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

Shannon Russell | Business Coach for Women, Consultant, and Author of Start Your Second Act
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Welcome to the Second Act Success Podcast, a top 2% globally ranked show designed for ambitious women ready to change careers, start a business, and create a life they love.  Hosted by Shannon Russell, business coach, author, and entrepreneur, this podcast helps you transition from employee to entrepreneur with clarity and confidence. Listen and Learn: - How to quit your job and start a business that lights you up - Strategies for career change after 40 and designing your second act - Business planning, marketing, and personal branding tips for women - How to validate your business idea and find your ideal clients - How to use your career experience in your role as a female entrepreneur - Success stories from women who’ve turned their side hustles into thriving businesses Whether you’re planning an exit strategy, exploring midlife career pivots, or ready to become your own boss, you’ll find actionable steps, real-life inspiration, and expert guidance here. Is this podcast for you? - Are you dreaming of quitting your corporate job to start your own business? - Do you want advice on marketing a business, designing your personal brand, and build entrepreneurial strategies? - Are you ready to overcome fear and turn your skills and experience from the corporate world into your second act business? - Do you crave a flexible lifestyle that allows you to focus on your passions and your family? - Ready to become your own boss and build a business you love? - Is it time to turn your side hustle into a full-time business? If so, you’re in the right place! 🎧 New episodes every week to help you start building your second act business and designing a life you love! 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards your second act!

  1. 2D AGO

    Rebuilding After Betrayal: Vanessa Cardenas on Healing & Creating a Second Act | #231

    *Book a free strategy call to discuss your business or second act idea with Shannon here. What do you do when your life shatters on a park bench in Central Park? In this powerful episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Vanessa Cardenas, a C-suite healthcare executive, relationship reset expert, and founder of Understanding Ear, to talk about how one devastating betrayal became the catalyst for her second act. After her husband of over two decades said the words, “I’ve met someone,” Vanessa’s world collapsed. In this raw and inspiring conversation, she shares how she navigated betrayal trauma, confronted the “nasty chick” inner critic in her head, rebuilt her marriage, and turned her pain into purpose by launching a business helping others heal. If you’ve ever felt lost in your relationship, stuck in fear, or unsure how to reclaim your power after a life-altering event, this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over — you get to write the next chapter. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Vanessa went from devastated wife to betrayal recovery specialist and business ownerWhy betrayal can impact generations—and how she chose to break the cycleHow she manages being a C-suite executive and running a purpose-driven business on the sideThe turning point that helped her decide to rebuild her marriage instead of walking awayWhether you’re healing from betrayal, navigating a relationship reset, or standing at the crossroads of your own second act, Vanessa’s story is a masterclass in resilience, self-trust, and choosing your destiny instead of letting fear choose it for you. *Get the full show notes here! Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here. ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    43 min

  2. JAN 5

    Start Your Business by March 31: A 90-Day Q1 Blueprint to Launch in 2026 | #230

    *Book a free strategy call with Shannon here. https://secondactsuccess.co/230 Ready to finally start a business in 2026 instead of just talking about it?  In this first episode of the year, business coach and host Shannon Russell walks you through a simple, realistic 90-day Q1 plan to launch your business by March 31, 2026. If you’ve been sitting on a business idea, dreaming about quitting your 9–5, or wanting to add a new offer to your existing business, this pep-talk-meets-strategy session is your green light. You’ll learn how to turn your idea into a clear business concept, validate it with real people, and set up the core foundations of your business in the first quarter of the year, without burning out or trying to do everything at once. Shannon breaks Q1 into three focused months so you can move from “someday” to “it’s happening” with a step-by-step roadmap. This episode of the Second Act Success Podcast is a must-listen!  In this episode, you’ll learn: How to use Q1 2026 as your launch season (and why the first 90 days matter so much)The three questions that define your business idea and ideal clientA simple validation strategy so you know people will pay for your offerHow to break your giant to-do list into micro action steps you can actually finishA 90-day goal-setting framework to keep you on track through January, February, and MarchIf you’re a woman in a 9–5 job, a busy mom, or an early-stage entrepreneur who wants to start an online business in 2026, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and practical steps to get moving in Q1—so by the end of the year, you’re running the business you’ve been dreaming about. Download my free 90-Day Sprint Planner  *Get the full show notes here! Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here. ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    20 min

  3. 12/29/2025

    Fuel Your CEO Brain: Nutrition Tips for Women Entrepreneurs with Dietitian Lindsay Martens | #229

