Career Change & Business Advice for Women | Second Act Success Podcast

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 stages of brainstorming or ready to take action, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you transition from employee to entrepreneur with confidence.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Plan Your Exit Strategy: Learn the importance of timing, financial preparation, and maintaining professional relationships when leaving your job.
2. Validate Your Business Idea: Discover how to assess your skills, conduct market research, and ensure your idea has a strong chance of success.
3. Explore Business Models: Gain clarity on whether an online business, service-based business, or franchise is right for you.
4. Build a Support System: Understand the value of mentors, coaches, and networking during your transition.
5. Take Imperfect Action: Start small, test the waters, and make progress toward launching your dream business.

Get ready to grab a notebook, take notes, and map out your journey to Second Act Success! For show notes and resources mentioned, visit www.secondactsuccess.co. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend!

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/182

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 creating a second act career or business that fits your life and lights you up.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Why understanding your strengths is essential to building a business you love.
• How your values and personality shape the type of business you should start.
• The importance of leveraging transferable skills from your current job into your entrepreneurial journey.
• How YouMap® can serve as a blueprint to align your business with your unique qualities.

If you're navigating a career transition and wondering how to make the leap, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and actionable tips to move forward.

For more on the YouMap® assessment and how it can support your next chapter, visit secondactsuccess.co/youmap. Tune in now and start building a business that reflects the best of you!

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/181

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 transitioned from behind-the-scenes television producer to building her own brand, network, and clothing line—all while empowering women to follow their passions. From overcoming fears to navigating venture capital and creating a thriving sisterhood, Cookie’s story is a testament to resilience and vision.

Tune in to hear her advice on finding funding, balancing creativity with business strategy, and turning your career expertise into something that lights you up. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with actionable insights for women ready to make their big leap into their second act!

Takeaways:

1. Fear Is Part of the Journey—Do It Anyway.
2. Leverage Your Career Experience.
3. Bootstrap When You Can, Seek Funding When You Need It.
4. Build a Business That Aligns With Your Values.
5. Ask Yourself "Why Not Me?"

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/180

Connect with Cookie Zito:
https://christymaznetwork.com/
https://www.instagram.com/christymaznetwork/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cookie-zito-2990176/

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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, Lindsay discovered her passion for storytelling and content creation. Now the founder of Lindsay Smith Creative, she helps small business owners transform their relationship with content by blending strategy, creativity, and intuition. Lindsay shares actionable tips for crafting compelling content, overcoming overwhelm, and trusting your creative instincts to grow your business in 2025 and beyond.

If you’re ready to use content to elevate your brand or considering a leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with wisdom you don’t want to miss.

Takeaways:

1. Content Strategy Simplified: Learn why content isn’t just social media—it’s your website, email marketing, blog, and overall online presence.
2. Trust Your Creative Instincts: Discover how to unlock your best ideas by stepping away from the screen and embracing creative intuition.
3. Permission to Pivot: Overcome fear and take the leap into entrepreneurship by leveraging transferable skills from your previous career.
4. Consistency Over Perfection: Focus on sharing authentic, valuable content rather than chasing rigid posting schedules or algorithms.
5. The Power of the Long Game: Understand why success in business and content marketing requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace mistakes.

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/179

Connect with Lindsay:
https://www.lindsaysmithcreative.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/lindsaysmithcreative/
https://www.lindsaysmithcreative.ca/contentmagic-podcast

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 starting a boutique, a service-based business, or something entirely unique, this episode #178 will inspire you to take action now and make this your year of transformation.

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Set Clear, Actionable Goals: Learn how to define your end goals, reverse-engineer your tasks, and create a timeline to stay on track.
2. Invest in Knowledge and Research: Discover how to gain industry insights, build your confidence, and prepare for success through continuous learning.
3. Build Your Network and Community: Find out how to connect with mentors, peers, and potential clients while building a support system to fast-track your progress.

If you're ready to make 2025 your year, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you succeed. Don't forget to check out Shannon's Business Bundle for templates and resources to kickstart your journey: https://secondactsuccess.co/businessbundle.

Tune in now and start producing your best life!

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 highlights from her journey over the past year, including selling her franchise business, completing her upcoming book Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life, and launching new projects. She reflects on the lessons learned in 2024 and how they can inspire you to take actionable steps toward achieving your business and career goals in the year ahead.

Grab a notebook as Shannon encourages you to reflect on your own wins from the past year—big or small—and map out your dreams for 2025. This episode is your reminder that you’re capable of creating a life and career that truly lights you up.

Tune in to celebrate, reset, and prepare to make 2025 your best year yet!

Connect with Shannon:

• Instagram: @secondactsuccess
• Show Notes: secondactsuccess.co/177

Let’s embrace 2025 together!

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 leadership in the workplace.

Jessica discusses her bestselling book, Speak Kindly, You're Listening, and how understanding your inner voice can transform your career and life. Learn about the challenges she faced, including burnout and navigating societal expectations, and how she overcame them to create a fulfilling second act.

Tune in to be inspired by Jessica's story of resilience, reinvention, and self-compassion. Whether you’re looking to pivot your career or simply need a reminder that change is possible at any time, this episode is for you!

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jessica Metcalfe:

• Instagram: @drjessicametcalfe
• Website: www.drjessicametcalfe.com

🎧 Listen now and start crafting your own second act!

Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 have fueled her second act, including creating a business, publishing a cookbook, and mentoring others.

Learn how lessons like "learning every job in the room" can apply to any industry, and hear Cindy’s advice for anyone contemplating a career change or starting a new venture. 

This inspiring conversation is packed with actionable insights and motivation for embracing your passions, overcoming fear, and building a fulfilling second act.

3 Key Takeaways for Listeners:

1. Embrace Unexpected Opportunities
2. Leverage Your Skills Across Industries
3. Take the Leap Without Fear

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/175

Connect with Cindy Bertram:
Book - California Fork & Spoon
Instagram

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 taking care of your body can impact every area of life. Learn her top strategies for entrepreneurs working from home to maintain wellness and confidence. Plus, Courtney provides actionable advice for women transitioning from a traditional 9-to-5 job to a fulfilling second act.

Whether you're looking to make a career change, improve your wellness, or take your entrepreneurial goals to the next level, this episode #174 is packed with motivation and practical insights.

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/174

Connect with Courtney Gray
https://courtneygraycoaching.com/
https://courtneygraycoaching.com/podcast
Free Course - https://mailchi.mp/courtneygraycoaching/freecourse

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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn

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 Shannon is here to show you how to rewrite your story, embrace the unknown, and create a magical "happily ever after" by starting the business you’ve been dreaming about.

Through festive anecdotes and practical advice, Shannon will help you:
🎁 Push past fear and self-doubt
🎁 Find your “Christmas angel” mentor to guide you
🎁 Embrace the ups and downs of building your dream
🎁 Celebrate your successes—big or small—along the way

Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa or brainstorming your next big idea, this episode will inspire you to take action and craft the second act of your dreams. Grab a cozy blanket and tune in—it’s time to create your own holiday magic!

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/173


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Ready to Start Your Second Act?
Thinking about changing careers or starting a business? Let's map out your next steps.

→ Book Your Free Second Act Strategy Call

More From Shannon:

📖 Grab Shannon's Book, Start Your Second Act
🎤 Watch Shannon's TEDx Talk
📥 Download Free Resources
➡️ Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn