EP343: Shannon Russell - Start Your Second Act

"Ask yourself if you're okay, if you're happy with what you're doing. And if you're not and you're thinking about something else, this is the time to allow yourself to explore it." Many people reach a stage in life where their work looks successful on paper but feels empty inside. This episode explores the core principle that the "second act" isn't a crisis—it's a conscious shift toward meaning. Instead of pushing through burnout, you're invited to pause, listen inward, and allow yourself to consider what a more fulfilling path might look like. Small experiments, gentle self-reflection, and the willingness to explore are presented as practical ways to begin. Shannon Russell shares insights from her own leap—from 16 years in television production to entrepreneurship after realizing her career no longer aligned with the life she wanted as a mother. Shannon explains how to honor the skills you already have, test new ideas on the side, and build confidence through action rather than fear. Her encouragement to "explore before you leap" provides a grounded, empowering roadmap for change. Shannon is a career transition coach, business coach, CEO of Second Act Success Coaching, and author of Start Your Second Act. After leaving a thriving television career, Shannon now helps women navigate career pivots, build purpose-driven businesses, and design meaningful second acts of their own. https://secondactsuccess.co/book Raymond Aaron has shared his vision and wisdom on radio and television programs for over 40 years. He is the author of over 100 books, including Branding Small Business For Dummies, Double Your Income Doing What You Love, Canadian best-seller Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul, and he co-authored the New York Times best-seller Chicken Soup for the Parent's Soul. Raymond's latest, co-authored book is The AI Millionaire's Path: Discover How ChatGPT‐Written Books Become Bestsellers and How They Can Make You a Millionaire Author!. www.Aaron.com