    *Book a free strategy call with Shannon here. Ready to start (or scale) your business, but want to do it without running on caffeine and chaos? In this episode 229 of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with registered dietitian Lindsay Martens to talk about how to fuel your CEO brain, create sustainable healthy habits, and protect your energy while you build your second act. Lindsay shares why your brain needs consistent fuel (hello, focus and creativity), how to stop the mid-afternoon crash that turns into “why am I like this?” spirals, and how to ditch all-or-nothing wellness rules. If you’re a busy woman juggling work, kids, and a business dream, this conversation will help you build a health routine that’s actually realistic and “good enough” to stick. Key Takeaways: Your brain is your #1 business asset—fueling it supports focus, creativity, decision-making, and emotional regulation.Sustainable health starts with basic needs first (food, sleep, hydration)“Done is better than perfect” applies to wellness too: desk lunch counts if it helps you stay consistent.A quick self-check that helps you reconnect with hunger, thirst, and stress signals.You don’t need to change your body to start your second act—care for your body for the life you want now.Simple, repeatable meals that can prevent energy crashes and keep you steady through busy days. *Get the full show notes here! Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here. ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    41 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Hallmark Christmas Movie Obsessed? Meet Film Critic Rachel Wagner | #228

    It’s holiday season and we are talking Hallmark Christmas movies on the Second Act Success Podcast. We are officially fan-girling because film critic and host of the Hallmarkies Podcast Rachel Wagner joins us to talk about hosting this popular podcast with Hallmark and movies at its core.  Rachel shares how a love of movie criticism led her to start creating online reviews, launch a podcast, and eventually build a thriving platform that’s now deep into its 9th holiday season (with thousands of episodes!). Along the way, she’s interviewed Hallmark writers, actors, and directors, yet she’s also honest about what actually grows a show: consistency, relationships, and being ready when opportunity knocks. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, rom-coms, podcasting, content creation, or you’re dreaming about starting a creative second act in the new year, this one is pure holiday gold. Key takeaways from this episode: How Rachel’s love of film criticism turned into a real podcasting career pathWhat it really takes to run a successful podcast Why you don’t need celebrity interviews to build a profitable, loyal audienceHow to “be ready when luck finds you” (and why creative success can be unpredictable)The truth about consistency, repetition, and making content that people actually wantWhy Hallmark is keeping rom-coms alive—and how Rachel built a niche brand around itRachel’s best advice for anyone starting a second act (or launching a podcast in 2026) *Get the full show notes here! Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here. ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    32 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    Paralegal to Podcasting Pro: How Fran Stone Built “9 to 5 Mom with a Pod” While Raising a Toddler | #227

    *Book a free strategy call with Shannon here. What if you could start a profitable podcast and personal brand before you ever quit your 9–5? In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success podcast, Shannon Russell talks with Francesca (Fran) Stone, founder of 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod—a podcast and consulting platform that helps mom content creators launch personal brands and grow with purpose. Fran shares how her winding career path—from talent agent to paralegal—gave her the business, sales, and people skills she now uses as a full-time entrepreneur. After becoming a mom, she realized her demanding legal career no longer fit the life she wanted, so she started her podcast as a side hustle, monetized it through consulting and affiliates (not sponsorships!), and eventually quit her job to work for herself… all while caring for her toddler at home. If you’re a mom who dreams of starting a podcast, growing a brand, or leaving your 9–5 to work online, this conversation will show you what’s possible—without a massive audience or going viral. Key Takeaways: Every job prepares you for entrepreneurship How Fran’s past roles in admin, accounts receivable, talent representation, and law all gave her skills she now uses in branding, sales, and running her business.Building a business while still in your 9–5 How she tested her idea, validated demand, and stacked part-time income before quitting her job, plus what she put in place financially to make the leap.Running a business with a toddler at home Real talk on routines, support from her husband, working in focused 20-minute pockets, and swapping scroll time for CEO time.You don’t need to go viral to make money Fran proves you can monetize with around 2,000 followers if you have a strong brand, clear offers, and a nurtured audience.*Get the full show notes here! Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here. ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    32 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Second Act Authors: 9 Books That Prove It’s Never Too Late To Rewrite Your Story | #226

