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

Hosted by Shannon Russell | Business Coach for Women and Author of Start Your Second Act

Business Careers Education

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Episodes

266

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Second Act Success Podcast , a top 2% globally ranked show designed to help ambitious women like you who are ready to change careers, start a business, and create a fulfilled life you deserve. Hosted by Shannon Russell , business coach for women, author, and entrepreneur, this podcast helps you transition from employee to entrepreneur with clarity, confidence, and a strategic action plan. 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 on the show, so you can start your second act. Is this podcast for you? - Are you dreaming of quitting your corporate job to start your own business? - Do you want advice on launching a business, marketing your offers, designing your personal brand, and putting your business strategies in place? - Are you ready to overcome fear and turn your skills and experience from the corporate world into your second act business where you are the boss? - Do you crave a flexible lifestyle that allows you to focus on your family and your creative passions while still bringing income into your household? - Are you ready to become your own boss and build a business that is all yours? - Is it time to turn your side hustle into a full-time business? If you answered YES, then you’re in the right place and this podcast will teach you everything you need to know. 🎧 Listen to new episodes every week to help you build your second act. 🔗 Book a free Second Act Strategy Call with host Shannon Russell and download free resources at https://secondactsuccess.co . Subscribe now and embark on a journey towards your second act!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 26638 min

You Don’t Have to Start Over: Turn Your Corporate Career Into a Business with Allison Lane | #266

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. What if changing careers didn’t mean starting over? In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with PR and marketing expert Allison Lane to talk about career reinvention, leaving corporate, and using the experience you already have to build your next chapter. After decades working in corporate PR and marketing with major brands, Allison reached burnout and eventually left her corporate career to start her own business. Today, she helps women build authority, increase their visibility, and position themselves as thought leaders, authors, speakers, and experts. Shannon and Allison discuss why a midlife career transition doesn’t mean beginning at the bottom, how to recognize your transferable skills, and why building your personal brand before leaving corporate can give your second act career a powerful head start. If you’re considering a career change, starting a business, or wondering what’s next after corporate life, this conversation will remind you that you’re not starting over. You’re building on everything you’ve already accomplished. Whether you’re exploring second act careers, navigating a midlife career transition, or dreaming about becoming a female entrepreneur, this episode will help you stop thinking about what you’re leaving behind and start recognizing everything you’re bringing with you. Listen to the Second Act Success Podcast with Shannon Russell and discover how to turn your career experience into your next opportunity. Learn more at https://secondactsuccess.co/266 . -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

August 10, 2026Episode 26552 min

How to Discover Your Second Act: Career Change, Reinvention & Finding What’s Next | #265

Are you thinking about a career change but have no idea what you want to do next? Maybe your current career no longer fits the person you are today. Maybe you’ve experienced an “aha moment” that made you question your work, your priorities, or what you want your life to look like. Or maybe you simply know you’re ready for something different. In this special episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach and career transition coach Shannon Russell shares Chapter 3, “Discovering Your Second Act,” from her book Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life . Shannon walks you through the process of discovering your next chapter and reminds you that making a midlife career transition does not mean starting over. Your skills, experience, relationships, resilience, and knowledge come with you. You’ll learn how to reflect on what is and isn’t working in your current career, identify your strengths and passions, explore second act career ideas, build your network, prepare financially for a career transition, and create a timeline for making your next move. Shannon also shares lessons from her own transition from television producer to entrepreneur and explains how the skills she developed during 16 years in the entertainment industry helped her build successful businesses. Whether you’re considering leaving corporate, starting a business, becoming a female entrepreneur, or simply searching for a more flexible career, this episode will help you begin thinking differently about what your next chapter could look like. Because your first career gave you experience. Your second act career is your opportunity to decide how you want to use it. If you’re ready for career reinvention, press play and start discovering what your second act could be. 🔗 Get the full show notes here! -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

July 27, 2026Episode 26415 min

When to Hire Your First Employee: What to Outsource First to Grow Your Small Business | #264

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. Are you trying to do everything in your business yourself? One of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make is waiting too long to hire help. While wearing every hat might seem like the most affordable option, it can actually slow your business growth and lead to burnout. In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast , business coach Shannon Russell shares how to know when it's time to hire your first employee, what tasks to outsource first, and how bringing in the right support can help you scale your business faster. Whether you're just starting a business, growing your small business, or navigating your second act career, this episode will help you confidently build a team without feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, you'll learn: How to know when it's time to hire help The difference between hiring employees and outsourcing freelancers What business tasks to outsource first How virtual assistants can save you time When to hire a bookkeeper, web designer, or marketing expert Where to find freelancers and contractors Tips for interviewing, onboarding, and managing your first hire How outsourcing can help you avoid burnout and grow your business If you're ready to stop doing everything yourself and start leading your business like a CEO, this episode is for you. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

