Second Act Success: Business Tips & Career Change Advice for Women She Got Laid Off… Then Built Her Dream Business Instead | #249
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Mar 23, 2026 Kelly Schuknecht, a marketing and thought leadership consultant who launched a visibility-focused agency after a corporate layoff. She explains how an unexpected job loss became the springboard to start fast, land clients, and build a thought leadership business centered on speaking, LinkedIn content, podcasts, and book publishing. Practical tips on personal branding and choosing action over perfection are highlighted.
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Nonprofit Roots Led To A Data Skillset
- Kelly started in nonprofit working with Spanish-speaking clients but discovered strengths in data, reporting, and grant work.
- That early database and admin experience later opened a work-from-home publishing role using Microsoft Access.
Remote Contract Role Became Executive Path
- While pregnant and needing remote work, Kelly found a contract publishing role that became a 10-year career and led to leadership promotions.
- She balanced babies, YMCA childcare windows, and part-time work to grow into executive vice president within about two years.
Laid Off Then Launched Within Weeks
- Kelly was laid off after her company was acquired but had already been quietly building a business, which let her launch quickly and get clients within weeks.
- She registered her business November 8, landed a first client November 11, and a second by December 1, showing rapid momentum.