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

By Shannon Russell | Career Change & Business Coach for WomenBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Careers

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

July 14, 2025Career Change After Burnout: How Suzy Wraines Turned Trauma Into a Business | #202
Is starting a business part of your healing journey? For Suzy Wraines, it absolutely was. In this powerful episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, Suzy shares her inspiring story of how she went from a military medic and veterinary technician to a trauma-informed business coach for medical professionals.
Host Shannon Russell talks with Suzy about the emotional toll of transitioning out of healthcare, how unresolved trauma can resurface in entrepreneurship, and why your nervous system plays a surprising role in business success. Suzy also shares how she now empowers nurses, PAs, and therapists to pivot into consulting, coaching, and service-based businesses of their own.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, military veteran, or creative professional feeling the call for something new, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
How trauma can silently affect your ability to grow a business
Why entrepreneurship can trigger subconscious fears—and how to work through them
Tips for transitioning from healthcare to heart-centered business
What foundational steps to take when starting a business from scratch
How Suzy runs her business and podcast while living full-time in an RV

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/202

Connect with Suzy Wraines:
https://www.startingabusinesssimplified.com/podcast
startingabusinesssimplified.com
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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
36 min
July 07, 2025 5 Things To Do Before Starting a Business | #201
Thinking about quitting your 9-5 and launching a business? Before you hand in your resignation letter, this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast is your essential pre-launch checklist. Host Shannon Russell, a career transition coach and former television producer, walks you through the 5 things every woman should do before starting a business.
In this powerful episode, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Get clear on your why and purpose
✅ Validate your business idea and target audience
✅ Prepare your personal finances and plan startup costs
✅ Identify your transferable skills and stand out in your niche
✅ Create a smart, strategic exit plan from your corporate job
If you're a woman ready to transition from employee to entrepreneur, this is the roadmap you need to start strong, save time and money, and build a business that truly lights you up.
🎧 Tune in now for the step-by-step clarity you need to confidently move from your job to your dream business!
SHOW NOTES
https://secondactsuccess.co/201
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
17 min
June 30, 2025 Career Change & Starting a Business: Your Biggest Questions Answered | #200
🎉 It’s the 200th episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, and we’re celebrating with a special Q&A edition! Host and business coach, Shannon Russell, is answering your most pressing questions about how to quit your job, start a business, and reinvent yourself at any age.
In this milestone episode, Shannon covers:
✔️ How to know when it’s the right time to quit your 9-5
✔️ What to do if you have a business idea but aren’t sure it’s good enough
✔️ How to figure out your next step if you feel lost or stuck
✔️ Planning your exit strategy while keeping your paycheck
✔️ Overcoming fear of judgment when leaving a traditional career
✔️ Starting over at any age—even in your 50s or beyond
Whether you're planning your second act or unsure what’s next, this episode offers empowering insights, practical advice, and real-world strategies to help you take that leap—with confidence.
📚 Plus, Shannon shares how to get started with the YouMap® assessment and where to grab her new book, Start Your Second Act.
SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/200
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
29 min
June 23, 2025Reinventing Yourself After 50: Career, Purpose & Starting Over with Lynnis Woods-Mullins | #199
In this empowering episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell speaks with holistic living expert, life coach, and wellness advocate Lynnis Woods-Mullins. After a successful career in corporate HR, Lynnis took a life-changing leap at age 51—leaving her job due to anxiety and burnout to reclaim her health and purpose. What started as a sabbatical turned into a thriving second act in holistic health and midlife coaching.
Lynnis shares how she built her online business from scratch, long before virtual coaching was mainstream. She now leads a global wellness network, hosts a top-ranked podcast, and mentors thousands of women over 40 to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
This episode is full of actionable inspiration for anyone wondering if it's too late to change careers, start a business, or put themselves first.
Key Takeaways:
How to transition careers at midlife with purpose
Signs of menopausal anxiety and how to advocate for your health
Building an online wellness business from scratch
Why women over 40 must prioritize themselves—and how to start
The power of resilience, reinvention, and community support

