year behind you, it’s not surprising.

But before you close the chapter on 2023, it’s important to recognise these challenges as opportunities for learning. Then, take a moment to acknowledge ALL you’ve accomplished.

Because as a high performer, how often do YOU rush on to the ‘next thing’ without pausing to celebrate how far you’ve come?

In this special episode, I’m sharing my 4 greatest lessons (and honest confessions) for 2023. Listen in to find out what worked, what didn’t — and how these lessons can help YOU!

Then, I’ll walk you through a simple end of year reflection to review YOUR year, career -- and what you want in the next one. 

You’ll learn:

• Why it’s important to ‘always be connecting’ and practical tips to grow your network strategically 
• The secret ingredient I discovered was missing from my work -- and the danger of putting off your priority projects until you ‘have more time’
• The benefits of simplifying your goals and ONE thing you must know to get the results you want in your career
• My two biggest light bulb moments as a Type A achiever -- and the subtle shifts to reach your goals with less striving, more ease and flow
• 4 powerful questions to reflect on your successes, learnings -- and set yourself up for a strong start in 2024!

This episode is a perfect one to dive into over the holidays and a MUST listen to prepare for your best year yet. So grab a pen and paper -- and let’s dive in!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Ignite Your Career is open for enrolment! This signature coaching program will help you find the work which lights you up, increase your income, impact and create a career -- and life -- on YOUR terms. Learn more here.

If you’re interested in working together in 2024, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Read the full End of Year Reflection exercise here.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Are YOU making one of these common career fails?

It’s happened with EVERY new client I've ever worked with...

They contact me because they’re feeling stuck in their career and want help to figure out what to do next. In our introductory consult I’ll ask them what they’ve already tried to address this challenge.

Nine times out of ten, I’ll hear:

‘I’ve applied for a new job BUT I’m not sure if it’s what I want.’ Or: ‘I went through an entire interview process and got offered the job — then realised it’s not the right fit.’

Can you relate?

You think your current role is the problem and finding a new job will ‘fix’ it. Only to find the same issues follow you to your next position.

In today’s episode, I'm talking about the biggest mistakes I see high-performers make -- which keep them stuck in their careers and stop them reaching their professional goals.

You'll discover:

• 9 surprising mistakes keeping you stuck in the ‘wrong’ career -- from ‘following your passions’, getting ‘stuck in the scroll’ and the notorious ‘new job fix’
• Practical steps you can take today to overcome these challenges -- and even avoid them altogether!
• The most critical shift you must make to move out of analysis paralysis and start creating the career you want
• Ways to escape the cycle of stress, overwhelm and burnout in your career, ESPECIALLY if you’re time poor
• PLUS, an invitation to work with me further in 2024 to get unstuck and design the career you want with clarity and confidence

Listen in now, as all will be revealed in this episode!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Ignite Your Career is open for enrolment! This signature coaching program will help you find the work which lights you up, increase your income, impact and create a career -- and life -- on YOUR terms. Learn more here.

If you’re interested in working together in 2024, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

This ONE crippling issue keeps high-performers, like you, stuck in a constant cycle of overwork and burnout. 

Can you guess what it is? 

It's overachievement -- and perfectionism!

Ever been asked in an interview: ‘What’s your weakness?’. Well, way back in the early days of my career, my go to response which I'd state very proudly was: ‘I’m a perfectionist!’

Perfectionism has been a constant battle my ENTIRE life. And I’m not alone.

It’s a common trait amongst many high-achievers -- and traditionally, society has often associated it with accomplishment and success.

But when does achievement become unhealthy or unhelpful? And how do you remain driven and motivated, while keeping your perfectionism in check?

In today's episode of The Career By Design Podcast, I cover:

• Where perfectionism comes from and the consequences of over-achievement
• The difference between healthy striving and perfectionism -- and how to determine if it’s time to address it 
• How to find better balance AND remain productive -- without burning out
• Ways to work through procrastination so you can stay in action and get the results you want
• My top tips to help you successfully balance your ambitions with the desire to ‘be perfect’

As a ‘recovering’ perfectionist, this topic is near and dear to my heart -- and one I support many high-performers with too.

My intention with this episode is to give you actionable strategies you can immediately implement to successfully manage perfectionism and keep your overachievement in check!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Ready to create a career on your terms? Listen to this free guided audio and learn 3 steps to make the right career decisions, every time. Get instant access.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Are you a high-achiever and successful in your career -- but finding yourself at a career crossroads? Feeling frustrated, unfulfilled or confused about your next career steps?

If so, you’re in the right place. This podcast episode is a MUST LISTEN -- and especially made for you!

Today, I’m sharing my signature Career By Design method, which not only inspired the name of this podcast -- but the entire philosophy behind it too.

I’ll give you some background on my journey to developing the Career By Design method and how it helps my clients get unstuck, clarify their direction and create a career on their terms.

Then, I’ll break down the 3 key pillars of Clarity, Confidence and Career Strategy -- and how you can apply this method to your career. 

You’ll learn:

• 1:24: The specific steps I took to navigate a career crossroads and move from an established career into more meaningful work
• 3:06: My honest struggles with overworking, burnout and career confusion which led me to redefine success and create my career by design
• 6:52: The secret ingredient to move from confusion to clarity and practical tips to figure out what you want next in your career
• 9:25: The number one mistake people make when it comes to building confidence -- and how to overcome the imposter syndrome and self-doubt holding you back in your career
• 11:39: The importance of having a clear strategy to take you from where you are now, to the ‘next level’ in your career
• 13:50: 4 questions to pinpoint the blind-spots keeping you stuck, so you can get crystal clear on what to do next

My intention with this episode is to show you how to use the Career By Design method to know exactly where to focus. Plus, have practical steps you can keep coming back to any time you’re feeling stuck in your career.

So grab a pen and paper and let’s start creating YOUR career by design!

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast now and leave me a 5 star rating and review. This is how other people can find this podcast and benefit too!

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

LINKS:

Want clarity on your next career step? Hit play on this free guided audio and in 15 minutes, I'll give you all the strategies you need to get started! Get instant access.

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Welcome to The Career By Design Podcast with your host, Stacey Back.

This podcast is for you, the ambitious leader who’s already achieved a lot of success -- but now you’re finding yourself at a career crossroads.

Whether you’re confused about your direction, stuck in self-doubt or out of control in your career, you’re in the right place.

I’m a global career coach, speaker and career development expert with a 16+ year background helping high-achievers clarify and reach their career goals.

I truly GET what it takes to succeed in the corporate world, the challenges you face as a leader -- and constant battle to balance your personal life with work. I also know what it’s like to feel stuck in your career.

Through my clients and own lived experience, I designed a structured process to help high-performers use their existing expertise to make a purposeful shift into a new career, or more aligned work in their current companies and professions.

Tune in to learn more about my journey, how I’ve intentionally designed my career -- and how YOU can do the same.

My goal with this podcast is to help you develop the clarity, confidence and a personalised strategy to take ownership of your career. All so you create a career -- and life -- by design.

I invite you to hit subscribe now and join me every Thursday fortnight. I can’t wait to begin this journey together!

LINKS:

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.