#32: The Top 2025 Career & Leadership Trends -- And How To Stay Ahead

02/05/25 • 14 min

The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

February marks the REAL start of the year for many leaders, making it the perfect time to explore the key career and leadership trends defining 2025.
Because here’s the thing -- the pace of change isn’t slowing down. We’re experiencing major global shifts -- economically, politically and socially -- which are reshaping the workplace in real time.
So, let me ask you: Are you ready for what’s coming?
In my recent conversations with senior leaders and executives, one challenge keeps surfacing...
Many have been so focused on leading their teams and delivering results that they haven’t had time to think about their own career direction.
One leader shared they’ve spent YEARS in reactive mode -- without intentionally planning where they want to go next. Now, they’re at a point where they know it’s time for a change, but they’re unsure what that looks like.
Another executive put it perfectly when they said, “I’ve spent years setting career goals and developing plans for my team, but I’ve never actually done it for myself.”
And this is something I see all the time. As an ambitious leader, it’s easy to focus on external priorities -- like leading your team or driving business outcomes -- while putting your own career on autopilot.
But with so much change happening, taking ownership of your career and leadership development is more critical than ever.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing the top 4 career and leadership trends for 2025 -- and how YOU can stay ahead.
You'll learn:

The ONE thing you must master to stay competitive and lead a high-impact team in the age of AI
A game-changing shift top businesses are making -- and how YOU can use it to future-proof your career and team
How to accelerate your career without burnout -- while developing an engaged, high-performing team
Why building visibility as a leader is key to unlocking new opportunities for you AND your team

No matter where you are in your career, these insights will help you stay ahead, lead with confidence and seize new opportunities in 2025. So hit play -- 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:
Are you a leader looking for expert support to navigate these changes in 2025? Check out the Ignite Your Career program for high-achievers who want to future-proof their careers with clarity, confidence and a strategic plan.
If you’re interested in working together in 2025, I invite you to book a free Career Clarity Call with me here.
Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

The ONE thing you must master to stay competitive and lead a high-impact team in the age of AI
A game-changing shift top businesses are making -- and how YOU can use it to future-proof your career and team
How to accelerate your career without burnout -- while developing an engaged, high-performing team
Why building visibility as a leader is key to unlocking new opportunities for you AND your team

Previous Episode

January Masterclass Replay: How To Set Your Career Up For Success In 2025

One thing I’m noticing right now is lots of leaders KNOW they want to make a change in their career, this year.
But they’re:

Busy trying to balance the demands of the school holidays or get back into work mode -- and struggling to find time to think about their next career steps
Lacking focus and need a plan -- yet they’re overwhelmed and unsure where to start
Finding it tough to stick to their New Year’s resolutions and want to find the motivation to get back on tracks

Can you relate?

So I decided to run a brand new masterclass, where I shared 3 simple strategies to set your career up for success in 2025. And I wanted to share it with you for a limited time on the podcast.

In this bonus episode, you’ll:

Identify the ONE area to focus on this year to find more fulfillment at work and clarify your career direction
Learn the first step to take right NOW so you reduce overwhelm, build momentum and begin 2025 with intention
Discover the 3 biggest roadblocks you must avoid to achieve your career goals now -- and in the future

By the end of this episode you’ll have practical steps to prepare for the year, so you can regain control of your career and set yourself up for success!
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:
Watch the full video replay before 7 February and download your free workbook HERE.

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 serious about making a change in your career this year, apply for your free Career Clarity Call to get started!
Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Next Episode

#33: How To Stop Comparing Yourself To Others And Find Success Your Way

Have you ever caught yourself comparing your success to someone else’s?
When I watched Demi Moore’s recent Golden Globe speech, it hit home. Comparison is something ALL ambitious leaders struggle with, no matter how successful or experienced you are. And today, we’re tackling it head-on.
Picture this...
You’re feeling on top of the world -- fulfilled by your work and completely satisfied with where you are in life. Then out of nowhere, it all comes crashing down.
You’re scrolling LinkedIn and see a peer being featured in a major industry publication. Or a colleague lands the promotion you were hoping for -- taking on a bigger role, leading a high-profile project, or stepping into the C-suite.
Suddenly, the confidence and excitement you had about your progress disappear. You start questioning yourself and doubting your abilities.
What you’re experiencing is career ‘comparisonitis’. And you’re not alone. Comparison culture is everywhere -- especially in a world of social media and ‘perfect’ Instagram feeds.
They say comparison is the thief of joy, but it’s also the thief of progress. It pulls you away from your own goals and often leads to inaction.
Does it feel like everyone else is getting ahead -- faster than you?
In today’s episode, I share five practical strategies to stop the cycle of comparison -- once and for all!
You'll learn:

The psychology behind comparison, WHY you fall into the trap and the first step to break free
My personal experience with comparisonitis -- and two ways to transform it into fuel for success
How to redefine success on YOUR own terms and train your brain to let go of career comparison for good
The simple mindset shift to silence self-doubt and help you make a real impact

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 shift out of self-doubt and break free from comparison? Check out the Ignite Your Career program for high-achievers who want to take ownership of their careers with clarity, confidence and a strategic plan.
If you’re interested in working together in 2025, I invite you to book a free Career Clarity Call with me here.
Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.