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/199

Connect with Lynnis Woods-Mullins:
https://www.vibewellnesswoman.com/
https://www.vibelivingpodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/vibewellnesswoman/
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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
29 min
June 16, 2025How to Start a Business and Build a Life You Love with Sunny Sun | #198
In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Sunny Sun, a first-generation immigrant from China turned entrepreneur and nonprofit founder. Sunny shares her remarkable journey from moving to the United States for college to leaving a fast-paced corporate finance career as an accountant in Manhattan to start her own STEM-based education business with Snapology in New Jersey.
Sunny opens up about cultural transitions, embracing motherhood, building a business from the ground up, and the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur. She also dives into how she found purpose in her second act as a ski instructor and founder of the nonprofit Winter Passion, dedicated to making winter sports more accessible.
Whether you're exploring a career pivot, considering starting a business, or just need a boost of motivation, Sunny’s story is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
How to transition careers as a first-generation immigrant
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
Why franchising can be a great first step in business ownership
Overcoming fear and cultural barriers to become a confident entrepreneur
Tips for women starting a business after corporate life

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/198

Connect with Sunny Sun:
http://summit.snapology.com/
winterpassion.org
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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
38 min
June 09, 2025How to Turn Your Creative Skills Into a Business | #197
Feeling stuck in your creative career? Whether you're a producer, designer, editor, writer, artist, or performer—this episode is your roadmap to turning your creative skills into a successful business. Host Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned business coach, shares how she transitioned out of the entertainment industry and built a thriving second act as an entrepreneur.
In this episode, Shannon breaks down the realities of burnout, layoffs, and instability that many creatives are facing in today's economy—and offers 5 powerful strategies to help you take back control, identify your transferable skills, and start a business that reflects your passion and purpose.
If you’ve been wondering, “How can I use my creative experience to start something of my own?” — this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Why now is the ideal time for creatives to pivot
How to identify and repurpose your creative skill set
Real business ideas for people with creative careers
Tips for building a business before quitting your day job
How to redefine success on your own terms
Access Shannon’s free masterclass: 3 Secrets to Escape Your Desk Job and Set Up a Business in 3 Months https://secondactsuccess.co/secrets

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/197
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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
18 min
June 02, 2025How to Build a Profitable Business: From Gym Owner to Franchise Founder with Devan Gonzalez | #196
What does it take to turn a passion for fitness into a thriving business—and then franchise it successfully across the country? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Devan Gonzalez, fitness entrepreneur and co-founder of Strive 11 Fitness, to explore how he turned his love of coaching into a six-figure in-person training business and later launched a successful gym franchise.
Devan shares how mindset shaped every step of his journey—from being a 13-year-old martial arts instructor to opening his own gym during the pandemic and expanding into multiple locations through franchising. This conversation covers the real truth behind franchising a business, why mindset is everything, and how betting on yourself is often the safest risk you can take.
Whether you're dreaming of quitting your 9-5, opening a brick-and-mortar business, or scaling your current idea, this episode is packed with advice to help you take the leap with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Why time is your most valuable asset when launching a business
The difference between franchising and licensing—and which one fits your goals
How to adapt your business model as you grow
Tips for negotiating lease terms and working with landlords
The role of mindset in overcoming fear, failure, and building long-term success
How to support franchisees with real estate, branding, and operations from the start

