3 october, 2025
Episode 293: The Power of a Second Act in Your Career with Shannon Russell
In this episode
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned entrepreneur and now author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life.
Shannon shares her journey from working in a “dream job” in New York and Los Angeles to realising she wanted more balance, freedom, and presence with her family. We talk candidly about the messy middle of career transitions, how to recognise your transferable skills, and why your why is the anchor that keeps you steady through change.
If you’ve been contemplating a pivot but fear the sacrifice or uncertainty, this conversation will show you that it’s possible to reinvent yourself, strategically and successfully, in your second act.
Summary
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Shannon transitioned from TV production to running her own business.
✅ The journalling method she used to uncover her transferable skills.
✅ How to create a financial and mental runway for a career change.
✅ The power of knowing your why when people question your choices.
Action Steps:
💡Journal your own skill inventory — write down everything you do in your role and circle what could be transferable elsewhere.
💡 Map your financial runway: define your “enough” number and how long you could sustain yourself while building something new.
💡 Anchor your why: write it down and keep it visible for moments when doubts or outside opinions feel overwhelming.
Episode notes
As an award-winning certified executive and career coach, TEDx speaker, podcast host and former lawyer, I have seen way too many female professionals under selling themselves and settling for less in their careers. I am committed to equipping high achieving women with the tools and support to create careers that are both meaningful and impactful.
✨ Let’s Work Together ✨
If you’re ready to refocus your career and want support in navigating your next steps with clarity and confidence, I’d love to help. Through my coaching experiences, I work with ambitious professionals and emerging leaders to build momentum, strengthen their leadership, and create careers that feel fulfilling and impactful.
👉 Learn more and apply to work with me HERE.
📚 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode
Shannon’s website: secondactsuccess.co
Book: Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life by Shannon Russell
Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: Shannon Russell
Connect with Janine on LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand
Career Change Maker Website