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 Career Podcast: Career Transitions, Entrepreneurship, and Business Startup Advice for Women
Shannon Russell
Welcome to the Second Act Success Career 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 plan ...
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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 https://itsmytimenowcoaching.com
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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🔥 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
33:44
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
26:30
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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Have you been wondering if you have what it takes to start a business with your skills and experience? In this special episode of Second Act Success Episode #182, host Shannon Russell shares a replay of her popular Business Brainstorm Masterclass. You'll learn how to plan your exit strategy, discover the right business idea for you, and take the fi…
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#175: How to Redefine Success & Confidence During Career & Life Transitions, with Sherry Finkel Murphy
37:46
What if your next 40 years could be your best yet? Are you ready to redefine midlife and take control of your future with confidence and financial security? Many women over 50 feel stuck between outdated retirement narratives and the pressures of family and career transitions. But what if midlife wasn’t an ending—what if it was a powerful new begin…
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#174: 4 Life Lessons From My 85-Year-Old Mom To Help You Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Step Into Confidence
7:44
What if the best advice for overcoming limiting beliefs and staying motivated came from someone with decades of experience? In this mini episode, I share valuable lessons from my mother, who turns 85 years old today! Life gets busy, and it’s easy to lose focus on what really matters. But through her resilience, kindness, and determination, she has …
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What’s stopping you from chasing the life you want? Are self-doubt and fear holding you back? In this episode, we talk about the common blocks that keep people stuck—like fear of starting over or feeling "not good enough." We’ll break down what these blocks are, how they show up, and what you can do to get past them. If you’re tired of feeling stuc…
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Are you ready to leave your 9-to-5 and start a business that's perfectly aligned with who you are? In this episode of Second Act Success Career Podcast, host and career transition/business coach, Shannon Russell dives into the power of the YouMap® assessment—a personalized career tool that helps you discover your strengths, values, skills, and pers…
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Are you ready to change your career but don’t know where to start? Discover five clear strategies to take control of your career transition today! This mini episode focuses on helping midlife women take practical steps toward a fulfilling career. If you’re feeling uncertain about your next move or want a career that fits your values and strengths, …
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Are you ready to turn your career into your own business and ask yourself, “Why not me?” In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast Episode #180, host Shannon Russell sits down with media powerhouse and entrepreneur Cookie Zito. Cookie shares her inspiring journey from MTV and Yahoo to launching the Christy Maz Network, a digital hub …
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#171: How you can Thrive in Your Career Transitions Using Your Ikigai and Personal Brand, with Kathryn Sandford
32:26
Feeling stuck at a career crossroads? Discover how understanding your Ikigai and building a personal brand can help you thrive in your career transitions and beyond. This episode dives into the art of reinvention with Kathryn Sanford, a personal brand coach and career strategist who helps midlife women navigate transitions with clarity and confiden…
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Are you feeling stuck in your career, wondering if it’s too late to rewrite your story? This mini-episode is your reminder that change is possible at any age or stage. If you’re at a crossroads in your career, I’ll guide you through six actionable steps to help you align your work with the life you truly want—all without the overwhelm. In this epis…
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Have you ever wondered, “Is this really it for me?” Discover why it's never too late to reinvent your career and create a life that excites and fulfills you. As we step into a new year, many of us reflect on our lives, careers, and purpose. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure of what’s next, this episode with Kavita Ahuja offers a c…
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Mastering Content Strategy for Business Growth: Lindsay Smith’s Journey from Corporate to Creative Entrepreneur | Ep #179
33:38
Are you a creative thinking about going into business for yourself? You'll want to tune in for this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, where host Shannon Russell chats with Lindsay Smith, a seasoned copywriter and content strategist, about her inspiring career journey to building her own business. From her beginnings at the Canadian …
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In this mini episode, Kavita Ahuja highlight key insights from her conversation with Dr. Betty Murray (episode #168), a renowned expert in women’s health over 40. Whether you're dealing with hormonal shifts, questioning your career path, or seeking a renewed sense of purpose, this episode reveals actionable steps to take control of your body, mind,…
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Ready to truly achieve your biggest goals in 2025? In this episode of Second Act Success, Shannon Russell shares the three essential steps to set yourself up for entrepreneurial success by hitting your goals this year. From creating clear, actionable goals to building your knowledge base and growing your network, Shannon breaks down the process to …
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#167: How To Navigate Major Life Transitions By Balancing Your Health and Hormones, with Dr. Betty Murray
37:52
Are you tired of feeling like your body is betraying you during midlife? What if the key to thriving instead of just surviving is understanding the untold truths about your health, hormones, and happiness? In this episode, Kavita Ahuja sits down with Dr. Betty Murray, a leading expert in women's health, to discuss how hormonal and metabolic imbalan…
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Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to set big New Year’s resolutions? What if there was an easeful way to create a fulfilling year ahead? The start of a new year can feel like a blank canvas, but for many, it also brings stress and uncertainty. Instead of rushing into massive changes, this mini episode with Kavita Ahuja offers a refreshing perspec…
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In this reflective and inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell wraps up 2024 with a heartfelt message of gratitude and encouragement. Whether you’ve already started your second act, are exploring new career options, or are taking the leap into building your own business, this episode is packed with motivation to ce…
