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

A Real Second Act Success Story Have you ever thought about writing a book… but immediately told yourself, “I don’t have time”? You’re not alone. Many women I work with have creative dreams sitting on the back burner. Writing a book. Starting a business. Launching something of their own. But between work, family, and everything […]

From Corporate Job to Creative Calling.  If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change careers, start a business, or create a second act that actually fits your life, Sabine Kvenberg’s story will resonate deeply. In episode #235 of the Second Act Success Podcast, I sat down with Sabine to talk about career transition, […]

What do you do when your life shatters on a park bench in Central Park? In this powerful episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Vanessa Cardenas, a C-suite healthcare executive, relationship reset expert, and founder of Understanding Ear, to talk about how one devastating betrayal became the catalyst for her second […]

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 […]