#293: The Power of a Second Act in Your Career with Shannon Russell

The Career Change Maker Podcast I Career Change, Career Advancement & Leadership Development

🎙️ 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.

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.

✨ Let’s Work Together ✨

If you’re ready to make your own transition with clarity and confidence, I’d love to support you. Through my coaching programmes, I help ambitious professionals and emerging leaders take ownership of their career journey, strengthen their leadership, and create meaningful impact.

👉 Book a call with me here to explore your next steps.

📚 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

Send us a text

🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording!

We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited!

Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.