Today, I’m tackling one of the toughest questions facing high-achievers right now: Can you REALLY have a fulfilling career and a balanced life? Is work-life balance achievable -- or is it just a myth?

If you’ve already achieved a lot of success and want to keep growing your career -- but balance this with priorities outside work, this episode is for YOU.

Inspired by a recent client conversation, I unpack the challenges faced by ambitious leaders who aim to stay career driven -- without sacrificing family, health or personal time.

I’ll be sharing 4 simple strategies to help you achieve better balance AND your big career ambitions!

You'll learn:

• My take on the elusive work-life balance we all seem to be chasing
• Why success is more than career milestones -- and the questions to ask so you design a career which works for YOU  
• Two things you MUST know to prioritise your biggest goals and grow your career in a sustainable way
• How to let go of the pressure to ‘do it all’ and the ONE person you need to build better boundaries with
• A simple tip to stop getting stuck in your daily to-do list and achieve your long-term career goals

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:
Ready to build clarity, confidence and a personalised strategy to take back ownership of your career? The Ignite Your Career coaching program is for YOU!
 
Start NOW and get a bonus month, so you can pause your program over the Christmas break. Access an extended payment plan when you join by 30 November. 

Interested in working together? 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.

Is your job getting in the way of the career you want?

Today, I’m talking about a common theme which comes up in my coaching sessions: How to balance your long-term career goals with the demands of your current role.

Like one client put it, it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘hamster wheel’ of daily tasks -- and forget to allocate time to your long-term priorities. ESPECIALLY when the pace of change in the past few years has forced us to focus on fighting fires and short-term strategy.

As this client experienced, thinking short-term led them to put their employer first and completely neglect their own career goals and development. 

Had they not addressed this, it could have hindered their ability to reach their long-term goals and limited them to whatever path their organisation offered them.

And what I’m noticing right now as we get towards the end of the year is that SO many people are confused about what they want next in their careers. 

But they’re also busy, exhausted and waiting until the new year (like everyone else) to figure it out. 

So what are some ways you can start to address this -- and set yourself up for success next year?

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 strategies to balance your daily to-do list and long-term career goals, so you can take back control of your career!

You'll learn:

• The danger of ticking ‘easy’ items off your to-do list -- and why understanding your priorities is the essential starting point
• What overwhelm is ACTUALLY trying to tell you and practical steps to get unstuck 
• The REAL reason you keep procrastinating on your biggest priorities -- and what to do about it 
• An often overlooked step which is CRITICAL to achieving your long-term career goals
• Tangible tips to help you accomplish your daily work tasks AND your big career ambitions

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:
Book a one-off Career Strategy Session to get support with an immediate career decision or challenge.

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads build clarity, confidence and a personalised strategy to take back ownership of their careers.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to clarify your values and next career step.

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

Recently, I was coaching an executive leader on their interview preparation and they asked: “What are the most common questions which trip people up in an interview -- especially at the executive level?”

And I thought it would be a great topic to unpack further on today’s podcast.

Because what I’m noticing is there’s a lot of noise and conflicting advice about interview preparation -- which leaves you more confused than ever. 

And the fear you won’t have the confidence to address these questions to the best of your ability can hold you back from applying for jobs in the first place. 

But when the world of work and employer expectations are constantly evolving, how do you know what’s working right now?

Well the good news is, there are some core principles which always hold true when it comes to your interview strategy.

In this episode, I’m sharing the top 3 interview questions which trip people up -- and how to address them. You'll walk away with clarity on how to answer those curly questions and nail your next interview, with confidence!

You'll learn:

• Why the classic ‘tell me about yourself’ question is one of the most difficult to answer -- and HOW to simplify your response for interview success
• What to do when you’re asked your salary expectations and practical tips to prepare for your next negotiation
• How to reframe your weaknesses and use it as an opportunity to highlight your potential
• The 3 things employers want to know which you MUST address to nail your interview 

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:
Book a one-off Career Strategy Session to get support with an immediate career decision or challenge.

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads build clarity, confidence and a personalised strategy to take back ownership of their careers.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to clarify your values and next career step.

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

Too many people stay stuck in a career or role which no longer serves them, out of fear they’ll end up in a worse situation. 

So what steps can you take when considering a change to confirm a potential employer is the right fit for YOU?

Today’s episode was inspired by a question someone asked at a conference: “How do you ensure a potential employer’s values align to your own?”

Before I answer it here, I want to address the REAL underlying issue at the root of this question: the fear of making the ‘wrong’ move.

Digging deeper, I discovered this individual had a bad experience with management in a previous position. As a result, she was worried about making the ‘wrong’ choice in future. 

And it’s a common challenge many of my clients experience too...

But here’s the truth: There’s no such thing as a ‘wrong’ decision -- because your knowledge, skills and experience ALWAYS go with you. However, there ARE strategies to reduce risk with your next career step.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the number one mindset shift and 3 practical strategies you can take to find the right fit -- and minimise risk with your move!

