Second Act Success Blog:
Business Tips, Career Advice, and Inspiration on Starting Over

There are moments as an author that stop you in your tracks, not because of sales numbers or rankings, but because someone took the time to truly see your work. Reviews and thoughtful feedback are the heartbeat of a book’s journey. They help stories travel farther, reach the right readers, and create connection long after […]

Ready for your sign that now is the time to write that book? In this special episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, business coach, author, and host Shannon Russell celebrates an incredible wave of second act authors who published books in 2025—right alongside her own book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a […]

Stop waiting for permission. Amy Vogel published at 42, wrote five books, and now helps women turn their story into a client-winning book. Here’s her playbook. Want to write a book but don’t know where to start, or whether to self-publish vs. traditional? In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell talks with Amy Vogel, who […]

Proven Strategies to Get Noticed, Land Interviews, and Secure Your Next Role 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 Gina Riley, author of Qualified Isn’t Enough and founder of […]

“I’ll Never Fire Myself.” Losing Her Job Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Her – Meet Betsy Pepine | #208 What happens when you get laid off, divorced, and find yourself at rock bottom all at once? For serial entrepreneur and real estate powerhouse Betsy Pepine, it sparked a second act that changed […]

It’s publication day for my new book!  In this special episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell celebrates the release of her new book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life. Shannon reads pages from Chapter 2 of her book, diving into […]

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book but weren’t sure where to start? In this episode of The Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell takes you behind the scenes of her journey to becoming an author! She shares how she went from dreaming about writing to officially publishing her book, Start Your Second Act: […]

Reflect on your past to help you plan your second act.   In this reflective and inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell wraps up 2024 with a heartfelt message of gratitude and encouragement. Whether you’ve already started your second act, are exploring new career options, or are taking the leap into […]

Never say no to an opportunity that presents itself to you. In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell interviews Cindy Bertram, a former graphic artist turned television producer and writer who has crafted content for HGTV, Dr. Phil, and TV Guide Network. Cindy shares her fascinating career pivot story, from graphic artist to […]