July 20, 2026Episode 26312 min

How to Choose the Right Business to Start | #263

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. How do you know which business is the right one to start? If you've been thinking about starting a business but feel overwhelmed by all the online advice, you're not alone. Every day there seems to be a new business trend, side hustle, or entrepreneur claiming they made six figures overnight. But copying someone else's business isn't the path to building one you'll actually love. In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast , business coach Shannon Russell shares the five questions every aspiring entrepreneur should ask before starting a business. Learn how to choose a business idea that aligns with your skills, lifestyle, values, energy, and long-term goals instead of chasing shiny objects online. If you're considering a career change, career transition, or starting a business after leaving corporate, this episode will help you confidently choose a business that fits your life and creates lasting freedom. In this episode, you'll learn: How to choose the right business idea Why shiny object syndrome keeps entrepreneurs stuck How to validate whether a business fits your lifestyle The importance of building a business around your strengths Why solving problems creates profitable businesses How to avoid burnout while starting a business Five questions every future entrepreneur should answer before launching If you're ready to stop comparing yourself to everyone online and start building a business that's uniquely yours, this episode is for you. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

July 13, 2026Episode 26226 min

From Engineer to Leadership Coach: Career Growth, Confidence, & Entrepreneurship with Sairan Aqrawi | #262

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. What does it take to become a confident leader, build a successful career, and create a business you're passionate about? In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast , Shannon Russell sits down with engineering leadership strategist, executive coach, speaker, and mentor Sairan Aqrawi to discuss how women can build confidence, find their voice, and create meaningful careers without waiting for permission. Although Sairan built an impressive career in engineering and construction leadership, she believes every professional has the opportunity to create a fulfilling second act by combining their expertise with their passions. Together, Shannon and Sairan discuss why women often wait until midlife to pursue their dreams, how to start a business while still working full-time, and why your side business should become your "side haven," not another source of stress. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to develop leadership confidence as a woman • Why clarity, action, and consistency are the three pillars of success • The difference between work-life balance and work-life integration • How to build a business while keeping your full-time job • Why your current career can fund your future dreams • How women can create a successful second act without starting over • Leadership advice for women in engineering, technology, and every industry Whether you're considering a career change , exploring entrepreneurship , or looking for the confidence to take the next step toward your goals, this conversation will leave you inspired to create the career and life you truly want. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

July 7, 2026Episode 26128 min

Preschool Owner turned Author. How to Reinvent Your Career at Any Age with Kay Paschal | #261

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. Have you ever wondered if it's too late to change careers, start a business, or even write a book? Think again. In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast , Shannon Russell sits down with entrepreneur and author Kay Paschal, whose career journey proves that your best chapter may still be ahead. After spending 18 years in the corporate world, Kay made an unexpected career transition by opening a preschool with her husband, despite having no experience in education or business ownership. Together they built a thriving family business that served their community for 25 years before successfully selling it just before retirement. But Kay's second act didn't stop there. In retirement, she discovered a new passion for writing and became the author of Insert Giggle Giggle , a parenting book inspired by decades of experience helping families. Today, she's a speaker, podcast host, and author, proving that reinvention doesn't have an expiration date. In this episode, we discuss: • How to successfully transition from a corporate career into entrepreneurship • What it's really like to build and sell a family business • Why it's never too late to write a book or pursue a lifelong dream • The realities of self-publishing and marketing a book • How retirement can become the beginning of your next career • Why every career experience prepares you for your next opportunity • Advice for women considering a career change or starting a business later in life Whether you're considering a career transition, dreaming about entrepreneurship, or wondering what your own second act could look like, Kay's story will inspire you to believe that reinvention is always possible. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

June 23, 2026Episode 26028 min

It's Never Too Late to Pivot: Finding Purpose and Creating a Career You Love with Siena Dean | #260

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. What if the key to a successful career transition isn't starting over, but connecting the dots of everything you've already done? In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast , Shannon Russell sits down with purpose-driven leader, career strategist, and Senior Alumni Engagement Manager at Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Siena Dean, to talk about finding purpose, building confidence, and creating a career that truly aligns with who you are. Siena shares how she intentionally designed her career around helping others, why it's never too late to pivot, and how self-reflection can help women create meaningful second act careers. Together, Shannon and Siena discuss career reinvention, confidence, childhood influences, purpose-driven work, and the importance of living life on your own terms. If you're considering a career change, navigating a midlife career transition, or wondering whether you're on the right path, this conversation will encourage you to trust yourself and start building a life that feels aligned. In this episode, you'll learn: How to discover your purpose and create a meaningful career Why it's never too late to make a career transition How to connect the dots between your past experiences and future goals The importance of self-reflection and quiet time How confidence is built from personal power, not perfection Why women often struggle to define success on their own terms How to identify what truly brings you joy Why your second act career doesn't have to make sense to everyone else Advice for women considering entrepreneurship or career reinvention How to begin creating a life you're proud of Whether you're leaving corporate, exploring second act career ideas, or searching for more purpose and work-life balance, this episode will remind you that your story is still being written. 🔗 Get the full show notes here! -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

