Unlock your potential with our guidance on career transitions. Find valuable tips for successfully changing industries, roles, or career paths.
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Second Act Success Podcast: Career Transitions, Entrepreneurship, and Business Advice for Women
Shannon Russell
Welcome to the Second Act Success Podcast, a top 2% globally ranked show designed for ambitious women ready to transition from employee to entrepreneur. This is your go-to resource for career inspiration, actionable advice, and proven strategies to help you navigate a career change, build your own business, and create a life you love. ✨ What You’ll Learn: How to craft your perfect exit strategy from your 9-to-5 and confidently transition into entrepreneurship. Marketing, business planning, a ...
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The Midlife Reinvention: How to Find Your Ikigai, Deal with Imposter Syndrome & Build Your Confidence in Career & Life Transitions
Kavita Ahuja, Founder of It's My Time Now Coaching, Inspired By Mel Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, Brene Brown, Deepak Chopra, Vishen Lakhiani, Cathy Heller
Are you experiencing a Career or Life Transition, and are asking yourself "What's Next"? Join Kavita Ahuja, Certified Career and Life Transitions Coach, and founder of It's My Time Now Coaching https://itsmytimenowcoaching.com/ as she gives her own wonderful insights and interviews incredible women across the globe will give you inspiration to rediscover who you really are, what you really want, and how to get there! You will learn how to overcome obstacles, find your true calling, and make ...
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The Kaizen Lifestyle | Career Breaks & Transitions, Financial Independence, Lifestyle Design
Ashley Merritt
Are you sick of feeling unfulfilled in your career and life? Do you desire to make a transition but don’t know where to start? Do you wish you had the financial security to take a career break and explore other options? Are you tired of scouring the internet searching for ways to quit your job and live your best life? Me too, y’all. Me too. I recently embarked on a journey to discover what options I had to transition from my unfulfilling 9-5, while raising 2 boys with my husband, making sure ...
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#210: Why Career Transitions Feel So Hard in Midlife & How to Build Confidence to Reinvent Yourself, with Ahyiana Angel
44:25
Have you ever felt stuck in a career that no longer fits who you are - and wondered what it would take to boldly pivot into something that truly aligns? Too many of us build lives around what we think we should do, only to wake up one day realizing we’re completely out of alignment. In this empowering episode with Ahyiana Angel we explore what it t…
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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…
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#209: 5 Belief Shifts You Need to Make Right Now to Navigate Career & Life Transitions with Confidence
5:58
Are you waiting to see results before believing in your dreams? What if flipping that belief could change everything? In this empowering mini-episode, you’ll discover how embracing belief before evidence can transform your approach to career transitions, life transitions, and reconnecting with your sense of purpose. If you’re navigating uncertainty…
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What if everything you want in your next chapter - career clarity, better health, or even love - starts not with action, but belief? In this solo episode, Kavita Ahuja shares a powerful message: you don’t see it and then believe it - you believe it, and then you see it. Whether you’re navigating midlife career changes or searching for deeper life m…
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Gym Owner to Franchise Founder: How Devan Gonzalez Used Mindset To Build a Profitable Business | #196
32:37
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 s…
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Are you feeling stuck in a job or life path that no longer fits — but fear and self-doubt keep you from making a change? In this powerful mini episode, we unpack the most valuable insights from a conversation with Lorraine Rise, founder of Career Uprising, about what it really takes to reinvent yourself in midlife — and why discomfort might just be…
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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 en…
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Are you stuck in a job that no longer aligns with your life, but scared to make a change? Discover practical strategies to make your Career Transition Successful right now. In this episode, Lorraine Rise, founder of Career Uprising - shares how she broke free from corporate constraints to build a purpose-driven coaching business and helps women in …
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Are you standing at the edge of a life transition and wondering what comes next? If you're navigating a season of change - whether in your career, family, or personal identity - this episode will empower you to move beyond uncertainty and step into the role of life designer, not just life responder. In this episode, you'll discover: How to identify…
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#204: Why Designing Your Life With Intention Is Crucial for Successful Career & Life Transitions
13:15
