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

Shannon Russell | Business Coach for Women 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. 3H AGO

    Recruiter turned Career Strategist: Insider Secrets to Getting Hired in Today’s AI Job Market | #243

    👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. Are you struggling to get your resume noticed in today’s competitive job market? Wondering how to get past AI resume screeners and actually land an interview? In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with former recruiter turned career strategist Sindy Thomas, host of The Insider Career Club Podcast. With over 25 years of experience in talent acquisition across biotech, pharmaceuticals, IT, and corporate industries, Sindy shares insider hiring secrets that every job seeker needs to know. From applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI resume bots to LinkedIn networking strategies and researching companies before you apply, Sindy breaks down how the hiring process really works, and what you can do to stand out. Whether you're navigating a career change, re-entering the workforce, or facing layoffs in today’s shifting economy, this episode gives you practical strategies to help you get seen, get connected, and get hired. If you’re ready to stop blindly applying online and start networking strategically, this conversation is a must-listen. *Get the full show notes here! Subscribe now for actionable insights on how to shift your mindset, take control of your career, and build a thriving business. 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    20 min

  2. 3D AGO

    You Don’t Want Your Boss’s Job… So Why Are You Still Climbing the Corporate Ladder? | #242

    👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. If you don’t want your boss’s job… why are you still climbing the ladder? This episode of the Second Act Success Podcast with business coach Shannon Russell is your wake-up call. So many high-achieving women are working long hours, chasing promotions, and saying yes to more responsibility. Yet when they look at the next level, they realize something uncomfortable. They don’t actually want it. This episode challenges the traditional corporate ladder mindset and invites you to rethink what success really means in this season of your life.  Especially if you are a woman in a corporate leadership role, an ambitious professional feeling burned out, or someone considering a career pivot into entrepreneurship. If you’re navigating a midlife career transition, questioning your next promotion, or wondering whether entrepreneurship could be your second act, this conversation will hit home. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why so many women climb the corporate ladder on autopilotHow to recognize when you’re chasing a promotion you don’t truly wantThe hidden trade-offs that come with every rung of the ladderWhat it means to step off the hamster wheel without “quitting”How to redirect your skills into a second act career or businessThe truth is, success isn’t about climbing higher. It’s about aligning your work with the life you actually want. If the thought of having your boss’s job drains you instead of excites you, that’s information. And you’re allowed to use it. Ready to explore what your second act could look like? Book a free strategy call and let’s map it out together. 🔗 Get the full show notes here! Subscribe now for actionable insights on how to shift your mindset, take control of your career, and build a thriving business. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    11 min

  3. FEB 19

    Why I Don't Believe in Picking a Quit Date to Start a Business, Sorry Amy Porterfield | #241

    👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. If you have ever read Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield, you know she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pick a quit date and put it on the calendar. For many women, that bold move is exactly what helps them finally take action. In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell shares a different approach. One rooted in preparation, confidence, and financial stability. Shannon explains why she does not believe in circling a random date on the calendar and quitting your job before you are truly ready. Instead, she teaches her proven philosophy of learning before you leap. This episode is perfect for women who want to start a business but do not want to rush, panic, or put unnecessary pressure on themselves or their finances. In this episode, you will learn: Why picking a quit date can create stress and fearHow financial readiness builds confidence in entrepreneurshipWhy validating your business idea matters before you quitWhat it really looks like to transition from a job into business ownershipHow to build a second act business that lastsIf you are craving freedom and fulfillment but want a thoughtful and strategic path forward, this episode will help you feel grounded, prepared, and confident about your next move. *Get the full show notes here! Subscribe now for actionable insights on how to shift your mindset, take control of your career, and build a thriving business. 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    11 min

  4. FEB 16

    Your Husband Hates His Job - How to Change Careers Without the Guilt | #240

    👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. Do you feel guilty about wanting to change your career when your partner is unhappy in their job, but refuses to make a move? You’re not alone, and this episode is your permission slip to move forward anyway. In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach and author Shannon Russell tackles one of the most common emotional roadblocks women face when considering a career pivot or starting a business: guilt tied to a partner’s unhappiness. If you’ve been asking yourself, “How can I pursue my dream when my partner won’t change?”, this conversation is for you. Shannon breaks down why this guilt shows up, why it’s not yours to carry, and how choosing yourself is not selfish, it’s self-leadership. You’ll learn how to separate your career journey from your partner’s, communicate with compassion, reframe guilt, and confidently take steps toward a more fulfilling life and career. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you are not responsible for fixing your partner’s careerHow to overcome guilt when you want more, but your partner feels stuckThe mindset shift from selfish to self-leadershipHow pursuing your own growth can positively impact your family and kidsPractical steps to move forward with confidence, even without full supportIf you’re craving change but feel weighed down by guilt, this episode will help you release it, refocus on what you can control, and take aligned action toward your second act. *Get the full show notes here! Subscribe now for actionable insights on how to shift your mindset, take control of your career, and build a thriving business. 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    14 min

  5. FEB 12

    Why Your “Side Gig” Is Legit. How a Side Business Can Lead to Your Second Act Career | #239