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/196

Connect with Devan Gonzalez:
https://www.strive11fitness.com/
https://www.facebook.com/devangonzalez.official
https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-cafe/id1650827999
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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
32 min
May 27, 2025Career Change for Teachers: How to Turn Teaching Experience Into an Online Business with Shannon Boyer | #195
Have you ever wondered if your professional experience could be turned into a thriving business? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with curriculum and course creation expert Shannon Boyer to explore how she transitioned from a career in college education to launching a business that empowers entrepreneurs to teach what they know—successfully and effectively.
Shannon Boyer shares how her second act began during a maternity leave, why impactful work has always driven her career decisions, and how she cold-pitched her way into building a business that now supports online educators around the world. If you've ever considered creating an online course or are looking for a flexible business idea that aligns with your expertise, this episode will inspire and inform.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
How to identify your area of expertise and turn it into an online course
The most common mistakes new course creators make—and how to avoid them
Why feedback, structure, and interaction are essential for student success
How Shannon built her business organically with zero website or social proof
The truth about “passive income” and the real work behind successful courses
Whether you’re starting your second act or looking to grow your current business, Shannon Boyer’s story proves that your experience is valuable—and teachable.
SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/195
Connect with Shannon:
https://www.shannonlboyer.com/
https://www.shannonlboyer.com/podcast
https://www.shannonlboyer.com/freebies
https://www.instagram.com/shannonlboyer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonlboyer/
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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
35 min
May 19, 2025Career Change After 40: Is It Too Late to Follow Your Dream? | #194
Are you feeling stuck in your career or craving more creativity and fulfillment in your life? In this inspiring solo episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell encourages you to rediscover the dreams you once held and explore how to bring them into your present life. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, dreaming of launching a business, or simply want to feel more alive in your day-to-day, this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late to start fresh.
Shannon shares personal stories, reflective questions, and actionable steps to help you reconnect with your younger self, reignite your passions, and take that first small step toward your next chapter—your Second Act.
Key Takeaways:
Why your childhood dreams still matter
How to recognize signs and nudges pointing you toward change
Why small pivots can lead to big transformations
How to give yourself permission to dream again (without guilt)
Practical ideas to begin exploring your passions now
🎧 Tune in and learn how to embrace the permission to start again—on your terms.
🔗 Visit secondactsuccess.co for more career transition resources.
📩 DM Shannon on Instagram @secondactsuccess and share how you're pursuing your second act!

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/194
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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
14 min
May 13, 2025 How One ADHD Diagnosis Sparked a New Career Helping Creative Entrepreneurs Thrive | #193
After 19 years in education and an ADHD diagnosis, Cindy Baker made a bold pivot—leaving the classroom to launch her own business as a productivity coach for entrepreneurs. In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Cindy to discuss her career evolution, her late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, and how she turned her challenges into a business that helps others.
Cindy retired early from teaching career to venture into coaching to help other entrepreneurs with her proven productivity strategies and focus techniques. She is now teaching creative professionals and neurodivergent entrepreneurs how to approach their work in a more productive way.
Whether you're exploring a second act, starting a business, or learning to manage ADHD as an adult, Cindy’s story will leave you empowered to move forward with purpose.

SHOW NOTES:
https://secondactsuccess.co/193

Connect with Cindy Baker:
https://www.instagram.com/cbc_cindybakercoaching/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/productivityforprofits
https://www.linkedin.com/in/productivitycoachcindybaker/
https://cindybakercoaching.com/
bit.ly/procrastinationcourse
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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
27 min

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

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Second Act Success Podcast, a top 2% globally ranked podcast for women ready to make a career change, quit their job, start a business, and become their own…

boss.

Hosted by Shannon Russell, business coach for women, author, and entrepreneur, Second Act Success helps women transition from employee to entrepreneur and build a business using the skills, experience, and ideas they already have.

If you're wondering how to start a business, considering a career change after 40, growing a side hustle, or planning your exit from corporate, you'll find practical business advice, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies to help you build your next chapter.

Listen and learn how to:

• Quit your job and start a business
• Navigate a career change or midlife career transition
• Find and validate the right business idea
• Turn your skills and experience into a profitable business
• Create a business plan and find your ideal clients
• Build your personal brand and market your business
• Turn a side hustle into a full-time business
• Transition from employee to entrepreneur
• Become your own boss without starting over from scratch

You'll also hear real-life success stories from female entrepreneurs and women who have changed careers, left corporate jobs, started businesses, and created more flexibility, freedom, and fulfillment in their lives.

Is this podcast for you?

Are you dreaming about quitting your job to start your own business?

Do you have a business idea but aren't sure where to begin?

Are you wondering how to use your corporate experience to become an entrepreneur?

Do you want more flexibility for your family and the things that matter most to you?

Are you ready to turn your side hustle into a business or finally become your own boss?

If you're ready to stop wondering "what if?" and start building your second act, you're in the right place.

🎧 Listen to new episodes every week for career change strategies, entrepreneurship advice, business tips for women, and inspiration to help you build your second act.

🔗 Book a free Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon Russell and find free resources at secondactsuccess.co.

Subscribe to Second Act Success and start building the career, business, and life you want next.