Are you entering a new life chapter—like becoming an empty nester, changing careers, or facing uncertainty—and wondering what’s next? In this episode of The Midlife Reinvention Podcast, Kavita Ahuja opens up about her personal journey of transition and reinvention at nearly 59. She shares how to shift from reactive living to intentional life design…
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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 …
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#203: 5 Signs You’re Undermining Confidence During Career Transitions & How To Fix It For More Clarity
9:14
What if the biggest thing holding you back during your career or life transition… is staying quiet? Learn 5 signs you are Undermining Confidence and how to fix it. Whether you're facing a major shift in your career, redefining your purpose in midlife, or seeking your ikigai, one thing is certain: confidence doesn’t arrive before action — it follows…
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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, a…
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#202: Why Assertive Communication is the #1 Skill Women Need During Career & Life Transitions to Reclaim Their Confidence, With Ivna Curi
39:26
Are you playing small in your career because you're afraid to speak up? Learn why Assertive Communication is the #1 skill you can learn today. If you're navigating midlife transitions and wondering how to reclaim your confidence, your voice, and your power - this episode is your guide. We dive deep into what it truly means to speak unapologetically…
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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 a…
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#201: How To Find Your Ikigai And Align With Your Purpose During Midlife Career & Life Transitions
12:19
Are you truly seeing yourself the way the world does - or are you still playing small without even realizing it? This episode is all about How To Find Your Ikigai and Align with Your Purpose. If you're a woman in midlife navigating career transitions, moving through life transitions, or searching for deeper alignment and purpose, this 201st episode…
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Are you ignoring the signs telling you it’s time for a change in your career—or your life? This 200th milestone episode of the Midlife Reinvention Podcast is an emotional reflection and powerful rallying cry for anyone navigating midlife career transitions and seeking more meaning, gratitude, and purpose—your true Ikigai. If you’ve ever hesitated t…
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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. Fro…
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Are you standing at the crossroads of your career and life, wondering if it’s too late to reinvent yourself — and how to confidently take that leap? In today’s rapidly evolving world, career reinvention isn't just possible — it’s necessary for aligning your true passion and purpose. If you’re feeling stuck in an old identity, craving deeper fulfill…
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What if your Sunday dread isn’t burnout—but a misalignment with your life’s purpose? Learn how to fix this with Ikigai If you’re stuck in a life or career transition and wondering why you feel off—even when everything looks “fine”—this episode is for you. Kavita Ahuja breaks down how the Japanese concept of Ikigai can help you reconnect with meanin…
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#197: Why You’re Stuck in Your Career Transition & How Finding Your Ikigai Can Shift Your Life
15:47
Are you waking up dreading another day — even though everything seems “fine” on paper? You’re not alone. In this re-shared episode of the Midlife Reinvention Podcast, Kavita Ahuja takes you inside her own transformative journey from hitting snooze five times in a row to waking up energized at a wellness retreat in Thailand — all because she aligned…
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Homeschooling to Style Coaching: How Monika Nielsen Became the Closet Therapist for Women in Midlife | #190
31:44
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 …
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Are you pushing through burnout while trying to figure out your next move? In this mini-episode, Kavita Ahuja shares five powerful lessons from episode #195 with Michelle Casazza, who walked away from a high-stress job to rediscover joy, balance, and purpose—one small step at a time. Whether you’re in the middle of a career or life transition, thes…
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Are you waking up every day feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or just "going through the motions" in your job? In this empowering episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, career transition and business coach Shannon Russell shares a powerful message about what it really means to live by default—and how to break free from it. If you’ve been dream…
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#195: From Burnout to Balance: A Journey of Career Reinvention on the Open Sea, with Michelle Casazza
42:11
Are you ignoring the whisper that something isn’t right in your career—or your life? When burnout shows up, it’s more than just exhaustion—it’s a sign that your current path might be misaligned with your deeper purpose. In this powerful conversation, transformational coach Michelle Casazza shares her story of corporate burnout, spiritual awakening,…
