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

Have you ever wondered if your business idea is really worth pursuing? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell, business coach and author of Start Your Second Act, breaks down exactly why validating your business idea is one of the most important steps you can take before launching.Key takeaways:Why market research is essential for saving time, money, and stress.How to identify your target audience and build a clear customer avatar.Tips for analyzing your competitors to find your unique edge.Simple strategies to test your idea—from surveys and interviews to creating a minimum viable product (MVP).How to use feedback to refine and grow a sustainable, profitable business.Whether you’re dreaming of leaving your 9–5, starting a side hustle, or building your full-time business, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to validate your idea and launch with clarity.👉 Tune in to learn how to stop guessing, start validating, and build the business that truly fits your life and lights you up.SHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/218Join Shannon's How To Start The Right Business live coaching experience October 21, October 28, and November 4. https://secondactsuccess.co/experience.--------******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

Imagine waking up in a hospital bed, being told you have three days to live and that you’ll never work, live independently, or finish school again. For Jess West, that devastating moment became the turning point that changed everything.In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Jess to discuss her incredible journey from surviving a life-threatening car accident to creating a thriving business focused on mindset, mindfulness, and helping others share their stories.Jess shares how she went from launching a kombucha company to founding Tresor House, an online business that empowers entrepreneurs to find their voice, start their podcast, and rewire their mindset for lasting success. Her story is about resilience, reinvention, and creating a second act that lights you up.If you’ve ever wondered how to start over after life throws you off course, or if you’ve been holding yourself back from chasing a dream, this episode will inspire you to take that first step.Key Takeaways:How a near-death experience reshaped Jess’s perspective on life, work, and fulfillmentThe journey from traumatic brain injury to thriving entrepreneurWhy Jess left her successful kombucha business to build Tresor HouseHow mindset shifts and subconscious reprogramming fuel personal and business growthWhy starting a podcast can help you build confidence, share your story, and grow your brandStrategies for overcoming fear, limiting beliefs, and self-doubtHow to step into your authentic voice and create a business aligned with your passionSHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/217Connect with Jess West:https://tresorhouse.ca/https://www.instagram.com/jessicalmwesthttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/feminineinitiate/-------- ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

One of the biggest questions every aspiring entrepreneur faces is: “What kind of business should I start?” In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell, business coach for women and author of Start Your Second Act, helps you answer that question with clarity and confidence.Key Takeaways:How to identify your passions and turn them into profitable business ideas.Why your skills, strengths, and transferable experience are key to building a business that works.The importance of solving a real problem for your ideal customers.How to align your business idea with your lifestyle goals so your second act truly gives you the flexibility and freedom you crave.Practical tips to overcome the fear of choosing the “wrong” business and start moving forward today.Whether you’re ready to leave your 9–5, launch a side hustle, or create a business that lights you up, this episode will help you narrow down your options and pick the right path for your entrepreneurial journey.👉 Tune in now to discover how to choose the best business idea for YOU and your second act!SHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/216Join Shannon's How To Start The Right Business live coaching experience October 21, October 28, and November 4. https://secondactsuccess.co/experience.-------******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

Everything is Figureoutable: Marie Forleo’s Advice That Transformed My Career.Have you ever felt stuck in a toxic job, unsure how to take the leap into something better? In this heartfelt episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell shares the pivotal lessons she learned from entrepreneur and mentor Marie Forleo that transformed her life and career.Shannon opens up about her turning point—crying on her lunch break, listening to Marie say “Everything is Figureoutable.” That simple phrase gave her the courage to leave behind her unfulfilling 9–5, bet on herself, and start building businesses that fit her life and lit her up.If you’ve ever doubted your next step or felt stuck in fear, this episode will remind you that progress beats perfection and that you already have what it takes to create your own Second Act.Key Takeaways:Why “Everything is Figureoutable” can become your mantra during tough transitionsThe importance of betting on yourself (even when no one else does)How to stop waiting for perfection and start moving forwardLessons from Marie Forleo that helped Shannon launch two businesses and a global podcastHow you can apply these same strategies to build a life and career that actually fit youSHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/215******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

Download your free 90 Day Sprint Planner - https://secondactsuccess.co/90daysAre you ready to stop waiting for the "perfect time" and finally start building the business you’ve been dreaming about? With just 90 days left in the year, now is the moment to give yourself a focused sprint that sets you up for success in 2026.In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell, business coach and author of Start Your Second Act, walks you through a 90-day action plan designed to help you clarify your business idea, validate it with market research, and lay the foundation so you’re ready to launch strong in the new year.✨ Plus, grab Shannon’s free 90-Day Sprint Planner to track your progress and stay motivated. If you want personalized guidance, don’t miss her upcoming How to Start the Right Business Live Coaching Experience, where you’ll get clarity and confidence that your idea is the right one to pursue.🔑 Key Takeaways:Why 90 days is the perfect amount of time to make progress on your business goalsStep 1: How to clarify your business idea in the first 30 daysStep 2: The importance of market research and how to do it without overwhelmStep 3: Simple steps to lay the foundation for your business before the new yearMindset shifts to move past perfectionism and start taking action nowHow to use the free 90-Day Sprint Planner to stay consistent and on trackSHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/214Download your free 90 Day Sprint Planner - https://secondactsuccess.co/90daysJoin the How to Start the Right Business Live Coaching Experience - https://secondactsuccess.co/experience---------******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

