What happens when the career and life you've carefully built suddenly fall apart?

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach and host Shannon Russell sits down with author, coach, and former corporate strategist Becca Eve Young for an honest conversation about career reinvention, leaving corporate, starting a business, and creating a life that actually feels like your own.

Becca began her career in interior design before moving into marketing and branding, eventually working with major brands and companies including Calvin Klein. But after experiencing multiple layoffs, the collapse of the housing market, a divorce, personal loss, and ultimately losing her corporate job during the pandemic while living in Mexico, Becca began questioning everything about the life she had been building.  

Instead of returning to the corporate world, she sold her belongings, moved back to Mexico, began consulting as a fractional CMO, and started creating a slower life on her own terms. That transition eventually led her to entrepreneurship, coaching, and writing her memoir, It's Gonna Get Messy.  

Shannon and Becca talk about what it really takes to make a major career change, why consulting can be a smart bridge from employee to entrepreneur, the importance of slowing down long enough to figure out what you actually want, and why the "messy middle" can sometimes lead you exactly where you're supposed to go.

You'll also hear Becca's perspective on accountability in entrepreneurship, finding work that truly lights you up, writing a deeply personal memoir, and learning to see life's difficult chapters as opportunities for growth.

If you're experiencing career burnout, considering leaving corporate, starting a business, or wondering how to reinvent yourself after an unexpected life change, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your next chapter doesn't need to look anything like the one you planned.

Listen now and start thinking about what you want your second act to look like.

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What happens when you finally do the thing that scares you?

After dreaming about giving a TEDx Talk, applying to numerous events, getting accepted, and spending six months preparing for the TEDx stage, I finally stepped onto that red circle and shared my message about the Imagination Recession and why play and creativity matter more than ever.

But the experience taught me much more than how to give a TEDx Talk.

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, I’m sharing three powerful lessons I learned about fear, self-doubt, confidence, and going after big goals.

I’m also sharing what surprised me about meeting the other TEDx speakers and realizing that even incredibly accomplished people experience imposter syndrome and wonder whether their story is worthy of being heard.

If you’re considering a career change, starting a business, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to find the courage to take your next big step, this episode is your reminder that confidence doesn’t have to come before action.

Sometimes you have to do the scary thing first.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

Are you underestimating your skills, experience, and potential? You may be able to see the possibilities for everyone around you, but when it comes to your own career change or business idea, self-doubt can quickly take over.

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach Shannon Russell shares how to recognize your strengths, listen to what others see in you, and uncover the skills that could lead to your next career move or business idea.

With fall bringing fresh-start energy, now is the perfect time to reflect on what you're good at, what others ask you for help with, and what you'd love to do more of. Shannon walks you through her Fall Potential List exercise to help you connect your career experience with what you might want to build next.

If you're considering a career change, starting a business, or simply wondering what's next, this episode will help you stop downplaying your potential and start asking a much more powerful question: What's possible?

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

Do you need to quit your job to start your second act? Not necessarily.

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach for women Shannon Russell sits down with Jesikah Wells, host of the Broken to Beautiful podcast, to talk about career transition, working motherhood, finding personal fulfillment, and building something of your own while still working full-time.

Jesikah shares how her career evolved from the legal department at Wells Fargo into wealth investment management and eventually project management for nonprofit organizations. At the same time, she began building her own creative second act through podcasting, blogging, and her Broken to Beautiful brand.

Jesikah proves that a second act career doesn't always require making one giant leap. Sometimes career reinvention begins by creating space for the ideas that excite you, exploring new opportunities, and slowly building something alongside your 9-5.

Shannon and Jesikah also discuss mom guilt, finding time for yourself as a working mother, overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, and why pursuing something that fulfills you isn't selfish.

If you're considering a career change, midlife career transition, starting a business, or simply wondering what else might be possible for you, this conversation is a reminder that your second act can begin before you're ready to leave your current career.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

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👉 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.

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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!

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*Join the Start Your Business Now Workshop 

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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👉 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.

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Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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👉 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.

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*Join the Start Your Business Now Workshop 

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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👉 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.

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*Join the Start Your Business Now Workshop 

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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👉 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.

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Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn