Shannon Russell

Career transition Coach, youmap® coach,
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, Podcast Host, speaker, & mom

“The measure of a great life is whether it matches your dream” (Marie Forleo).
Shannon Russell has always been a dreamer. She achieved a childhood goal that never wavered, and kept building upon her dream as she learned to pivot through the different phases of her life. Now, she uses her experience to help other women produce dreams of their own.

Shannon grew up near the New Jersey beach in a tight-knit family. Her parents taught her to work hard, live life with a smile, and follow her dreams. Her grandpa especially had a profound influence on her entrepreneurial thinking. He opened his own business in retirement, a small luncheonette at their local golf course, where he shared stories and brought joy to each customer. Everyone adored him and returned his friendship, and Shannon always knew she wanted to run her business the way he did. As a young girl, she was also mesmerized by what she saw on TV and decided that she wanted to build a life in the entertainment industry. When her parents surprised her with a trip to California after high school graduation, she knew right away she belonged in Los Angeles. 

Shannon became the first person in her family to attend college, graduating from Elon University with a Communications degree. She landed internships at CBS News and MTV, bringing her to New York City and eventually to Los Angeles, where she began growing her career as a Television Executive Producer. Shannon was leading her dream life, but as often happens, things changed after giving birth to her first child. Postpartum issues and changing priorities forced her to reevaluate what she wanted in life. Shannon decided it was time to refocus on a new career and life as a new mom. She moved back to New Jersey to be closer to her family and started looking at her next act of being a business owner like her grandpa. In 2016, she became a franchise owner with Snapology and grew her business into one of the top franchises in the country. On the heels of that success, Shannon decided to take her entrepreneurial spirit to an even greater height. She launched Second Act Success, a business designed to help women in unresolved careers pivot toward a more suitable second act so they can produce a balanced life of abundance. That mission explains why she’s known for the mantra, “Produce Your Best Life.”

Today, Shannon leverages her experience as a former TV Producer and Certified Career Transition Coach and YouMap® Coach to help women prepare and produce their best life. Having pivoted from her own unresolved career to achieve a healthy balance as a professional and a mom, she specializes in helping other professional women do the same. She is the host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, and creator of companion coaching programs, and online courses. She shares her expertise in connecting clients with opportunities to help them produce a balanced life of abundance.

When Shannon isn’t helping more women produce their best life, you can find her balancing her own life with her husband, two sons, and their dog. She has learned to grow a business that allows her to work from anywhere so she can travel more with her family. She wants to inspire her kids so they know they can do anything and hopes to be an inspiration for all those seeking to achieve a great life that measures up to their own unique dream. 

My Bio

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"When making the change from the demanding "professional" world to being a stay at home mom, I found my passion behind a lens. I was all over the place, then I found Shannon. She was everything I never knew I was looking for! When I first started my second career, things were hectic and I wasn't always 100% sure what my next step should be. As any amazing coach should do, Shannon helped me streamline my focus, promote my best self, endure through the trying moments, and she has truly been one of my biggest cheerleaders. Shannon, as my coach was the shoulder I didn't even realize I needed to lean on! I truly wouldn't be where I am today without her sound advice, creative strategies, and most importantly her extremely valued friendship!"
                                                                             -Christina G. 

CLient testimonial:

Christina Greenberg,
The Littlest Detail Photography

My Favorite Things

*Being home with the fam
*Hallmark movies
*Pizza and Popcorn
*Listening to podcasts
*Reading, writing, and music

my happy place!

Hawaii, California, & Disney!

My 3 Boys!

my loves!

my favs!

Morning affirmations, cuddles with my boys, working on the businesses(yep I currently have two!), staying hydrated, snacking on popcorn, and driving the kids everywhere! 

daily rituals

Listening to my fav podcasts, walking my Chow Chow, binging old episodes of 90210, reading biz books or YA novels, doing ANYTHING my kids want!

YOU CAN FIND ME:

Straight talk, positive thoughts, lots of laughs, less screen time, hugs, sweet treats, and cutting out the 'meh' to make room for only the best.

I BELIEVE IN:

My superpower is helping women become the best version of themselves, while they pursue a life they dream about.... one with abundant freedom, joy, and peace. 

Let's Chat!

Contact Me!

Career & Business Coaching

Let's Produce Your Best Life Together! 


  • Book a Discovery Call

  • 1 : 1 Career/Business Coaching

  • Take a YouMap® Assessment to learn about your unique strengths and skills. 


1:1
CAREER/business coaching
"Shannon has given me the tools, resources and confidence to uncover my "Second Act". I knew I wanted change but didn't know which path to take and how to start. Shannon's coaching course helped me narrow down my 100 ideas to what my true passion and purpose is. I am in my 40's and I don't know how I could have made this big transition without her patience, guidance and support. It is never too late to find your true purpose and start your Second Act."
-Karen D

What Clients Are Saying...

"When making the change from the demanding "professional" world to being a stay at home mom, I found my passion behind a lens. I was all over the place, then I found Shannon. She was everything I never knew I was looking for! When I first started my second career, things were hectic and I wasn't always 100% sure what my next step should be. As any amazing coach should do, Shannon helped me streamline my focus, promote my best self, endure through the trying moments, and she has truly been one of my biggest cheerleaders. Shannon, as my coach was the shoulder I didn't even realize I needed to lean on! I truly wouldn't be where I am today without her sound advice, creative strategies, and most importantly her extremely valued friendship!"
 -Christina G. 

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