What happens when your dream job evolves, and a better one appears? Former NFL sports reporter Brooke Kromer shares how she pivoted from sports broadcasting to become a real estate trailblazer on Florida’s 30A, specializing in investment properties for athletes and coaches.On this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast with host Shannon Russell, Brooke breaks down how she leveraged her NFL network, on-camera skills, and team-building mindset to create Kromer Collective, a boutique real estate team known for luxury listings, data-driven marketing, and white-glove service. If you’re curious about career pivots, getting started in real estate, or how pro athletes use vacation rentals as smart investments, this episode is your playbook.Key Takeaways:How to know when it’s time to pivot and turn a pause into momentumBrooke’s steps to break into real estate: shadow first, get licensed, join a team, then niche downWhy athletes and coaches love 30A vacation rentals The “NFL mindset” of team building: hire for complementary skills, not clonesUsing content + community to attract high-intent buyersNetworking that doesn’t feel like a sales pitch: serve first, advise wisely, and the referrals followCareer courage: say yes, keep learning, and build a business that supports your lifeConnect with Brooke Kromer:https://kromercollective.com/https://www.instagram.com/brookekromer/Join Shannon's Live Coaching Experience:https://secondactsuccess.co/experience-------- ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

Are you applying to dozens of jobs but not hearing back, even though you're highly qualified? You're not alone.In this episode of the Second Act Success® Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with career transition coach Gina Riley, author of Qualified Isn’t Enough and founder of Gina Riley Consulting, to uncover what CEOs, hiring managers, and recruiters really look for when evaluating candidates.Gina shares her Career Velocity Framework, a nine-step proven process to help you get noticed, land interviews, and secure your next role. Whether you’ve been recently laid off, want to level up to an executive position, or are considering a career pivot, this episode is packed with actionable advice on personal branding, LinkedIn strategy, networking tips, and interview prep.If you’ve ever wondered why your resume isn’t getting callbacks or how to stand out in today’s competitive job market, this conversation is your ultimate job search guide.Key Takeaways:Why being qualified isn’t enough in today’s job marketHow to create a unique value proposition (UVP) that gets you noticedGina’s Career Velocity Framework for accelerating your job searchThe LinkedIn strategies hiring managers actually pay attention toWhy your resume, LinkedIn, and personal brand must all alignHow to network effectively and ask for referrals the right wayInsider tips from the boardroom and executive searches that could change your career strategyConnect with Gina Riley:https://ginarileyconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/Book - https://a.co/d/4yiHrCxListen to Gina's first appearance on the Second Act Success Career Podcast Episode #37 - https://secondactsuccess.co/2022/11/08/lets-talk-career-transition-with-gina-riley-37/----------- ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

Were you recently laid off and handed a severance check... but no clear plan for what’s next? Don’t just spend it—flip it. In this powerful episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, business coach Shannon Russell shares how your severance package can become the startup capital you need to finally launch your dream business.What you'll learn in this episode:How to reframe a layoff as a business opportunityBudgeting your severance to cover essentials and business investmentsHow to create a side business with flexibility and freedomThe benefits of hiring a coach to fast-track your entrepreneurial journeyWhy investing in yourself is the smartest move after a career shakeupIf you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss, your severance could be your springboard. Let this episode inspire you to start building something that belongs to you—and only you.👉 Ready to take the leap? Explore the Second Act Accelerator program: secondactsuccess.co/course---------******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

Ever dreamed of quitting your 9–5, moving somewhere tropical, and starting fresh as your second act? 🌴 On this episode #210 of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with HGTV’s Betting on Paradise stars, Steph Sitt and Luke Shantz, to share their incredible journey from corporate life in Canada to renovating a rundown hotel in Costa Rica, all while raising two young daughters and filming their adventure for national television.Steph and Luke open up about:How they knew it was time to leave their stable corporate careersSelling everything and taking the leap to move their family abroad ✈️The behind-the-scenes story of filming HGTV’s Betting on ParadiseThe challenges (and wins!) of running a boutique hotel in Costa RicaStarting over and creating a business — plus what they’re building next, including transformational Costa Rica retreatsIf you’ve been dreaming about a second act, this conversation will inspire you to bet on yourself and take bold steps toward a life you love.📺 Watch Betting on Paradise now on HBO Max and Discovery+ https://www.hgtv.com/profiles/talent/steph-sitt-and-luke-shantz 🌐 Connect with Steph & Luke on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/steph.and.luke 🎧 Subscribe to the Second Act Success Podcast for more stories like this!---------- ******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...

Are you waiting for a layoff, burnout, or bad boss to make the next move for you? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host and business coach Shannon Russell challenges you to stop waiting and start building a business that puts you in charge.Shannon walks you through how to:Create an exit strategy from your 9–5 jobStart a side hustle using your existing skillsBuild a bridge from employee to entrepreneurReclaim your purpose after a career setbackSet goals and take action toward your Second Act successIf you're a midlife woman who feels undervalued at work or fears being pushed out, this is your wake-up call to future-proof your income and finally create something that no one can take away from you.🎯 It’s not about starting over. It’s about starting forward—with clarity, confidence, and control.👉 Learn more about Shannon’s Second Act Accelerator program: secondactsuccess.co/courseSHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/209--------******** Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon Watch the free How To Start a Business Training Download the free Career to Business Roadmap Join the Second Act Accelerator Read Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life ➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99 per serving) Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off your first year) Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off your first order) Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off) Podmatch Guesting (*Some affiliate links in...