Second Act Success: Business Tips & Career Change Advice for Women

Turning Creativity into Cash Flow: How LEGO Serious Play Became a Powerful Tool for Team Building—And an Extra Revenue Stream in My Business.Looking for a fresh way to boost team communication, collaboration, and problem-solving? In this short, power-packed episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell, business coach and certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, shares how this additional business arm to her business turns meetings into momentum. She talks about how you can think outside of the box when it comes to taking your passions and turning them into aspects of your business.  Learn how hands-on, brains-on building with LEGO bricks drives 100% participation, sparks innovation, and accelerates strategic planning across industries (hospitals, pharmacueticals, nonprofits, tech, education, and more).You’ll hear Shannon’s pivot from working in the entertainment industry to entrepreneurship, how she integrated LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshops into her business, and exactly why this approach outperforms traditional meetings for leadership development, culture building, change management, and project planning.Key takeaways:What LEGO SERIOUS PLAY is and why it works for corporate team building and strategy workshopsHow it guarantees equal participation and unlocks creative problem solvingReal-world outcomes: alignment, engagement, and faster decisionsWays to add LEGO SERIOUS PLAY as a new revenue stream or service offering in your businessWhat are additional revenue streams you can consider to add onto your business offerings? This episode of the Second Act Success Podcast will get you thinking!If you want to learn more and book your own custom workshop for your team, learn more at https://secondactsuccess.co/corporate.SHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/220--------Book a free Strategy Call with ShannonDownload Free Resources➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokMore resources & discounts:Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)Podmatch Guesting(*Some affiliate links)

Amy Vogel, author and women’s book coach who published her first book at 42, shares how writing became a pivot from tech and ministry into publishing and coaching. She discusses using a book as a brand centerpiece. She compares traditional vs self-publishing, outlines the 3 M’s (Message, Motivation, Mindset), and talks accountability, vision, and balancing creative work with coaching.

Practical market research tactics to avoid costly mistakes. Tips for defining a clear target customer and niching to stand out. Ways to analyze competitors and assess demand trends. Simple real-world tests like surveys, interviews, MVPs, pre-sales, and crowdfunding. Using early feedback to refine and build a viable, confidence-boosting launch plan.

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 this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Jess to discuss her incredible journey from surviving a life-threatening car accident to creating a thriving business focused on mindset, mindfulness, and helping others share their stories.Jess shares how she went from launching a kombucha company to founding Tresor House, an online business that empowers entrepreneurs to find their voice, start their podcast, and rewire their mindset for lasting success. Her story is about resilience, reinvention, and creating a second act that lights you up.If you’ve ever wondered how to start over after life throws you off course, or if you’ve been holding yourself back from chasing a dream, this episode will inspire you to take that first step.Key Takeaways:How a near-death experience reshaped Jess’s perspective on life, work, and fulfillmentThe journey from traumatic brain injury to thriving entrepreneurWhy Jess left her successful kombucha business to build Tresor HouseHow mindset shifts and subconscious reprogramming fuel personal and business growthWhy starting a podcast can help you build confidence, share your story, and grow your brandStrategies for overcoming fear, limiting beliefs, and self-doubtHow to step into your authentic voice and create a business aligned with your passionSHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/217Connect with Jess West:https://tresorhouse.ca/https://www.instagram.com/jessicalmwesthttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/feminineinitiate/----------------Book a free Strategy Call with ShannonDownload Free Resources➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokMore resources & discounts:Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)Podmatch Guesting(*Some affiliate links)

One of the biggest questions every aspiring entrepreneur faces is: “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 that question with clarity and confidence.Key Takeaways:How to identify your passions and turn them into profitable business ideas.Why your skills, strengths, and transferable experience are key to building a business that works.The importance of solving a real problem for your ideal customers.How to align your business idea with your lifestyle goals so your second act truly gives you the flexibility and freedom you crave.Practical tips to overcome the fear of choosing the “wrong” business and start moving forward today.Whether you’re ready to leave your 9–5, launch a side hustle, or create a business that lights you up, this episode will help you narrow down your options and pick the right path for your entrepreneurial journey.👉 Tune in now to discover how to choose the best business idea for YOU and your second act!SHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/216Join Shannon's How To Start The Right Business live coaching experience October 21, October 28, and November 4. https://secondactsuccess.co/experience.---------------Book a free Strategy Call with ShannonDownload Free Resources➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokMore resources & discounts:Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)Podmatch Guesting(*Some affiliate links)

