Feeling stuck in your creative career? Whether you're a producer, designer, editor, writer, artist, or performer—this episode is your roadmap to turning your creative skills into a successful business. Host Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned business coach, shares how she transitioned out of the entertainment industry and built a thriving second act as an entrepreneur.

In this episode, Shannon breaks down the realities of burnout, layoffs, and instability that many creatives are facing in today's economy—and offers 5 powerful strategies to help you take back control, identify your transferable skills, and start a business that reflects your passion and purpose.

If you’ve been wondering, “How can I use my creative experience to start something of my own?” — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why now is the ideal time for creatives to pivot
• How to identify and repurpose your creative skill set
• Real business ideas for people with creative careers
• Tips for building a business before quitting your day job
• How to redefine success on your own terms

Access Shannon’s free masterclass: 3 Secrets to Escape Your Desk Job and Set Up a Business in 3 Months https://secondactsuccess.co/secrets

SHOW NOTES:

https://secondactsuccess.co/197

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You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!

READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life at https://startyoursecondact.com.

Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategy

FREE Resources
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources

LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast!
https://secondactsuccess.co/listen

LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
FREE Resources - https://secondactsuccess.co/resources

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What does it take to turn a passion for fitness into a thriving business—and then franchise it successfully across the country? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Devan Gonzalez, fitness entrepreneur and co-founder of Strive 11 Fitness, to explore how he turned his love of coaching into a six-figure in-person training business and later launched a successful gym franchise.

Devan shares how mindset shaped every step of his journey—from being a 13-year-old martial arts instructor to opening his own gym during the pandemic and expanding into multiple locations through franchising. This conversation covers the real truth behind franchising a business, why mindset is everything, and how betting on yourself is often the safest risk you can take.

Whether you're dreaming of quitting your 9-5, opening a brick-and-mortar business, or scaling your current idea, this episode is packed with advice to help you take the leap with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Why time is your most valuable asset when launching a business
• The difference between franchising and licensing—and which one fits your goals
• How to adapt your business model as you grow
• Tips for negotiating lease terms and working with landlords
• The role of mindset in overcoming fear, failure, and building long-term success
• How to support franchisees with real estate, branding, and operations from the start

SHOW NOTES:

https://secondactsuccess.co/196

Connect with Devan Gonzalez:

https://www.strive11fitness.com/

https://www.facebook.com/devangonzalez.official

https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-cafe/id1650827999

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You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!

READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life at https://startyoursecondact.com.

Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategy

FREE Resources
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources

LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast!
https://secondactsuccess.co/listen

LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
FREE Resources - https://secondactsuccess.co/resources

REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE THE PODCAST!

Have you ever wondered if your professional experience could be turned into a thriving business? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with curriculum and course creation expert Shannon Boyer to explore how she transitioned from a career in college education to launching a business that empowers entrepreneurs to teach what they know—successfully and effectively.

Shannon Boyer shares how her second act began during a maternity leave, why impactful work has always driven her career decisions, and how she cold-pitched her way into building a business that now supports online educators around the world. If you've ever considered creating an online course or are looking for a flexible business idea that aligns with your expertise, this episode will inspire and inform.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How to identify your area of expertise and turn it into an online course
• The most common mistakes new course creators make—and how to avoid them
• Why feedback, structure, and interaction are essential for student success
• How Shannon built her business organically with zero website or social proof
• The truth about “passive income” and the real work behind successful courses

Whether you’re starting your second act or looking to grow your current business, Shannon Boyer’s story proves that your experience is valuable—and teachable.

SHOW NOTES:

https://secondactsuccess.co/195

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.shannonlboyer.com/

https://www.shannonlboyer.com/podcast

https://www.shannonlboyer.com/freebies

https://www.instagram.com/shannonlboyer/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonlboyer/

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You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!

READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life at https://startyoursecondact.com.

Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and career/business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategy

FREE Resources
https://secondactsuccess.co/resources

LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast!
https://secondactsuccess.co/listen

LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess
FREE Resources - https://secondactsuccess.co/resources

REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE THE PODCAST!