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

She Was Given 3 Days to Live… Now Jess West Teaches Others How to Thrive. 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 […]

One of the biggest questions every aspiring entrepreneur faces is about choosing a business idea: “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 the question about choosing a business idea with clarity […]

How Marie Forleo’s Lessons Helped Me Leave a Toxic Job and Start My Second Act Listen on Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube Have you ever sat in your car during a lunch break, crying because of a toxic 9–5 job? That was me. I had left a television career, taken a corporate role […]

Never doubt a confidant woman. When a woman decides to start her own business, something shifts. She no longer waits for permission, validation, or the “right time.” She steps into her power, makes bold decisions, and discovers a new level of confidence that flows into every part of her life, from her career to her […]

  Are 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 […]

From NFL Sidelines to Sold Signs: How Brooke Kromer Built a Real Estate Brand Athletes Trust 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 […]

When work, life, and balancing it all becomes a little too much. Have you ever felt like work is taking over your life? Maybe it feels like you’re holding it together on the outside, but slowly unraveling inside? That’s quiet cracking, the point where you’ve been juggling career, life, and responsibilities for so long that […]

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 […]

Use Your Severance Package to Start a Business and Invest in Yourself | #211 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 […]