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What if fear wasn’t a stop sign, but a green light? In this mini episode of The Midlife Reinvention Podcast, I share deeply personal lessons from my own career and life transitions. Whether you’re exploring your ikigai, contemplating a bold career move, or simply trying to find the courage to show up as yourself—this one’s for you. Fear often shows…
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Is fear stopping you from doing what you actually want to do? Whether it’s starting a new career, putting yourself out there, or taking the first step toward something meaningful—fear has a way of keeping you stuck. This episode breaks down what fear really looks like, how it shows up in your daily decisions, and how to take action even when it fee…
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What if your next career or life chapter isn’t about “starting over” — but about rediscovering your Ikigai or Reason For Being? Too often, we treat life or career transitions like external fixes — a new role, a new location, or a new routine. But real change starts within. In this mini episode, we explore how the Japanese concept of Ikigai can help…
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Archaeologist turned Skincare CEO: Michal Morrison Turned Tragedy into a Thriving Beauty Business | #188
32:55
In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, Shannon sits down with Michal Morrison—an archeologist-turned-entrepreneur—who transformed personal adversity into a groundbreaking second act. After surviving a traumatic brain injury, Michal left behind her world-traveling career in archaeology to launch her own science-backed sk…
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#191: How To Use Ikigai To Navigate Career & Life Transitions With Clarity and Purpose, With Niki Smirni
49:39
What if your biggest career or life transition isn't about changing everything—but evolving into who you truly are? So many women hit a point where they feel stuck or unclear on what’s next. Whether it’s after motherhood, during midlife, or post-career burnout—something internal starts whispering, “There’s more.” This episode dives deep into that c…
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#190: How Reconnecting With Your Ikigai Can Help You Conquer Imposter Syndrome During Career Transitions
7:59
Feeling like a fraud during your career transition? You’re not alone — but you are missing something vital. If you’re navigating a career change or a new life chapter and imposter syndrome is tagging along for the ride, this episode is your reminder: doubt is often a sign of growth. The key to moving through it? Reconnecting with your ikigai — your…
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#189: The Proven Antidote to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Career Transitions Which Will Surprise You
16:47
Are you holding back from a career transition because Imposter Syndrome has you feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone—and this episode breaks down exactly why so many women feel this way during midlife transitions and how to move beyond it by tapping into the power of Ikigai, your true reason for being. In this episode you will discover: The scien…
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Have you ever dreamed of leaving your 9-5, hitting the road, and building a business on your own terms? In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with executive coach and change management consultant Julie Noonan to explore her bold leap from corporate America to full-time RV living. After a …
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🔥 Are You Struggling with Imposter Syndrome or Career Grief? Have you ever felt lost after a career change—whether by choice or not? Do you doubt your abilities when starting something new? If so, you’re not alone. Losing a job or shifting careers isn’t just about finding new work—it’s about rediscovering your identity. In this episode, we break do…
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Have you ever dreamed of writing a book but weren’t sure where to start? In this episode of The Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell takes you behind the scenes of her journey to becoming an author! She shares how she went from dreaming about writing to officially publishing her book, Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers,…
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#187: Why Career Transitions Trigger Imposter Syndrome & Grief—And How Finding Your Ikigai Can Help, with Laverne Mckinnon
34:16
What happens when your career, the one that defined your identity, is suddenly ripped away? How do you recover, rebuild, and step into your next chapter despite Imposter Syndrome & Grief? Losing a job, stepping away from a long-term career, or experiencing a major professional shift can feel like losing a piece of yourself. In this episode, certifi…
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The Midlife Reinvention Podcast: 4th Anniversary Special 🎉 Ever feel like something’s missing in midlife? Maybe you’re restless, excited for change, or unsure where to start. What if the key to renewed energy and purpose is hidden in passions you’ve set aside? Discover 5 Simple Steps to Rediscover Your Passions in Midlife! Midlife isn’t about windi…
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Have you ever dreamed of leaving your corporate job to follow your creative passion? In this episode of Second Act Success, Shannon Russell sits down with Francesca Montillo, founder of Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. Francesca shares her incredible journey from a stable career in healthcare management to building a thriving business centered aro…