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What if you stopped setting resolutions that don’t stick and focused on what really matters to you this year? The new year can feel overwhelming with all the pressure to make big changes. In this episode, we talk about how to reflect on what’s working, let go of what’s not, and take simple, practical steps toward creating a career and life that fee…
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Are you ready to design a career and life that truly aligns with who you are—and leave behind what no longer fits? In this mini episode, Kavita Ahuja shares actionable lessons from her conversation with Erika Sosna, including practical advice on handling challenges, navigating career transitions, and identifying opportunities. If you’ve ever felt s…
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Dentist turned Consultant: Dr. Jessica Metcalfe on Finding Purpose Beyond the Profession | Ep #176 (Encore)
41:44
In this encore episode of Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Dr. Jessica Metcalfe, a dental oncologist turned author, speaker, and consultant. Jessica shares her journey of breaking free from the box she felt trapped in after years of dedication to dentistry. Discover how she transitioned to part-time practice, l…
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Have you ever faced a life-changing moment that made you question everything—your career, your life, your future? How do you rise stronger and find purpose in the face of adversity? In this transformative episode, we dive into Erica Sosna's extraordinary story of resilience and reinvention. From overcoming a paralyzing accident to redefining career…
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Are you feeling stuck in a life or career shift and wondering how to move forward with clarity and confidence? Whether it’s a big life event, a job loss, or just a quiet sense that something isn’t quite right, transitions are a part of life. This mini podcast episode explores how to handle these moments, understand their triggers, and turn them int…
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Making a career change can feel daunting, whether you’re switching industries, exploring a new role, or returning to work after a break. In this episode of Navigating Career Transitions, we dive into actionable strategies to help you confidently take the next step. From identifying transferable skills to networking effectively and staying resilient…
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Are you feeling stuck, unsure of what’s next, or wondering if it’s time for a major shift in your life or career? If so, this next episode dives into how to approach life transitions—whether triggered by external events or an internal feeling that something needs to change. If you’re dealing with uncertainty, frustration, or a desire for something …
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Graphic Artist turned Cookbook Author: Cindy Bertram’s Journey of Creativity and Reinvention in Media | Ep #175
33:28
In this episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell interviews Cindy Bertram, a former graphic artist turned television producer and writer who has crafted content for HGTV, Dr. Phil, and TV Guide Network. Cindy shares her fascinating career pivot story, from graphic artist to TV producer, and her latest endeavor as a cookbook author. Disco…
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Are life transitions leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of what’s next? What if these changes are actually the key to unlocking your best self? In this mini-episode, Kavita Ahuja explores the transformative power of transitions, inspired by my recent conversation with Anjel B. Hartwell. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, relationship changes,…
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In this inspiring episode of Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell chats with Courtney Gray, a former CEO of a glass and jewelry business turned certified body and life coach. Courtney shares her incredible journey from running a successful multiple six-figure business to finding her true calling in coaching. Discover how Courtney…
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#159: How to Reinvent Yourself and Create Wealth Through Conscious Change, With Anjel B. Hartwell
37:36
Are you holding yourself back from living the life you really want? In this episode of The Midlife Reinvention Podcast, Kavita Ahuja speaks with Anjel B. Hartwell, a top expert in helping people make meaningful changes in their lives. Anjel shares her journey of reinvention and offers practical advice on how to tap into your potential, overcome fea…
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#158: Why Celebrating Your Milestones and Rediscovering Your Ikigai Is Key to Making 2025 Your Best Year Yet
6:38
What if the key to living a fulfilling life lies in celebrating your milestones and uncovering your true purpose? As we approach the new year, it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. But instead of dwelling on what’s missing, this episode with Kavita Ahuja challenges you to shift your focus to the accomplishments, relati…
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and the perfect time to overcome your fears and chase your entrepreneurial dreams! In this special holiday-themed Episode #173 of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell explores the parallels between your business journey and a classic Hallmark Christmas movie. Just like our favorite hol…
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Are you feeling stuck, unsure, or disconnected as you look ahead to the new year? In this episode, we dive into the power of reconnecting with your Ikigai—your reason for being. Kavita Ahuja shares her own recent struggles, and breaks down how rediscovering who you are can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. In this episode you will:…
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Are You Living a Life That Works for You? Do you feel stuck in the daily grind, constantly busy but unfulfilled? This episode breaks down how to simplify your life, refocus on what matters, and create the balance you’re craving. The demands of life, especially during the holidays, can leave you drained and directionless. Kavita Ahuja highlights key…
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Transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to running your own business is more than a career change—it’s a complete mindset shift. In this special episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, Shannon Russell shares insights from her limited series podcast, How to Quit Your Job and Start a Business. Learn how to embrace risk, develop a growth mindset, an…
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#155: Why Learning to Say No is Essential for Overwhelmed Working Women, with Michelle Gauthier
36:48
Are you ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start creating the life you truly desire—without burning out? Many women feel stuck between the demands of their careers and personal lives, unsure how to reduce the chaos. In this episode, we explore how to shift from overwhelm to intention with Michelle Gauthier, a life coach and former corporate exec…
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