    *Book a free strategy call to discuss your business or second act idea with Shannon here. Don’t let anyone tell you that your side gig isn’t legitimate. In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, career transition coach and business coach for women Shannon Russell sits down with Cheryl Fischer, a former corporate professional turned math and economics teacher who reinvented herself again as a mindset coach and podcast host. Cheryl shares her powerful second act career story. From working in corporate consulting and airline pricing to teaching high school for over a decade, she opens up about burnout, empathy overload, and the moment she realized she didn’t want to spend the rest of her career exhausted and resentful. What started as a “small” direct sales business on the side became the confidence bridge she needed to explore entrepreneurship, mindset work, and ultimately create a business that fits her life. Today, Cheryl is a mindset coach and the host of the Mind Your Midlife podcast, helping women navigate midlife transitions with clarity and confidence. In this episode, we talk about: Why side gigs are powerful tools during a career transitionHow starting a business on the side can prevent burnout and financial panicThe mindset shifts that make second act careers possibleHow confidence is built before you ever quit your jobWhy you don’t have to leap before you’re readyIf you’re navigating a midlife or mid-career transition, questioning whether your side business is “real,” or exploring second act career ideas, this episode will remind you that small steps can lead to life-changing transformations. Your side gig isn’t silly. It might just be the beginning of your next chapter. *Get the full show notes here! Subscribe now for actionable insights on how to shift your mindset, take control of your career, and build a thriving business. 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co.  -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    32 min

  6. FEB 9

    3 Simple Ways to Create Movement in Your Business to Get Clients & Cash Flow Moving | #238

    *Book a free strategy call to discuss your business or second act idea with Shannon here. If your business feels quiet, slow, or stuck right now, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach for women Shannon Russell shares 3 simple, practical ways to create momentum in your business. Especially during seasons when motivation is low, sales feel inconsistent, or you’re craving proof that what you’re building is working. Whether you’re starting a business, growing a second act career, or navigating a career transition into entrepreneurship, momentum matters. It fuels confidence, income, and the belief that you’re on the right path. In this episode, you’ll learn: What to offer right now to create quick momentum and incomeWhy visibility and relationships matter more than algorithmsHow batching your work helps you stay consistent and avoid burnoutWhy small, intentional actions compound into real business growthThis episode is especially helpful if you’re a woman entrepreneur, building a business alongside a job, or feeling discouraged by slow seasons. Momentum isn’t created by big launches or perfection. It’s built through steady action, connection, and follow-through. If you’ve been thinking, I just need one thing to start working, press play. This episode will help you get unstuck and moving again. *Get the full show notes here! Subscribe now for actionable insights on how to shift your mindset, take control of your career, and build a thriving business. 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    11 min

  7. FEB 5

    A Job Offer After You Quit? How to Navigate Career Transition Without Losing Momentum | #237

    *Book a free strategy call to discuss your business or second act idea with Shannon here. What do you do when you’re ready to launch your business and suddenly a job offer lands in your lap? You’ve done the work. You’ve given notice. You’re building a business. And then… an opportunity shows up that makes you question everything. In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, career transition coach and business coach for women Shannon Russell breaks down a situation many women face during a career transition, but rarely talk about.  What happens when a full-time job, contract role, or request to stay longer at your current job appears just as you’re stepping into entrepreneurship? Drawing from real conversations with her business coaching clients navigating mid-career and midlife career transitions, Shannon walks you through how to think strategically instead of emotionally when these opportunities arise. You’ll learn: Why job offers often appear right before a big second act career shiftWhen accepting a job can actually support your new businessHow to decide if you can realistically do both without losing momentumThe difference between strategy and fear when saying yesHow steady income can help you build a business with confidenceWhy patience is not the same as quitting on your dreamIf you’re navigating a career transition, starting a business, or questioning your next move, this episode will help you pause, evaluate, and choose intentionally. Your second act doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s timeline. It just needs forward momentum. This episode is for women exploring second act career ideas, building a business during a career change, and learning how to balance stability with growth. *Get the full show notes here! Subscribe now for actionable insights on how to shift your mindset, take control of your career, and build a thriving business. 🔗 For more inspiration and resources, visit https://secondactsuccess.co. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    15 min

  8. FEB 2

    Stop Feeling Guilty About Pivoting. How to Close a Business and Start Your Second Act with Sharon Calle | #236

    *Book a free strategy call to discuss your business or second act idea with Shannon here. What happens when you build a successful business, then realize it’s time to close that chapter? In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with Sharon Calle, founder of Luminosa Creative, to talk about the emotional side of business pivots, career change, and giving yourself permission to move on without guilt. Sharon shares her “squiggly” creative journey. From studying illustration and graphic design, to becoming an art teacher, to launching a thriving art studio and brick-and-mortar space, to pivoting during the pandemic, and finally stepping into her next chapter as a website designer and SEO strategist for women business owners. She also opens up about burnout, sustainability, and why closing a profitable business can be an act of self trust, not failure. If you’re navigating a career transition, considering entrepreneurship, or you’ve outgrown a business that no longer fits your life, this conversation will help you stop grieving the ending and start celebrating what you built. What you'll learn: How to know when it's time to leave a job and build a businessThe real truth about brick-and-mortar overhead, burnout, and sustainabilityWhy closing a successful business can be the healthiest decisionHow to pivot into a new offer using your transferable skills and experienceWhat SEO (search engine optimization) is and why it matters for small business growthHow to design a business that supports your lifestyle, energy, and mental health*Get the full show notes here! Leave a review for the Second Act Success Podcast here. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok More resources & discounts: Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links)

    38 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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