Second Act Success: Business Tips & Career Change Advice for Women

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 . S...

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 Ital...

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...

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...

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 y...

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-chan...

Are you ready to turn your career into your own business and ask yourself, “Why not me?” In this episode of the S econd 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 comm...

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...

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...

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 bright...

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 f...

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 willingnes...

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...

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 unc...

Transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to running your own business is more than a career change—it’s a complete mindset shift. In this special episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast , Shannon Russell shares insights from her limited series podcast, How to Quit Your Job and Start a Business . Learn how to embrace risk, develop a growth mindset, and think like a visionary entrepreneur. Whether y...

In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast , Shannon Russell sits down with Jessica Varian Carroll, founder and CEO of Organista Home. Jessica shares her incredible journey from becoming a mom at 19 and working in the automotive industry to launching her home organizing business and publishing her memoir, She Had No Business . Learn how Jessica turned her natural talent for...

In this empowering episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast , host Shannon Russell dives into goal-setting strategies tailored for women ready to quit their 9-to-5 job and launch a fulfilling business. Discover how clear, intentional goal setting can accelerate your journey from career transition to successful entrepreneur. Shannon shares insights on defining your "why," setting...

Ready to turn your passion into a thriving business as you start a second act career? Join Shannon Russell on the Second Act Success Career Podcast as she interviews Hélène Hébert, a former nuclear engineer who left a high-powered career to be with her family, while she discovered a love of sustainable living and organic gardening. Hélène's inspiring journey took her from inspecting nuclear r...

Have you ever dreamed about volunteering full time and building your own non-profit? On Episode #168 of the Second Act Success Career Podcast , host and career/business coach Shannon Russell interviews Alicia Demetropolis, founder of the Global Humanity Initiative and author of the book Drowning in Now: A Search for God and Humanity at the Top of the World. Alicia shares her inspiring journey from...

Ready to shake off the career blues and gain the clarity you need to take your next big step? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast , host Shannon Russell invites you to her FREE Breakthrough Bootcamp starting on October 21st! Whether you're looking to leave your 9-5 or start a side business, this week-long bootcamp will give you the tools and confidence to move forward. Wi...

In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast , host Shannon Russell shares her personal experience of selling her first business, a successful franchise she ran for eight years. Whether you're a current business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, learning about the process of selling a business is crucial.  Shannon walks listeners through the emotional and strategic sides of selling,...

Are you a multi-passionate entrepreneur trying to merge your diverse interests into a fulfilling career? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host and career coach Shannon Russell sits down with Brittany Steptoe Wright, owner and lead designer at BSW Design, co-owner of Steptoe Carpentry, and host of the CEO Podcast. Brittany shares her incredible journey from working in solar...

Ready to leave the 9-to-5 grind and build a successful consulting career? In this episode of Second Act Success Career Podcast , host Shannon Russell chats with Amy Rasdal, founder of Billable at the Beach. Amy shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder as a Silicon Valley CEO to creating a flexible, profitable consulting business. Learn how to turn your corporate experience into a cons...

In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast , host Shannon Russell dives into the "September Surge," the post-summer hiring boom that many job seekers miss out on. Discover how you can stand out from the crowd, whether you're looking for a new job, aiming for a promotion, or planning an exit strategy to start your own business. Shannon shares actionable tips on perfecti...

This is your sneak peak of the new limited series podcast - How to Quit Your Job and Start a Business .  If you are dreaming of leaving your 9-to-5 job to start your own business, then you must join Career Transition Coach Shannon Russell for this new series that will walk you from giving your notice at your corporate job to launching your business to the world. This is a sneak peak of Episode #1...