👉 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!

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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!

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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!

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More resources & discounts:

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Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

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👉 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!

--------

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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More resources & discounts:

Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)

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Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

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👉 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!

--------

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

More resources & discounts:

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Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

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👉 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!

--------

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

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➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

More resources & discounts:

Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)

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Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

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(*Some affiliate links)

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

Have you ever stopped yourself from starting a business or changing careers because you were worried about what people would think? You are not alone.

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell dives into one of the biggest blockers for women navigating a career transition, self-doubt and the fear of judgment.

Listen in if you’ve ever thought:

• “What will people say if I leave my job?”
• “What if I fail?”
• “What will my coworkers, friends, or family think?”

Shannon breaks down:

• Where self-doubt really comes from and why it’s normal
• How fear of outside opinions can keep you stuck in a career that no longer fits
• Why your brain is wired to keep you “safe” and how to move past it
• How to use Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory to stop caring what others think
• Practical steps to overcome fear and start your second act career
• How to build confidence through action when starting a business

If you’re in a midlife career transition, thinking about starting a business, or ready to move from employee to entrepreneur, this episode will help you take your next step with confidence.

🔗 Get the full show notes at https://secondactsuccess.co/252.

--------

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

Download Free Resources

➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

More resources & discounts:

Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)

Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)

Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)

Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

Podmatch Guesting

(*Some affiliate links)

👉 Start Your Second Act Strategy Call with Shannon here.

Are you a stay-at-home mom thinking about going back to work, starting a business, or navigating a career transition?

In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, Shannon Russell sits down with Lorie Jones, a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and mom of five, who shares her inspiring journey from stay-at-home parent to successful business owner.

Lorie started with no background in finance. She simply needed a paycheck. But what began as a secretarial job quickly turned into a passion, leading her to earn multiple certifications, build her expertise, and eventually launch her own financial advisory business.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to transition from stay-at-home mom to working professional
• Turning a job into a long-term career or business
• Why it is never too late to start a second act career
• How women can take control of their finances and build confidence
• The importance of mentorship, learning, and taking action
• How to start a business even when you feel unprepared

Lorie’s story is proof that you don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. You just need to take the first step.

If you’re thinking about a career transition, exploring second act career ideas, or ready to go from employee to entrepreneur, this episode will give you both inspiration and practical insight.

🔗 Get the full show notes here!

--------

Book a free Strategy Call with Shannon

Download Free Resources

➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

More resources & discounts:

Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)

Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)

Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)

Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)

Podmatch Guesting

(*Some affiliate links)