A personal turning point sparked by a simple mantra that pushed a woman out of a toxic job and into entrepreneurship. The conversation covers adopting a figureoutable mindset, betting on yourself even when others doubt you, and choosing progress over perfection. Practical moves like taking imperfect action and iterating offers feature as keys to launching new businesses and building a fulfilling second act.

A fast-paced 90-day plan to move a business idea from spark to launch-ready with clear weekly focuses. Practical how-tos on validating demand through simple market research and competitor checks. Steps for turning past career experience into a compelling story and creating a first offer with pricing. Emphasis on small consistent wins, a done-over-perfect mindset, and tools to practice sharing your pitch.

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 athletes and coaches.On this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast with host Shannon Russell, Brooke breaks down how she leveraged her NFL network, on-camera skills, and team-building mindset to create Kromer Collective, a boutique real estate team known for luxury listings, data-driven marketing, and white-glove service. If you’re curious about career pivots, getting started in real estate, or how pro athletes use vacation rentals as smart investments, this episode is your playbook.Key Takeaways:How to know when it’s time to pivot and turn a pause into momentumBrooke’s steps to break into real estate: shadow first, get licensed, join a team, then niche downWhy athletes and coaches love 30A vacation rentals The “NFL mindset” of team building: hire for complementary skills, not clonesUsing content + community to attract high-intent buyersNetworking that doesn’t feel like a sales pitch: serve first, advise wisely, and the referrals followCareer courage: say yes, keep learning, and build a business that supports your lifeConnect with Brooke Kromer:https://kromercollective.com/https://www.instagram.com/brookekromer/Join Shannon's Live Coaching Experience:https://secondactsuccess.co/experience----------------Book a free Strategy Call with ShannonDownload Free Resources➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokMore resources & discounts:Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)Podmatch Guesting(*Some affiliate links)

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 career transition coach Gina Riley, author of Qualified Isn’t Enough and founder of Gina Riley Consulting, to uncover what CEOs, hiring managers, and recruiters really look for when evaluating candidates.Gina shares her Career Velocity Framework, a nine-step proven process to help you get noticed, land interviews, and secure your next role. Whether you’ve been recently laid off, want to level up to an executive position, or are considering a career pivot, this episode is packed with actionable advice on personal branding, LinkedIn strategy, networking tips, and interview prep.If you’ve ever wondered why your resume isn’t getting callbacks or how to stand out in today’s competitive job market, this conversation is your ultimate job search guide.Key Takeaways:Why being qualified isn’t enough in today’s job marketHow to create a unique value proposition (UVP) that gets you noticedGina’s Career Velocity Framework for accelerating your job searchThe LinkedIn strategies hiring managers actually pay attention toWhy your resume, LinkedIn, and personal brand must all alignHow to network effectively and ask for referrals the right wayInsider tips from the boardroom and executive searches that could change your career strategyConnect with Gina Riley:https://ginarileyconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/Book - https://a.co/d/4yiHrCxListen to Gina's first appearance on the Second Act Success Career Podcast Episode #37 - https://secondactsuccess.co/2022/11/08/lets-talk-career-transition-with-gina-riley-37/-------------------Book a free Strategy Call with ShannonDownload Free Resources➡️ Let's Connect: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokMore resources & discounts:Home Chef Meal Delivery - (free shipping & $4.99/serving)Flodesk Email Marketing - (25% off 1st year)Stitch Fix Personal Stylist - ($25 off 1st order)Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting - ($20 off)Podmatch Guesting(*Some affiliate links)

Laid off? Learn how to reframe severance as startup capital and time to pivot. Short guidance on budgeting severance for essentials and business investments. Ideas for creating a flexible side business and using coaching to speed progress. Steps to validate ideas, build imperfectly, and use severance as seed money to reclaim control.