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Have you ever felt like you lost touch with the things that once made you feel alive? What if your passions were never lost—just waiting to be rediscovered? Midlife transitions—whether in career, relationships, or personal growth—can leave you feeling stuck, wondering, What’s next for me? This episode dives into how you can reconnect with your pass…
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#184: Strategies to Turn Your Passions into Your Profession as You Face Career & Life Transitions
10:01
Ever feel like midlife transitions mean you have to become a whole new person? What if the key to fulfillment was actually rediscovering the best parts of yourself that have been buried under life’s responsibilities? What if you could Turn Your Passions into Your Profession as you face career and life transitions? In this mini episode, we break dow…
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#183: Why Midlife Career Transitions Aren’t About “Starting Over”—It’s About Rediscovering Your Passion & Purpose, with Susan Maycock
38:29
Ever felt like you've lost touch with who you truly are? Wondering how Rediscovering Your Passions and Purpose can create a life that truly fulfills you? In this episode, we sit down with Susan Maycock, founder of the Living Upward movement, fine arts photographer, and author of After Rain and The Guide to Living Upward. Susan shares her powerful m…
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Are You Ready to Reinvent Yourself with Confidence? Do you ever feel excitement for a new goal fading after just a few weeks? That inner doubt creeps in, making you question if you're qualified or capable. But here’s the truth: Confidence is a skill you can build every single day! In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ A simple mindset shift to turn “I c…
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Breaking Barriers in Tech: Kerry Ann King's Journey to Becoming a Founder in Her 50s | Ep #184
34:11
Are you thinking about pivoting into tech or launching your own business later in life? In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell sits down with Kerry Ann King, CEO of Eluminate Labs, to discuss her inspiring journey from multiple career transitions to becoming a tech founder in her 50s. Kerry Ann shares how she navigated layoffs,…
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Ever feel your confidence slipping away just weeks after setting bold new resolutions? You're not alone. As you navigate life's big transitions—whether starting a new career, losing weight, or reinventing yourself in midlife—confidence is often the missing piece that keeps dreams from becoming reality. This episode addresses that exact struggle and…
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Life throws curveballs—but what if you could turn them into opportunities? In this mini episode, we dive into five powerful lessons on resilience, confidence, and self-worth, inspired by my conversation with Meraiv Rosenberg (episode #179). Whether you're navigating a career transition, personal reinvention, or just need a boost of courage, these i…
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#179: How to Be Brave, Bold & Ballsy During Career & Life Transitions, with Meirav Rosenberg
41:03
🎙️ Are life’s challenges keeping you stuck? What if you could turn every setback into a stepping stone toward abundance, success, and fulfillment? In this episode, we sit down with Meirav Rosenberg, founder of Paz Agency and Paz Interactive, who has spent 17+ years helping businesses and individuals build their digital presence. But her story goes …
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From Corporate Layoff to Business Success: How Kristen Lettini Built Her Fairytale Career | #183
26:57
What if getting let go from your corporate job was actually the best thing that ever happened to you? That’s exactly what happened to Kristen Lettini, host of the Build Your Own Fairytale Podcast, who turned a career setback into the ultimate opportunity to build a thriving business. In this episode #183 of Second Act Success, Kristen shares how sh…
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Ever had an idea or goal you were excited about, but instead of taking action, you hesitated, overthought it, and then watched someone else make it happen? Why does confidence feel so hard to build—and what can you do about it? Confidence isn't something you're born with—it’s something you build. If you've ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or wait…
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🛑 Have you ever watched someone else live out a dream you once had and thought, "That could have been me?" What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want is confidence? In this episode host Kavita Ahuja shares 14 powerful, easy-to-apply strategies to help you build confidence—starting today! Whether you're navigating a career shi…
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#176: 6 Key Mindset Shifts to Approach Your Career & Life Transitions With Confidence and Purpose
8:29
Are you ready to redefine your next chapter in life—financially, emotionally, and physically? Discover 6 key mindset shifts to approach career & life transitions with confidence and purpose in this empowering episode! Many women reach midlife feeling uncertain about their future, especially when it comes to career shifts, financial security, and pe…
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