June 16, 2026Episode 25918 min

You Deserve Freedom: Why Starting a Business Gives Women More Time, Flexibility, and Purpose | #259

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. What if the real reason you want to start a business isn't about money? What if it's about freedom? In this heartfelt solo episode #259 of the Second Act Success Podcast , host and business coach Shannon Russell shares the deeper reason so many women pursue entrepreneurship. Not just for financial independence, but for the freedom to be present for their children, aging parents, and themselves. After leaving her television career, Shannon discovered that building her own businesses gave her something even more valuable than income: flexibility, purpose, and the ability to show up for the people she loves most. Whether you're experiencing burnout, dreaming about a career change, or wondering if starting a business could create a more fulfilling life, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to choose between ambition and family. You deserve both. In this episode, you'll learn: Why freedom is one of the biggest reasons women start businesses How entrepreneurship can support your family and personal priorities Why you don't need to quit your job to start a business Small steps you can take toward your second act How to overcome the fear of starting over Why building a business doesn't have to be all-or-nothing How to create a career that aligns with your values and lifestyle Why giving yourself permission to dream may be the hardest step of all If you've been thinking, "There has to be more than this," this episode is for you. -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

June 1, 2026Episode 25829 min

Women’s Health Advocacy, Career Reinvention & Finding Your Purpose with Rebecca Bloom | #258

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. What if the career skills you've spent decades building could become the foundation for a completely different and more meaningful second act? In this inspiring episode #258 of the Second Act Success Podcast , Shannon Russell sits down with Rebecca Bloom, former workplace and benefits attorney, women's health advocate, author, and storytelling coach, to discuss how personal challenges can lead to a powerful career transition and a life filled with purpose. After Rebecca's mother and sister were both diagnosed with breast cancer, she found herself navigating the complex healthcare system as an advocate for her family. What began as a deeply personal experience eventually evolved into a new career helping women across the country advocate for themselves during health challenges. Today, Rebecca is the author of When Women Get Sick: An Empowering Approach for Getting the Support You Need and has spent more than 27 years supporting women facing breast and ovarian cancer through her work with Bay Area Cancer Connections. In this conversation, Rebecca shares how she transitioned from corporate law to women's health advocacy, why storytelling became such an important part of her work, and how women can uncover the skills, passions, and experiences that lead to a meaningful second act career. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Rebecca transitioned from attorney to women's health advocate Supporting a loved one through breast cancer and becoming an advocate The importance of women's health during midlife and beyond Why storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and connection Finding purpose after a successful corporate career How to identify transferable skills for a second act career Creating a meaningful legacy through service and impact Building community and support during life's biggest challenges Advice for women considering a career transition or reinvention How to design a second act that aligns with your values and purpose Whether you're considering a career change, exploring second act career ideas, or searching for more meaningful work, this episode will inspire you to rethink what's possible and embrace the next chapter of your life. 🔗 Get the full show notes here! -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)

May 25, 2026Episode 25729 min

Mini Retirement in Midlife: How Taking a Career Pause Led to a Powerful New Beginning with Patricia Sasser | #257

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here. What happens when life forces you to slow down? In this powerful episode of the Second Act Success Podcast , Shannon Russell sits down with Patricia Sasser, independent school leader and incoming Head of School, to talk about taking a mid-career sabbatical, also known as a “mini retirement,” after experiencing profound personal loss. After years of serving students, families, and school communities while navigating grief and burnout, Patricia made the courageous decision to pause her career and prioritize healing, self-care, and reflection. What followed was a transformative journey of grief, personal growth, career clarity, and ultimately, a bold new leadership opportunity. In this episode, Patricia shares: Why she decided to step away from her demanding career in education How grief and burnout impacted her physically and emotionally What a purposeful career pause really looks like How mini retirements and mid-career sabbaticals can create space for healing and reinvention The importance of boundaries, joy, therapy, and self-care during life transitions Why women need permission to pause without guilt How taking time off led her to a brand-new leadership role and exciting second act If you’ve been feeling burned out, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or questioning your next chapter, this conversation will remind you that sometimes stepping away is exactly what allows you to move forward. Patricia’s story is proof that pressing pause does not mean giving up. Sometimes it’s the beginning of your next great chapter. 🔗 Get the full show notes here! -------- Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Download Free Resources ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn 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)