Second Act Success Career Podcast: Career Transitions, Entrepreneurship, and Business Startup Advice for Women
Welcome to the Second Act Success Career Podcast, a top 2% globally ranked show designed for ambitious women ready to transition from employee to entrepreneur. This is your go-to resource for career inspiration, actionable advice, and proven strategies to help you navigate a career change, build your own business, and create a life you love. ✨ What You’ll Learn: How to craft your perfect exit strategy from your 9-to-5 and confidently transition into entrepreneurship. Marketing, business planning, and personal development tips to launch and grow a purpose-driven business. Real-life success stories of women who’ve turned their side hustle into thriving businesses. Insights on balancing career pivots, personal fulfillment, and family life as you build a flexible, abundant future. Hosted by Shannon Russell, career transition and business coach and author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. This podcast is your partner in navigating a second act in life. As an exit strategy expert, Shannon empowers women to leave unfulfilling jobs and create joyful, impactful businesses that align with their passions and experience. She is a former Television Producer turned franchise business owner, who is using her experience to help others make a change for the better in their lives. 🎧 Each week, tune in for: Practical advice on building your business with clarity and confidence. Expert interviews and motivational stories of career change success. Tips on marketing, productivity, and turning your business vision into reality. 🤔 Is this podcast for you? Are you dreaming of quitting your corporate job to start your own business? Do you want advice on marketing, personal branding, and entrepreneurial strategies? Are you ready to overcome fear and take the leap into your second act? Do you crave a flexible lifestyle that allows you to focus on your passions and family? Ready to become your own boss? Is it time to turn your side hustle into a full-time business? If so, you’re in the right place! 🌟 Whether you're pivoting careers, starting a side hustle, or planning to leave your corporate job, the Second Act Success Career Podcast is here to help you thrive in your journey from employee to entrepreneur. Get inspired, take action, and produce your best life with Shannon by your side. 📅 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and start your journey to second act success today! 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co/podcast. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards career fulfillment and success! Email shannon@secondactsuccess.co to connect!
Episodes
It’s publication day for my new book! In this special episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell celebrates the release of her new book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. Shannon reads pages from Chapter 2 of her book, diving into what a “second act” truly means and how women can embrace the powerful pivot from feeling stuck in a job to starting s...
Have you ever faced a life-changing crossroads where you had to choose between your career and your heart? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell shares a deeply personal story about the day she said no to interviewing Taylor Swift — and why that pivotal decision changed the course of her career and life.
From working as a television producer for major networks to choosing motherhood and entre...
In this inspiring episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell sits down with Monika Nielsen, founder of Style Closet Coach and the beloved “closet therapist” for women reinventing themselves in midlife. After homeschooling her three children for 22 years, Monika launched a business helping women declutter their closets and rediscover their style. She shares how she turned a personal moment of self-discovery into a purpose-d...
Are you waking up every day feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or just "going through the motions" in your job? In this empowering episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, career transition and business coach Shannon Russell shares a powerful message about what it really means to live by default—and how to break free from it. If you’ve been dreaming about starting a business, changing careers, or simply building a life ...
In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, Shannon sits down with Michal Morrison—an archeologist-turned-entrepreneur—who transformed personal adversity into a groundbreaking second act. After surviving a traumatic brain injury, Michal left behind her world-traveling career in archaeology to launch her own science-backed skincare company using cutting-edge stem cell technology.
Discover how Michal’s passion ...
Have you ever dreamed of leaving your 9-5, hitting the road, and building a business on your own terms? In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with executive coach and change management consultant Julie Noonan to explore her bold leap from corporate America to full-time RV living.
After a successful career leading transformation at Fortune 500 companies and consulting firms...
Have you ever dreamed of writing a book but weren’t sure where to start? In this episode of The Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell takes you behind the scenes of her journey to becoming an author! She shares how she went from dreaming about writing to officially publishing her book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life.
Shannon opens up about the writing and ...