You'll learn:

• How your fear of making the wrong choice keeps you stuck in an unfulfilling situation -- and a simple reframe to shift your mindset
• The most critical questions to ask throughout the interview process and BEFORE accepting a job to determine it’s the right fit for you
• My top tip to assess the values and leadership style of a hiring manager, so you can mitigate risk with your move 
• A common pitfall to avoid when assessing company culture -- so you find a position which fits YOU 

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:
Book a one-off Career Strategy Session to get support with an immediate career decision or challenge.

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads build clarity, confidence and a personalised strategy to take back ownership of their careers.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to clarify your values and next career step.

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

Are you settling in your career?

I recently saw an Instagram post talking about the ‘dream job’ being dead, which encouraged people to take a role which was ‘good enough’. One which funds your life OUTSIDE work.

And I get why this advice may resonate in the current economic climate. 

I think it’s absolutely fundamental to make sure your financial needs are met, have a strategy and minimise risk with any move. But this DOESN’T mean you have to settle in your career. 

And this is exactly what I’m discussing on today’s podcast...

As a high-performer, I KNOW your career is important to you and a big part of your identity. So though the concept of a ‘dream career’ may seem unrealistic -- I don’t agree that you have to ‘work to live’ or settle for a job which doesn’t challenge or fulfill you.

Because here’s the truth... You spend a THIRD of your life at work and your career has a big impact on your quality of life.

I believe it’s COMPLETELY possible to do the work which lights you up, make an impact AND get paid well for it.

So HOW do you do this? 

In today’s episode, you’ll discover the 5 essential first steps to take back control of your career -- regardless of the economy, job market or your current life season.

You'll learn:

• 3 common (and often surprising) ways high-achievers settle in their careers -- and what YOU can do about it
• The biggest mistake people make when managing their careers and how doing the opposite will get you back in control of your career
• EXACTLY what’s keeping you stuck in your career -- and my top tip to find clarity and take control of your direction
• The danger of waiting for a promotion or the market to improve and why starting NOW is key
• How to develop your current career – EVEN if you’re happy, don’t have time or aren’t looking to move roles right now
• Why having a plan is vital and practical steps you can take outside your day job to find fulfillment and set yourself up for future career success

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:
Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work which lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career on their terms.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to find clarity on your next career step. 

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

How do you stay authentic as a leader, while adjusting to various personality types in your team?

It’s a question two past clients were pondering about leadership style. A question which neither of them had a clear answer to...

You see, as former colleagues, they’d worked for managers with different personalities and contrasting leadership styles. 

After observing the impact both leaders had on them and their team, they started to consider what they could learn when it came to how they lead others -- AND manage up.

Because staying true to who you are — while remaining agile enough to modify your leadership style — is a delicate balancing act. After speaking to both clients about their experiences, I thought it would be a great topic to address on today’s podcast.

The secret to authentic leadership, while adapting your style to suit different personalities, is to focus on what YOU can control.

So HOW do you do this?

In today’s episode, you’ll discover 5 ways to lead authentically, by focusing on what’s within YOUR control at work. You’ll learn: 

2:28: The first attribute critical to authentic leadership -- which DOESN’T require a particular personality or ‘traditional’ management style
3:54: How taking time to understand others is KEY to adapting your leadership style to different personalities in your team 
5:56: Why this ONE quality is essential to growing successful relationships and building trust at work
7:10: The difference between vulnerability and oversharing -- and tips to find the right balance, so you can lead authentically
7:58: How to adjust your approach during times of conflict with team members or managers 

This episode is PACKED with practical examples to help you adapt your leadership style -- while staying true to who you are. 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:
Ready to clarify and reach your career goals in the second half of 2024?

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work which lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career on their terms.

Or learn more about the Light Up Your Career coaching intensive to create your personalised career plan for the next 90 days.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to find clarity on your next career step. 

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

Do you find it difficult to slow down or take a break? Ever feel guilty for not being ‘productive’?

Back in January, someone asked what I’d got up to over the summer holidays. I was surprised to find myself a little embarrassed to admit that my two weeks off consisted of lots of long walks, sleep-ins and Netflix binges.... 

To which this person responded: ‘So you had a break?!’ And I realised — I’d been feeling guilty for doing absolutely NOTHING!

Can you relate?

This pattern, otherwise known as productivity guilt, is common amongst Type A achievers. Capable, ambitious individuals who enjoy being busy, have high-pressure roles and tend to take on a lot. YET — you feel guilty or lazy for being unproductive.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with healthy striving. But never taking time to rest or beating yourself up for not working hard enough can have negative consequences. Stress, overwhelm and burn-out, poor productivity and performance.

You also don’t appreciate your achievements or savour your successes because you’re always moving on to the ‘next thing’. This leads to a lack of fulfillment and motivation.

But here’s the good news. You CAN be ambitious and successful without having to be productive all. the. time.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 simple strategies to beat productivity guilt. 

You'll learn:

• 3:30: The ONE critical shift you must make to rewire your brain for success and remove fears of being ‘unproductive’
• 4:11: How to know if you’re being ‘busy’ or are actually productive -- and my top tips to make REAL progress on your priority projects 
• 6:12: A counterintuitive approach which all successful people adopt to get more done, in less time
• 7:16: The first step you need to know to stop beating yourself up and avoid the most damaging effects of productivity guilt

Find out how to keep those guilty feelings under control AND reach your big goals!

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 clarify and reach your career goals in the second half of 2024?

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work which lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career on their terms.

Or learn more about the Light Up Your Career coaching intensive to create your personalised career plan for the next 90 days.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to find clarity on your next career step. 

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

One thing I’m noticing right now is a lot of talented people are finding the market tough and feeling out of control in their careers. Can you relate?

So I decided to run a brand new masterclass, where I shared 3 strategies to help you take control of your career in uncertain times.

One of the topics I talked about was the 3 biggest roadblocks to avoid to achieve your career goals now -- and in future. And because it resonated with many of the participants, I wanted to share it with you on today’s podcast.

In this episode, you’ll hear a snippet of the live masterclass replay where I discuss the secret to overcoming these roadblocks -- so you can take back ownership of your career!

If you’ve been telling yourself any version of:

• I need to have the ‘perfect’ plan and EVERY step mapped out before taking action
• It’s not the right time -- or I’ll do it when... 
• I just need to research ONE more thing or think about what I want a bit longer... 

...Then this podcast is a MUST LISTEN!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to implement your career plan and get results -- regardless of external circumstances or the current environment.

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 clarify and reach your career goals in the second half of 2024?

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work which lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career on their terms.

Or learn more about the Light Up Your Career coaching intensive to create your personalised career plan for the next 90 days.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to find clarity on your next career step. 

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

Ever felt like you’re all talk — and no action?! Today, I’m sharing the REAL reason you’re struggling to take action and get the results you’re after...

I don’t know how it happened, but we’re officially HALF-WAY through 2024! 

July also marks the start of a brand new financial year here in Australia. A time where leaders are starting to look ahead at their business strategies and professional goals for the next 12 months.

And I’m noticing a lot of individuals talking about the goals they’re yet to reach -- or strategies they still need to put in place. 

As a high-performer, when you’re NOT achieving the outcomes you desire, it’s natural to ask: What do I need to DO about this?

But 80% of the time what you’re doing (or not doing) isn’t the issue. You see, the reason you’re not creating momentum is internal. It begins with your mind.

Finding it tough to take action?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the five main roadblocks which keep high-achievers stuck in inaction. 

You'll learn:

• 2:37: The biggest fear which holds people back from taking action and achieving the results they want
• 3:59: Why waiting until you ‘become’ more confident is actually keeping you stuck -- and the one thing you MUST do to beat self-doubt 
• 5:28: How to overcome overwhelm and take action towards your goals when you struggle to find the time
• 7:23: Why working hard won’t always get you results -- or even guarantee you’ll reach your goals
• 8:19: How trying to be ‘perfect’ stops you in your tracks and practical ways to work through it

Discover the EXACT mindset shifts you need to make so you get the results you want in your career, this year!

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 clarify and reach your career goals in the second half of 2024?

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work which lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career on their terms.

Or learn more about the Light Up Your Career coaching intensive to create your personalised career plan for the next 90 days.

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

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to find clarity on your next career step. 

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

Ever asked yourself: What is my purpose? It’s a big, deep question and if you’ve ever contemplated it, it can be difficult to answer.

When my clients express the desire to ‘find their purpose’, what they’re asking is how they can feel more fulfilled in their work and life. I’ll be unpacking this topic -- and MORE -- in today’s episode.

Several years ago, I reached a point in my career where I began to wonder: What’s next?

For the first time EVER, I considered what I wanted in my career and what meaningful work looked like to me.

One of the biggest game changers was understanding my purpose -- and if you’re feeling frustrated or unfulfilled in your career, this step is critical.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 6 practical tips to clarify YOUR purpose. Discover what a purpose is, why it’s important and how you can begin to define yours too. 

You'll learn:

• The neuroscience behind purpose -- and why some people are more successful or able to achieve their goals
• A common misconception about purpose and the ONE belief you must shift to find more fulfillment at work
• Why overthinking and constantly searching for your purpose is keeping you stuck -- and what to do instead
• How I struggled to connect with the concept of ‘finding my purpose’ -- and the one practical tool which changed EVERYTHING
• The importance of moving out of your mind and into your heart to pinpoint your purpose
• Two powerful questions which will help you reflect on your past career and point you towards your purpose

This episode is packed with practical tips and stories of how my clients and I clarified our purpose. So grab a pen and paper and let’s start to uncover your ‘why’ too!

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 this free guided audio training next. Get instant access.

If you’re a high-achiever at a crossroads in your career, Ignite Your Career is for you. 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 the second half of 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.