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

👉 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.

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

👉 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.

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

👉 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!

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

👉 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.

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

👉 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!

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

👉 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!

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

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

What are your children learning from the way you approach work, stress, ambition, and dreams?

In this heartfelt episode #256 of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell shares a deeply personal story about attending her son’s school presentation and realizing just how much our children are watching us as we navigate our careers, businesses, and second acts. 

From career transitions and entrepreneurship to motherhood and personal fulfillment, this episode explores how the choices we make as adults shape what our children believe is possible for their own lives.

If you are a woman considering a career change, thinking about starting a business, or navigating a midlife career transition, this conversation will remind you that your journey is about more than just you. Your children are learning from the way you show up every day.

In this episode, Shannon discusses:

•  Why children learn more from what we do than what we say 
•  The impact of burnout, stress, and fulfillment on family life 
•  Leaving a dream career to create a more present life as a mom 
•  How entrepreneurship and second acts model courage for our kids 
•  Why it’s okay to reinvent yourself later in life 
•  The importance of showing children that change is possible 
•  How career transitions can inspire the next generation 

This episode is an honest conversation about motherhood, ambition, work-life balance, and creating a life aligned with your values.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your kids notice your sacrifices, your stress, or your dreams, this episode is for you.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

What does a successful career transition really look like?

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with Betty Galvan, a former teacher turned female entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and coworking space owner, to talk about her inspiring journey from education to entrepreneurship.

Betty shares how she went from teaching middle school to launching a blog during the early days of digital marketing, which eventually evolved into a successful small business helping companies grow through social media. Today, she runs a digital marketing agency and owns two coworking spaces in New Jersey.

If you're a midlife woman considering a career change, dreaming about starting a business, or looking for real-life second act career ideas, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

In this episode, we cover:

•  How Betty navigated her career transition from teaching to entrepreneurship 
•  Turning a passion project into a profitable small business
•  The early days of blogging and digital marketing 
•  How to evolve your business as industries change 
•  Building a digital marketing agency from the ground up 
•  Taking risks and acquiring a coworking business 
•  The power of community for women in business 
•  How to make time for your next chapter, even when life feels busy 

Betty’s story is proof that your second act career doesn’t have to be perfectly planned. It evolves as you do.

If you’ve been wondering how to start a business, pivot careers, or step into entrepreneurship, this episode will show you what’s possible.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

Building a business is exciting, but it’s not always easy.

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell dives into one of the most important topics for entrepreneurs and women starting a business. How to handle roadblocks, setbacks, and challenges without losing momentum.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business, frustrated by a failed launch, or unsure how to move forward after something didn’t go as planned, this episode is for you.

Because here’s the truth. Every entrepreneur faces obstacles. The difference is how you respond to them.

Shannon shares practical mindset shifts and actionable strategies to help you reframe challenges, build resilience, and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

As discussed in this episode, roadblocks can include financial struggles, marketing failures, team issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed and stuck 

You’ll learn how to move from reaction to action so you can keep building your business with confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  How to overcome business roadblocks and stay motivated 
•  Why setbacks are a normal part of entrepreneurship 
•  How to reframe failure as feedback and growth 
•  Simple mindset shifts to help you move forward faster 
•  How to identify lessons in challenges and pivot effectively 
•  Actionable steps to get unstuck and regain momentum 

Whether you’re in the early stages of starting a business or navigating a career transition into entrepreneurship, this episode will help you stay grounded, focused, and moving forward.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a published author but told yourself you don’t have the time?

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with Liz Mugavero, traditionally published author of 20 books and counting, to talk about how she built a successful writing career while working a demanding corporate job.

Liz shares how she went from a career in journalism and marketing to becoming a full-time communications consultant and bestselling mystery author, all while writing books on the side for years before landing her first publishing deal 

If you’re navigating a career transition, starting a side business, or dreaming about your own second act career, this episode will show you what’s possible when you stay committed to your passion.

In this episode, we cover:

•  How to become a published author while working full-time 
•  Building a writing career as a side hustle 
•  The difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing 
•  How to stay consistent and meet deadlines with a busy schedule 
•  Transitioning from corporate to consulting and entrepreneurship 
•  Why accountability is key when writing a book or starting a business 
•  How to create time for your passion, even with a full life 

Liz also shares how she now helps aspiring writers through her coaching programs, courses, and membership community, giving them the tools and support to finally write their books.

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book, starting a business, or stepping into your second act, this episode will inspire you to take action.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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