Have you ever dreamed of leaving your corporate job to follow your creative passion? In this episode of Second Act Success, Shannon Russell sits down with Francesca Montillo, founder of Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. Francesca shares her incredible journey from a stable career in healthcare management to building a thriving business centered around Italian food, wine, and travel.
Born in Italy and raised in Boston, Francesca alwa...
Are you thinking about pivoting into tech or launching your own business later in life? In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell sits down with Kerry Ann King, CEO of Eluminate Labs, to discuss her inspiring journey from multiple career transitions to becoming a tech founder in her 50s.
Kerry Ann shares how she navigated layoffs, career shifts, and the challenges of being a woman in tech, ultimately building a sof...
What if getting let go from your corporate job was actually the best thing that ever happened to you? That’s exactly what happened to Kristen Lettini, host of the Build Your Own Fairytale Podcast, who turned a career setback into the ultimate opportunity to build a thriving business.
In this episode #183 of Second Act Success, Kristen shares how she transitioned from a stable corporate job in marketing and communications to entrepr...
Have you been wondering if you have what it takes to start a business with your skills and experience?
In this special episode of Second Act Success Episode #182, host Shannon Russell shares a replay of her popular Business Brainstorm Masterclass. You'll learn how to plan your exit strategy, discover the right business idea for you, and take the first steps toward entrepreneurship. Whether you're in the early sta...
Are you ready to leave your 9-to-5 and start a business that's perfectly aligned with who you are? In this episode of Second Act Success Career Podcast, host and career transition/business coach, Shannon Russell dives into the power of the YouMap® assessment—a personalized career tool that helps you discover your strengths, values, skills, and personality. Shannon explains how this game-changing assessment can guide you in cre...
Are you ready to turn your career into your own business and ask yourself, “Why not me?” In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast Episode #180, host Shannon Russell sits down with media powerhouse and entrepreneur Cookie Zito. Cookie shares her inspiring journey from MTV and Yahoo to launching the Christy Maz Network, a digital hub for women that combines fashion, media, and community.
Discover how Cookie transitione...
Are you a creative thinking about going into business for yourself?
You'll want to tune in for this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, where host Shannon Russell chats with Lindsay Smith, a seasoned copywriter and content strategist, about her inspiring career journey to building her own business. From her beginnings at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to a thriving career in advertising, Lin...
Ready to truly achieve your biggest goals in 2025? In this episode of Second Act Success, Shannon Russell shares the three essential steps to set yourself up for entrepreneurial success by hitting your goals this year. From creating clear, actionable goals to building your knowledge base and growing your network, Shannon breaks down the process to help you take confident steps toward your second act. Whether you're dreaming of...
In this reflective and inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell wraps up 2024 with a heartfelt message of gratitude and encouragement. Whether you’ve already started your second act, are exploring new career options, or are taking the leap into building your own business, this episode is packed with motivation to celebrate your progress and plan for an even brighter 2025.
Shannon shares personal high...
In this encore episode of Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Dr. Jessica Metcalfe, a dental oncologist turned author, speaker, and consultant. Jessica shares her journey of breaking free from the box she felt trapped in after years of dedication to dentistry. Discover how she transitioned to part-time practice, launched her consulting firm, and became a voice for emotional intelligence and leader...
In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell interviews Cindy Bertram, a former graphic artist turned television producer and writer who has crafted content for HGTV, Dr. Phil, and TV Guide Network. Cindy shares her fascinating career pivot story, from graphic artist to TV producer, and her latest endeavor as a cookbook author.
Discover how Cindy’s diverse skill set and willingness to embrace new challenges...
In this inspiring episode of Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell chats with Courtney Gray, a former CEO of a glass and jewelry business turned certified body and life coach. Courtney shares her incredible journey from running a successful multiple six-figure business to finding her true calling in coaching.
Discover how Courtney helps women transform their lives through health, wellness, and mindset, proving that...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and the perfect time to overcome your fears and chase your entrepreneurial dreams! In this special holiday-themed Episode #173 of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell explores the parallels between your business journey and a classic Hallmark Christmas movie.
Just like our favorite holiday heroines, you may feel stuck, scared, or uncertain about taking the leap. But Sha...
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