#1 — IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET STARTED

Starting a podcast was on my priority list for YEARS. Every January it would reappear, but something always got in the way…

In July 2023, I attended a networking event with other women in business. We shared our intentions for the new financial year and I declared that launching a podcast would be my one key project for the next six months.

Fast forward to the end of October and I realised I still hadn’t started. So I bit the bullet — and launched within two weeks!

Here’s what this taught me: It’s NEVER too late to start.

I’d been talking about this idea since 2018. Yet with two months left in the year, I went all in and turned this project around within a fortnight. I thought it would take me forever to figure out all the tech — but it was easier than I’d imagined.

Here’s the takeaway for you:

What big goal or important project do YOU keep putting off? The one you’re telling yourself is going to be too much work — or that you don’t have time for?

This is exactly what keeps you at a crossroads in your career, waiting for the ‘perfect’ time instead of getting started. Whatever it is, just start!

When you take responsibility and commit, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make — and quickly.

#2 — TRUST YOURSELF

When I first shared my plans to launch this podcast, one well-intentioned friend suggested that unless you had a big audience, it would be a lot of work for very little reward. Now while I respect this person, they didn’t have a podcast. So while I took the feedback on board, I ultimately trusted what was right for ME.

I’m also someone who’s competitive with myself and, truth be told, a little rebellious. I don’t like rules. So if someone tells me I can’t do something, my typical response is: ‘I’ll find a way to prove them wrong!’

The lesson? I trusted myself. And I had a very clear intention around WHY I was doing this project.

First, it was never about becoming some big influencer, growing a following or monetising a podcast. My goal was to share my thought leadership, create a resource library for clients and add value to my network.

Yes, it’s also a platform where I can share my offers and how I help people. Ideally, this may lead to new clients — but making money wasn’t the driving force.

Second, I wanted to build trust and nurture the relationships I have with my audience. A podcast is much more personal than reading an article. You can hear my voice, feel my energy and get a sense of my personality, mentoring and teaching style.

This helps potential clients decide if I’m the right fit. And if they have a need I can solve, it gives them a low-pressure way to connect.

Starting this podcast was a lot of work at first. However, over time I created systems to streamline the process. Now, it’s quicker than writing an article from scratch or trying to work out what to post on social media a few times a week. It still takes work, but the process feels easeful — and that’s exactly what makes it sustainable!

When it comes to results, it’s definitely led to new clients. I’ve had corporate clients book keynotes, workshops or coaching programs — and many have said they listened to several episodes before even making an enquiry. It’s been an incredible way to warm up my audience and build connection from the moment they find me online.

Also, sometimes the reward is the joy you get from the process. And that’s exactly how I approached this project from day one: as the creative outlet I’d been missing.

The bottom line is, I didn’t doubt myself. I backed myself and leant into self-trust.

I was warned it would be hard work for little reward. Two years later, I completely disagree.

Here’s what this means for you:

It’s easy to take advice from mentors or peers you respect — but always run it through your own filter first.

Are you making this career decision based on what’s right for you — or what you think you should do? Trust yourself over external opinions, especially when others can’t see your vision

And what’s your intention? Get clear on the ‘why’ behind what you want before setting goals, making a decision or starting any new project

These are the exact questions I ask my clients to help them shift from second-guessing to self-trust. Because when you trust yourself, you will make clearer choices and move forward with confidence!

#3 — OWN YOUR STRENGTHS

In business, you need a way for potential clients to find you. Social media is a fantastic tool to do this — and for me, that platform is LinkedIn, where my audience is.

BUT it takes a lot of time and energy to create daily posts or videos. And while I like writing — and I’m a good writer — the perfectionist in me means it takes ages to craft the right words and structure.

Yet speaking? That’s different.

As I shared in the very first episode of the podcast, I talk A LOT. I could talk under water — and I’m always the last to leave the dinner table because I can’t stop talking!

Communication is one of my greatest strengths. Whether it’s coaching, speaking or teaching, using my voice is such a natural way for me to operate.

In fact, when I first started a blog for my business, I realised the best ideas came when I spoke them out loud. I’d record insights after a client session or go for a walk and voice note some thoughts — just like I did to create this podcast episode. Then, I’d take the transcript and turn it into an article.

This is how I still create content today. I’ve found a way of marketing which suits my unique strengths and personality. And when something energises you, you’re more likely to stick with it — and this is where long term success is built!

Here’s the lesson for you:

Honour your strengths in your work as much as possible, rather than trying to ‘fix’ your weaknesses. I help my clients uncover their unique strengths and double down on the skills which energise them. Then you can delegate or outsource the rest and let others shine in the areas that drain you.

When you lead with your strengths, success feels effortless and sustainable.

#4 — BUILD TRUST

The Edelman Trust Barometer shows that trust in governments, media, companies — even leaders — is at an all-time low. And in a low-trust economy, it takes a longer time to earn someone’s confidence than ever before.

It’s well known that we need to see a message multiple times before we decide to buy. Previously, that number was around 7. Now it takes more like 27 touchpoints and around 7 hours of consumed content — before someone is ready to take action.

This level of connection is impossible to achieve in a 30 second video or single social post. Especially when people are overwhelmed, distracted and endlessly scrolling online. This is why the podcast has been a powerful platform for me to build trust with my audience in a more personal and consistent way.

Listeners often tune in during their commute, on a run, or while doing the dishes. Over time, I become part of their daily life. And because there’s less distraction than on social media, I’m able to hold their attention for longer and create real connection.

Many private coaching clients and corporate contacts have told me they’d listened in prior to reaching out. They found me online, listened to several episodes and liked what I was sharing. This built incredible trust before our first conversation.

Here’s the takeaway for you:

Whether you’re a senior leader, executive or business owner, building a personal brand is essential. I help high-achievers define and communicate their value proposition, so they’re seen as the go-to person in their field. A big part of this is sharing your thought leadership and expertise to grow your network, attract new clients and career opportunities.

When you build trust, you will magnetise the right opportunities to you.

#5 — CONSISTENCY COMPOUNDS

I’ve spoken a lot about the power of consistency and here’s a real example. If I’d only looked at the download numbers of a single episode in the early days, it may have been disheartening. But 2 years in, those early episodes have gained traction — and that reach will only continue to grow over time.

I still don’t have millions of downloads each month — but I never set out to be an influencer. I care about impact, not internet fame!

In the very first episode I ever recorded, I said this: ‘Even if one person listens and takes the tiniest tip, strategy or new perspective which helps them make the smallest shift in their career, to me, it’s worth it.’

This is still true. I’ve created an authority platform where people can find me and learn from me. What started as a creative outlet has become one of my best tools to attract aligned clients.

And because I publish consistently, people keep coming back — and this builds trust over time.

So the real win here is consistency. I’ve shown up for 2 years straight — and the results are compounding!

Here’s the lesson for you:

Are you taking consistent action towards your career goals — even when progress feels slow? And what’s ONE small step you will take this week to move closer to where you want to be? Put it on your calendar now and commit to it!

Because when you take consistent action towards your goals, consistency compounds over time.

So there you have it. The five biggest lessons I’ve learnt from recording 50 episodes of the podcast. My hope is they help YOU create a career on your terms!

Ready to build clarity, confidence and a personalised strategy to take back ownership of your career? Then the Ignite Your Career coaching program is for YOU.

Stacey Back is The Career Planning Specialist, an executive career coach and speaker. She helps high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work that lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career + life on their terms. Stacey works virtually with individuals and organisations based across the globe.