    In this special episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach, author, and host Shannon Russell celebrates an incredible wave of second act authors who published books in 2025—right alongside her own book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. Shannon spotlights powerful new releases from friends and former guests including Lisa Morton (Aligned at Home), Heike Yates (Pursue Your Spark), Gregory Andrus (A Walk Along the Jersey Shore), Sara Conklin (Fundamentally Frugal), Gina Riley (Qualified Isn’t Enough), Liz Alterman (You Shouldn't Have Done That, Clare Casey's Had Enough, A Different Type of Poison), Cindy Bertram (California Fork & Spoon), Maude McDonald (Retro Quilts), and Liz Mugavero (Claws Out). You’ll hear how each author used their second act, career change, or creative pivot to turn lived experience into pages that inspire, heal, and empower others. Whether you’ve secretly dreamed of writing a book, starting a business, or launching your own creative project, this episode is your loving nudge that it’s absolutely possible—especially in midlife. In this episode, you’ll learn: How ordinary women (and one Jersey Shore storyteller!) turned their second act into published booksWhy sharing your story, expertise, or creativity can open new doors in career, business, and lifeThe mindset shifts and courage it takes to say a big, bold “YES” to authorshipBook recommendations in home alignment, wellness, money, career transitions, mystery fiction, quilting, food, and photographyHow your own second act might be the next book, podcast, or business the world is waiting forIf you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could write a book someday…” let this episode be your sign. Press play, grab the book list in the show notes, and get inspired to start your own second act story. SHOW NOTES: https://secondactsuccess.co/226 ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    17 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Stay-at-Home Mom Turned Community Leader: Michelle DeKeyser on Motherhood and Belonging | #225

    If you’re a mom who feels like you’ve lost yourself in motherhood, this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast is for you. Host Shannon Russell, business coach for women and author of Start Your Second Act, sits down with former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and community builder Michelle DeKeyser, founder of Mama Genius and the Mama Genius Hub. Michelle shares her honest journey from teaching to being a stay-at-home mom to searching for community with other women, and creating her own Mama Genius community.  If you’ve ever thought, “I checked all the boxes—marriage, kids, house—so why do I still feel empty?”, Michelle’s story will help you feel seen, less alone, and inspired to create your own second act. We talk about motherhood, identity, mom burnout, community, and starting a business as a mom, and how to find the courage to listen to that quiet now-what voice inside. Key Takeaways: Losing Yourself in Motherhood: Why so many moms feel stuck, burned out, and out of alignment after years of putting everyone else first.From Stay-at-Home Mom to Mom Entrepreneur: The moment she realized she needed “something more” and how she slowly transitioned into launching a second-act business for moms.Why Moms Need Community & Belonging: How Michelle created Mama Genius, a safe community for moms to be vulnerable, share ideas, and rebuild their identity beyond “just mom.”This episode is perfect for: Stay-at-home moms wondering what’s nextWorking moms who feel misaligned in their careersWomen craving community, purpose, and a second-act businessAnyone interested in personal growth, mom entrepreneurship, and identity after kids SHOW NOTES: https://secondactsuccess.co/225 Connect with Michelle DeKeyser: https://connectingmamas.com/ https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mama-genius-hub/episodes/ https://mamageniushub.com/ ------- ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    28 min

  8. 11/24/2025

    Gratitude, Growth & New Beginnings: Reflecting on 2025 and Preparing Your Second Act | #224

    In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell, business coach, author, and mom of two, reflects on the incredible milestones, personal growth, and business breakthroughs that made 2025 a transformational year. From publishing her book Start Your Second Act, to speaking on stages across the country, to running global LEGO® Serious Play® workshops, to celebrating precious family moments…Shannon shares the moments she’s most grateful for and the lessons that shaped her second act as an entrepreneur. This episode will inspire you to slow down, reflect with gratitude, acknowledge your growth, and step confidently into 2026 with clarity and intention. Whether you're planning your own second act, building a business, or craving a fresh start, this warm and honest year-end reflection will help you recognize just how far you've already come. Grab your journal, settle in, and let’s celebrate gratitude—one meaningful moment at a time. SHOW NOTES: https://secondactsuccess.co/224 ------ ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

    17 min
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Welcome to the Second Act Success Podcast, a top 2% globally ranked show designed for ambitious women ready to change careers, start a business, and create a life they love.  Hosted by Shannon Russell, business coach, author, and entrepreneur, this podcast helps you transition from employee to entrepreneur with clarity and confidence. Listen and Learn: - How to quit your job and start a business that lights you up - Strategies for career change after 40 and designing your second act - Business planning, marketing, and personal branding tips for women - How to validate your business idea and find your ideal clients - How to use your career experience in your role as a female entrepreneur - Success stories from women who’ve turned their side hustles into thriving businesses Whether you’re planning an exit strategy, exploring midlife career pivots, or ready to become your own boss, you’ll find actionable steps, real-life inspiration, and expert guidance here. Is this podcast for you? - Are you dreaming of quitting your corporate job to start your own business? - Do you want advice on marketing a business, designing your personal brand, and build entrepreneurial strategies? - Are you ready to overcome fear and turn your skills and experience from the corporate world into your second act business? - Do you crave a flexible lifestyle that allows you to focus on your passions and your family? - Ready to become your own boss and build a business you love? - Is it time to turn your side hustle into a full-time business? If so, you’re in the right place! 🎧 New episodes every week to help you start building your second act business and designing a life you love! 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey towards your second act!

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