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

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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

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Are you feeling stuck in your career or craving more creativity and fulfillment in your life? In this inspiring solo episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell encourages you to rediscover the dreams you once held and explore how to bring them into your present life. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, dreaming of launching a business, or simply want to feel more alive in your day-to-day, this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late to start fresh.

Shannon shares personal stories, reflective questions, and actionable steps to help you reconnect with your younger self, reignite your passions, and take that first small step toward your next chapter—your Second Act.

Key Takeaways:

• Why your childhood dreams still matter
• How to recognize signs and nudges pointing you toward change
• Why small pivots can lead to big transformations
• How to give yourself permission to dream again (without guilt)
• Practical ideas to begin exploring your passions now

🎧 Tune in and learn how to embrace the permission to start again—on your terms.

🔗 Visit secondactsuccess.co for more career transition resources.

📩 DM Shannon on Instagram @secondactsuccess and share how you're pursuing your second act!

SHOW NOTES:

https://secondactsuccess.co/194

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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

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After 19 years in education and an ADHD diagnosis, Cindy Baker made a bold pivot—leaving the classroom to launch her own business as a productivity coach for entrepreneurs. In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Cindy to discuss her career evolution, her late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, and how she turned her challenges into a business that helps others.

Cindy retired early from teaching career to venture into coaching to help other entrepreneurs with her proven productivity strategies and focus techniques. She is now teaching creative professionals and neurodivergent entrepreneurs how to approach their work in a more productive way.

Whether you're exploring a second act, starting a business, or learning to manage ADHD as an adult, Cindy’s story will leave you empowered to move forward with purpose.

SHOW NOTES:

https://secondactsuccess.co/193

Connect with Cindy Baker:

https://www.instagram.com/cbc_cindybakercoaching/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/productivityforprofits

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

https://cindybakercoaching.com/

bit.ly/procrastinationcourse

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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

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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 what a “second act” truly means and how women can embrace the powerful pivot from feeling stuck in a job to starting something that lights them up. This heartfelt reading is a sneak peak into what this book explores- how life stages influence career shifts, why nine out of ten women dream of changing careers, and how to turn fear into fuel for transformation.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Discover the true meaning of a "second act" and how it relates to your life and career.
• Learn why career change is often necessary for fulfillment and health.
• Understand the myth of career stability and how to take control of your work and life.
• Get inspired by real-world statistics and stories of reinvention.
• Find clarity around whether it’s time for you to make a career shift or start your own business.

🔗 Grab your copy of the book at startyoursecondact.com or wherever you buy books!

SHOW NOTES:

https://secondactsuccess.co/192

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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!

Have you ever faced a life-changing crossroads where you had to choose between your career and your heart? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell shares a deeply personal story about the day she said no to interviewing Taylor Swift — and why that pivotal decision changed the course of her career and life.

From working as a television producer for major networks to choosing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Shannon reflects on the moment she realized her dream had evolved — and why it's okay for yours to evolve too.
Tune in to hear how trusting your instincts, even during difficult moments, can lead to a more fulfilling second act.

Key Takeaways:

• It's okay to outgrow the dreams you once chased.
• Priorities shift as we move through different seasons of life.
• Defining success on your own terms leads to a life of greater purpose.
• How one brave decision can spark an entirely new career and identity.
• Why permission to pivot is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Whether you’re contemplating a career change, starting a business, or simply wondering if it’s time for a second act, this episode will inspire you to trust yourself — and take the leap.

SHOW NOTES:

https://secondactsuccess.co/191

Shannon's book- Start Your Second Act - https://startyoursecondact.com

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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

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In this inspiring episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell sits down with Monika Nielsen, founder of Style Closet Coach and the beloved “closet therapist” for women reinventing themselves in midlife. After homeschooling her three children for 22 years, Monika launched a business helping women declutter their closets and rediscover their style. She shares how she turned a personal moment of self-discovery into a purpose-driven second act that empowers other women to feel confident in their clothes—and in themselves.

Whether you're standing in front of a closet full of clothes that no longer reflect who you are, or you're preparing for a career pivot and want to show up authentically in your next chapter, Monika’s approach will inspire you to make space for the woman you’re becoming.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why your wardrobe may be holding you back from stepping confidently into your second act
• How to ditch the guilt and give yourself permission to evolve—both in style and in life
• Monika’s process for helping women align their wardrobe with their lifestyle and goals
• The power of donating clothes to support other women reentering the workforce
• Tips on identifying your “closet personality” and making mindful shopping choices
• Why starting over is not just possible—but powerful

🔗 https://secondactsuccess.co/190

Connect with Monika:

styleclosetcoach.com

@styleclosetcoach

Take Monika's Quiz

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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!